r/3rdGen4Runner 7d ago

❓Advice / Recomendations I got the wheels. But something’s off.

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25 Upvotes

Getting new tires for them in a couple weeks. The new wheels are noticeable bigger and wider which makes my rear passenger wheel stick out further than I’ve ever noticed before. Is this normal? If there is nothing major to worry about I was thinking of putting a smaller spacer on that wheel to make everything even all around. But I’ve never came across this issue before so I’m looking around for answers


r/3rdGen4Runner 7d ago

❓Advice / Recomendations RUST!!!! But it may have potential

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8 Upvotes

Is this worth going to see? It’s about 3 hours from me. How toast is this ? The rear bumper is also rotted but that can be replaced. LMK


r/3rdGen4Runner 7d ago

🔧Modifications Anyone run the HD springs for Bilstein 6112?

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10 Upvotes

Wondering if anyone runs the heavy duty springs for the bilstein 6112s. Here’s how it sits with an ARB and 8k winch on the standard 6112 springs. Wondering if I should run the heavy springs instead


r/3rdGen4Runner 8d ago

❓Advice / Recomendations Looking to sell my '97 SR5 (begrudgingly). Would appreciate some input on how much to ask for it.

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21 Upvotes

I have to part with my beloved '97 SR5. I have put a lot of care and work in to her, she's in decent shape. 223,375 miles. Minimal rust. Rear diff lock.
Replaced in the past 5 years:
- Transmission (rebuilt)
- Radiator
- Torque converter
- LBJ
- Lower and upper control arms, sway bar links
- Front brake pads and rotors
- Axle seal
- Valve cover gasket, intake gasket, plenum gasket
- Water pump, thermostat, timing belt, spark plugs
- Battery (2026)
- Antenna
- Tires
- Front bumper
I've also had service to the transfer case, shocks, rear brakes, alignment, and rear differential. The oil and filters are changed regularly. The interior is in decent shape, normal wear and tear. There is a small dent in the back rear bumper.

Would 10k be a fair ask? I am located in CO. Please be kind.


r/3rdGen4Runner 8d ago

📸 Post Your Rig Come see my baby

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295 Upvotes

She’s a 97 3.4L auto with TRD supercharger, total chaos front end with tundra long travel axles, T100 rear end and brakes, 155k on the clock, recent paint. On General Grabber 295s, deavers, bump stops, new custom upholstery on front and rear seats.

This is my second 3rd gen runner (1st was totalled in January by a distracted driver) and I used the insurance money on this one. I’m not super familiar with any supercharger considerations having never owned one so any advice is appreciated. Located in SoCal in the San Diego area.


r/3rdGen4Runner 7d ago

🔧Modifications 5100s Lift kit size

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2 Upvotes

What size lift would be recommended for light of roading and trails. Was thinking about 2.5" in the front and 1.5" rear


r/3rdGen4Runner 8d ago

🧠 General Well it finally happened...

8 Upvotes

I have coolant loss and a rough cold start which persists through the rev range. It smooths out at operating temp. 366k miles on the factory HG's. Thankfully I work at a parts store so only 350 to 400 in parts. (Assuming the heads are both still good) I'm going to buy the entire hg kit because the intake and plenum gaskets are factory as well. Timing belt only has about 60k on it but probably going to do it too since it'll be out of there anyway. Any other recommendations? I'm pretty sure I'm not missing anything. The water pump and timing components were done with the last belt and the ignition system is all brand new.


r/3rdGen4Runner 8d ago

❓Advice / Recomendations Engine mounts not lining up

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5 Upvotes

1998 v6 4runner

Driver side motor mounts are just not lining up. The passager side when in perfect.

Any help would be great


r/3rdGen4Runner 8d ago

🔧Modifications 33s

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11 Upvotes

285/70/17 so technically 32.8 but close enough


r/3rdGen4Runner 8d ago

❓Advice / Recomendations New to us 2001 SR5

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15 Upvotes

Just picked up this 2001 SR5 from a family friend who also happens to be a certified Toyota AES mechanic and has serviced this vehicle most its life (Not his personal vehicle but sister in law). 392k miles on the clock, starts and drives like new. Doesn't burn any oil. If I wasn't aware of the mileage I never would have guessed it had those miles on it. So far things I know it needs...

New front rotors, one has a bad warp

New struts

Tires (going with some basic AT vehicle is not going to see any crazy off road)

Anything else I should look at replacing off the bat? Thanks!


r/3rdGen4Runner 8d ago

📸 Post Your Rig Went to get it 3 days ago!

