Funny how that things "common issues" sound more like normal wear & tear. Seal here or there, alternator, radiator. etc. Those are things that just go bad over time in pretty much any machine lol. My coworker owns two of those 4runners and one is almost to 500k!

I bought a 1998 Limited in 2020. Dropped 3K to get it mechanically sound. Interior immaculate, zero rust! Zero. Spent its entire life in West Texas. Dry climate. I’m the second owner. Runs great

Finally a 3rd gen 4Runner, awesome car, best motor Toyota ever made.. Definitely don’t overlook the two most important things: 1. Replace the radiator. If it goes bad, it will mix coolant with A/T fluid and the whole transmission will be wasted. 2. Replace the front lower ball joints. They’re notorious for catastrophic failure, messing up the whole front suspension. Google some pics.. Awesome review as always!

Great video, very well done. The aftermarket hood struts are made by us, Spiker Engineering. They can be set up to open the hood up to 8" higher than stock, which really helps with access and light.

I installed rotors and calipers from a 2006 tundra on my 2002 4runner limited. This fix all the braking issues, no more fades and it stops on a dime...

Your shop looks amazing! You have worked very hard to get where you are and I wish you nothing but the best in the future. I grew up as an old school technician working on domestic vehicles at the Chevrolet dealership. I have always been kind of skeptical about working on imports with all their advancements and technology. Your channel has been very informative and educational to me and has given me the courage to tackle some of these projects and you have even motivated me to buy a new Toyota! 😉 I think we're all very excited to share this journey with you!

I have a 2000 4Runner limited with 325000 miles, still runs perfectly but I can see rust on the frame now. I know it’s just a matter of time but I love this vehicle.

Great video. I have a 3rd Gen with 340,000. Runs like a top. Just replaced all the ball joints last week. I plan on using this video and going thru the 4Runner.

I recommended a Four Runner to my niece and she loves it. She's a very self sufficient girl who lives on a large piece of land in Kentucky, so this is a very practical dependable vehicle for her.

The woodgrain bezel on the 99-02 become very brittle compared to the 96-98 version. Also you can swap out the center console from a 99-02 to a 96-98 so you can have cupholders up front. Mine is a 97 and 300K and takes me everywhere.

One of the kids still driving my 2005 4runner, v6 two wheel drive. Never had any issues with it, so far. They keep the maintenance up on it, regularly.

Fixing peoples car and talking about them, very nice!!! This 4Runner needs work for sure, but why not, it deserves it. 👍

We got a 2005 4runner, got brand new from the largest toyota dealer in the world. The vehicle has over 225k miles but runs excellent, only problems we had was wear & tear stuff.

I had a 2000 4Runner that I bought brand new and I loved it. Unfortunately I had to get rid of it a couple years ago because the frame rusted really bad and it became unsafe to drive.

Your shop looks FANTASTIC! I hope you get many, many customers in your shop! I also wish you the best, ESPECIALLY very good health! I would be a little concerned about the frame going "soft" from rust in a few places. It's a shame too, the interior looks great. Perhaps that NHOU protectant would help to slow down the undercarriage destruction. Anyway, thank you for this video.

Congratulations on your new shop! It looks awesome! With the help of your channel and others I have been able to increase the longevity of my 2002 Toyota Tundra. Last week it turned over 500,000 miles and still runs like a champ. Best regards!

I honestly believe the 3rd generation 4runner is the best bang for your buck. The 4th generation is also great as well because of it being the only year with the optional 4.7L v8. Love your videos!

The transmissions are super easy to maintain also with a simple drain and fill every now and then.

That lift system is so cool. Can be adjusted for any car or truck.

These are my favorite design of the 4Runner. Thank you for sharing this content. Congrats on the shop…hoping to have a 4Runner that I can bring to your shop in the future.

I was fortunate enough to own a 99’ 4-Runner Highlander *manual transmission* and loved every mile. That truck was priceless and incomparable to anything available today. You hit on everything that I had replaced, you are spot-on! I’d absolutely buy one again if given the chance. Thank you very much! Liked, subscribed and shared. My absolute favorite KZfaq channel by far.

