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3rd Gen Newbie, Teach Me how to 4Runner

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by Clem98, Dec 31, 2020.

  1. Dec 31, 2020 at 1:30 PM
    #1
    Clem98

    Clem98 [OP] Cheif Wallet for Darling Daughters '96 4R

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2020
    Member:
    #18825
    Messages:
    4
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rodger
    Charleston, SC
    Vehicle:
    96 Azure 4Runner SR5 4WD
    Joined the community this week as my Darling Daughter has asked for a 3rd Gen for several years. Unfortunatley it is now time for her first vehicle - thus I now need to learn a new platform.

    Read through countless post last night so my short "To-Do" list includes: Timing Belt/Water Pump, Fluid Flush and Fills, and potentially Shocks/Struts...thanks for all the great info.

    My more pressing questions are:
    1. Security Systems - What do you have and what works well? <Background> 96 SR5 has an aftermarket Lock/Unlock that works, no interior flashing lights, nor controller under the Drivers seat.

    Would like Lock/Unlock, Remote Start, Security.....

    2. Reputable 3rd Gen Mechanics in the Charleston, SC area - Who can be trusted?

    And to kick things off, some pics.

    [​IMG][​IMG][​IMG]
     
    ArticulateDan, Ambush, Toy4X4 and 2 others like this.
  2. Dec 31, 2020 at 1:47 PM
    #2
    John Riggins

    John Riggins New Member

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    May 27, 2020
    Member:
    #14588
    Messages:
    50
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    Baby 2001 4runner
    pretty much stock minus fender flares and running boards
    Welcome, nice looking truck for a 96'
     
    Clem98[OP] and Toy4X4 like this.
  3. Dec 31, 2020 at 3:46 PM
    #3
    SlvrSlug

    SlvrSlug Slightly bent.

    Joined:
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    First Name:
    John
    Ramona Ca.
    Vehicle:
    2017 4-Runner SR-5 P. Kings, Built Right uca’s, Durabumps, RSG sliders
    Welcome, very clean looking 96. How many miles are on that baby?
     
  4. Dec 31, 2020 at 4:08 PM
    #4
    JET4

    JET4 New Member

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    Southeast, Va.
    welcome, very nice
     
    Clem98[OP] likes this.
  5. Jan 1, 2021 at 9:24 AM
    #5
    Clem98

    Clem98 [OP] Cheif Wallet for Darling Daughters '96 4R

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2020
    Member:
    #18825
    Messages:
    4
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rodger
    Charleston, SC
    Vehicle:
    96 Azure 4Runner SR5 4WD
    Picked it up with 150k on it.
     
  6. Jan 1, 2021 at 4:10 PM
    #6
    trlhiker

    trlhiker Lazy Bum

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    1992 4Runner SR5 V6 4X4
    Wow, that is one clean 96. Congrats. Any reputable stereo shop should be able to hook you up with an anti-theft and remote start.
     
    Clem98[OP] likes this.
  7. Jan 1, 2021 at 7:11 PM
    #7
    Niteghost

    Niteghost New Member

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    Gender:
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    First Name:
    Ty
    Vehicle:
    02 Sunfire Red Pearl
    Bit of a drive for you but if you can't find anyone local, Eric at Easley Toyota will treat you right. Tell em Ty sent you. Hands down the best service I have ever received anywhere let alone a dealership. They were hundreds below every other shop I went to.
     
    Clem98[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  8. Jan 1, 2021 at 7:20 PM
    #8
    doc4216

    doc4216 New Member

    Joined:
    May 27, 2018
    Member:
    #6112
    Messages:
    368
    Gender:
    Female
    First Name:
    Shannon
    The Land of Cle
    Vehicle:
    2015 SR5 Premium
    Dasaíta HU, Bilstein 5100s, AT Tires, Coveted grill lights
    Great looking 96. Your daughter has great taste in cars!!
     
    Clem98[OP] likes this.
  9. Jan 2, 2021 at 4:07 AM
    #9
    Toy4X4

    Toy4X4 New Member

    Joined:
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    First Name:
    Jeff
    Vehicle:
    2020 Offroad Prem. 4-runner
    RevTek 3" front- 2" rear leveling, JBA uca's, LED interior lights, Cooper 275-70-17 AT3 LT
    Welcome from Wisconsin! Nice clean looking 4Runner. Security........ 20200907_114229_001[546]pistol.jpg If there is a "system" out there, thieves have a way around it! While some systems may slow criminals up, now the police or you must take advantage of the extended period of thievery. Actually we have had a rash of car thefts in the area I live in(rural) and these are just simple punks who learned to steal cars on Youtube. I'm thinking you should sit down with your insurance agent and bring up "actual" replacement cost, and protection for that specific 4Runner, for a '96 it looks great, while it may cost a little more, it may be worth it in the long run.
     
