Watch This Before Buying a Toyota 4Runner 1996-2002 Third Gen N180
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 พ.ค. 2024
- In this video I break down the reliability and common issues of the Third Gen N180 Toyota 4Runner form 1996-2002. Quickly, I review the Toyota 4Runner and give a quick final thoughts at the end of the video.
I am no professional mechanic, but I have been talking about cars and figuring out particular issues between each model for a while now. No, I do not know everything. I usually spend hours of research, with a fine eye, to make these videos.
I hope this helped you out with your future purchase or diagnosing any issues you may have!
Parts:
Rear axle seals: amzn.to/2QrDmo1
Drum Brake setup(86-2000): amzn.to/317v5YH
Rear diff breather relocation: ebay.to/3rftOsW
Mishimoto Radiator: amzn.to/3tNRc2s
Transmission Cooler: amzn.to/318e1BV
Ball Joint: amzn.to/3sfo2ZQ
Steering Rack Boot: amzn.to/3ce05g0
V6 Timing Belt: amzn.to/2OXrzgQ
Steering rack bushings: amzn.to/3reh4TA
Thumbnail Credit: criaderoelporti...
Little bit about the thumbnail truck and it’s build:
Toyota 4Runner 3rdgen Limited version
Made in japan Engine 3.4 V6 190 HP
4x4 automatic transmission w/ Cruiser control
ECT PWR Rear Diff Locker (Factory Original)
Original factory paint.
* Full Toyota upholstery
* Magnaflow exhaust
* 5 modular wheels 16 "x 7.5 TRD Beadlock Bronze
* 1.5 "wheel spacers
* 4 BFGOODRICH Mud Terrain KM3 305/70 R16 tires 1 Mickey Thompson Baja Claw 305/70 R16 tire
* Old Man Emu 2.5 "Medium Load suspension with Ironman FoamCellPro front shocks with gradual stiffness.
* Diff Drop (Front Differential Separator)
* Winch Smittybilt X2O 10,000 pounds in Synthetic guaya m* Shackle for Winch Smittybilt 20,000 pounds
* ARB Transmission Respirators
* Pair of scanners Leds amber Baja Desings
* Pair of Halogen IPF Super Rally scanners (high and low beam change)
* Custom fenders.
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#AutoMotivate #WatchThisFirst #N1804Runner
Time Stamps:
0:00 Intro
0:45 Rusty Frame
1:15 Noise From The Differential
1:48 Axle Seals
2:22 Diff Breather
3:10 Strawberry Milkshake/Transmission Issues
4:00 Leaking Valve Cover
4:22 Lower Ball Joints
4:49 Leaking Steering Rack Boot
5:05 Timing Belt and Water Pump
5:19 Other Mentionable Issues
6:09 Final Thoughts
Credits:
www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen...
• Toyota 4runner Buyer's...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_... - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
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Super reliable, just remember...REPLACE YOUR LOWER BALL JOINTS WITH OEM ONLY!
I agree, or a VERY reputable aftermarket one.
@@AutoMotivate eh
Yup! Just replaced my original LBJ at 176k miles
Moog works just fine 30k on them so far
520k miles on original lower ball joints and shocks.
Mine is reliable AF. Besides regular maintenance and a couple preventative repairs like a timing belt, LBJ, etc. The only thing that actually started to go bad after 24 years was a fuel pump. That's it. That would be considered "good" week on my BMW.
:o!!
I'm getting a 3rd gen 4runner so I can park my BMW E46 for winter, looks much more reliable than that LOL
@@sajjadpirani I have an E90 and it's an awesome car...when it runs. The problem is I drive around and some dash light randomly goes on and then I'm waiting 2 weeks for parts and spending an entire weekend fixing it. It's just too unreliable to take anywhere outside of towing distance. It's a shame because it's fun as hell when it's fixed. Especially at freeway speeds, it's so solid on the road. Plus awesome brakes, acceleration, and a kick ass stereo. One good thing is it's a SULEV engine so a whole bunch of parts are warrantied for 15 years. Probably had $15,000 in "free" repairs so far. Heads, lifters, fuel pump, gas tank, valve cover gaskets, PVC, mechatronics, a couple transmissions. BMW definitely lost money on me. Once I have to start paying for those big ticket items that car will just need to go. Meanwhile my 4Runner keeps running with zero problems. It's 24 years old and I would drive it across the country without even giving it a second thought. Toyota know how to build reliable cars, that's for sure.
