Hi all, I am new to the board and new to the 4Runner family. I got a 97 SR5 5spd w/ 120k miles 3 weeks ago and loved it!

However, somethings bugging me: I notice a huge difference in noise level when driving it under 2-2.5k rpm and above 3k rpm
Very quiet and smooth ride when I shift below 2.5k rpm, but the car has this "roar" when I rev it above 3k rpm, also noticed some vibration. Is this normal? I have been driving little sport cars before switching to this torque oriented type of truck , maybe it's only just me who is not used to it?

The rear driver wheel is greasy and browsing this forum I know the seal probably has gone bad and needs replacement, but would this be the cause of my problem?

I currently don't have the time to look into the seal issue yet, just wondering what could potentially gone wrong if I left it for too long? other the the brake failure?

Thanks!

 

If it's making a sound like a Mack truck, check your fan clutch. If that clutch is frozen and the fan is spinning way too fast, it'll sound like that.

 

Fan Clutch for sure.

Normally it will "roar" when first started up and revved, but it should calm down in about 10 seconds when the fluid in the clutch warms up a bit.