    PhantomTweak, Ambush and Clem98[OP] like this.
  10. Jan 2, 2021 at 6:40 AM
    #10
    Ironguy

    Ironguy New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2019
    Member:
    #12421
    Messages:
    6,230
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ralph
    Bisbee AZ
    Vehicle:
    2020 Black 4Runner Venture 1967 FJ40 Land Cruiser
    New pine scent hanger, new sun shade
    Welcome from Arizona. Lucky daughter.
     
    Clem98[OP] likes this.
  11. Jan 9, 2021 at 2:30 PM
    #11
    Nevcruz02

    Nevcruz02 New Member

    Joined:
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    #19015
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    Male
    Also new to the 4Runner community and new to the this how do I post a pick of my truck
     
  12. Jan 9, 2021 at 2:53 PM
    #12
    Ironguy

    Ironguy New Member

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    Dec 22, 2019
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    6,230
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ralph
    Bisbee AZ
    Vehicle:
    2020 Black 4Runner Venture 1967 FJ40 Land Cruiser
    New pine scent hanger, new sun shade
    Welcome from Arizona!
    Take a phone pic of your outfit and email it to yourself. Download and save the pic as a .jpeg on your desktop then under post a reply click on Upload a file. Choose the file you want and it should appear as a thumbnail on the bottom of your soon to be Post Reply. Add the appropriate message and preview. If you like what you see send it out.
     
  13. Jan 9, 2021 at 3:03 PM
    #13
    Nevcruz02

    Nevcruz02 New Member

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    44965FD7-64A9-423B-B00E-D91CFCAC9782.jpg Would like to put some big tiers on, she does have some upgrades that I put on after I got her, and thank you @ ironguy
     
  14. Jan 10, 2021 at 6:39 AM
    #14
    Clem98

    Clem98 [OP] Cheif Wallet for Darling Daughters '96 4R

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2020
    Member:
    #18825
    Messages:
    4
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rodger
    Charleston, SC
    Vehicle:
    96 Azure 4Runner SR5 4WD
    Thanks Toy. Great points on both.

    Replacement Value Insurance was the 1st call. As you said, a bit more expensive but worth it. Biggest challenge would be to find a comparable replacement 3rd Gen.

    As for the 2nd, I agree, Locks/Security ony keep out honest people but as a deterent its getting a Remote Start/Security System installed this week. Like the added benefit of the Darling Daughter being able to get the engine warm prior to takeoff.

    Our first trip in it was to haed out to our land for some driving and target practice. She's more accurate with the 9m, .22, and 12 gauge than she is with the parking!
     
    Toy4X4[QUOTED] likes this.
  15. Jan 10, 2021 at 6:41 AM
    #15
    Clem98

    Clem98 [OP] Cheif Wallet for Darling Daughters '96 4R

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2020
    Member:
    #18825
    Messages:
    4
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rodger
    Charleston, SC
    Vehicle:
    96 Azure 4Runner SR5 4WD
    1 agree. Luckily in music as well. 90s Alternative must be played in a '96, Right?
     
  16. Jan 10, 2021 at 7:43 AM
    #16
    doc4216

    doc4216 New Member

    Joined:
    May 27, 2018
    Member:
    #6112
    Messages:
    368
    Gender:
    Female
    First Name:
    Shannon
    The Land of Cle
    Vehicle:
    2015 SR5 Premium
    Dasaíta HU, Bilstein 5100s, AT Tires, Coveted grill lights
    This is absolutely correct!
     
  17. Jan 16, 2021 at 12:31 AM
    #17
    Ambush

    Ambush New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2021
    Member:
    #19144
    Messages:
    21
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    AJ
    Vehicle:
    99 Black Limited (Kitt) 99 Tan limited (Desert Storm) 2001 Silver SR5 (Silver Surfer)
    What a GEM! Congrats!!!!!
     
  18. Jan 16, 2021 at 12:37 AM
    #18
    Ambush

    Ambush New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2021
    Member:
    #19144
    Messages:
    21
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    AJ
    Vehicle:
    99 Black Limited (Kitt) 99 Tan limited (Desert Storm) 2001 Silver SR5 (Silver Surfer)
    Warmest greetings!!

    1. Auto sound and Security is right up my alley. Have been in tune for decades. Your year 4runner is the easiest (to me) to install aftermarket security as your did not have an existing alarm (unless it has the RS3000 blinking light on the armrest area). There is nothing to uninstall/remove. Straight forward install. If you are ever in the Columbia SC area, come by the shop I help out sometimes, https://www.customkreations.net. Due to Covid it is appointment only but you WILL not be sad. Tell Cisco I sent you. :) He knows my love for 3rd gens.

    2. I dont have anyone right off hand in Chucktown I can recommend you to for mechanic work but I will find out. Again, if you are ever in Columbia just let me know.

    Again welcome to the board!!!!!!
     
