One problem related to suspension noise has been reported for the 1997 Toyota 4Runner. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Wife was driving vehicle on state route, heard loud noise and vehicle started shimmying side to side. She slowed down and limped vehicle home. Today raised vehicle on my lift at work and found frame rusted through where rear suspension arm mounting brackets are welded to frame. Glad no accident had occurred, as my wife, children and new sister-in-law were all passengers! otherwise love the vehicle, was intending on replacement with a sequoia, but now I am unsure if that is a good move. I have seen many tacomas come in that had frame rust in the same exact location. Wish Toyota would cover this problem in the 4runners, as we are just as loyal as the tacoma owners. Seems like a coincidence that there are many people are complaining about frame rust on the internet forums about the 4runners too. I sure hope Toyota can keep me as a loyal customer and that I can continue to promote them to my customers as I very often do. I was really seriously considering spending the $3900+ tax + my installation time, but it seems Toyota has discontinued my frame. I even double-checked with corporate Toyota. What to do now?. . . . . . . Never thought it would come to this. . . Just some help even. . .