Nice!! The shop looks great. Hope everything goes well for ya man, you deserve it 👏

I like how the 4Runner designers try to keep certain design cues in the subsequent generations. Like the c-pillar shape and angle, the angle of front door glass (and windshield), and even the angle of the back tailgate top. There are 3rd Gen cues in the both the 4th Gen and 5th Gen. Great vehicle all around.

I installed hood struts on my 06 Tacoma the first week I had it!!! I love opening that hood!!!

Grat video,thanks so much,I own a 1999 runner,have owned for 20 years, close to 300.000 miles,runs great,the truck has always lived in Florida,no rust at all,I learned something about the whine I hear and could not figure out what caused it, now I know, ...the power steering!What a relief ...thanks.!!

had an 01, really miss that truck. The 5vz is a tough engine, one time the rad broke while I was driving and she overheated and died, we took it to our shop and with a new rad + hoses and coolant flush, it came back running strong. rust is what finally made me get rid of it

I had one, a 1997 SR5 model with manual transmission and a TRD supercharger. I still miss it, even my kids miss it as my son learned to drive on it. I gave it to my sister 6 years ago and she sold it for $500 2 years ago with 175k miles. That car was a tank, I did not replace anything on it except for the water pump and an oxygen sensor. She sold it when the steering pump failed, a "friendly" mechanic told her it was not worth fixing.

Thanks for the info. I currently owned a 1997 4Runner Limited. My Dad bought it brand new and now passed down to me. I live in the Wisconsin and as we all know. It’s a salty state. I tried my best to maintain it but it’s really hard when dealing with rust. Thanks for the info and knowledge you have given to us throughout the years! 🙏

Congratulations on the shop. It's nice to see a 3rd Gen 4runner as your first customer.

I love the Strat kit too! When I saw you do it to your Camry, I found one for my wife’s 2015 Highlander, and secretly installed it. Thanks so much for all you do and may the Lord make his face shine upon you!

This is a notorious commentary on the 4 runner. Well done.

I do own a 1998, and is got 220000 miles on today June 02/23, and it runs amazingly. I just love it and will try to keep it update as long as possible. I believe this was the very last well built Toyota truck. Cheers from Costa Rica.

Just a fan of this man’s integrity, love and knowledge. Rare. Man of faith to boot. We’ll meet someday. God bless.

Great video, very helpful to know about and see the rust and the frame of that truck. Thank you.

Been wrenching for years & your informative videos are well done. Learn a lot from you on Toyota’s, since Honda’s are my jam. Your exit of Numbers gave me chills the first time hearing it. My mom versed it every night growing up.

My 96 frame failed at the trailing arm driver side, I welded 1/4” plate for repair and did both sides. My frame looked better than this 4Runner, don’t be surprised if it fails. They rust from the inside out and the steel delaminates so it’s hard to tell.

AMD and Mrs CCN, congrats on the new shop! looks clean and fantastic. If I may, the lighting underneath the 4runner is a little dark overall. other than the area the flashlight is pointing. perhaps some side ambient lighting pointing upward. wish you the best in your new venture! love the Tacoma grill in the office.

Thank you. You taught me a lot & made everything really easy to understand. I recently bought a 1996 limited. One owner. Old people. Locally bought. Always serviced at Toyota. 350000 km's. I paid $5000 Canadian. I'm going to check the under areas that you pointed out, & the transmission dip-stick, & radiator as you suggested. As far as everything else underneath rust-wise it seemed really good when I looked when I bought it. I did previously notice my underneath heater piping was crusty. I thought they were break lines. I did the valve cover gaskets, but it is still hot smelly oil when driving fast or uphill. I also did rotors & breaks, rear struts, hatch struts, windshield, fuel filter, & air conditioner. I put in about $1650 Canadian so far.

Thanks for discussing the 3rd generation 4runner, I was looking forward to this topic.

Bro I wish you were my local mechanic. Absolutely amazing vehicle. I'm currently looking at a 2001 model and gonna go inspect. You helped me feel a lot more comfortable about the inspection part. Appreciate it man.

AMD, good video as always. I have a 95 4runner with the 3.0 v6. I know people always tell me that engine sucks. I had the dealer do the recall on the head gasket 20 years ago and 380k miles later, still runs fine.Thank younand nice new garage with lifts.

@The Car Care Nut today I saw a 2005 Toyota Corolla base manual with 492,000 kilometres. It was at a high school shop. Only thing wrong with it was left drivers side door had rust on it. All the other doors & the rest of the body were rust free too. Toyota built these cars to last a LONG time.

