Resurrecting The “FREE” Toyota 4RUNNER 3RD GEN

I was given a free Toyota 4Runner, it hasn’t moved for quite a few years. Going to find out if it’s worth saving, hopefully this runs and drives okay.

[@frankbob4043]

YOU got a 4Ruuner for free? Lucky bastard! Awesome find!

[@raym5113]

Resurrecting? This was never dead.

[@kevinhargro4001]

Straight facts.😁🙏

[@Luigigamer360]

​@@kevinhargro4001straight as an arrow

[@californiafox3974]

And that’s why people love those things! Great vehicles

[@hevemetal1173]

You got that right👍

[@gilpantaneiro606]

Made in Japan!!

[@Bozobi]

The fact that the previous owner of this 4Runner was just going to scrap a perfectly good vehicle is beyond mind blowing. I hope a lot more people give their 4Runner more respect.

[@gamper33]

some people just don’t know what they have or recognize when they have something of quality. their loss for sure

[@charleswildman137]

Why am I not surprised that Toyota fired right up? I am far more surprised anyone would just give one of these away. Good luck with that 4runner!

[@marcocedillo3439]

My thoughts exactly

[@AMatofFact]

I love these kind of restoration videos. "I did nothing and it worked fine. This is my daily now."

[@jafarym77]

Found myself smiling when the old warrior started right up, these things never dies 😂

[@stephaniewilliams7414]

Great find! I have a '96 SR5 RWD with 234,000 miles. Runs like a top! Can't part with it for the life of me. Love the thing!

[@BADBADGER18]

Scraping that would have been such a terrible waste, glad you saved it

[@elli0tbriggs]

The fact that that thing started up so easily man. Lucky find.

[@leyland9999]

Toyota builds quality products, period. There will be at least double the present kilometres on it if the required maintenance is carried out.

[@paulcoenen7918]

And if one keeps the frame well treated to prevent it from rotting away.

[@abeninan4017]

This one is made in Japan as well.

[@kenezos]

“Built”

[@leyland9999]

@@kenezos Really? Compare today’s Toyota’s with ANY German vehicle. VAG being the worst, both qualitywise and absent customer care. Why do you think a new VAG vehicle gets only a 2 years warrenty and a new Toyota, at least over here in Europe, gets 10 years? Provided you bring the car to a Toyota dealership but I’m satisfied with that.

[@themanthelegend7048]

But its not made from quality products. Thats why their frames and bodies go to crap.

[@FlyingTomat0]

That thing has so much life left in her

[@TraxNTires]

Yes, hopefully it lives for a lot longer

[@_ford_crown_victoria_p]

You don’t rescue a Toyota…. A Toyota rescues you.

[@josephabbey7948]

The headlights look good cuz they are glass not the cheap plastic crap on modern cars. In the next 30years it'll still look great

[@Clos-wx1mv]

Toyota does not surprise me.. they are just so damn reliable 😊

[@cameronnorton5898]

Dude just got given a 10,000 dollar car for free. I'm hella jealous i'd take another one of these any day.

[@johnbutterfield7585]

Not just one of the best-engineered cars ever made, but one of the best machines of any kind. Toyota design and build from that era was about as good as it ever gets Great find! I am, as you have guessed, consumed by envy...

[@tntfunky8777]

My 3rd Gen is at 333k all original except the alt and starter, still runs great

[@tonybiwott9561]

Just a quick start after sleeping for 5 years🙌🙌. Dammn them toyotas refuse to die😂

[@realdeal8607]

That thing looked like it was parked there last week.

[@suthius85]

Amazing how smooth the engine still sounds.

[@RBPSvideos]

7:40 the reason why the headlights stayed clear is because they are glass instead of plastic. they will NEVER fade!! Thats why these things never actually look their age.

[@docwillis1443]

I knew it would start…it’s a Toyota.

[@christopherbrown5338]

The headlights are so clear and not hazed over because that was the last generation to have glass headlights.

[@pattycakes456]

Been driving mine for 20 years, plan on 20+ more or until I'm dead. Check the frame and strut mounts for rot, otherwise ENJOY!

[@nunya5696]

New rear bumper n some detailing.. ur golden!

