Hey All, I'm lookin to jump to a 3rd gen runner (prolly 00-02) what problems should I be looking for? runners I've been looking at have 40-70k mi..............Karl
p.s. I own a 1st gen now.

Don't be scared of the higher mile runners... the motors are top. Hold out for a Ltd. Especially, if you can get one w/ the rear locker. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

Look for evidence of leaky rear axle seals. You'll see gear lube that has leaked out onto the rear wheels (star pattern from the middle of the wheels). It's not a show stopper, but tells you that new rear axle seals are needed, plus maybe new rear brake pads and bearings. If you can do the work yourself it's pretty cheap to fix to simply replace the axle seals. But on mine at around 50K miles, I had to have all four new rear axle seals, new brake pads, and new bearings installed by a knowledgeable shop. As I understand it, the bearings have to be pressed into place on the axle. It cost me about $500 for everything on the complete rear axle rebuild. A lot of 3rd gens here have had problems with the rear axle seals.

Axle seals, digital clock ($350 for a new one - dealer), hrmm cant think of much else - I sold my '96 at 113k and those were the only problems I had with it that I didnt cause by modding it.

ok all....i dont want to seem like im hi-jacking the thread, but this question might fit here....

alright, im looking to sell my 92 runner if possible, and i WANT a 3rd gen runner...im lookin' for a 5spd 4x4 with the 3.4...not too particular on the miles....but how hard is it to find a 3rd gen runner that fits that discription? and about how much would one go for? both high and low miles?

thanks...
-Daniel

The ones with the stock 16" wheels have bigger rotors. The brakes are a bit finicky; especially if the seals leak from wheeling. I don't think street queens have the problem as much. A loaded SR5 or Limited 4x4 might have the electric locker if you look. 5 speeds are tough to find but they are out there. Really hard to find in 00-02 since 4cyl are gone. '99's are the tallest from the factory but all can be lifted.

Just to clarify, auto's are much more common, but 5spds are out there from '96-'00. The '01-'02 are ALL automatics.

ya, i know the auto's are MUCH easier to find....out of probably 50 96-00 runners i looked at i found 3 sticks....

grr, i must find one....