Toyota 3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer Guide- what to look for?

[@levimonsen1006]

Just bought my first truck, I knew I wanted a 4Runner. Spent nine months looking for the exact one I wanted. Found it. 98 SR5 with 224k, immaculate condition. Have hundreds of service records on it. Love it.

[@hunterjohnson4954]

I’m a hardcore Ford guy, owning mustangs and f-series trucks my entire life. I bought a 2000 4Runner 4x4 sr5 about a year ago for a steal (that was the only reason I bought it!). This truck has me sold on Toyota. It is unbelievable and built like a Sherman tank. Have yet to get it stuck and even with 223k on it, it just smiles back at ya, no matter how hard you abuse it. Definitely weak as water power wise, but unstoppable at the same time. Love the little things about it like the “thunk” of the doors shutting. Great trucks!

[@robertlawson1184]

Omg same here lmao. I love my euros and american muscles, but this yota sold me out. I wanna get another one. They drive like a small car, handle corners at high speed better than most small cars, handles bumps(melted snow/ice) like nothing at 35mph, and easy to fix.

[@Loslost]

Yeah man I’m a hardcore Ford guy and I’ve owned Mustangs and Been around them for as long as I can remember but these 4Runners are just badass!

[@hunterjohnson4954]

1 year since I made this comment, now at 241k. These things can’t be stopped

[@williamhughes3072]

im looking at an 01 160 k for 8 thousand is that a deal or talk them down

[@hunterjohnson4954]

William Hughes sounds about like the going rate here where I am in NC at least. Anything under 200k is fetching a pretty penny

[@ThePerpetualStudent]

So excited!!! Just bought a 96 with leather, manual, R lockers, and 172K. No rust. So excited.

[@JLeeChron]

Perpetual Student -sounds like a good one!

[@ThePerpetualStudent]

@@JLeeChron It was a pretty penny but I wanted the holy trinity (manual, lockers, 4wd). Excited and look forward to upgrading.

[@Chase1297]

@@ThePerpetualStudent how much did it run you?

[@ThePerpetualStudent]

@@Chase1297 9000!! It hurt my soul but I saw another one go for 13k!!! I will have this car forever so i figured it out and the cost was worth it IMO.

[@davidstancu2963]

@@ThePerpetualStudent holy cow. thats 4th gen money.

[@TheRealThomasPaine1776]

Agree! I had a 98, and years later a Gen 3, perhaps an 2001, but had to let it go during the meltdown. So I decided it was time, I searched and finally bought one that spent its life in Sacremento. Had it shipped to me in New Hampshire. When it got here, it had dust on the frame! The serial number on the frame is in bright white, like it was just painted on. It had 250km but its a loaded Limited, tow package and everything else. its not just the rust, imagine a car that lived in a land with no potholes? No pounding vibrations shaking the whole car apart? Its very solid. So it was just undercoated yesterday, I'm taking no chances with this weather! I went with the lanolin product, not cause I'm a granola freak, but I just didn't want a petroleum based tar sprayed all over my underside. So hopefully this will really help.

[@carpediem8892]

Great idea buying the vehicle from California. Very smart to get it undercoated immediately. Did you do it yourself or have a shop do that? What was the cost if you don't mind me asking? I live in Northern California and right now I'm searching for a Gen 3 for somebody that lives in Nashua NH. Expect it will take some time to find the right one. Thanks

[@Mach5sun]

Hi! Long time Toyota owner first time 3rd gen 4Runner. My first car was a 1990 Corolla, this interior takes me right back I’m loving the truck. Great content keep it up.

[@signsofthetimes886]

I live in the south in the desert of Texas and I'm eyeing one. Haven't seen it in person but I've been talking to the owner/seller and he says it has no rust what so ever and was maintained to the tee. He works in a brake masters and has documentation of all the work that has been done to ir

[@dbarton8651]

As much as I love my 164runner, My 98 t4r has 320k and runs like a champ!! One of the best vehicles you could ever purchase. no doubt my mind!

[@JLeeChron]

T4rTrail sweet, there are so many ppl that say the very same thing, most with 200k or more! Love hearing about em

[@cristianoliva2064]

J Lee Chronicles i just buy a 1998 limited with 200,000 miles limited with rr dift locks for 2000 $ it runs perfect, but you have any recommendations to make it last longer ?