[@nathanchan1135]

$125 for a 23 year old 4Runner is nothing it last you for a long time if you take care of it. I bought mine new and I got 225,000 miles on it and still get me wherever I want to go. Good luck and thanks for sharing.

[@jvogler_art4708]

you struck gold and good job fixing the pulley and getting her running.

[@Miguel.Rosado7224]

Unbelievable. This message comes from a 5th Gen 2016 4RUNNER and a 2018 GX460 owner. Oh! And 2010 Corolla and 2015 RAV4. 😂 true testament of Toyota quality. Awesome free gift. Enjoy it.

[@B.B.MOKSHA]

Restoration it does not mean just to start the car 20minit just to waste my times to looking for the best results

[@user-nw7kf6nl2y]

Nice video man would like to see her get all cleaned up

[@TraxNTires]

Coming soon!

[@itsaboutfam]

That 4runner has a ton of life left. Probably doesn't need much TLC...just maybe standard maintenance. Great find!

[@duramaxman8242]

The fact someone parked a perfectly good 4x4 4runner with that kind of mileage over an alternator bearing is just stupid.

[@firingallcylinders2949]

The amount of cars I've seen die in backyards because of some thing that needed fixing on it is crazy.

[@BigWhite002]

Toyota - turn key. Wish i could come across a find like this. Ive gone through all the brands and Toyota is the only vehicle ill purchase from here on out.. That is easily a 10k suv.

[@acuracl88]

Hasn't started in years, cranks in one try... 4Runners are just the best. Nice work saving it!

[@luvdirt]

I’m guessing it was parked because of the typical frame rust ? If the bumpers have a rust hole through it I’m sure the frame is gone. These things all went to the scrap yard here in Ontario due to frame rust. The price was right but if the frame is gone it’s a parts truck at best.

[@danbaumann8273]

Free? Jeezus... Im jealous

[@stevenalvarez23]

This is so amazing! I’m really looking forward to you fixing up this 4Runner

[@Taachino]

Resurrecting? That beast barely napped!

[@SunShyne_Culture]

Great find and gift. That is a proper workhorse vehicle. I have the same in a '94 model and the '06 Tundra. You'll be very happy!

[@TraxNTires]

Thanks for the info!

[@james_the_darklord]

The headlights are glass not plastic that's why they are clear

[@shawnmclaughlin7418]

What are you talking about resurrect it's a Toyota it's just been sitting there waiting for you to go start it.

[@DavidWilliamsThatsMe]

At 13:19 the coolant looks green but I heard Toyotas/4Runners need the red coolant. That was the first fluid change I did when I got my 96 4Runner and luckily no milkshake. Can’t wait to see your project come along! 👍

[@fairplayer916]

disclaimer that i fully admt im crazy. but always just use green. the shit works perfect. the reason all modern cars use some other collor now is just planned obsolecense. sur they will all spin a yarn about this reason or that why green is terrible, and the rest of the rainbow is required, but its all bull in my experience. red corrodes plastic. next major service check the lower rad hose. bet you will find crust all around the fitting.

[@DavidWilliamsThatsMe]

@@fairplayer916 well shit, haha I might have to switch to green after I fix my blown head gasket 😂

[@fairplayer916]

@@DavidWilliamsThatsMe more conspiracy theories: but the red is what killed your head....gasket...

[@israelrodriguez6986]

I have green on the one I drive. Have not had any problems, plus if anything happens to where i need coolant in an emergency; it is way easier to access it at any parts store, even Walmart. Try finding red coolant right away when you really need it.

[@TylersNeighborhoodGarage]

"$125 in, a little much for a 23yo vehicle"...lol whatever, those things bring $5k easily down here.

[@RedSquaredFox]

for real like is this man that ignorant to car value

[@hugomeza7674]

"resurrecting", all it needed was a battery, that why I love Toyotas

[@aimalkhan6249]

Used to own 99 mdl 2.7 litres. These beast never die

[@Billy-khalaf]

thats exactly like my 90 series Prado here in Australia the 4runner is basically a prado 3.4L v6

[@austinaubinoe]

Those Nippon Denso alternators just last forever. If this happened to me Id just replace it, until I saw this. Amazing.