Have had my e91 3 series for 4 years. Always something wrong, or another sensor decides its life is over, had my 2nd gen 4runner TD for a year no issues, just sold that to by a 3rd gen intercooled DT.
Hows the gas mileage on these things?
These 3rd Gens don't need much but some added preventative measures"diff breather" and it runs forever. Change your LBJ with oems, Upgrade your braking system to Tundra05-06 4x4 and change your oil.. that's it!
thats it??
Lie!!! Sometimes you need to change lightbulb!
Tada. As an owner of 4 3rd 4runners my oldest is a 1999 2wd with 587k miles and still going on factory engine and transmission. Lowest mile one is 1999 2wd with 172k miles.
Tips:
Change your oil with T5 Shell oil when passed 200k miles
If you don't need 4wd don't buy it!! I'm in SC I don't want to hassle with it. All 4 of my 3rd gens are 2wd
Change your fuel filter and fuel pump. Find a fuel pump for another v6 car that has high psi. It helps with acceleration and longevity. Trust me
Use Denso or NKG plus only!! Dual spark and not single. Trust me.
Last but not least, change the timing belt/waterpump when it is time!!!!!
Have fun. I will create a video soon as no one believes the mileage I got on mine.
Cheers
I have an 01 sport edition 4x4 with 520k miles. I bought it with 80k miles. Same engine and tranny. But I’ve replaced the radiator 3 times, alternator twice, U joint twice. Rotors once. Timing belt at 400k once. Water pump only because I was already doing the timing belt. Serpentine belt once. Spark plugs once. Hardly ever changed the oil. Never changed the tranny oil. Still runs good. The most reliable car I’ve ever had. To not mention also had a 2000 2wd 4Runner with 400k before I sold that one.
@@stevenpena1701 wow!!! Reliability man!!!!!
Most of the issues in this video are normal maintenance on all cars and trucks, i have a 2001 4runner and shes got 364000 on her and 90% of her parts are still Factory parts and she still going strong. Dont drive them where there is salt on the roads and the frams wont rust. These are excellent suv's , keep up on the maintenance and they go forever
It's a 20 year old vehicle, I have owned it for 15 years, reliability is there, but repairs are getting costly, the issue is they can go long distances without much MTC. The repair parts are usually not as good as OEM and replace more often. Thumbs up
You also get a thumbs up 👍
Thank you!
Great video. I will add two issues I had and how they were addressed on my 2001 SR5 V6 2WD Auto w/ 144K miles: 1) intermittent ECU/ABS/XXX lights. It was a slight vacuum leak causing the issue - fixed at the Toyota dealership ($$$) by replacing a hose on top of the gas tank that was leaking (also replaced the evaporator unit ($$$). 2) This 3400 had a stumble (hesitation to take gas) just off idle and only when applying the pedal quickly (punching it). I replaced the MAF sensor which helped smooth out acceleration somewhat. I also replaced the TPS which helped the stumble a bit. I checked the plugs (most likely original) and they were very worn. After replacing the plugs with the factory type, the stumble was completely gone, and the engine operates smoothly during acceleration. Hope this helps others tracking down little issues.
You checked the "plugs" what plugs?
I own 1996 4Runner SR5 V6 5 speed manual.
340k miles on original engine and transmission.
Has treated me very well for 25 years now.
I did have to do that rear axle oil seal job after major oil leak in both rear wheels. It was a fun job with the press and proper axle tool.
A lot of the minor problems in this video have occured with my vehicle, but were not much issue to fix.
Currently waiting to fix slight highway wobble between 55-60 mph. Replacing ALL front suspension, steering and stabilizer bar bushings, all 4 ball joints, brake rotors and some other stuff
98 v6 5-speed owner here. for that highway wobble, try tightening down the two passenger side sway bar bolts. there's one that bolts downwards and that one often comes loose as the a/c drip line will drip right down on it. seems to loosen that particular bolt up for some reason.
