Thoughts on 1999 4runners?

Thinking about buying one. Has 293k miles on it. I just recently sold a Tacoma but I want to get into something cheap. If I am correct, the engines were the same as the Tacoma in that generation. But I’m reading about tranny issues. Anyone have any experience with these? Or anything I should look for specifically?

any help would be appreciated. Or if it’s just a horrible idea and Im going to get stuck with a dump. That would be nice to know also.

 

@Jake91 you are correct, the 3rd gen used the 5vz platform for their v6. Good strong motor and great reliability. There are huge write ups about the transmission milkshake these models experienced. So long as there hasn’t been any major transmission work and has a secondary cooler I’d say it’s a Toyota and will treat you as such. If you head over to t4r they have a buying guide for 3rd gens. Also tend to have weak LBJs and can ruin the entire axle assembly. I’m sure this information make you more hesitant but remember, every vehicle has known issues but at the end of the day, a Toyota is a Toyota; take care of it and so will it take care of you. Good luck OP!

 

You can divorce the tranny from the radiator by using a separate transmission cooler and mount it in front of the radiator. Or look for a manual tranny to solve all those issues. : )

 

What to look out for: basic signs that someone is offloading their recently pink-milkshaked 4runner. Dead giveaway would be a brand new radiator when nothing else much looks new. I would steer clear of any that have a recent radiator replacement, unless the owner is the type to perform frequent preventative maintenance. I bought my '99 with just shy of 176k miles with a brand new radiator, but the p/o had a stack of maintenance documents along with the vehicle. I pulled the transmission and had a manual swapped in from a donor 3rd gen my parents had bought when its frame finally bit the dust last september, but my auto was still shifting just fine at 250k miles. The 3.4 5vz fe motor is a solid, reliable motor, if a bit gutless.

 

They are solid platforms, that mileage will need basic maintenance done just so you’re aware. Lower ball joints, steering rack bushings, tie rod ends and a few other bits. All easy to do, and good insurance. Picked mine up with 188k on it, runs like a top. Check out my build thread for ideas on what will need to be done. For the right price they are a solid investment for a daily driver.