New and looking for v8 4wd 4th Gen

Hi All! New guy here, don't have a 4runner yet....

I'm looking for 4th Gen 4runner in decent condition to use as an snow/off-road and tow vehicle.

I while I'm willing to consider any year v8 4wd 4runner, I would prefer a 05-09 (for the hp/torque bump) Pretty much everything else is optional. Higher trims would be nice, but not necessary.

I live in Denver, wife and 2 kids under 8, already have a modified TJ, so I'm thinking stock or close(ish) to stock for the 4runner... They seem to be listed at quite a premium here in CO so I'm willing to travel a bit for the right one.

Also, I'm curious to think what current owner think I should look for during my search, other than replacing the timing belt, what are some tells that a vehicle has been maintained well? Or not?

Thanks!
Brian

 

Welcome, and good luck with the search. Rust is an issue to consider in some areas.

 

Rust as mentioned. Intake manifolds crack causing a tick when cold started. Other stuff, less major: sticking brake calipers (front I think), driveshaft thunk. Good luck, I love mine, its a beast!

 

Thank you,

I appreciate the feedback!

I test drove an 03 that I liked quite a bit, the exterior was scratch to heck and a bit beat up, but interior was decent and no rust. Which for my use case is fine. But there was a very distinct thunk, especially noticeable the last few mph at the end of a stop. Is this the thunk that you speak of? Dealer said it was normal mumbled some things about all I needed to do was pump some grease into the zirc fittings on the driveshaft. Is that correct?

 

Yes that is it and that is the standard remedy, sounds like he was in the know!