Topic: High mileage 4runners 96+

[Ghettofab88]

I guess you could say I'm researching for a future project.  At some point the wife and I will have a family, so I'm gonna need a 4 door rig.  I've been looking at 90-95 runners, but the cheap prices just can't make up for the crappy drivetrains in these things.  Because of the wife I need an auto, so the newer 96+ runners with the 3.4L make much more sense.  I've seen a lot with 180k-200k miles on them.  Is there any consensus as to life expectancy of these motors?  I need something thats fairly reliable if I take my family wheeling in it to places like dusy-ershim, exploring in death valley, or bfe utah.

I have a 1988 toy with a 22re, duals,sas etc...  Its got 255K on the motor and still runs good, but its tired.  Are the 3.4L lasting longer?

Thanks,
Kevo

[mudmaster]

My 2000 has 200900 miles. No motor issues, but I've had to replace the seals and bearings on the rear end.

[tgmaul88]

ive got 210,000 on mine, and drive 1500 mile trips at a time doing 80 -85 the whole time  hasent let me down yet check this yourtube video out of the 4runner with 500,000 mile on the stock engine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O5GGlZurBE

that should say something

[JanMarie13]

Oh.  Em.  Geee.   That video is amazing!   I have that exact same 4Runner!  And I came in here to chime in about my "high mileage 4Runner" but GEEZ.... after watching that video I feel like mine is just a baby! 

I have a 1997 4Runner, limited, 4wd with the 3.4 V6.  Automatic.  Friggin LOVE it.  172,XXX miles on it right now.  I had the timing belt replaced at 105k.  Never had any major issues with it.  The clock on my dash stopped working long ago, along with my 6-disc CD changer thing.  The only thing that really bugs me about it is my level 1 fan also stopped working.  That's my favorite level!  haha.  I'm told it's not hard fix though, just haven't done anything about it yet.  Just put a new exhaust on it, but I live in Central PA with all the crappy road salt and stuff. 

But yeah, my 4Runner is our "family trip" vehicle for sure.  Grocery getter.  "Luxury" trip vehicle for when we have other people with us and want a nice comfortable trip.  But it's also the one we choose to take down the long-ass camp road out over the mountain in a foot of snow.  Never had it stuck, never had a problem.

I already know that when I HAVE to, I am just going to go buy a newer 4Runner.  So I'm in no hurry.  But after watching that video of the one with 500k+ I'm beginning to think I'll NEVER get a new car!  LOL

[toyclimber]

I have a 1997 4runner 3.4 automatic in process of making a crawler out of it 197,000 miles still does not burn any oil the only thing I would suggest is timing belt water pump valve cover gasket.

[Ghettofab88 [OP]]

Cool!  I was pretty sure that they'd last a good long while.

I figure when the time comes I'll look and try to find the nicest, lowest mileage one I can, then build it up the way I want before I think about doing any motor work.

Does anyone here run an auto with dual cases?  I've never wheeled an auto before so I don't know if its neccessary to run duals or not.  I know it would definately help keep the trans cooler.  While I'd rather have a stick shift trans, this ones going to be built with my wife in mind and she doesn't drive stick. Bummer!

Kevo

[tgmaul88]

yes  most all major vehicles now adays are going to auto trannys   and yes dual case with auto trans will work, its almost preffered now days   its like the 17" rims are now the old 15"   same with this

[specialscottie]

Dad has a 4runner with the 3.4 with almost 300k

[zembalayan]

Man!  I would love to build a 3rd gen. Runner.  Becoming very classic in my mind--also love the reports of longevity, too!

[porkchop_88]

Ive got 250,000 on my 96 4runner and knock on wood, I have not had any problems or than replacing a valve cover gasket, plugs and wires.