Everything You Need to Know about the Toyota 4runner | 3rd Gen 1996-2002

A Toyota Master Diagnostic Technician shares common problems and issues with the 3rd generation Toyota 4runner from 1996-2002

In this video we inspect this 1999 Toyota 4Runner and talk about the most common issues and problems you'll find with these trucks.

These trucks are awesome and really reliable except when they are rusty.

In inspecting any of these or owning one you want to pay special attention to the frame and it's rust levels. Prevention is key here. Undercoating this frame and regularly washing it is key to keep this truck on the road for a very long time.

TCCN Automotive Inc.
Toyota and Lexus Specialist Repair

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#thecarcarenut #toyota4runner #4runner #tccnautmotive

0:00 Intro
0:51 Frame Inspection
3:22 Under Car
11:31 Back Door
12:53 Under Hood
19:03 Interior Tour
20:32 Final Thoughts

[CaptainWillard]

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

[jonhagan]

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!

[spikerengineering]

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.

[harrisomar]

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...

[Mike_]

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!

[BIGRtgbyhn]

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.

[brianarreguin]

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!

[bradfoster]

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.

[fubartotale]

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.

[pireina]

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

[joeshmoe]

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.

[lot]

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.

[poluticon]

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.

[johnaustin]

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.

[RoneelMobeel]

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!

[Howard_Spence]

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

[TripleBerg]

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

[mikechiodetti]

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.

[BrockOBauma]

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

[billseiler]

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.