You have an extremely clean shop sir 👍👍cleanliness is next to Godly Ness.

I have a 5th gen and I ended up behind a 3rd Gen at a red light, and it really stood out to me just how much bigger vehicles have gotten. 3rd Gen looked so much smaller. I so badly wanted to get to check that 3rd Gen out more closely. 22-28 years old and still going strong - amazing.

I Wish All Mechanics Would Explain the Vehice S Like You, Great Job, & Congratulations on your new Shop!!

I watched rusted 4runner videos so when i look back at my own, it becomes brand spanking new👌

I have a 2000 4runner with 370,000 miles on it. Bought in 2011 for $6500 with 179,000 miles on it. Never expected it to last this long. I've spent $1800 on it shortly after getting it at a dealership catching up it on service at 200,000 miles. Spent $1400 on a rack and pinion when it was over 300,000 miles. A starter, a couple of alternators, throttle position sensor, and regular wear and tear items. I budget $500 for repairs, most pull and replace repairs are under $400. Wife thinks it's unreliable because of age, I feel it is demonstrating it's reliability every day. The truck is becoming beat up from normal wear and tear and I've backed off expensive maintenance items and only buy inexpensive tires with low mileage service life. This truck as been a budget saver.

I love these common problems series of vids

Fantastic review of 1997 Toyota 4 Runner V6.

It surprises me in the lack of many drivers not using there emergency brake . This owner did well on making a nice hood lift but his emergency brake looks in poor shape and as suggested not to use because it could seize . Emergency brakes are not just an important safety feature but also helps to preserve your automatic transmission .

Had a 2000 leather V6 5-speed manual 4wd for 8 yrs thru and after college. Great truck, started rusting but I’ve had the frame cut out and rebuilt. Only cost like $1000 every 3 yrs to rebuild the frame, really not bad cost for maintenance.

Love this body style, boxy and tough, truly legendary… except for the rust…..

mine have 330k miles still running strong i love it.

I bought a '99 SR5 4x4 5 yrs ago for 2K. Best vehicle I've ever owned. Rear springs on these sag with higher miles. When I bought it I changed out coil springs all around and installed Bilsteins. I've never had "pink milkshake" issues, but I changed out the radiator when I noticed hairline cracks in the plastic around the cap were weeping fluid. Something to keep an eye on. I installed new LBJs as well. Another issue that can pop up on these is a leaking heater control valve. It can leak without you noticing (it's mounted on the firewall, center of engine compartment). I replaced mine this morning. Easy 30-minute job. That valve was completely rotted out. No doubt it was the original valve. I'm closing in on 400K miles. I've replaced other things here and there...just routine stuff you would expect with an older vehicle. I live in the south, so no rust issues. It does have a good bit of clear coat rash, which is not unusual for these trucks. Your channel is fantastic. Love your shop!

I have the 2wd drive sr5 version of this truck. Same color with a few more miles. I absolutely love this thing! The owner of that one shares the same thoughts as me. I want it perfect.

AMD, Will you be installing theater seating at TCCN World Headquarters so you can shoot videos in front of a live studio audience? ;-) On a serious note, in the Salt Belt, Rustproofing must be part of the basic preventative maintenance program for those who plan on keeping their Toyota through its full 20 year+ lifecycle.

Congrats on the shop! Keep us posted on this 4Runner… these are amazing!

Have you ever find out where the owner purchased the hood lift? thanks

I have a non running 2000 4runner that was converted to EV in 2010 by a professional shop but hasn’t run in 10 years. The frame and body is completely rust free. If you’d ever have an interest in taking a look at it for possible KZfaq content let me know. I live in Chicago 60615.

That 4runner looks like most beautiful Land Cruiser 76. Love it. Thank you AMD.

