Joyner28

Hello everyone I'm a first time poster but I have been checking out the forum for a few days now. About 3 weeks ago my 2009 Titan was totaled due to some crazy lady pulling out in front of my at an intersection (fortunately no one was hurt). The insurance got me back a little over $8,000 in value and I decided I wanted something a little older than I could pay in full as to not worry about payments. After a couple of weeks of research I decided a 4Runner was the perfect vehicle for me. I used to have a '98 Tacoma and absolutely loved it but the mechanic than installed the lift really messed it up so I really needed to get rid of it. I found a 1997 4Runner Limited 4x4 for 7,000 with a little over 160k miles in excellent condition. After checking out so many build-ups on this site I decided I wanted to make it my own project so two days later I drove to Atlanta and picked it up. The interior is in excellent condition and won't need any immediate work but I'm a bit concerned with a smell of oil. I've made an appointment to get it checked out tomorrow at my mechanic. Also it feels like the acceleration is a bit stiff/ stubborn. Other than that I absolutely LOVE the vehicle! I plan on spending the next month or two repairing everything that needs to be done mechanically and then I can start on the mods! I can't wait to get this thing started looking good. Here are a few pics (sorry for the crappy quality).

Joyner28

Here is a picture of my old Tacoma. I would love to lift the 4Runner but obviously I want to take care of all the necessary repairs and modifications first.

Steve F

Howdy, I bought the exact same model and color 97 as you did. I paid $7000 also and got it with 118K on it. So far she is a peach Just added the trans cooler and a roof rack to top it off. Enjoy


Best,Steve

MaK92-4RnR

nice truck. welcome to YT

pdyebrasil

Congrats on the purchase! I absolutely love mine... Plus, it's so dependable that I can actually spend money on mods instead of repairs.

These 4Runners are known to have stiff gas pedals. Mine has it. There are a few write-ups about how you can improve it, but I'm used to mine now. Also, take a look into the "strawberry milkshake" so you can prevent that from happening.

The following is a pretty good thread for new owners:

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

ENJOY!!!

yummybrains

Welcome! I also have a '97 4Runner Ltd, but white. I got mine nine years ago for $6,700 with 131,000 miles. Now has 252,000 and counting. She's starting to go a little wonky (electrical, mostly), but I'm gonna get 300,000 miles out of her if it kills me. I absolutely love the fact that I've had only one very reliable ride in nine years while some of my friends are well into their third.

Some things to think about, not necessarily in order...

-Change all fluids regularly. Can't stress this enough.
-Get heavy-duty or Tundra front brake rotors. Will permanently eliminate the "death wobble" when braking.
-Replace upper and lower ball joints ASAP. Safety issue. Might want to go ahead and replace tie rod ends and steering rack bushings while you're at it. HUGE improvement in handling.
-Install a trans cooler ASAP. Could save you a small fortune and your sanity.
-Read-up on tire balancing the 3rd Gen 4Rs, and don't let a shop BS you that they can do it correctly without the correct machine. They can't.
-And have a Toyota shop (or reputable "alignment" shop) do your wheel alignments. In my experience it often needs to be done, and then done again a week or so later, to get it right. And like balancing the tires, other shops seem to have a lot of trouble getting it right. Your tires will thank you.
-When it's time to replace the shocks/struts, don't go cheap. Get the best you can afford. Will more than pay-off in handling and comfort and will last longer. My 4Runner is a wallowing pig to drive with even slightly mushy shocks.
-Do the center console mod! Trust me on this. Very soon, you'll begin to hate your f'n cup holder and whoever the A-hole was that designed it. I've lived with mine for 9 years and hate it every single day.

I'm sure there's more, but...

Peace, YB