Farewell to the 1999 4runner. It was called 4-2. 4-1 (sold) was its earlier sibling, followed by 4-3 (sold). 4-4 (1997), and 4-5 (1999) are still in the family. Not crazy original names!. Good thing I didn’t name my kids. Lol.
With 5 Toyota 4runners (I miss read the memo about 4 runners…Ha Ha), it was difficult to keep track of which one was which, and to refer to them. I am not into giving my vehicles people names. My dad had a couple of Volvos. He was always fixing something, cursing and sometimes calling them “Swedish Shit”. That said, they were good cars, and they (and the occupants) survived car accidents in which my family would probably not survived.
I digressed…
Prior to Covid, I had only one car – a 2000 Toyota 4runner. It was Jade Green, Manual and ‘stock’. I spent a ton of money on maintenance and repairs – in retrospect many things i could have done my self. When Covid really hit the fan in my town – another Jade Green 4runner was advertised. Asking price was $1000. Body was in near pristine condition – but it blew blue smoke. Most likely a Head gasket failure – a major and costly repair. A gamble – Could I fix it ?, or simply a truck to practice mechanics, or simply for parts. My daughter and did a few repairs – value cover gaskets, and compression test. A vehicle to spend time with my daughter whom had expressed an interest in mechanics.
“Covid Illness”…It starts !
While searching for parts, I came across another 4runner. The Covid illness had started, but I didn’t notice. Bought another 1999 Toyota 4Runner – Silver, Manual, ARB front bumper. Great Truck, needed a few repairs and had a bit of body rust. This one got the name of 4-3.
“Covid Illness”…It continues !
And then, bought another 4Runner !. 1997, Silver, Manual, ARB bumper with winch, leather interior, rebuilt engine, short shift transmission, elocker, and straight piped. Driving it – feels like a sports car, with the throaty roar, and short shifting, and the lack of rear anti-sway bar !. Obviously this truck got the name of 4-4.
“Covid Illness”…It goes on and on !
4-5. Yes – My fifth 4runner !. 1999, Silver, Manual, rebuild front and rear suspension, rusty rocker panels and quarter panels, and front which and stinger type front bumper. It was filthy !!. Mud all over the dash, and dog hair everywhere.
Yes – 5 Toyota 4Runners in my yard. !!
4-1 (manual) and 4-2 (automatic) were stock. Drove more like a station wagon.
4-1 beside its bigger brother
4-2
Usual state of 4-2
4-2 on its way top new owner. Ironically, towed away with another 4runner !.
4-3 with stiff shocks felt like a heavy truck, and 4-4 feels like a sports car. 4-5 has been neglected – though feels more like 4-3, distinctly truck like.
4-3 on Marian Lake ice road (NWT).
4-4 ‘Road Runner’
4-5
Delivery day (4-5)
Since then, 4-1, 4-2, 4-3 have been sold, and 4-4 will be soon.
Does a person really need 5 4Runners ??
Without a doubt – No. But sure was fun having them. Basically the same vehicle, though each one is distinct, and its own feel when driving.
Soon, down to only 4-5.
But the illness continues. Why do I call this My “Covid Illness” – Check a previous post. In brief, vehicle maintenance, repair, buying and selling is a new thing for me, and started with the Covid shutdown. It is a mental distraction during the times that we are not able to socialize.
..The Symptoms are now a collection of Toyota Landcruisers – But that is another post.
