After the head gasket blew in my '97 4Runner and subsequent decommissioning do to frame rust, I moved on and found a diamond in the rough 1999 4Runner Limiter with 82k miles, 3.4L, auto, e-locker, the works.

 

and then disaster struck.

This:


Became this:



and I was left with this:

 

Fortunately my '97 was the same color.

So I was able to make this happen:

 

mileage: 83,xxx

The PO has swapped in a crappy HID kit and LEDs in all the lights. I nice idea, but using blue did not make the Maryland State Inspector happy. So everything has been restored to conventional lights.

The Driver's seat was swapped from the '97 because the '99 had a sticking motor.

The front windows were swapped with the '97 because the PO had them tinted darker than allowed in MD (they may come back)

Front stabilizer end-links replaced

Transmission cooler installed and radiator passage plugged

still-to-do for inspection:
Lower ball joints for both sides
Front brake hoses for both sides
Free stuck parking brake cables or replace

 

You've been busy!

The parking brake cable was pretty easy to replace and cost around $50- or try lubing where the little rubber boot is behind the rear axle closer to the left side.
Part number I used (have manual- double check for auto juuuust in case), how to pics if you want them though I very much doubt you'll need them- post 1369-1379
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f200...1/index69.html

 

Freak accidents do happen. Sorry to hear about that. Looks like you did a great job of getting it back together. I think the 99 is the best year for the third gens as it has the best of the early 3rd gen and the later 3rd gen in one. There are some big differences int the 3rd gens. Great looking truck.

 

The saga continues, the insurance company has called within the intent to total the truck. I will be taking the salvage option, of course look at that thing with only 83k miles, and re-titling it as a reconstructed vehicle. Thankfully after some research I see PA has streamlined the process and can now be done through offsite inspectors instead of only State Police barracks.
Needless to say fulfilling bureaucratic red-tape requirements is not how I planned to spend my Summer with a new-to-me truck.

 

mileage: 83,574

In the meantime:
Driver's Lower Ball-joint

 

Ball joint not too bad to do?

 

No the LBJs were literally 30 minutes a side. When you have all the right tools plus I shot everything with PB the other day when I did my end links.

 

mileage: 83,574

Passenger's Lower Ball Joint
Rebuilt both parking brake pivots

 

mileage: 84,201

The list is growing of electrical parts needing replaced or serviced. I have to swap:
•Power Antenna (from the '97)
•Power Sunroof (from the '97) the motor turns but the glass doesn't move.
•remove and repair the EATC module (eBay vendor)

 

mileage: 84,831

Oil and filter change

 

mileage: 85,800

Most of the paperwork has been sorted. The insurance company processed the title to a salvage certificate. The truck was inspected allowing the salvage certificate to be restored to a title, albeit a branded "reconstructed" title. And the truck has been deemed road worthy again.

So far with what State Farm paid for the total less buy-back, I got this truck for free.

 

mileage: 86,500

I hold in my hand a valid reconstructed title. All of my paperwork is legit. No in-transit tags. No temporary insurance cards. No temporary registration.

FIN

 

mileage: 88,372

Swapped the tinted windows back in. Wow it's dark in here.

Removed the sunroof and power antenna from the '97. They are on the workbench waiting for a weekend when I can disassemble the '99.

I also grabbed the hatch metal vent spoiler. The '99 didn't have one and I can clearly see the usefulness of it in the quickly reoccurring film of grime on the window.

I've had a temporary visit from the Check Engine Light. The scanner showed a P0120 throttle position sensor error. It seems to have righted itself and I didn't notice any performance issues.

 

mileage: 89,047

Ventshades. Now I can crack the windows without rain coming in.

 

I sure liked the ventshades for my old Bronco II for the same reason.
You know you're about due for some pics, right?

 

mileage: 89,498

Replaced the battery in my key fob. So nice to lock and unlock from farther than 11 inches away.

On the plus side, I can say with confidence that all the locks and ignition are the same, and the tailgate will lock, unlock, and operate the window as designed.

 

mileage: 91,519

Oil Change: Valvoline Max Life 5+ qts, and a D3 filter.

Rotated the tires

Passed MD State smog.