Just saw a 4Runner like this (same gen, also white) a few weeks ago here in Mass. It was a 5spd w/Calif plates (as I had myself 'til 2020), and it looked pretty good, no rust that I could see. So, of course, I had to take photos and ask about it of the woman who owns it. Anyway... Congrats on your new shop! As expected, it looks great, and I think I speak for all of us when I say: We wish you much deserved success.🏆

372,000 miles on my '99.... still chuggin' along. Just takes regular maintenance...easy to work on. I had a lot of issues with the rear window & handle... temperamental. I've spent a lot of time in the salvage yard pulling replacement parts. Had to replace the Sunroof unit., again, salvage yard. Fought with the P0171 code for a while...eventually got that straightened out. I have the Valve Cover leak... that's next on my list along with Injectors... did a Tundra big Brake upgrade. Did the Timing belt 70k miles ago, not much risk since it's non-interference ...kind of a pig on Mountain Passes... but that's my only gripe, they're sloooowwwwwwwww....but great off road.

Excellent video as always. Looking at a 2000 tonight 👍

I watched this mostly to see your new shop.😊

This is really helpful! My son wants to get a 3rd Gen. I learn a lot watching your channel. Now that I'm older and when it's really cold, I've noticed that I whine a lot more. :)))

I own two of these a five speed and an automatic they are mint compared to this one absolutely no rust live in the south so I’m blessed.

Cool video !! THE SHOP has come a long way ! Looks great

bought a new 4 cylinder manual 4 runner in 1998. Never replaced it, 230k miles. may be one of the most reliable models ever made. No ball joint trouble, never heard of that.

Owned a 2000 that I bought brand new. Engine was unstoppable, gave me minimum issues issues. Did have the problem with the radiator and transmission cooling line. Kept running and the inside looked brand new till the end. Had to sell it when it turned 19 years old, it rusted very badly. Person who purchased it was a mechanic and knew about the rust. Alternator, catalytic converter, spark plug cables all original, 19 years old. Very reliable car and great ride.

Have a white 2001 with 285k miles and a clean frame she has never let me down best 5k I ever spent parts are cheap also

I have had 4 3rd gens so far, and every single one has had floppy mirrors. The retainer for the spring wears through the aluminum housing and the tension is lost. Kind of a pain to repair but doable for couple dollars in parts.

As a GX470 owner from WA, I would run away from this frame. That one crusty bad spot seems like a red flag. But at least we have some shops in IL that work with fluid film or similar so you can coat it once in a while and save it from further damage. Great content though!

Sad days are ahead with the new 4 cylinder Turbo 4runner that it's on the way.

1997 fuel pump, had to pull the gas tank but that was at 170,000. Both my kids learned to drive in the 4Runner and my daughter now has it.

I’ve owned my 02 for almost 5 years. 1. But FACTORY TOYOTA lower ball joints 2. What looks like an oil pan or rear main seal, might be your oil cooler seal. Check that first. 3. Change the timing belt religiously. 4. Do the tundra brake upgrade. 5. Add a transmission cooler to avoid the pink milkshake. 6. If your radiation is brown, change it. If it’s black you’re good. 7. Valve cover gaskets leak. Other than that it’s pretty much wear and tear

Great video with lots of good info! I have two vehicles with this engine. I just wanted to touch on a couple things. Regarding the power steering whine, I learned from Timmy the toolman that there is a screen in the bottom of the reservoir that gets clogged over time when people don't change the fluid. Remove reservoir and blast as much of that gunk out with brakleen or something similar. Let it dry thoroughly, reinstall, replace fluid, goodbye whine! Even in frigid cold Temps. Easy and effective! X2 on the lower balljoints. When in doubt, replace with OEM toyota balljoints only, no aftermarket!!! Other than frame rust these are the Achilles heel of the 3rd gen 4runner and 1st gen taco. You don't want one to fail, it's extremely dangerous! Again, great job!

I have a 2002 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4WD with 98,000 miles. Clean with no mods. I have new rotors, brake pads, calipers (199) and radiator. Doing this service as soon as possible.

Video on how to actually remove and replace Crankshaft position sensor "please" on the 3rd Generation 6cyl FVZFE engine.

My 97 has 348,000 miles. I love it .

Love it. God bless you and Mrs. TCCN. 🙏🏽🙏🏽

This dude right here is A+++.

I was really looking to buy one of these 4Runners. until researching it . and that is 100% true. the rust what kept me away from it. in fact I think by law this level of dangerous rust should stop a car / Truck from getting sold. specially on a dealers lot. but when it comes to personal Vehicle for sale. by the law must be dictate on the seller. to disclose that to the buyer. that sounds more fair to everyone. that if the government really do concern about public safety. it will force dealers to have their vehicles on the lifter to show underneath the Vehicle. but we all know they won't do that even though it make a lot of sense doing though.