98 5 speed manual owner here with 196k on the clock very happy with this truck I can gladly say she’s going to be with me FOREVER! lol
340,000 miles?????
I've been dealing with a bit of the death wobble. What ended up fixing your. I've replaced the sway bar bushings, control arm bushings, new tires, it's much improved but still wobbles.
98 3.4. 323,000 miles. 4wd.
I have an 02 sr5 4x4 with 212k and I wheel it out in the woods almost every day, and its my daily! Had to replace the left wheel bearing, upgraded the suspension to bilstein coils up front and bilstein struts with tundra rear springs to clear the 33in tires, added a torsen trutrac rear locker too (game changer). Oil changes around 5-7k and it runs awesome. Love the car, it’s never left me stranded and I’ve put it through the wringer more times than I can count.
I just bought an 02 sr5 sport with 211,000... I was planning to change the oil every 3,000 miles. You think it's okay to wait 5-7k miles between oil changes? Is that what the manual recommends?
@@travismc8830 if you don’t have any oil leaks I’d say yeah
CHANGED OIL ON MY 2002 LIMITED AT 8,000 MILES ON CHANGE, OIL STILL CLEAN
@@willaputney3947 i got my 4runner when i was 15, 21 now, and back then i didnt know a whole lot about cars, so i didnt change my oil for 20k miles haha still ran fine
This will most likely be my first car
My grandpa has one he doesn’t use because he bought a newer car, but he hasn’t sold it so i will most likely take it
I hope he gifts it to you! Youll love it!
Did you get it ?
Original owner of a '98 4Runner SR5. It only has 66,000 original miles for I work from home and we reside in an area where we can either walk or bike to get where we need to go. Most of the miles it has are highway.
I just replaced left rear bearing seal for the 4th time though. Breather valve was replaced after first leak and still a few years later it occurred again. Replaced valve again and it keeps occurring every few years or so. This last one lasted 6 years. Apart from that, no other issues whatsoever. Most of the work I need to do is due to age; i.e. some window seals dried out and rear hatch lift accumulators. My a/c has only been re-charged once. The undercarriage looks brand new. I just replaced my front sway bar bushings along with the end assemblies and original rear shocks. While there I wiped the surrounding areas down really well and the frame still shines.
Great vehicle....one of the best I have ever owned and a pleasure to drive.
most of these leaks are the result of bad seal design. Toyota redesigned the seal and there is a certain procedure to install it. Timmy theTool Man has a very good video on this.
I’m interested in a ‘98 3rd gen that’s been sitting for roughly 4 years in a neighbors yard and this video will be insanely helpful for me for when it comes to inspecting it. Thank you bro!
If it has been sitting you need to change fuel pump and filter asap before you try to drive it.
Go to rockauto and order plugs, wires, pcv valve. Change the oil. Have fun.
@@titanjake8640 I did a bit more research and basically determined I’d have to change the timing belt and radiator along with everything you mentioned as well and I don’t know if I have the scratch for that at the moment so I probably have to pass on it. I’ll get a 4Runner one of these days tho
@@Snake-bq3kf how many miles are on it and when was the last time the it was changed? Is it a 4wd? Make an offer. They are $$$$ in value. Iam actually trying to sell one of mine.
@@titanjake8640 it’s a 98 with 147k on it. It hasn’t been touched in 4 years or more so it’s definitely been a while since any maintenance was done on it. I considered offering $500 take it or leave it and seeing what they say but the repairs and parts are still gonna be pretty solidly expensive I think
@@Snake-bq3kf from a toyota 4runner freak and a self taught mechanic I would get it!!! If it is 4wd that is even better for value sake (elocker). $500 and you just start from the top and work your way to the bottom. My 587k runner I got with 520k miles on it. I paid $300. It needed work as well. I did not care. It was sitting too. The value and reliability are untouchable. There is no other car on the road where the timing belt will pop and you don't destroy your engine (non interference). Change oil and fuel pump. Trust me. If you don't want it I'll get lololol!!
