Could use some advice.

99 4Runner Limited 2WD, 68000 miles (not a typo)

Occassionaly, initially going into reverse or drive after starting and not warming up more than a minute, the engine will stall and sputter. Stops as soon as you get it to accelerate. It has happened even after it had been driven. Put into Park, shift to drive, sputters and tries to stall. It's not consistent, haven't nailed down exact conditions.

Also, when driving at higher speeds, as in 55 and up, if I let off the gas pedal quickly it "thumps" in the rear I believe. Doesn't do this if I let off slowly.

I will say that the vehicle was recently purchased by me, came from Florida where it was barely driven the past three years according to original owner. It has been meticulously maintained as far as fluids and normal maintenance. It's now in West TN, where it is colder.

Thanks
Doug

 

I would check the standard stuff first - dirty air filter? Plugs toast? MAF sensor dirty?

I think that thump in the rear is kind of normal, my 02 does it and my 98 did it. If it's real bad it might be a U joint.

 

Let me add some info, should have included this.

The MAF & air filter have been changed, throttle body cleaned.

Changed out the TPS and the coolant temp sensor.

According to records in the vehicle, plugs were changed and coolant flushed at 30k, tranny flushed at 30k and 39K? Seems odd for that.

Doug

 

It might be worth pulling the plugs to have a look, my new-to-me '02 4runner with 60,000 kms (about 35,000 miles) on it had very bad factory plugs in it, driver's side especially the electrodes were very worn and I would estimate the gap to be close to double the spec. Even if the plugs look OK it might give you another hint if one or all of them have some kind of deposit or fouling...