I've searched for 2 days and really didn't see much on what I was looking for so please don't flame me!
I just purchased a '97 4Runner SR5 4x4 with 131k miles, excellent body and interior and very strong engine for $5000 ( I just couldn't pass it up).
I am not planning on heavy off-road use as I have a pickup for that, this will mainly be my in-town ride.
My questions are:
What are some of the absolute best, easy, and cheaper mods that you guys have done to enhance your pleasure from one of these?
What should I look out for, be wary of, every vehicle has flaws and/or weak points, whats in store for me?
Thanks in advance and have a great new year!

 

3.4L? NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I don't know much, but give it a tune up, you could also look into the deckplate mod, etc.

They are pretty nice the way they are.

 

almost 170k miles for me just done the basic tune up's gonna do the t-belt here sometime..... as for mods deckplate mod and isr mod are a good start also go with a true flow filter and if you want a little sound a 18'' magnaflow sounds great

 

It depends on your preferences. I did springs, shocks & tires.

 

yah, 3.4, auto, no locker though

 

Hmm, how about an audio system?

I'm in the same boat; bought a '00 Runner last summer with 100k miles and in great condition. All of my time and efforts have been spent making it as reliable as possible: full tune up, replaced ALL the fluids, replaced all the belts, new Optima battery, fog/driving lights, balance and alignment...you know, all the boring stuff that everyone should do anyway.

Next on the list is new coil springs, and maybe bipassing the factory tranny cooler with an aftermarket cooler.

 

oh well still nice either way. The locker would just make it that much better.

My mom has a 99 limited 3.4 auto. 2wd though

Look into a nice set of tires, or an aftermarket locker if you want it.

 

a e-locker and a 5spd is a nice combo

 

Do these trannys have overheating issues?

 

I have had zero issues. But reading this thread made me a little nervous:

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/b...cooler-126953/

To make a long story short, if you're tranny has a factory cooler that runs threw the radiator, these guys say that system is prone to catastrophic failure. I'm not sure what percentage of them fail, but I was gonna do the mod just because it's cheap and easy.

 

the system -is not prone to failure- if you stay on top of radiator fluid changes
and that stuff. or drop off things and smash the front end around

corrosion is what kills them. the system is not inherently bad

 

Thanks for the input. That certainly gives me some piece of mind, given that if I did do the bipass, it wouldn't be until the spring or summer.

 

Are the rear coils sagging? My 2000 really sagged big time. The axle was about 1/4" of the jounce bumpers (the big rubber cone inside the rear coils, helps carry overloads). You could replace them with stock coils and keep the stock height.

 

Where did you buy the replacement stock coils? Dealer? How much?

 

i would say the '99+ cupholder console is one of the more useful mods to do. i wouldn't waste your time with the deckplate mod. just do some of the preventative maintenance to keep it in good running order and enjoy it.

 

Agreed..first thing, maintenance to keep it going. Timing belt/tranny flush/belts/fluids/etc...keep it going for many more miles.

 

I had a 98 Limited that had a rear spring recall. It was done for free. You should call up your local dealership to see if yours qualifies (give them your VIN). If so, free sag fix!

If you're going to be going through water, get your rear diff breather mod done. If your antenna's on its way out, get the Tacoma whip mod done. Make sure your front sway bar endlinks are in tact. See how the sway bar bushings are holding up. Check the water pump to see if it's leaking.