This was hugely helpful, thank-you!
Just got my very first Toyota and of course it’s a 3rd gen 4Runner 2WD. Found it with no rust and only 126K miles. Still learning a lot about the car, but I really like it!
Just got one with 100k miles!
@@colintyson5029 Congratulations!
what did you all pay for yours?
@@HumbleBeast777 $5K 2 years ago.
okay cool, I got mine last week at 6k, 130k miles. I just wanted to see how it compared@@Mike_44
Really informative post thanks! This ought to be required viewing for anyone in the market for one of these. Gen 3 may be the Toyota equivalent GOAT. (Greatest of all time)
My 02 4RUNNER has had or has all of the problems here. It has 400,000 miles and I still love it.
I have 99 Sunfire red 3rd gen. 320k on the clock. 120k of the previous miles have been with a hurt headgasket. They're certified street tanks. However, as others have stated they're getting to an age bracket to where you can't be broke to own one and have it run forever. Parts are getting harder to find but if I'm being honest its the specialty parts that are hard to find like the ABS pump. These parts don't generally fail on these trucks without a copious amount of time and miles to wear them out which is why they're difficult to find 2 decades after the fact.
I’ve been driving my 97 4Runner everyday for 15 years now, frame and everything is solid and no rust, I’m in Ga so it’s not that bad here, wash it once a week if it needs it or not, and wax it every six months.
I’ve always kept it up, it doesn’t use a drop of anything in between oil and trans fluid changes..
3.4L Limited 2wd, but I’ve been thinking about selling it.
I’ve just always been a truck person.
👍🏼
Just bought a 1 owner 99 4runner with 123k original garage kept...loving it so far.
How much you get for it?
@@giraffe8554 $6500 here in NorCal
@@havefunbesafe lucky man I got an one owner one with 167k back 2 years ago. $3700 bucks. Needed a little work but I love it aswell. No where near mint but no dents or scratches anywhere lol
@@giraffe8554 $3700 is a bargain...nice. Between 4runners and trucks, I’ve owned 23 of them...great trucks...I bought my first when I was 19 and here I am at 55 still buying them!
@@havefunbesafe you know your stuff when it comes to them lol I’m still learning things but I changed the serpentine belts on mine a week ago now it’s stronger then it’s ever been before. It’s my first car def don’t want it going downhill anytime soon
Great video bruv👍🏾
I got a 98 and we just rebuilt the diff has around 220k on it, she’s a beast especially in the snow
Gold, thank you so much!
Thanks great video!
this helps laods tysm for this now I know what to look for
good vid, thanks
Got a 98 with 304,000mi still has factory alternator factory AC compressor factory power steering pump. Only thing I’ve had to do other than normal oil changes Amd brakes is I put a radiator and timing belt in it best vehical I’ve ever owned engine and trans run smooth as silk neither has ever been rebuilt
Good info
Why was RTB represented with the charging handle of an ar15? Legend.
Loving my 01 Limited with only 185,000 Miles! Never going to get rid of my toy!
I have 273k on my 01, been from Oregon to the tip of Baja MX, all over the deserts and beaches there. Only problems I have/am having were from my lack of maintenance. I am going to goal for 350,000 since now it just gets babied around town.
97 325k runs drives perfect 99 original owner 225k runs drives perfect she's until death do us part I'm pretty sure I'm going first lol.
Neither are pavement princess's either.
Mines pretty on point besides wear and tear, only problem was a leaky sun roof and a bad alternator but mine has 280,000 miles and going strong.
I’ve had my 97 4Runner for 13 years and only issues I have had are the valve cover gaskets leaking and the clock.
Get those LBJs replaced. Valve cover gaskets and check for valve cover cracks if leaking oil, mainly check up on your suspension parts and of course do your oil change.
And your battery terminals and alternator for sure.
I just sold a '98 4runner with 203K on the clock. Ran great but idled very rough. An auto parts counter guy told me to replace the #4 fuel injector. He told me for some reason #4 always is the problem. . Turned out he was right on. The car ran like a swiss watch after replacing that injector. Great cars but the new ones are crazy expensive.
