fierohink

I've been searching for a little bit as a new crossover from the 22re threads. My truck got totalled and I'm upgrading to a 4runner and a generation newer.

So I know the 3.4 is a big swap option for us 22re guys. But how long are they good for? I'm seeing a lot for sale getting the timing belt changed around 65-80k miles. Is this normal or early? Again I'm used to timing chains going for 100k miles plus. So shopping for a rig w/ 150k miles should i be looking for a 2nd belt change?

Also all the rigs I've looked at have automatic hubs. My world had manual hubs. Are the autos good? Is there a common conversion to manuals?

I'm familiar with the frame rust and recall. I've already spotted a few at used car lots that turned salesmen into whipping posts for their managers. Are there any other major issues to look out for?

Thanks for your time. Sorry for asking a bunch of basic questions. I've got 10 years of 3rd gen pick-up stuff in my head

pdyebrasil

As far as longevity is concerned, my 4Runner is almost at the 240,000 mile mark. Runs PERFECTLY. No leaks, starts first time, every time. As long as they are maintained they'll run forever!

I think that the first timing belt is supposed to be changed around 100,000 miles, and then every 60,000 after that. I think I changed mine last around 160-170,000 miles, so I'm about due for another. The 3.4 is a non-interference engine, so the worst a belt failure will do is strand you on the side of the road.

I've never had any issues with the automatic hubs. The most rust I've had has been on the skidplates, which I've removed and re-painted. I'm not sure how widespread the rust issue is, but my family has a '98, '99, and '02 4Runners and none of them have frame rust issues, even with the salt we run through every winter here in Utah.

I think probably the biggest issue is the "strawberry milkshake", which is well documented here. Easiest way to avoid this is to install an aftermarket tranny cooler.

I would consider the 1999-2000 models the most desirable... No v-trac or tsc to deal with, you can still get the factory e-locker, and they made some nice interior upgrades compared to the '96-'98. I personally drive a '98, but I've changed my interior out to resemble a '99+.

Good luck!

habanero

Read:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...r-s-guide.html

Earlier 3rd gen manuals say change the belt every 60,000 miles, later is every 90,000.

There is a manual hub swap you can piece together, you can find some info about it on here. So far I'm cool without it. Hey, I'll never knock it out of 4x at the wheel.

Easiest way to avoid the milkshake is a stick shift (up to '00), but yeah, next easiest is the aftermarket tranny cooler.

Lower ball joints and you know about possible rust issues (like the rear control arm mounts, rear diffs, etc.).

Excepting dealing with the oil filter it's fun to work on.