I have my 99 4runner with 375k on it. Still runs great (except for steering rack that needs replacement soon)...but wondering for how long. I love this truck and would love to use it for more off roading/overlanding. My dilemma is because it is mostly stock, do I invest money into making this vehicle off road capable (knowing how high Km are) or do I hold off and save $$ for a newer vehicle? Has anyone replaced 3rd gen 3.4l? What are other hidden issues that come with this? So many questions hopefully answered.
Anyone put a new engine in 3rd gen 4runner.
- Thread starter Crvmp
- Start date
Member III
in all honesty, if you have performed all the necessary maintenance along the way you can go another 375K. The 3.4 is a solid motor if taken care of. I had one in an 01 Tacoma with about 250K on it and it drove like it did new. You can do a compression test on it, make sure its good and if so then just check your normal stuff (water pump, alt, Rad etc.). a lot you can do with a 3rd gen. Good luck!
Member III
In my opinion the 3rd gens where the last of the real rugged 4runners after that they all became bigger and more street orientated . If you like what you have keep on keeping on , if you have basic mechanical understanding and a friend to help replacing a motor on one is a piece of cake (even easier if you have a 1-2” body lift ) and should at most take a weekend . If you do put a new motor in label EVERYTHING you unplug or take off , replace all the belts and hoses and give all bolts a little shot of PB blaster For a couple days before the tear down .
Enthusiast III
I am pretty avid that a vehicle you like is always worth fixing. Even 3k for a new motor... An new vehicle is just so expensive and looses value every day.
If you do get a motor, and it's used, be sure to replace ever single gasket and seal you can. It will be the one time that they are easy to get to! I made that mistake on my car, when I swapped it's motor a few years back. It looked great... And within a year needed a few gaskets replaced. Sure would have been nice if that was done out of the car.
Save those monthly payments... Swap in a good used motor, make some great mods and trail accessories happen with the savings. That's my thoughts.
If you do get a motor, and it's used, be sure to replace ever single gasket and seal you can. It will be the one time that they are easy to get to! I made that mistake on my car, when I swapped it's motor a few years back. It looked great... And within a year needed a few gaskets replaced. Sure would have been nice if that was done out of the car.
Save those monthly payments... Swap in a good used motor, make some great mods and trail accessories happen with the savings. That's my thoughts.
