Abandoned 4Runner Restoration Part 1: Insane Detail Transformation

Scored a 3rd gen 4runner off marketplace that sat abandoned in a guys yard for over 5 years. Here’s a short intro, brake replacement, junkyard run, and interior detail. This is for sure the nastiest vehicle I’ve washed! Please like and subscribe so you know when part 2 comes out! 🤝

[@davidpye2002]

You should replace that radiator now. It's turning brown on the top which means it's about to fail. If it fails between the radiator and trans cooler then the coolant will mix with the trans fluid and ruin your transmission. You can look up 'toyota pink milkshake' for more info.

[@bigsonslawncare]

Another Toyota fan just got my 02 Tundra back rolling same engine 300,000 and counting ✔️💯👍🏽

[@subtegral]

Check those lower ball joints immediately.

[@WhatsupPattaya]

Nice video. I can't believe you would take the seats out and the carpet out just to clean it and then reinstall it. It's a lot of work and I have to say I couldn't do that. I would have put a brand new carpet in it would increase the value of your truck.

[@richfrattarelli4294]

I was gna say the same. I applaud his effort and work but he said it cost about $300 to do all of that and a new full carpet kit can be had for like $380. But good vid. Thanks.

[@Cuadricep04]

I took it to the laundry in a big watching machine and put detergent with borax hot water and washed it twice then use a spray Dupli-Color Flat Vinyl & Fabric Spray Paint to give a firm color tone.

[@patrick3217]

Solid work, I look forward to episode 2!

[@dannschroeder694]

I just bought a 2000 model ,Aug 4.Carpet is nothing like that.I used to own a carpet cleaning company and when the carpet is like that,bleach it.

[@CaptainWillard830]

Bought a 97 4Runner Limited in the same color May 2020. $4,900. Leather seats are still nice. Carpet like new. Changed out timing belt, water pump, new catalytic converter, new tires, new rotors and brakes, and recently changed out drive shaft front, and back, u joints. Zero rust. Damn things is awesome 😊

[@subtegral]

Bought my 1997 4Runner in July 2019 for $4,400. A few weeks ago I discovered a Hyundai/Kia catalytic converter had been welded onto the pipe by the previous owner (original was obviously sawed off and stolen) so I replaced it with a new Walker Exhaust cat. Toyota discontinued the cats for 3rd gen 4Runners, so where'd you get yours from?

[@CaptainWillard830]

@@subtegral Toyota Dealer, Service Department, El Paso, Texas. We can assume they had a dusty new one, in their parts department

[@subtegral]

3.4 V6 cat is a different part number than 2.7 I4 cat, but is also discontinued. So yes, they literally dusted that puppy off for you.

[@subtegral]

After two full tanks purely city driving, it's verified. My new cat increased my city mileage by 2.5 - 3.0 miles per gallon, from 11.5 - 12.3 mpg to 14.6 mpg. My theory was correct. Wrong cat, bad oxygen sensor readings, bad fuel economy. I just wish I had discovered that Hyundai cat years sooner. Dumb previous owner. Really don't understand why he didn't at least salvage a used cat from another 3rd gen, or go aftermarket cat like I just did. Blows my mind that he had a used Hyundai cat welded onto the pipe. Seemed like a smart guy to me, he owned my 4Runner 12 years before selling it to me.

[@subtegral]

​@@CaptainWillard830 cleaned my Exhaust Gas Recirculation Vacuum Modulator Filter. It was really dirty. You should too. If a 3.4 V6 also has one, that is.

[@12rounda42]

You should have painted the carpets due to the fading

[@LoneWolf-wl3he]

Toyota's are very solid rigs..

[@user-jz7pb8vz4y]

Третье поколение - самое красивое, у меня 2 таких!

[@MJ-qe5lg]

New carpet is less 150 bucks

[@WhatsupPattaya]

some are $250 some are even more $450

[@Bozobi]

Currently, I have a 1999 Toyota 4Runner 2x4 that I am currently resurrecting. Previous owner’s daughter had lost all transponder keys and abandoned it at the Toyota Dealership for two years because it was too pricy to fix the Immobilizer system. I swooped in an got it for free from the owner. It has a bad sunroof leak when it rains causing mold on the driver and front passenger seats, which I tore down the whole interior and I did a full detail. (Still a W. I. P.) In 2021, I resurrected a 1997 4Runner 4x4 Manual that came from an Auto Wrecker with a front end collision with a deer. Spent $2500 to buy it (wrecked), spent $1,600 in parts, and spent $2000 in labor to get the front end good. It was an amazing truck. (My ex made me sell it before I moved… 😢)

[@mainornavarro8820]

Muy lindo automóvil, precioso .

[@tomsloger4073]

What a great find ! The carpet came out pretty good for how nasty it was. Looking forward to see the progress for this project.

[@George-pp1ph]

Put some powder do you wash the clothes with Apple strawberry whatever you wash the clothes with you put in the carpet hangs brush with a brush

[@genxiong2695]

So looks like this limited comes with no factory e-locker.

[@SR-ws7ef]

Would've just got new carpet....

[@CaptainFALKEN]

Thing is way straighter than mine. I got mine for 4500 and already spent several thousand in maintenance. I wanted the nearest solid, decently priced 4WD and it's the color I like so I love it. Interior is super straight cloth. I bought my '98 completely aware of dings and scratches everywhere. My 09 DCLB 4WD Tacoma was too much of a show piece for me. I liked my 99 4Runner but was a Michigan bucket, so I knew later I wanted a clean frame one and I got it in TN after 4 years of driving the Tacoma and sold it. It's one of my recent videos called "my 98 toyota 4runner". You got a good deal on this one. Look for any cracks in the valve covers, leaky valve cover gaskets and get new OEM LBJs for sure. And the rotors commonly warp sometimes on these 3rd gens I HEAR due to weight, but could be another issue like bearings or alignment. Best first upgrades, take off runner boards and put on 265/75/16s. Enjoy your truck 🫵 I wanna see part 2

[@mackenzians5523]

Wish I can get 🙂

[@frankm8533]

Great deal I just looked at one had the Dif lock no rust pretty clean Silver color little spots of fading 254k but the owner wasn't coming off of 5,000$ He thought I was crazy for offering less 🤷

[@subtegral]

It depends on the overall mechanical and cosmetic condition, accident history, clean title..but if it was in really good shape $5,000 is not a bad deal. You missed out on that one.

[@frankm8533]

@@subtegral I didn't miss anything I wasn't paying 5k for a vehicle over 20 years old with 254k miles Nobody gets want they want for stuff these days being a toyota doesn't matter to me but this was 4 weeks ago and he's still got it for sale so guess he's asking to much like everyone else

[@boljr.282]

Should’ve just dyed the carpet

[@user-su7md8lt8s]

Como 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@audreyporter4792]

Carpet looks horrible. Just put new In. That is gross

[@Youcanthandleme319]

It’s not “abandoned”