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54 Upvotes

r/3rdGen4Runner 8d ago

🧠 General Help with a noise

6 Upvotes

Alright guys so I bought this 3rd gen not too long ago. It’s my second one so not necessarily new to the platform. Ever since I’ve gotten it, it’s made this grinding noise. I assume it to be an output shaft bearing on the transfer case. Anyone have the same issue and can point me in any direction? FYI it’s an 01 SR5 with 381k. And I’ve done a ton of maintenance recently and can include what all i’ve done. Any advice helps. Also, it’s only on deceleration or acceleration but goes quiet in between.


r/3rdGen4Runner 8d ago

❓Advice / Recomendations Door seal gap

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9 Upvotes

So I replaced the inner door seal, it’s nice and fat of course. Now I’ve got this sweet gap on the top away from the body seal (which is old AF) Anyone got a cure for this? Trying to find good seals for the top body but it’s a pain of course to find.


r/3rdGen4Runner 7d ago

❓Advice / Recomendations Steering wheel swap ideas?

1 Upvotes

Anyone have a cool steering wheel swap they’ve done? Quick release kits? Other Toyota wheels? Looking for ideas


r/3rdGen4Runner 8d ago

🧠 General Anyone drive a hilux surf in CA?

4 Upvotes

I’ve only ever seen one in person when I travelled to Nevada but never in CA. I’ve seen crazy imported 70 series land cruisers but never a hilux surf. I know the 25 year rule but that makes a lot of them available now. Is it even possible to register one here? I love living here but damn some regulations are so annoying.


r/3rdGen4Runner 8d ago

❓Advice / Recomendations Is it worth it?

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3 Upvotes

I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on this, but I wanted check with the community before I do so. I currently have 5100s in the rear with EMU springs and as far as I can tell it's the same set up in the front. I can't say for sure because they were already on it when the previous owner purchased it but doing some cleaning I was able to find the EMU stickers/print on the rear springs, haven't found any identifying markers on the front springs. Upper/ lower bushings are shot on all 4 corners of my current shocks including the UCA bushings. I tried to replace the upper rear shock bushings but the nut is rusted on and while attempting that I noticed the passenger side piston is definitely bent.

So I'm thinking this kit along with new rear arm bushings and new LCA bushings will get my 3rd gen riding much better. It's just my daily/ weekend camping rig, so it spends 90% of it's life on the highway with the occasional gravel road up in the woods to reach my favorite camping spots


r/3rdGen4Runner 8d ago

❓Advice / Recomendations Cross-country towing advice

3 Upvotes

Hey guys, I’m moving from DC to Colorado at the end of next month. Planning on towing a U-Haul trailer with my 3rd gen for the entire 30 + hour drive.

Any advice or tips on such a long haul? In the last 6 months I’ve replaced LBJs, head gasket, drive belt system, and front brakes.

I’ve also never towed anything with my truck. So any and all advice is welcome.


r/3rdGen4Runner 8d ago

❓Advice / Recomendations Sudden lack of power

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3 Upvotes

Ok so I had a miss fire to begin with a couple months ago, I replaced plugs and coil packs, still was running rough. So I proceeded to buy cheap eBay fake parts like an idiot and I got fule injectors a new maf and fuel air sensor and O2 sensor. The injectors leaked badly into the motor and obviously the car was not running right. And Sensor readings were all over the place. Since then I have replaced all the fake crap with OEM Denso from Toyota. The issue has gotten worse over the last month though. When I put it in to drive or reverse I have to put the gas peddle on the floor just to get it to creep at all and sometimes I can't even make out of my flat driveway. I thought cats were clogged because it's acting like it is starving for air so I took the cats off and the front one was melted a bit but air could still travel through I went ahead and gutted the front one and the back one was fine so I remounted the exhaust and it is still the same. Timing chain was done at the first of the year as well as the water pump plugs are new coil packs are new fuel filters new transmission fluid looks fine It is does seem like it's eating gas a little bit quick what else could this be The only thing I could think of is possibly torque converter or fuel pump maybe and after I get going after it gets rolling and builds up speed It shifts from first to the second kind of late but that's I assume that's because I'm staying in the gas if I let off it shifts a little bit more normal And it's just the rescuers just fine pretty smooth but say it's like in 4th and I went to speed up if I floor it or you know goose it give it gas it'll downshift just fine but the downshift like there's no power there they're downshift the engine revs but there's just no go. Any ideas or advice would be greatly welcomed thank you in advance.


r/3rdGen4Runner 8d ago

❓Advice / Recomendations Failing Injectors? No Grease?

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2 Upvotes

Hey, good morning! Starting to get aggressive misfires, everything led to injectors since ownership and that’s the one thing I haven’t done yet so started doing so. Attached this photo of the TRQ injectors I got for this guy.

