Hello all, I just bought a really clean inside and out 2000 automatic trans. 4X4 SR5 Limited T4R for $2500. It has the 3.4 V6 which runs strong and no noises at this time (about to turn 200K miles). My dad works for a Ford dealership and took it in as a trade. The previous owner was the original owner and it was garage kept. It is spotless inside and out no scratches, dents or dings. Interior is perfect with leather (no rips or tears). Sunroof and everything works and blows cold a/c. My questions:

It does have one issue I'm trying to figure out. The driving lights and interior lights are VERY dim. It has no issue starting up every time. I have not had a chance to get it checked out yet because it's still at the dealership. I'm thinking battery or alternator. Does that sound right or are there known electrical issues with the 2000 I should be aware of ? Anything besides the obvious I should check ?

I need to do an oil change when I get it home. I live in Texas so it's about to get HOT. What oil and filter should I be using for hot climates and 200K miles ?

Should I install a trans cooler for the automatic ?

I'm not sure if the timing belt has been replaced, is that something I should do ? If it has been done is there a way to tell so I don't have it done again ?

What are other known issues and things to check or look at for this vehicle ?

Thanks for your help,

Mike

Almost forgot, I want to replace the plugs and wires also. I did a quick search and found someone with a writeup using these. Is this what most would say to use ?

NGK: BKR5EKB-11
Gap: 1.1 mm (0.043 in.)
Torque: 18 Nm (13 ft lb)

I don't know about anything specific with 4Runners regarding electrical issues/lights. If it is starting and charging fine, I'd look into the ground connections to the lights that are dimming.

I'd use Delo 15W-40 oil, but I usually run a slightly heavier oil than some. For hot temps, you want a higher numbered oil (i.e. NOT 5W-20, etc.).

Yes, IMO, install an external trans cooler.

Sometimes, when the TB is changed, the tech will write the date/mileage on the cover. If that isn't there, inspecting it is the only way to know if the condition is good. Maybe other people here can help you with what to look for specifically. For a start, you want the belt to be fully in-tact (no chipped or broken "teeth"), no cracking, no oils or other liquids on it (that would indicate leaking from the WP), and uniform color (i.e. no glazing or discolored sections).

Other than that, here is everything you ever wanted to know about the 3rd Gen 4Runner
3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide

Awesome deal you got there!!! Congrats!

To answer the question you asked, I don't know. I'd have to do more research to know. However, my answer about plugs/wires is usually this... Unless you have misfire issues or suspect that there is a problem related to them, that should be the least of your concerns. Get all other maintenance finished up as a priority (TB, WP, LBJs!, trans cooler, fluids changed - incl. gear oils, etc.). That is just my opinion

ETA: Those torque specs do look about right. I use an anti-galling coating on the threads when installing spark plugs, but some people say it is not necessary.

Sorry what exactly is LBJs ? Thanks for the reply and help

Lower ball joints, had a recall on 'em in early 00s, ask ur dad's shop to show you how to check 'em, pretty ez, lift front end, rock tires side/side, up/down, shouldn't have much if any movement, if so lbjs are worn, maybe other things...but yeah you got a GREAT deal, pretty much at wholesale. Luck & Enjoy!

Just a quick update, it's been sitting at the lot now not started for about four days now. We did that on purpose to see if the guy maybe just got it up to speed to trade it in. We thought if we let it sit it might reveal a battery or alternator problem. My dad went to start it and he said it fired right up and all was good. Said everything was just like before, cold a/c and all. So should that lead us to believe it's not a battery/alternator ? Just trying to get some ideas but it will be put on the machine to check the items as well.

Now also just so I'm on the same page. Are we saying to replace or just have the throttle body (TB ?) cleaned ?

Best place to buy lower ball joints ? I see Summit have these after a Google search: http://www.summitracing.com/search/d...ited/year/2000

Or do you guys have a better cheaper source ?

Only buy OEM LBJ's

Usually, TB refers to Timing Belt, and WP for water pump, they are often changed at the same time along with serpentine belts, due to the process of TB change being so involved and the WP is right there. When you say the lights are dim, how dim do you mean? Like, I can't see sh1t dim, or dim compared to newer vehicles' lights?

I use Mobil 1 oil (5W-30, the 15k mile oil) and Bosch filters. Waco? Not far from me here in Harker Heights.

Yeah right up the road in Waco man. I guess prolly not a bad idea to clean the throttle body anyway lol. As far as the lights go, pretty dim.. The interior lights on the stock radio and instrument cluster don't light up much.

Got a Cabelas right there, too lol. Not as big as Austins but still. I'm from AL originally only been here since March. Haven't even found anywhere to go wheeling at all, other than Hidden Valley in Lampasas.

The cluster lights are pretty easily swapped I believe (several write ups, I believe @COB has one in his build thread) and your radio lights... I have no idea if they can be changed, I swapped out my factory radio for an Alpine. Huge improvement in sound quality.

That would be cool to do a little 4X4, mine is more of a daily driver/highway ride. I'm going to be changing the interior lighting with LED replacements from https://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/...er--/62-138--/
But I figure I need to figure it out and fix it before I go changing things.

Since you mentioned cleaning up the throttle body, it's a good idea, and another thing that can help the way the truck runs is to clean up the MAF sensor. If you search, there are probably write-ups on that.