@@mrich79232 6 cyl
You forgot to mention 00-02 4runners with the abs brake master cylinder hydraulic all in one. If the pump, the abs ecu goes out on you, you are royally fckd. They go for 1k plus not including labor. You can buy a used one for around 500 but no warranty on it. If you can try to get one with the old style brake boosted under those years, beware!
Very informative video, I own an 02 sr5 myself and I can say these are the main problems you need to look for. Good job
Side note : Don't forget to test the 4x4 system and rear locker if it has the package.
I have an 02 trd off-road, I just replaced the air/fuel sensor which was the first non normal Maintenance I’ve ever had to do on it and it’s sitting at 250k miles. 4wd and diff lock still engage with no problem.
So great trucks I have my for 14 years. 😊
The only real chronic issues listed in this video are, The pink milkshake, valve cover gaskets, and the warped rotors.
Frame rust is very common and has consistently been an issue with the 3rd gens I've been looking at. Ball joints a big one too, at least in CO...
Comment the issues you have experienced down below!
Thumbnail photo taken by:
instagram.com/criaderoelportico?igshid=1i2smjm6qbtl7
Lets help out as many people as possible!
My 1997 4Runner has 377,000 original miles on the 2.7L 4cyl. Chassis has no rust & uses no oil between oil changes. These 3rd gens were built to last #ToyotaStrong
This Is a great video.
Thank you for the video brother 🙏
Good advice! Long live the yota!
I bought a battery from auto zone it it is too small. Can somebody tell me the correct side or battery to get for my car? Its a 2002
Saw what you did there with that charging handle ;)
Yeah make sure u do ur ball joints mine snapped while doing 30 lucky it didn’t damage anything but was scary and I could have plowed someone if they where close to me 320k miles original everything
265k with a rotten fram and blown head still really am hoping to fix it they seem like such great vehicles
Anyone know how to get an accurate operating temp reading from these cars with using an IR heat gun?
Best ever made .
How much should I pay for a fair condition 1998 4runner sr5 awd 250k miles in good cosmetic condition besides suspension and one gasket need to be replaced soon?
Depends on Where you live. Where I'm at(Ks) 2,800- 4,500.
I have 3 3rd Gens the last one I bought a year ago 97 Limited 312k original owner I paid $2,300 runs drives perfect. Was lifted with Land Cruiser springs (3" approx) Had 17" FJ Cruiser wheels and fresh timing belt replacement. I stole that sumbitch ! lol. They said they gave me a deal because they wanted her to get a good home. My 99 SR5 is almost perfect (in my opinion she is PERFECT) and heavily modified and usually spotlessly clean and detailed. They were impressed with how nice I keep my girl & She ain't no mall crawling pavement princess's I'm just a detail freak lol. If you're not on the trails it outta be spotless. My job is taking care of a private car collection of about 50 cars it fluctuates so I'm always cleaning something lol.
Suspension strongly suggest Bilstein shocks. I've ran 5100 on 6 different 3rd Gens with fantastic luck and performance..
@@galeaiken3841 Wow that's a lot of insight! I love your energy lolz
Really appreciate the comment as I'm looking to buy one to upgrade
My 2002 has almost 300k miles on it. Still pull my 3500lbs boat rig up and down in Florida. This truck has been the farthest the best truck I ever owned. Super reliable as long as you keep the regular maintenance up do date but even you are a shithead and just beat the crap of your vehicle, this truck will take a lot of abuse before goes down.
Another great point is that most expensive parts can be rebuild with original Toyota parts vs buying some bs aftermarket crap part. If you are interested in owning one, I assured you won't regrated.
336000 miles and rolling strong
Love my 96 Limited with 200,000
I buy nothing but 2002 models and older all you said can happen to every other vehicle on earth i never would buy new car ever
Japanese cars for ever great cars.
Head to toyota 4runner forums. All the knowledge you need.
Believe it or not my new clutch was ruined by LEAKY VALVE COVER GASKETS. This car is a great car but not a cheap car. 🚙🚙
Waiting for the comments about joe joe
Yep. 270k I have all these issues
I'm getting ready to buy a 2002 Toyota 4Runner 2wd for $4k hope it's better than this video says....