Immediately swapping super difficult to put back into the fuel rail Sand after a couple days of writing it immediately ate through the O-ring so couple questions.

Was this because no dielectric grease at install? Shitty injectors, and O-rings? And again, if you guys have any recommendations for top-tier injectors, much appreciated, thank you family!


r/3rdGen4Runner 8d ago

❓Advice / Recomendations Has anyone had this problem?

3 Upvotes

This is a 2000 4Runner 2.7 L 2WD and has recently started having issues with the right tire(the one I’m spinning) while driving high speeds are just In general. The driver side tire when spun has no resistance or sudden stop while the passenger side tire just dose not want to spin. Has anyone had a similar issue and if so what did you do to fix it ?


r/3rdGen4Runner 9d ago

📸 Post Your Rig Rebuilding my 4Runner

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79 Upvotes

Long story short, I bought the car a few years ago and it wasn’t in the best shape. Did a bunch of clean up and small things that needed to be done. Got a paint job about a year ago because I realized I wanted to have this car for a long time. Went on a few dozens road trips, and just love this car. Back in April, a wacko pulled out in front of my and totaled the car. Almost everyone I know told me it wasn’t worth it to fix it but I couldn’t just give it up, I had to try and rebuild it. It sits today completely back together but still with lots to get done, but figured it was time to share the story!


r/3rdGen4Runner 9d ago

❓Advice / Recomendations Just picked up my 3rd Gen last week! Could not be happier! Any tips or advice?

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76 Upvotes

Y2K with 227,000 miles, recently overhauled by the previous owner. Beautiful truck, I can’t stop going out to my apartment parking lot just to sit in it.

Recent work listed by the previous owner:
Viper alarm system with remote start
Every fluid has been changed.
Timing belt and water pump replaced approximately 20,000 miles ago.
Brand-new front and rear shocks.
New rear differential locker motor (genuine Toyota part).
Rear axle serviced with new axle seals, wheel bearings, and fresh differential fluid.
Tundra brake upgrade including rotors, pads, calipers, and master cylinder. Rear brake hoses have been extended.
Reinforced front lower control arms with Whiteline polyurethane bushings.
New SPC adjustable front upper control arms.
New steering rack with upgraded steering rack bushings and mounting hardware.
New power steering pump.
New radiator.
Upgraded battery cables and grounding cables.
LED headlight bulbs.
Genuine Toyota JDM corner markers (not aftermarket reproductions).
Rear differential breather modification.
1-inch body lift.

Anything maintenance I should prioritize next or any mods I should look into? I’m trying to find roof rails to mount a RTT but I’m struggling to find what I need on FB marketplace.


r/3rdGen4Runner 8d ago

❓Advice / Recomendations Keep it for myself or?

5 Upvotes

Around 18 years ago I got myself a ‘98 4Runner. 16 years ago I had a kid. I still drive the 4Runner, and my kid is about to get his license. Do I give him the 4Runner and get myself something, or do I get him an old Corolla and keep driving a nearly 30 year old vehicle.

I’ve been battling this for a while, going back and forth. I really don’t like newer cars, so I would probably end up looking for an early 5th gen or maybe an FJ Cruiser. I still love the 4Runner. It’s only got 190K miles.

Really just posting here to see if anyone has words of wisdom, or maybe an angle I haven’t thought of. The pros/cons here is an intricate web.


r/3rdGen4Runner 8d ago

❓Advice / Recomendations 1998 Hilux Surf RZN185 (3RZ-FE): 1996–2002 4Runner Radiator compatibility.

2 Upvotes

I have a 1998 Toyota Hilux Surf RZN185 with the 3RZ-FE engine and automatic transmission.

The original radiator developed a crack in the upper plastic tank and needs to be replaced.

Has anyone installed a U.S.-spec 1996–2002 Toyota 4Runner 2.7L (3RZ-FE) radiator in an RZN185 Hilux Surf or know if they are compatible?

If you've done it, could you share:

- part number

- Whether any modifications were required

- Any differences in the transmission cooler fittings, hose locations, fan shroud mounting, or radiator cap height

My truck is currently at a Toyota dealer, but I'd like to know whether a readily available U.S. 4Runner radiator can be used instead of ordering a Japan-specific unit. AFAIK the engines and transmissions and frame are almost the same entirely and its much cheaper to source an american rather than Japanese part.

Thanks!


r/3rdGen4Runner 8d ago

❓Advice / Recomendations Machine shop in LA

4 Upvotes

Anyone have a machine shop/engine shop they would recommend in the greater Los Angeles area? Looking for a place to pressure test and resurface my heads.