Time to Retire the ol' Beast

Jun 18, 2013
3,709
PA
Sad day today.. at least 4 me.
Looks like the time is up for my 98 4Runner. If you have seen any of my videos, or any photos of my lights here on elb you've seen it. It's my trusty workbench (lol), people, and light hauler.

Rust is doing it in.. doesn't look bad until you get under it.. East Coast winters claim yet another one. *Sigh*
It just developed a slight leak in the Rear Differential.. enough to put drip or 2 on the ground.. with all the rust going after the leak is just not worth it. Better to keep an eye on the Gear oil levels and fill as needed.

It's been a very good ride for me, I have had it since 2005(ish) and it's been up and down the east coast, been on many a lightbar find haul and overall is still running strong.

So it's off to AZ come November to hopefully to delay the decay for a few more years and live out its golden years with the inlaws.


Next up is finding a replacement..
Looking at a 4th Gen 4Runner ideally (2006-2009) It would be great to find a fairly low mileage example.. definitely as free of Rust as you can expect.. East Coast and all.
 

Nolines

Member
Apr 5, 2018
1,678
Margate, FL
This is why we used to undercoat cars back in the day to keep thatfrom happening, but it doesn't seem anyone does it anymore, your best bet is a Florida car ( we do t need to salt the roads here ) or west where there isn't a need.
 

JazzDad

Member
Aug 5, 2011
5,165
USA
Florida? Where all the tropical cyclones blow salt into even the most minute of crevices?
 
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Turd Ferguson

Member
Jul 3, 2011
2,250
Sumner, Wa
Jun 18, 2013
3,709
PA
Stick with the 3rd gen. wish I had kept mine!

I'd love to but all the options I see out here are rotting underneath.


I have a fairly good lead on an 08 SR5. It's priced very well, and I plan on getting it on a lift to look under it sometime this week.

Wish me luck..
 
Jun 18, 2013
3,709
PA
Well on the plus side I located a replacement.
Found a 2008 SR5 4X4 for a much more reasonable then the dealers wanted price.
Needs some minor work.. V Belt, Tires, 3rd LED brakelight. and some TLC.

The 4th gen 4Runner might be the easiest vehicle I have ever performed an oil change on.
 

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