[@neiljean-louis3372]

It's not only a Toyota, it's a Toyota 4Runner

[@HebrewNomadOverlander]

I have been subbed for some time but never commented. Thanks for sharing Trax, this is right up my ally as a toyota fan for many many years. It actually runs good. I know what I will do, but let me just follow your journey

[@TraxNTires]

Thanks for the sub!

[@hugomeza7674]

Toyota 5VZ sits for 5+ years all it gets it's a squeaky belt, not surprised it turned on

[@Bkamron]

One kick start... The Old Warrior is back! I'll forever love this platform!

[@innotime4706]

THATS AWESOME!! GREAT VIDEO!! Free 4runner and only paid $130 for a battery that’s a plus ! I wish i can fine a 4runner like this from other ppl. 😢 All it needs is a 3inch lift kit and it’s good to go!

[@Bourn3J]

I wasn’t surprised that it turned on. I would be more surprised if it didn’t. I have 99 4Runner and it always have people leaving notes that they want to buy it.

[@BernieMac-rf5eo]

Idles just nice .great video...keep us updated....

[@boomtu1796]

i’m invested in seeing how this goes, good stuff man keep it up 🔥

[@edwardduarte7393]

She (ie. the 4runner) was like "get that trailer away from me" Currently am dating two 4runners a 98 and 01. The 01 has 138,000 the 98 has 202,000. For some reason it is always the alternators.

[@sinegra30]

In my country that Toyota is worth about $15,000 US dollars

[@sankaracollins585]

And in mine, it's considered a very new car

[@desmagennis7830]

You’ll not go wrong with a Toyota…love to see it all cleaned and shiny ❤

[@ianhands663]

Toyota Quality...After 5years of not running......wow...people b4 took care of it quite well...all u need to do now,,is drain the tranny oil and change the filters,,engine oil too..all filters....drain out the coolant and put in fresh oil based coolant....nice vehicle bro..congrats..u got a gem...treat it well

[@christianbattestin9747]

My old boss Janet had one like that. It was an '02, and she did off road it somewhat. I was always giving her gum to help her quit smoking, but she passed in '16. I know I tried to save her life; she was worth it.

[@LoneWolf-wl3he]

What a nice neighbor you have there... Toyota's are one of the most reliable cars

[@jasonbennett8455]

3.4 V6 you have a jem and if you get it right you should have it for a good time to come one of the best engines Toyota ever made

[@PabloSanMartinDelgado]

I love Toyota! !

[@odgc8]

Engine oil was suspiciously clean if this story is to be believed.

[@TraxNTires]

The windshield sticker shows it has around 900km since last oil change. The oil would not deteriorate just because it’s been sitting along time.

[@amorsolo8242]

@TraxNTires I agree.

[@jorgefigueroa4680]

I have a 2005 Lexus is300 that I won’t touch for months n she turns on no problem like she wast even parked long. Toyota and Lexus are quality

[@paulcoenen7918]

I don't think this kid knows yet what he has😅 Get under that thing and stop it from rotting out on you asap. Stop the rust now and thank me 20 years from now when that thing is still carrying you around 😅

[@dadgarage7966]

There's so little info about about 1996-2002 4Runners out there. Thanks for this helpful video.

[@minmogrovingstrongandhealthy]

Such a beautiful vehicle. It just needs little love to keep it running. Basically clean up the interiour restore some quality in life on it fix the mechanicals and electronics you got yourself a cool car that will serve you well. I mean sure people can go all the way and restore it fully up to near mint condition but honestly it doesn't need that much. It's a workhorse vehicle.

[@richardfarmer6570]

Wow what a score. Considering the condition I figured even if you had to put a new motor in it you still got a good deal.

[@MrSweetHart6976]

I've owned a few of these and they are great trucks 👍 But check the frame for rot, especially in the back where the rear axle control arms connect to the frame. They can get so rusty and there is a lot of load in that area, so they can break free which is very bad when your driving, lol

[@Bozobi]

I had 2 4Runners (1986 4x4 Manual 22RE (in 2016 for free), 1997 4x4 Manual 2.7 liter (in 2021) and Currently 1999 Limited 2x4 3.4 liter with Rear Diff LOCK I got them each in a field rotting away, they all started with minimal work. Resurrected, and daily drove em.

