So my husband and I just got a 1995 4runner not even a week ago, and it has been the antichrist. It has 73,000 original miles, however it can barely go above 60mph on the freeway (pushes at 5RPM), goes about 45mph uphill on freeways. It recently overheated going uphill, and proceeded to spit/pour all of the coolant out from under the truck.

It recently had some work done, in 2016 it has oil cooler seal(s) replaced, coolant temperature sensor replaced, engine serviced, in 2017 it had the idler arm replaced, and started replaced, in 2019 it has brake booster replaced/repaired. (According to Carfax)

Then recently we got the following done (from our receipt): Front sway bar end link, front brake pads, front brakes rotors, front CV axel, front bearings seals, front seal (type oil TB), front taper bearing (TB), Front washer, claw (TB), front nut, wheel (TB), front washer, lock (TB), Front ring, shaft snap (TB), Gasket, FR axle (TB), outer tie rod (O), rear wheel bearings (AX), rear pinion seal (AX), rear bearing/axle seal (AX).

We spent so much money on buying the truck, and then so much to get replaced and running. Now it is having this coolant overflow issue, a knocking on the back passenger side wheel when we brake, and the issue of the truck just not having power to drive. We are worried that this car is going to cost us more than if we just bought a newer model with more miles. Any idea of what could be going wrong? We want to try to fix as much as we can by ourselves to avoid paying even more at a mechanic. We are not the best with vehicles, but YouTube University has taught us how to do some things. Any help would be appreciated!

 

If it were mine, I would start by checking the ignition timing and possibly advancing it a few degrees. Check the condition of the spark plugs and distributor cap/rotor. Check for vacuum leaks. Check that the exhaust system isn't partially plugged up in the catalytic converter or muffler. If all these things check out, verify that the tires are the original size. Larger tires aren't these vehicle's friends from a performance point of view.

 

Does carfax confirm that the mileage is likely original? Seems like a lot of work and issues for a somewhat low mileage truck. Check with toyota warranty that the head gasket was done under recall. Check for a sticker (under hood)

that says timing belt (and water pump) were done. If you are going to tackle repairs on you own these manuals would help if YouTube doesn't.

 

I agree; for a truck that supposedly only has 73K on it, it must have been brutalized to have that much wrong with it at that mileage. The OP doesn't mention whether it's stick or auto, but 5000 RPM at 60 mph is not right; something is off in the gearing. The fact that the pinion gear seal needed to be replaced makes me wonder if the third member has been changed to something other than stock, possibly a higher ratio.

 

Yes. Automatic or manual? Almost sounds like it was used up off road rock crawling or something. A pic of the truck as well. Maybe it has all the telltale add ons like a winch.

 

It is an automatic. I will try to get a photo

 

here's the truck, it is an automatic. Carfax does confirm original miles

 

That coolant overflow issue might be caused by the infamous cylinder #6 head gasket leak. You might want to have the coolant system pressure tested.

 

I’d block test. You can borrow the tester from most chain parts stores.
watch a video on YouTube first. Then go test yours.