I'm about to buy a 4wd 3rd gen with a locking rear. This will be my first toyota.
The owner told me that the timing belt was replaced at 150k. The truck currently has 160k on it. I'm gonna assume they did the water pump but what else should I look for or common problems that will need to be addressed.

 

Don't assume anything. At that mileage I would demand proof of maintenance.

Off the top of my head: Rear axle seals, power antenna, warped front rotors, head gasket recall (some 96's and early 97's), and various other little odds and ends.

I have bought and sold 6 of these by the way, so trust me, demanding proof of maintenance is not an unreasonable request.

 

the suggestion i was going to make was go with the sport version... but i think thats what you found... i think they have the color matched fenders and e-locker... plus i think the 96s have the ever elusive panty-dropper feature.... the hood scoop.... good luck though


pat

 

Its a 97 limited. How can I find out if it has a recal?

 

Well you can forget about the cup holders on the '97 but the elocker is a great way to go. Like 96 said be aware of the leaky axle seals, go ahead and do the diff. breather mod (search). The rotors warp very easily on our rigs so if you have the 16" wheel package you can upgrade to either brembo rotors or do the Tundra caliper/rotor setup (again search). As far as the recall you may call the dealership and give them your VIN number and they should be able to tell you if it's cleared or not.

 

Is this what you are talking about? https://www.yotatech.com/~corey/tech...r/breather.htm

Also, how hard is it to do the seals? and what is the recomended service manual? helms, hayes, chiltons etc....

 

Yes that's the thread. I would maybe check ebay out for an FSM.

 

Well if you have to have the paper version, ebay is good. But if you can handle PDF's, go with the TIS Web site, which allows you to download as much as you can for $10 (24 hour use). It is the actual FSM in PDF form, and works great.

 

just found this last night. i dont know every difference between a 97 4Runner and 03 tacoma, but most of this will apply to both.

http://fsm.afraid.org/