4Runner issues to look out for????
 

Looking to buy a 2000 4Runner 4x4 and need to know what to look for as far as any negative issues that are common with these. I am looking for one with the V-6 motor. I have had Toyota trucks all my life but don't really know what to look out for on the Runners. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

If it's an auto, the strawberry milkshake is a concern. Just search "strawberry milkshake" in google, and you'll get thousands of hits, most likely.

Rear axle seals are a common failure point- just waiting for the day my rear drums are full of nasty (then i can replace the seals and rear brakes).

If it came with optional rear heat, the rear heater lines degrade and eventually leak your coolant- easily remedied with a bypass. Less easily remedied by replacing in/out lines.

Other than those three items, I can't really think of anything else detrimental to the 4runner's health.
Of course, regular maintenance intervals are priceless!

Good luck with the search!
If I found an early 2000 with SC, 5sp, rear locker 'highlander' edition, I'd sell things that aren't for sale to get it... don't even know if that exists.... probably.....

Is the milkshake issue on just the 2000 or all the 3rd gen's?

all 4runners with the auto trans- problem was corrosion in the rad/trans cooler, resulting in mixing of the two fluids.

thought of another thing.... something i've been knocking on wood about for awhile- ball joints. i believe the lowers are the common weak points, but i plan to do both uppers and lowers when i do it- still saving for that pocketbook hit!

On the axle seals, know for sure before you buy. pop out the ABS sensors and look into the cavity. Use a 10mm wrench and a stubby flat screwdriver to remove it. Just be carefull and wiggle it out of the hole. If you see an ABS gear ring with golden oil all over it, it is leaking. Anyone resistant to removing the rear wheels for inspection may be hiding something.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2...D550/ry%3D400/

Frame rust is a big problem. Check for perforations and cracked or cracking welds.

Check the trans fluid for milkiness. If the service history claims a new radiator and transmission flush at the same time assume a contaninated transmission and avoid that truck. I've only read one post where the transmission has lasted more than 10k miles once the radiator failed and mixed with the trans fluid.

tutorial-documentation-referencel

thanks for the good buying tips

Thanks guys for all the replies and advice. After looking around and not really finding anything worth seriously looking at I have decided against the 4Runner for now. This is all great info and I greatly appreciate it.

Can we get a picture here of where the corrision happens?

You can see the rear heater lines if you look in the passenger side wheel well, right in front of where the cat is bolted to the manifold. Anywhere along there and down under the truck to where they go to the rear heater.
Attachment 192038
Right front wheel and frame in foreground.

Are there any other preventative maint. tips to avoid that God forbidden strawberry milkshake??!!!

You can beat it with a stick.....shift! Only a problem on automatic trans.

Search strawberry milkshake, it'll involve a separate oil cooler but having manuals, that's all I know.