KnuckleHead

As title states, I found a 97 4Runner for sale, 5 Speed, 3.4L with 166K miles on it. I'm a 22R guy, so I'm unaware of issues with the 3.4's with those high miles. Any advice? What should I look for? Is the timing chain an issue with the 3.4's like with the 3.0's?

Thanks.

khaug

3rd gen 'Runners have a problem with rear axle seals failing and allowing gear lube to soak the rear brakes. This is expensive to fix and repairs don't always last. Other than this, the 3rd gen trucks seem to have been pretty reliable.

3.4 V6s use a timing belt, not a chain. The maintenance schedule calls for replacement at 60K mile intervals on the older trucks, 90K on '99s and newer. Many folks advise replacing the water pump and belt tensioner when replacing the belt.

FORANA

Make sure it has tires.

Fo real: check and see if the starter was replaced. There have been some issues with that. The brakes SUCK on 3rd gens. Just a heads up.

Other than that its an awesome truck

Ironmike4x4

Not really much other than as said the axle seal, but you can do a diff breather mod for that found here https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f129/rear-differential-breather-mod-75747/. As far as the brakes, there is a problem with the rotors warping very often and resurfacing only makes it reoccur much faster. You have 2 options: if it has the 16" wheel package you can do a Tundra caliper set up found here https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...undra+calipers. Or buy some Brembo rotors.
I'm not too sure as far as the starter. I replaced mine, but it was a major PITA to replace. I would jsut count it as an "eventually gonna fail part" category like the battery and alternator instead of problematic area. The timing belt is also a big neccesity after 90k miles.

rimpainter.com

Some 96's and 97's were eligible for a HG campaign (external flaw on the passenger side). Even though the campaign has ended, you may want to have the dealer check the VIN for you and see if it has been done. You might have to pressure them a bit.

Here are the things to look for that I can think of:

Rear axle seals (as mentioned)
Clutch pedal bushing (it will click at the top of it's stroke)
Warped front rotors (as mentioned)
Fuel gauge problem

Has the clutch been replaced?
Timing belt?
Do you have access to maintenance records?

I personally would never by a vehicle for myself at that mileage without proof of maintenance (receipts). FWIW, I recently purchased a 97 4Runner 5-speed V6 4x4 with 197K miles for a supercharger swap. The thing was immaculate - but only because it came with a stack of maintenance receipts.

KnuckleHead

I'm going to have a look at it tomorrow. I'll find out then if there are any issues.