Seems like a lot of problems for a “reliable” vehicle!? I was considering purchasing one of these (1999) with 212K miles listed for $15K.. but now I’m not so sure it’s worth it. Sounds like the repairs may get costly at this point since it’s over 20 years old. Maybe it’s better just to buy a new Tacoma for 30K and call it a day. 🤷🏻♂️
Just about any car that age and miles will be costly. If you do the work yourself, it can be cheap. Since the car is older, there are thousands of repair videos on it.
@@AutoMotivate - The carfax shows the previous owner had 3 failed emissions tests! They show passed after that but I’m not sure if they’ve resolved whatever the issue was by now since the dealer now has it and did work on it.. but maybe that’s a red flag. I want one of these but not so sure.
Should I buy one that has zero rust and 309,000 miles but just needs transmission work?
yes for cheap
@@DaVinci57 I got it for $1450 usd
@@ag1639 overpaid by $1000
I have one with 420k miles
🌎🌍 AND THE MITSUBICHI MONTERO SPORT 1996 -- 2008 ??? 🇸🇻🇸🇻
Awesome cars! I think I’ll look more into it 🙏
I’m lucky in that I a have an Arizona car.
honestly, however good you are, that is not enough to force the judge to forgive the mistakes that you have *already* made. If you were standing in a court and the judge was about to judge you, would you be confident that the judge would completely forgive you for the laws you broke just because now you are doing better? of course not, because the sins that you did, you already did them and you have to give an answer for them, and because you have no justifiable answer why you sinned , you must just ask for forgiveness and be at the mercy of the judge, and that is the point, come to the judge Jesus the Lord, and be at his mercy, and confess to him that you have sinned and there is nothing you can do to force him to forgive you, and just ask him humbly to forgive you and he will truly forgive you completely and save you because he loves you, but you must believe in him, you must accept his forgiveness by faith, you must believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, you must believe the gospel to be forgiven and saved. God bless you.
Tomorrow is not guaranteed for anyone. Do not harden your heart. Change your mind and change your heart; REPENT and BELIEVE the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God that resurrected from the dead and is alive right now, BELIEVE the Gospel to be saved.
Thanks bro, you gotta work on your speaking voice (respectfully) enunciate. Great info , kinda hard to understand you sometimes. Thank you.
Thank you for your respectful critique. I’m continually working on it 🙏 thank you for watching, friend.
Why would call bulletproof vehicle and reliable when 4runner has all this problems?
All cars have problems with age. It’s metaphorically bulletproof
Wrong Imformation on the Best Toyota 4Runner.
The music or noise is very annoying
I don’t need some tide pod baby 20 year old hipster with a simple mixed robot voice to teach me about my vehicle
why do they all have so many miles on them 😜
because they drive them a lot
Because they're that reliable. I have 2 97 Limited 325k 99 SR5 225k
Just broke in, still going places with ice cold A/C and 100% reliability
@@galeaiken3841 I have a 3rd gen and 3 other Toyotas- absolutely love the gas n go reliability
Worst vehicle ever made, 4Runner is one of the most reliable vehicle ever made.
I definitely agree!
Honestly don’t appreciate you stealing my photo for the thumbnail of this video - especially without permission. Please remove it.
Sure man! I will for sure do that.
But, if you would rather me promote the photo in a pinned comment section and description pointing many viewers to your social media, I can also do that.
The photos I use do not make or break my videos, so it is up to you my friend!
Hope you are doing well!
Thanks but I’d just prefer to be asked ahead of time. So on that note if you could remove it, that would be great. Thank you
@@addisonrickaby4993 dude its just a car calm down. I'm sure there's plenty of pictures of it since people take pix of random cars on the road.
@@vadimnesen8060 as someone who makes a living from video and photography - my images are what put literally put food on the table for my kids. But thanks for your completely irrelevant opinion.
Thats not a real picture of him bro
This is great info, but that music is terrible. If you must have music, maybe just put it in some key spots, rather than have it play through the whole video. It's distracting.
Shut up. This is a free video. No one wants to hear you bitch about it.