First of all, thank you to the T4R.org community as whole. Back in February I was ran off the road in my 98 SR5 in the snow by a car losing control. I was stuck in a ditch, and once I got out to check for any damage from a knee high wire fence under my bumper, a car slid out of control right at me. I managed to jump out of the way just in time. I got lucky, but unfortunately, he hit my 4Runner, and damaged the passenger fender, bumper, valance, bumper bracket, apron bracket and passenger parking light. His insurance wouldn't cover it since he wasn't on the policy, nor did he have a drivers license. My insurance had recently expired due to having to help pay my family's medical bills. (Insured again now) But thanks to all of the discussions on here from over the years, I managed to replace everything myself using after market parts I found on Amazon. I was determined to do it myself. I know it's basically self explanatory once you get underneath, but I've never replaced a vehicle's body parts before. So thank you for your help!

Maintenance Question:
I have a 1998 Desert Dune Toyota 4Runner SR5 with 275,000 mi. I bought it a year ago for next to nothing and immediately replaced the timing belt and all other belts with my uncle who is a mechanic at Carmax. Since then, I've changed the PCV valve, brakes, tires and alternator along with routine oil changes every 3000mi. (Not Synthetic) I'm getting ready to replace the valve cover gaskets with my uncle in a few weeks since they're now leaking oil as well as the spark plugs and wires. Is there any other preventative maintenance I should consider? She rides great for a vehicle with such high miles, but I'd greatly appreciate your suggestions. Thanks!

Lower ball joints and radiator. Search for "LBJ failure" and "Pink Milkshake".

Change the diff fluid. Grease the transfer and drive shafts, clean the MAF and throttle body.

Agreed with both posters above me on LBJ and trans cooler as well as diff lube (front, rear, t case) and greasing the driveshafts.

As funds become available, I'd recommend refreshing the front struts and rear shocks, replacing the rear springs. You'll be very pleasantly surprised at at the improvement. Check steering rack bushings for play, replacing them can tighten up the steering immensely and along with that fresh suspension it will truly handle and steer like a factory fresh vehicle.

Oh also check that your rear axle seals aren't leaking.

Glad you got your truck fixed up!

It appears the radiator was previously replaced. I'll go ahead and replace the LBJs soon and change the diff fluid and grease her up, and I plan on cleaning the MAF and Throttle Body while I'm replacing the valve cover gasket. Anything else?

If radiator is replaced do the trans cooler delete. Research pink milkshake.

Yeah, definitely check the lower ball joints. If they are original (God forbid) you are riding on borrowed time and when they go, they go big.

Just to be clear...when you do the LBJ make sure you replace them with OEM equipment. The failure is majority of the time related to aftermarket joints.