    Clem98[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  19. Jan 24, 2021 at 7:20 PM
    #19
    RoxToy00

    RoxToy00 New Member

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    Member:
    #19312
    Messages:
    71
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    Male
    First Name:
    rocky
    Vehicle:
    3rd owner of 2000 2whldr 4runner
    none
    ok, also new to 4runners, after a lifetime with corvettes/F-bodies/collector cars. Always believed the best trucks were Fords, if of any value, but a partner in my firm was driving his '00 runner with 240k miles when he decided to sell. No Ford I know of goes that distance without MAJOR issues (replacement/rebuild of motor/drivetrain). 2wheel drive, no rust, not using oil, no leaks, always a FL vehicle, I pulled trigger for $1000. Buddies have offered double my money if I'd sell.
    Anyway, 28 yoa daughter down from OH, she and wife went and got CC permits here in FL at a gun show, and she wants my Runner, offered her paid for 14 Escalade as an even swap, NOT HAPPENING, but see an '18/'19/'20 Runner in her future, lol.
    I disconnected the aftermarket security system he never used (installed by first owner of 2yrs, my seller bought in 2002 with 25K miles), and love this v6 auto 2-wheel-drive truck, perfect for our tent camping episodes.
    So no, do not be afraid of high mileage Runners, they tend to be taken care of, search for areas of concern, and be willing to spend a buck or two to enjoy a fun vehicle.
     
  20. Jan 25, 2021 at 6:49 AM
    #20
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    1,876
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    Vehicle:
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    Ugh. An escalade swap?

    One reason I never moved to a newer 4Runners is because they are all fat ass land yachts now.

    I can fit my 3rd gen in compact spots and people can get in/out of both sides without issue. I'd love for the market to bring back the "smaller" trucks/suvs.
     
  21. Feb 9, 2021 at 2:39 PM
    #21
    RoxToy00

    RoxToy00 New Member

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    rocky
    Vehicle:
    3rd owner of 2000 2whldr 4runner
    none
    New Bronco....? Is if full framed?
     
  22. Feb 11, 2021 at 12:44 PM
    #22
    ArticulateDan

    ArticulateDan New Member

    Joined:
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    #19453
    Messages:
    7
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Danny
    Vehicle:
    2002 SR5 2WD
    That's one of the nicest colors I've ever seen on a 4Runner! Congrats to your daughter!
     
    Clem98[OP] likes this.
  23. Feb 14, 2021 at 4:57 PM
    #23
    mousemeat

    mousemeat New Member

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    1,184
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    Memphis, TN.
    Vehicle:
    1997 4 runner limited
    upgraded suspension, large all terrain tires
    nice ride...depending on where you call home..security issues w/thieves can be looked at...I've found something along these lines, has kept many a young punk, away from my vehicles....and I'm not afraid to show it...on my property..

    DSCN0836.jpg
     
    PhantomTweak likes this.
  24. Feb 14, 2021 at 5:13 PM
    #24
    RoxToy00

    RoxToy00 New Member

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    rocky
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    3rd owner of 2000 2whldr 4runner
    none
    Yep, I understand and appreciate. 3 yrs in the Corps, 10 yrs as a cop, and 20 yrs as a defense attorney, my EDC is a Star PD. One of my rookies had to Toyota truck in '90, thought it was a cute scoot-about toy. Now I understand the attraction of these smaller V6 Toyota trucks, just fun to drive.
     
    negusm, Toy4X4 and mousemeat like this.
  25. Feb 14, 2021 at 8:54 PM
    #25
    mousemeat

    mousemeat New Member

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    Memphis, TN.
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    upgraded suspension, large all terrain tires
    in a perfect world, there wouldn't be a reason for me to pull my piece...on my property. Sadly, it's not..hence the huge spikes in crimes, across the board...Being a former combat vet (USAF) I have little patience with those who would plunder..and damage our beloved vehicles, in the pursuit of some easy Pickens.....
     
    Toy4X4 and Malinois38 like this.
  26. Feb 14, 2021 at 9:25 PM
    #26
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    The Major General is doing well recovering from knee surgery. He got a plastic knee lasts thirty years..,,,
     
  27. Feb 14, 2021 at 9:37 PM
    #27
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    Well he is retired then built the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.....,,,..
     
  28. Feb 14, 2021 at 9:44 PM
    #28
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    Is that a .45 Long Colt?
     
    mousemeat[QUOTED] likes this.
  29. Feb 15, 2021 at 8:26 AM
    #29
    mousemeat

    mousemeat New Member

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    Memphis, TN.
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    upgraded suspension, large all terrain tires
    nope. mid 50's .38
     
  30. Mar 5, 2021 at 1:29 PM
    #30
    rphillips66

    rphillips66 New Member

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    Allen
    Charleston SC/ Gastonia NC
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    LEXTECH in Charleston is the best shop around!
     
    Clem98[OP] likes this.

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