I have a 98 4Runner limited I’m the 2nd owner. Bought it in 2000. New timing belt, water pump, replaced catalytic converter, excellent leather interior, new brakes and rotors, 3 inch lift. Zero rust…lived her entire life in West Texas dry weather. Currently in shop to diagnose buzzing noise that developed recently when foot taken off accelerator above 60 miles per hour. Young men, and women, compliment us on the truck often. Lots of fun to own and drive

You are a credit to your profession! Thank you sir!

I've gone through two catalytic mufflers on my '97 4 Runner. It has 413k miles on it. The last time I had to use an OEM quality cat. That's what the state of California requires now. It was expensive. The previous cat was a after market one and it was way cheaper. But it didn't last very long. The shop guy told me he tries to use the factory cats but they are back ordered so it could take months before one is available. The OEM quality one was only about $100 cheaper than the factory cat. Congratulations on your new shop. The shop looks good.

I have lived around Phoenix, AZ. the past 60 years and not used to seeing rust.

Been waiting for this one. Love this truck, great information and congrates on the shop.

02 with 375k Haven't had more than 2 or 3k in maintenence in 10 years. Several alternators. Just changed radiator. And it only went out bc i let it overheat too long when it froze and didn't have enough coolant. Never had Trans issues. Catalytic conv went out long time ago but didn't fix it, Perks of none inspection sticker state. It's had a very slow head gasket leak for 10yrs also. She's old but she still purs like 100k. 4wd and gets 20-22mpg with heavy ties, 24mpg with stock tires. Highest priority is by far just oil changes and monitoring checks I drive with the very lowest average rpm possible. Aka Turtle mode. Not much horse power, but that Toyota Turtle power off the charts

There are a lot of these in SoCal. These are good trucks, they're all over the place here. I'd drive one of these.

I worked in a general service shop in Canada that the owner always maintained the building. Every summer he would close down for two weeks and have the floor re epoxied and the walls painted. When I went back to work none of us wanted to do any work because the shop looked just like yours. We had customers who said they had never seen such a clean shop. We all took pride in keeping it clean. Local newspapers would come in and take pics and write stories about the business. I'm retired now after 50+ years in the trade but I still drop in and say Hi occasionally. It's surprising how much customers appreciate a clean environment and professionally dressed people working there. I wish you nothing but the best on your adventure. You certainly deserve it.

Just a thought, but you need to get some magnetized "The Car Care Nut" license plate covers, that you can stick over these license plates on these vehicles when filming them, so you don't have to waste time editing it out

The heater cores tend to get blocked up and require a flush. I used SLR. Opened up all of the blockages with resulting very hot heat.

Another awesome video AMD. Thank you for all your insight on the 4 runner.

My only thing for these cars is the drive line u joint will go bad and the valve seals. Idk why the valve seals bolts are only tightened to 53 pound foot per bolt. So the valve covers will leak over time.

Love the video thanks for uploading. You just forgot about the lower ball joints!!!!

Frame Rot: I wouldn’t be so quick to pass on an otherwise clean 3rd Gen 4Runner if the only problem is frame. The frame issues are so well-known, and the vehicles so solid and desirable, that there are reasonably economical fixes if you have a decent welder available. I wouldn’t hesitate to put money into frame work as these trucks last forever and will definitely pay you back over time.

Love my 00 4runner has 315,000 running strong 💪

The best car I've ever owned... I have a 1997 4x4 SR5 first owner and a 1998 limited 2WD second owner. Both vehicles have well over 200,000 miles on them and are rust- and oil-leak-free. Everything relies on how you handle them. Every car will have its flaws, including ordinary rust. I always service my 4Runners and inspection checks. With regular maintenance, your 4Runner will last forever.

Congratulations on your new shop and new business! The topics are good but one thing I’d like to say is, since you are in Illinois, I believe most of your customers’ cars will have rust or rust related issues. So, if we could separate the rust topics out, that would be great! I’ll keep watching the rest. Thanks!

Thank God for you and your videos it's helping me take care of my wife's 99 4runner with almost 300k miles. Can you tell me what is the right way to install the radiator hose. May God continue to bless you and your family