[@mightyhugojoel129]

Es una "Hilux Surf", en mi pais nunca he visto uno abandonado

[@ianrichardson3228]

I'm currently resurrecting a '96 LandCruiser, parked 5+ years, partially covered but overgrown with tropical jungle. Diesel started just the same as this one, cleaning rust off brake discs, handbrake drums very little surface corrosion between the shoes. Most Toyota interior parts plastic will not grow mould, it seems . Back on the road soon, hopefully.

[@francisirungu254]

In Africa this is a brand new car from port

[@purpisa_dlamini]

I'm still waiting for him to resurrect a car.

[@sammykip8635]

True

[@wtrdogg20]

The SEARS emblem on the AirBag cover, perfect Frag Granade for passenger in case of frontal crash.....

[@dirty__cowboy_]

My first car was a 2001 4Runner. For the last 2 years that I had it, I was driving without a speedometer, odometer or working ABS before trading up to a 2017 Tacoma. When everything stopped working, the odometer stopped at around 284,000 miles and I am sure that it could have easily gone well over 100,000 more. I love my Tacoma, but I would love to have another 3rd gen 4Runner. I absolutely love the body design and simplicity of the interior.

[@elyctre]

His has 270k km so that’s only 168k miles

[@AMF96]

Pretty awesome score! Especially for free! 👍

[@patriciafettuccine7324]

That's a solid truck(own one), take good care of it pal👌"I'd replace/clean that pcv valve to avoid sludge, simple fix... also run a bottle of seafoam in the tank to flush out those injectors"😉

[@JB50713]

Wow that's crazy. Started right up,e brake works.

[@yamahjett]

Clever little tab someone added to airbox since the factory clips always fail with age.

[@josemadera5813]

those original 4runner alternator last forever

[@TraxNTires]

It even charges good still, lol

[@olvaphaleng551]

You scored big on this one man, beautiful truck. Too bad we never got them in South Africa

[@faml13]

I think the Toyota Fortuner is the same power train and chassis. On the other hand you got the Prado 😊

[@olvaphaleng551]

@@faml13 that is correct although not in this generation, but we did get the hilux pickup though so I guess that makes up for it 😁

[@josephatn5040]

​@@olvaphaleng551This is Hilux Surf in African market.

[@NiPEX.]

What a come up

[@iancuentas]

it looks amazing, the end result will be beatiful

[@speedmachine69]

I've had three of these, one with the 3.4v6 gasoline engine and two with the 3 litre intercooled diesel.. they're unstoppable, you can flip the rear seats and sleep in the back, punt it up the beach or whatever. FYI the 3.4L is a non contact engine so it the timing belt pops you've just gotta chuck another belt on. First thing I'd do is put an external trans cooler on for sure.

[@gatomatias1]

This one is from the golden car years, this 4Runner will live for ever if taking care.

[@eddynicholson7411]

Thats a great score for sure

[@westonhungu3819]

Maan you are lucky,that’s a Jem right there

[@ianhands663]

This is a Gem. U are lucky bro...just change out ALL THE FLUIDS,power steering and brake fluid included.....no new car in 2023,,will last this long........original is good and basic

[@camryiraq6924]

Toyota best car in world

[@saloudemarwat]

Congrates for 4Runner VZN185 Its in amazing cond❤

[@crodz530]

If the frame is decent u just got gifted a few thousand bucks

[@paulcoenen7918]

A thousand??? You can't buy one of those around here with a rotted out frame for less then $2500 😊

[@edubz6530]

Headlights are real glass that's why

[@Adam-pr1gl]

Darn good vehicle right there brother 👍

[@TheWhiteAfghan]

Just bought 1 2weeka ago. Good score !!

[@johnnmarkbentrez1347]

Your so lucky to had a free car or free toyota

[@Daysbeforeblunt]

How Lucky!! this is my dream car :D it'll be a good project. Need to find me one like this haha

[@rolandramirez4066]

I love my 2001 Toyota 4Runner. Love

[@nadimsodha6142]

Toyota - never die

[@wilstonwright297]

I love these trucks ! I own '99. I drive it everyday

[@madilynntrabue9095]

me too!