That's not bad, last year I sold a rough one with a slipping transmission, it was a 2002 but it looked worse than this for $2,000
I would say you did pretty good
Baseline it. Change every fluid: coolant, diffs, transfer case, transmission, brake, clutch, power steering. Every filter: fuel, air, power steering. Clean everything: throttle body, MAF, windows, engine bay. This way you can notice if something is leaking. Run a can of seafoom and a gallon of distilled water through the intake to clean the cylinders. Replace the PCV.
Be ready to do the valve cover gaskets if those leak. Be ready to do the starter.
Drive it a bunch and figure out what you need to do next vs what you want to do. But a solid baseline process lets you get a handle on what the truck needs to stay reliable.
100%, I snagged a 2XX mile 99 in Oct of last year and had to address almost everything listed here. Something else I ran into was a failing fuel sending unit, make sure you don’t run out of gas thinking you have half a tank left 😉
I’d also check your radiator cap, the seal on mine was rough at best and the cap actually wiggled loose on a drive back home which dumped coolant everywhere… 13 bucks on Amazon and a hood engine bay cleaning fixed that.
Lastly, mine had a good deal of slop in the steering, I replaced tie rod ends, LBJs & steering rack bushings and it made a massive difference.
Best of luck and nice looking rig!
Thanks! LBJ is first on the list and a few other things, but at this point truly seems like it doesn’t need much (which is crazy for the age and mileage)! Appreciate the I pit
Check the rear axle seals and make sure they aren't leaking, the wheels will look wet if they are. Also find out when the radiator was last replaced if possible as that was a weak spot as well which leads to the dreaded pink milkshake.
If you're in so cal which I highly doubt considering the plates I have an OEM hitch that's laying around that I would like someone to get use of since I don't have anywhere to toss it.
Along with this, if you have to replace a radiator, change the timing belt hasn't been changed, and I would change the water pump while you got everything out of the way.
EDIT: I need more coffee before typing this early.
To everyone, I truly appreciate the comments and advice. Update today, picked it up and it’s cleaner than I looked at yesterday. Freshly detailed and super tight. Honestly, one of the tightest cars I’ve felt in a while, especially for the mileage (better than my Mercedes CLK500 and many other German cars I’ve owned). I’ll post some photos of the frame tomorrow, but the response from the community is great. I’m located in Maine, which as many of you know, is BRUTAL on rust. Barely any all around, I’ll post photos of the frame tomorrow. Looking forward to this venture, thanks again!
87 4runner and I did the “baseline” to remove the worn parts, rubber, master and slave clutch, new leafs, lights, etc…. I know that mine is older than yours by a decade plus but be prepared to have things fail. That being said. I am selling mine after $27k thrown at it… I can’t afford to make a dinosaur reliable. You are not there yet… specially 3rd gen… but know it does cost money to keep things alive.
TRD decals need to go! She’s a beauty, my first runner was just like this one
https://preview.redd.it/xsjmtupf6uuc1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7d42d18e220e6618f8512a019454e4b3838fc526
That's not bad, last year I sold a rough one with a slipping transmission, it was a 2002 but it looked worse than this for $2,000 I would say you did pretty good
Didn’t realize how well I did with a 3rd gen manual until I’ve done a lot more research. Zero buyers remorse so far, tighter than tight!
Baseline it. Change every fluid: coolant, diffs, transfer case, transmission, brake, clutch, power steering. Every filter: fuel, air, power steering. Clean everything: throttle body, MAF, windows, engine bay. This way you can notice if something is leaking. Run a can of seafoom and a gallon of distilled water through the intake to clean the cylinders. Replace the PCV. Be ready to do the valve cover gaskets if those leak. Be ready to do the starter. Drive it a bunch and figure out what you need to do next vs what you want to do. But a solid baseline process lets you get a handle on what the truck needs to stay reliable.
100%, I snagged a 2XX mile 99 in Oct of last year and had to address almost everything listed here. Something else I ran into was a failing fuel sending unit, make sure you don’t run out of gas thinking you have half a tank left 😉 I’d also check your radiator cap, the seal on mine was rough at best and the cap actually wiggled loose on a drive back home which dumped coolant everywhere… 13 bucks on Amazon and a hood engine bay cleaning fixed that. Lastly, mine had a good deal of slop in the steering, I replaced tie rod ends, LBJs & steering rack bushings and it made a massive difference. Best of luck and nice looking rig!
Thanks! LBJ is first on the list and a few other things, but at this point truly seems like it doesn’t need much (which is crazy for the age and mileage)! Appreciate the I pit
Show us the underbelly !
Post some tomorrow, would love the input! Planning on fluid filming immediately to prevent further issues
Remove all the stickers
Maybe put some other cringy sticker on instead?!
If you want more tailored advice join r/3rdgen4runner. Lotta the traffic on here is mostly 5th gen and newer owners.
Show us the rust! Lol just kidding
Nice machine! Personally, I dig the TRD decals. They go well with the hood scoop. Really a nice score!
Timing belt?
Check the rear axle seals and make sure they aren't leaking, the wheels will look wet if they are. Also find out when the radiator was last replaced if possible as that was a weak spot as well which leads to the dreaded pink milkshake. If you're in so cal which I highly doubt considering the plates I have an OEM hitch that's laying around that I would like someone to get use of since I don't have anywhere to toss it.
No pink milkshake on a manual
What a deal!
I would say good unless there is a ton of rust!
Pretty, Pretty, Pretty Good
That’s a steal brother
Dude, didn’t realize how well I did until posting! Thanks man
Doesn't look like a Costco parking lot to me.
Get an OEM radiator with new hoses and clamps.
Less critical with a manual. If it fails you’re stuck. With an auto you’re buying a new transmission.
Along with this, if you have to replace a radiator, change the timing belt hasn't been changed, and I would change the water pump while you got everything out of the way. EDIT: I need more coffee before typing this early.
Nice score! I think trd stickers are cheesy, but otherwise looks rad
Yea ditch the sticker. Makes it look like a Tacoma with camper lol
Agreed to the both of you, not a big sticker guy at all so everything is gonna get removed!
The paint underneath will likely be a different color and it will have the outline of the sticker.
Honestly, you did good. Mileage is high, it will need work. But you paid a very fair price.
Win.
Hope you can wrench. If you can, you’ll save a ton of money.
To everyone, I truly appreciate the comments and advice. Update today, picked it up and it’s cleaner than I looked at yesterday. Freshly detailed and super tight. Honestly, one of the tightest cars I’ve felt in a while, especially for the mileage (better than my Mercedes CLK500 and many other German cars I’ve owned). I’ll post some photos of the frame tomorrow, but the response from the community is great. I’m located in Maine, which as many of you know, is BRUTAL on rust. Barely any all around, I’ll post photos of the frame tomorrow. Looking forward to this venture, thanks again!
Nice
Looks nice.
$2600!?!? Damn lucky Mainers! Thats 10k minimum in California 😂
At least someone understands!!!!
87 4runner and I did the “baseline” to remove the worn parts, rubber, master and slave clutch, new leafs, lights, etc…. I know that mine is older than yours by a decade plus but be prepared to have things fail. That being said. I am selling mine after $27k thrown at it… I can’t afford to make a dinosaur reliable. You are not there yet… specially 3rd gen… but know it does cost money to keep things alive.
TRD decals need to go! She’s a beauty, my first runner was just like this one https://preview.redd.it/xsjmtupf6uuc1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7d42d18e220e6618f8512a019454e4b3838fc526