Question about an 05 4Runner

Hey. Just joined up. Looks like I'll be picking up an 05 with the 4.0, auto tranny and 180k.

I know these are Toyotas and all, but had questions. My current truck is a 96 Taco with 400k and yes...still runs incredibly strong. But I've been wanting a 4Runner for a while now.

Anything I should look out for when I go to view the truck? How are the transmissions on these.

Just wanted to go into the purchase with a bit more knowledge.

Thanks again.

Mark

 

Welcome to the forum!

I would expect it to be just as durable as your Tacoma. I had an '03 and the only oddball thing I had to replace was the steering column U-joint. This was after about 12 years and 200K miles in Wisconsin. The part wasn't too expensive, but it was a pain getting the old one off.

Other than that, just maintenance

And, check the frame for excessive rust. I don't think they were nearly as bad at the Tacos, but I have heard of some frames rusting pretty bad.

 

Thanks. Not sure if a Ca car or not. So rust will be something to look for when I get under it. Really hoping everything else checks out. Getting it for a good price too. Pretty stoked.

 

Are the automatic trannies on the 4th gen 4Runners known to be reliable? First thing if all seems good will be to change all fluids to Amsoil.

 

These trannies are bulletproof. I don't think there is a better transmission anywhere. Be careful on the fluid change. Toyota says it must have WS fluid. (Although one nut on here may tell you otherwise). You can also use Valvoline Maxlife. I just changed mine to that and it's working perfectly.

 

x2 on the transmissions in 4th gens being reliable. Check toyota.com for your maint history & if the fluid hasnt been changed you can do a exchange using the fluid of your choice, just be sure its rated for WS use, can be toyota WS or any of the universal fluids from amsoil, redline, etc but the best priced option is valvoline maxlife. I did a full exchange with maxlife on my 08 sport & it made an instant noticeable improvement in shifting vs the original WS at ~140k miles. Toyotas maint schedule says 100k miles for a trans fluid change or 60k if towing or abused.

& Yes, please be sure to use the right WS rated fluid as stated above, you may read some threads on here & the other 4runner forum from the "nut" member that thinks his 05 5 speed 4runner came new with T-IV that is used in the early 03-04 4th gen 4 speeds & 3rd gens. If you buy it just read the owners manual for proper maint & fluids to use & it should be a very reliable vehicle aside from normal wear items like brakes & alternators ect.

Welcome to the forum, lots of good info & knowledgeable members here.

 

PLEASE look for frame rust amongst your regular check points. Toyota made an incredible goof with their frames and google will tell you they had a class action suit result in a recall to replace like a 10yr run of Tacoma and Tundra frames (I think) srtarting back in like 2007ish, but somehow the 4runner was left out of that.

 

Wow, I didn't know the Tundra's were included in that! I have an 07. I better check mine ASAP! Oh, wait, I live in South Carolina. I'm just joking guys. I really feel for you northern guys who have to deal with that. I don't know how you do it.

 

For those interested:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jensen...-have-dangerous-rusty-frames/?sh=321b57617302

http://www.toyotaframesettlement.com/

 

The 4Runner was never part of that fiasco as they were all made in Japan.

 

I have 170,000 miles on OEM tranny and engine - 2005 4runner

 

LOL