[@mikec3454]

So jealous of all you guys who live down south outside of the rust belt! Lol

[@BabyCharlotteschannel]

Yeah but they go for being g bucks usually..
After living in far upstate NY up in the Mtns I really appreciate vehicles that haven't been through roads coated with tons of salt and whatever other additives they out to melt the ice and snow from the pavement!!
Living in the Midwest now, it's amazing how many nice vehicles are out here!!

[@Stormtrooper_98Trd]

Great video just bought a 98 4runner 318k miles for 1200 I also have a 96 4runner 248k miles I bought for 4500 about 4 years ago. Love both of them to death toyota for the win! My family has 6 toyotas all together!

[@JLeeChron]

Alex Miller awesome stable. We like hearing about all the experiences people have
Thanks

[@grindnails69]

Ive owned my 2000 SR5 for over a year and modified it quite a bit but kept stock internals. Ive also taken care of every one of the points youve mentioned such as LBJ's, valve cover gaskets, cleaned up any minor rust spots, done almost a full front suspension overhaul, lift kit, bought new aluminum radiator, and timing belt and water pump kit. This thing is at 187k and its running strong as ever and i fully expect it to reach 300k or more. I love it

[@dopehiphopsongsHQ]

im about to buy my first 4runner, 3rd gen at that, it has 290,000 miles on it, its from down south and only has surface rust starting in some areas, but is probably one of the cleanest 3rd gens in michigan. im about to put 90 hundred million miles on it.

[@JLeeChron]

Get after it!
Timing belt LBJ -fuel filter/tuneup will do it

[@veronicab.4200]

Beautiful! (I’m a girl) I own a 2002 which I bought with 147,000 miles now it has 275,000 miles! Runs like a beast!! Garage kept! Pearl white! Thinking about putting ”BILS” on her and lifting her 3 inches!

[@JLeeChron]

Roni B B the Bilsteins have a reputation pf riding a bit rougher according to some, maybe Toytec is an option. And we have to be careful about lifting, its that and huge tires that cause problems and drivetrain longevity issues. 2” is pretty safe and I would stay close to 31-32” tires for DD. When you get it done post it up, lots of interest in these still! Thanks for your positivity;)

[@Mike-fg5bz]

Mines supercharged with a small pulley, beat the crap out of it with zero issues. 250k no leaks or rattles, just keeps going.

[@anuanuruddha631]

Important items to replace:
1) Radiator to avoid pink-milkshake (transcooler located at the bottom tank on the radiator corrodes with age)
2) Lower control arm ball joint: Buy OEM only (lasts 150K miles easily) and aftermarket lasts max 20K miles
3) Heater control valve on firewall. The inlet port wears out potentially leading to crack/snap leading to coolant loss
4) 01 and 02 models have an expensive ($2000 or more) brake master pump assembly, and only available at the dealer.
For more information visit t4r.org 3rd generation

[@Frankieqd]

I agree with the master pump assembly. Had to get a junk one for my 01 SR5. Couldnt afford the $2300 OEM price

[@z06rcr]

I’ve always changed the oil filter from the top of the engine compartment. Generously lay paper towels under the filter to catch what drains out. Filter is easily removed with a 3/8 socket wrench with correct filter wrench attachment . Don’t forget to remove towels..In 215,000 mile s I’ve done this about 50 times.

[@GXKid06]

I see you flexin on us with your Michelin spare tire 😂

[@TheEllakes]

I love my 2002, just got her a new all terrain tires 🖤✨

[@trigger796]

Nice intro music!! Got to see Tool live twice, once this year

[@ginamarie1341]

Just got a 97 yesterday, locker, 4WD, 94k miles. It was like finding gold

[@30kHunter76]

Great video. Thanks for the info on what to look for.

[@theozank853]

Thanks for the tips, I picked up one for $3120.00. A 2001 2WD SR5. The E-Brake problem exist.

[@woodsey52]

2001 4runner you can reach up from the bottom and with a strong hand remove the oil filter.

[@vincentking3906]

243,000 on my 99 sr5. Im almost fully convinced these trucks run 4ever

[@JLeeChron]

Vincent King thats great- it is a contest, right?!
Thanks

[@Gazonka]

Liking this video just for the Tool intro alone

[@JLeeChron]

Live!

[@Gretzky2857]

Very nice, Invincible baby! Also, love my ‘02 ride is silky smooth!

[@patrickthomas6170]

Had 99 limited 4wd w diff lock, Awesome car, sold at 200k, needed 2 starters,(oem) , Green bulbs replaced in the dash on climate control for proper backlighting(not hard to do) , and FM antenna mast replacement. ( kinda painful but do-able), miss that car, Keep up the great vids.!!

[@JLeeChron]

Patrick Thomas thanks for watching, and yes reliable, fun autos

[@robertlawson1184]

engine replacement is the easiest ive done on this model.

[@OhItsCalvin]

thanks for the help! looking forward to purchasing one soon

[@warddoyouralgebra]

Bought a 1999 limited 2wd with 265k miles and leather seats in similar condition probably a little worse in the drivers seat for $3500. Had to immediately send off my digital AC control unit for the exact same thing. In South Carolina so no rust 😃

[@njk2791]

Thank you, very informative

[@mattwalker9120]

first thing I look at is underneath , evidence of rock damage will steer me away

[@stancetv2005]

Thank you for the help!

[@abdallakhater4528]

نريد ترجمته إلى العربية وخاصة العروض المقدمة من السيارة تويوتا فور رنر

[@heavyprogressive76]

"Yesteryear" HA I say that! nice one!

[@donaldm4846]

The 3rd gen 4runner is non-interference. Timing belt breaks your ok. Unless your out of town....

[@JLeeChron]

Donald M good reminder
Thanks

[@jorgitoperez.3415]

Hey j Lee I just bought a 1999 runner
SR5 4x4 with 200 miles will see how it work I want to lifted what do you recommend for this new toy. And thanks for the videos

[@JLeeChron]

Jorgito Perez. Sweet man, I’d recommend just a 2”coilover up front. Toytec maybe or a King/Fox setup depending on how much $ you would like to spend/quality. And for the rear: higher springs, extended shocks.
The reason for 2” is reliability and CV angle won’t be too great, probably would not need a differential drop either with a 2”
...maybe go 31-32” tire, again for reliability and dependability. It will give a nice stance and a few inches of clearance. When you get into 3” or more, it is more involved and more problems.
JMO, thanks for asking and enjoy!

[@ninja63639]

How many bolts hold the timing cover on, where are they all located and what size are they? I'm looking for a third gen but it may be hard to get people to let someone pop that cover off. If I can do it quickly it would be easier to convince them

[@JLeeChron]

Christopher Spencer it is attached with 6-8 10mm bolts. Takes 10 minutes or so to disassemble..the lower left bolt is a little hard to access.

[@moelyadi1890]

Nice car for off road

[@c.b.3234]

That rust looks damn bad. My 99 is Illinois and the rust didn't look anywhere near that bad.

[@sethie_shots]

_Take it easy Jim_ 🤣🤣

[@jerlaine1638]

Oh that poor thing, needs a wire brush and some por15

[@JLeeChron]

Brandon Candelario is right- we got it
ua-cam.com/video/jRrzwDqXnP4/v-deo.html

[@brucewayne2773]

nice fishing video

[@knilmot6667]

Anyone wanting to buy a 1996 4Runner Limited from California (so no rust), original owner, new OEM engine, 4WD, and more?

[@familydad3241]

$?

[@thepitpatrol]

Just look....and if you find one buy it.

[@JLeeChron]

Thats kinda the deal. Only major red flag is the rust issue

[@stevelongacre5829]

What springs are on those Bilstein front shocks?

[@JLeeChron]

Factory

[@estebanserrano1303]

I'm also a Ford guy and trying to decide between a 2001 Ford Excursion with the Triton 6.8 V10 engine or a 2002 4Runner with the 3.4 V6 engine.

[@ImranKhan-if7oy]

Hey
sir I have a question.
What is different Toyota hilux pickup and Toyota 4runner 1996 to 2002 frame.?

[@JLeeChron]

Imran Khan I’m not sure. The Hilux is imported, I would assume they are all point of origin- Japan back at the time- so the frames would be the same?
Sorry, not definitive.
Thanks

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

They are the exact same, the 4runner and Hilux share the exact same platform in fact they are both made in the same factory in Japan

[@JohnSmith-dt7gu]

That’s so bad, lol! The ones in California are rust free! 2wd will save you a whole lot of money! It’ll give you better gas mileage and cost of maintenance is low.

[@surfside75]

And you can still lift it on 32s and 1" spacers ✔️

[@hunterjohnson4954]

Agreed! The 2wd trucks are often overlooked- but you get all the reliability and more street manner, etc. great trucks in 2wd or 4x4, can’t go wrong

[@sammorales4857]

What gas mileage are you guys getting on your 2wd? On a full tank highway?

[@Datsun7705]

Sam Morales 19-20 mpg

[@Kuhlayo43]

John Smith you just saved me about 2k or more! Been lookin for a 4x4 just because it was recommended to me but I don’t much about cars.. this comment helped narrow my search and the prices are all much easier on the wallet! Thanks

[@bmwardo]

What do you guys think about oil leaks? I have no mechanical experience but I've started looking at these 3rd gens and one I was looking at was clearly wet underneath from leaks (even I could tell that) and the seller said basically all of these older 4Runners will be leaking. Does that sound right to you guys?

[@JLeeChron]

The oil leaks are common. If its very bad, I would be concerned with overall maintenance/neglect and lack of prideful ownership! It reflects poorly on the owner or even dealer to try to sell you on it and just say “its just the way it is”... there are some well
Maintained ones out there, or roll the dice and start learning :)

[@bmwardo]

@@JLeeChron thanks very much!

[@markeverson5849]

No matter what kind of vehicle it is, most engines will have the presents of oil underneath the engines! it's just seepage! There's a difference between seepage and an oil leak! if the vehicle is not dripping oil it probably is okay. But if it's dripping while running you should know it! because you'll see literally a drip of oil on the ground,or under neath engine software!! go to the city park at a store with clean smooth clean cement parking spot:-) let that truck run for a while while you have some coffee:-) let it run for about 10 or 15 minutes and then back up and get out of the vehicle and walk over where you were parked and look on the ground for any drips of oil transmission fluid or anything on the cement:-) this is how you can check for leaks. Also depending on how bad the leak might be. if you have discovered one it may only leak a small amount of oil and that only adds up to maybe a court added to your engine every 6 months for an example!! can you afford to buy a quart of engine oil to add to your engine once in awhile? If you can buy the car nothing is perfect and it all depends on how rich you are or not!....

[@brandonknight7240]

How come nobody mentions the terrible. Terrible trans dip stick in 3rd gens?

[@jeremyr6844]

Bruh. Wash the floor mats. They’ll be fine

[@richarddavis1294]

👍

[@themindunset]

Do you guys find them and resell them?

[@JLeeChron]

Chris DiCroce Official
It has become a little bit of a hobby recently.
-not in the “business” of flipping.

[@themindunset]

@@JLeeChron Thanks for the response. I'm in the market for one. I found your video really helpful. I knew about the frame rust and the old radiator problems, but didn't know about the ebrake. Thanks

[@17genc]

Im considering buying one (Eastern Europe) We have only the 3.0 Turbo Diesels wich were used during war time by UN .. do you think their fuel consumption is high even on diesels?

[@JLeeChron]

phantom im not familiar with the Diesel in these, however I have heard they are desirable. Getting around 20mpg hwy with these, so I’d imagine the diesel is better. Mpg are not outstanding but good enough given the purchase prices are 3-6k$ (US)

[@17genc]

@@JLeeChron
Right now i own an Jetta Mk2 1.6 Turbo diesel Intercooler (1991) wich has been really reliable, Uses very very little oil as for fuel consumption on my books it really effiecent i can do easily 500km on heavy city driving wich includes lots of stops and hilly roads..very short trips.. I have had it since 2011 and never left me stranded..
BUT the age has taken its own toll on it no Air Condition wich is a must nowdays since on my country it does get alot hot in summer and comfort is really going downwards.. So an 4Runner since i love SUVs especially those ones may be an upgrade but i'm worried it might use like twice of fuel as my Jetta does now.

[@cesarorozco2462]

Did you say some RUST, yeah right.

[@benjaminfizer6109]

Yo the clips lmaooo 😅

[@Eaaatlife]

Damn you must made me not want to buy one lol

[@mauricemctaggar3946]

My 92 is way better than those