Need some input 4runner guys!

[rain76king]

So I have been a jeep guy for awhile now, my cherokee has been a great lightly modded rig, good for camping and mild wheeling. With the rust/rot starting to set in I've set out to find a new expo rig.
I know nothing of toyotas, but I like them and have found one with the rite price(3k i have up to a 6k budget). It's a 99 with 150k on the clock, it's a sr5, 3.4, auto, fox welded rock sliders and it has 4:10's which would be nice for towing my m416.
He says it's decent on gas even with the 34's, somewhere between 17-20mpg.
Are there things I should be looking for other than the typical things you would look for while buying a car?
What are the common problems with this gen toyota?
Even if I don't buy this one, I think I may be set on buying a 4runner 96-02.
Is this a decent starting point? Are there alot of aftermarket parts available? I was also told that some front aftermarket bumpers for tacomas fit 4runners as well? is this true?
Please people chime in and let me know your thoughts!
Thanks,
Bob

 

[rain76king]

sorry for the way the post went way off the page..

 

[CA-RJ]

Check for rust on that one. Looks like it might have led a hard life. 3rd Gen 4Runners are very stout vehicles. At a 150k, I'd check to see if the timing belt has been replaced.

 

[CYi5]

34's and 4:10's doesn't usually equal 17-20 mpg. Maybe 15/17. Truck does look a little roughed up, but for 3k, not too bad.

 

[java]

looks beat, would much rather have a clean starting platfrom, the 00 iirc to 02's are a little diff and harder to find parts for. might be 01.
id want 4.88's for 34's

 

[Mr. Leary]

with 34s, you will probably want to re-gear sooner or later. On all but the 4.30 gearsets that come in those things stock, they pretty much drive like a pregnant rollerskate at highway speed, on stock tires 265/70/16. If you don't want to re-gear, you will have to keep the weight down.... it will do it, but it will not do it very fast. Good news is if you do regular maintenance, it will be with you for at least a generation!

Good advice, check for rust. Timing belt. 3rd gen runners are also prone to fuel sending unit issues, depending on the year. THere is a fix, but its not cheap, and it left me stranded once.... right in front of a casino, as it turned out... what a coincidence.... anyways, I think you will be very pleased with off road performance, and it is a very comfortable road trip truck assuming you are not over 6'3."

Oh, and unless you are shorter than 5'11" or so, you will have to do some kind of modification to sleep in the back of the truck. Sonoran steel has a mod for this.

http://www.sonoransteel.com/

I am not affiliated with them, just a fan!

P.S. It looks like its been rode hard and put up wet a few times... may require a little attention. Its only money!

 

[CYi5]

Oh, and unless you are shorter than 5'11" or so, you will have to do some kind of modification to sleep in the back of the truck. Sonoran steel has a mod for this.

Or you can use a socket wrench and save $60 . Then again, some people don't own tools I suppose..<5'11" is the magic number, 6' = 4Runner not good for sleeping .

 

[rain76king]

The current owner states that the frame is clean, the only real rust is on the front and rear bumpers. this is a northeast toyota, so I'm sure it's seen some weather. And it dosen't look like it's had a life of mall cruising!
I haven't heard of the fuel sending issues...is it just a bad pump?
Thanks guys keep the info coming!

 

[bjowett]

I'd pass on that one. There are tons of them in 3 - 5k range, some even have a rear locker.

 

[CYi5]

I haven't heard of the fuel sending issues...is it just a bad pump?

On 99-00 models the gas gauge can read inaccurately. Jumps around or shows you have fuel when you're almost out. This doesn't happen on all of them, but it's not an uncommon complaint.

 

[rain76king]

I'd pass on that one. There are tons of them in 3 - 5k range, some even have a rear locker.

If your in mass and can find me one in that range then let me know!

 

[Mr. Leary]

Or you can use a socket wrench and save $60 . Then again, some people don't own tools I suppose..<5'11" is the magic number, 6' = 4Runner not good for sleeping .

Indeed. No sense in spending the money if you don't have to, but the option is out there.

It used to be a bit of a hassle finding upgrade parts for 3rd gens specifically(either prado or tacoma), but there is a good deal of aftermarket support now.

 

[gearbox]

Oh, and unless you are shorter than 5'11" or so, you will have to do some kind of modification to sleep in the back of the truck. Sonoran steel has a mod for this.

http://www.sonoransteel.com/

Here's the link directly to the applicable product for those who don't want to sift for it.

 

[slomatt]

Or you can use a socket wrench and save $60 . Then again, some people don't own tools I suppose..<5'11" is the magic number, 6' = 4Runner not good for sleeping .

I built a small plywood extension that sits in front of the rear seats when they are folded, with that I have room to spare (I'm 6'1") when sleeping in the truck. Without that extension then it's definitely a bit short.

- Matt

 

[RusM]

Buy it! :safari-rig: As long as it passes the 'POS' test. :smiley_drive: