Hi,

Just got a 2005 Sport V8 2WD with 208K for $8K and I love it! I need some good advice though! The previous owner did almost all of the recommended maintenance however there were about 2-3 times where they went 2 months past the oil change date, is that a big deal?

I’ve been told that the hoses and the timing belt should be replaced (it’s only been replaced once that I can see in the records and I think you are supposed to replace it every 90K I guess it’s WAY overdue), I’ve never done my own maintenance on a car so I’m wondering how difficult it is and what tools would be needed to replace all the hoses, timing belt and water pump and also where should I buy the parts. Or should I just take it to the dealer. I don’t want to pay $1000-$1500 to have it done at the dealer though if it’s somewhat simple to do myself.

I see some kits on eBay ranging from $385 to $500 that have the timing belt, water pump and hoses, are all of these parts what you would get at Toyota? Or would they all have to be made by Toyota to be the same?

I’ve noticed the torque converter seems to shudder sometimes. For example when you stop at a stop sign, the transmission will jerk forward like the car still wants to move forward, I really hope this doesn’t mean I need a new transmission… I tried to find a thread on this forum where someone has had to replace or rebuild their transmission on a 4th gen V8 but I can’t seem to find anyone who has. Do these last forever?

The dealer says the transmission fluid is ok so I don’t know what to think or how to fix this shudder but it happens every few days or so. I was thinking of trying some Lubegard Red. I’ve heard that it can fix problems like transmission shudders and slips. Has anyone tried this on a V8 4Runner with similar issues as me and if so what were the results?

I really hope I didn’t just inherit a bunch of problems when I bought this, please let me know what you guys think. I know 208K miles is a lot but I kind of expected to get at least 300K out of this truck because they are aid to be really reliable. I see some of you have 260K-300K, I would love for this 4Runner to see that day!

Thanks for the help!

Oil changes shouldnt be based on time unless it's a very long time of sitting. Keep it based on milage. If its running fine, youve got no problem there.

At what mileage were the t-belt, hoses, water pump, etc. changed? If at 90k, I'd get it all changed or change it myself soon, but don't freak out about it. You can inspect the belt yourself by pulling the cover and seeing how it looks. A good indicator is the text on the belt. If its faded completely, you should probably change it very soon. There's also a write up on here somewhere for the timing belt and water pump change, so search and look for that.

The kits vary in quality and comprehensiveness, so remember you get what you pay for. The write up has a list of what he got in his kit, so use that as a baseline for comparison.

That shutter is most likely the drive shaft clunk. There's a TSB for it, so look into that, but I dont know whether or not you're covered for it. Some people swap in the gx driveshafts, bht since youre a 2wd, thats not a possibility. Just get the zerks greased, and see if that makes a difference.

Dont push your runner TOO hard, and itll last forever, but even pushing too hard will last a loooonggg time. You have to remember that it IS a Toyota, lol.

What are your plans for your new baby? Any off-road use? Racing? Keep us posted on getting her up too spec!

They were replaced at 95K the first and only time.

I guess my biggest question would be how difficult is this for someone who has never done any type of maintenance on a car besides fill up the washer fluid and replace a cabin air filter.

Should I try this myself of take it to the dealer and make sure it gets done right? I just hate paying $600-$700 for labor when I'm happy to take the time myself. I just DONT want to ruin my engine or anything. It seems like many people have done this themselves so it can't be that hard.

I'm just surprised there are not any go-to write ups on this forum specifically for a 4th Gen 4Runner with detailed pics and instructions. The only ones I can find are for a Tundra, LS 430 and a Land Cruiser. I know it's the same engine but no 4Runner people really?

Main plans are a daily driver! Nothing very exciting and I'm a stock person so no mods!

If you have to ask whether or not replacing a timing belt is a simple task, you sound like the perfect candidate to pay someone to do it for you. This is way beyond filling up washer fluid. I believe blackworksinc did a write up on it, search around.

I guess I will go to the dealer then, hopefully I can get it done for $700-$800.

Do things start to break down after 200K like air compressor, transmission? Just hoping I won't ever need to replace those!

@hearno is correct, @BlackWorksInc did the writeup.

However, while the advice about having to ask meaning dont is generally true, I'd suggest reading the write up, do research on different applications, read the write up again, and if you feel confident enough to do it, do it. Everyone, no matter how experienced they think they are, they had to start somewhere. Someone who's done 1000 timing belt swaps still had to do their first one. So I strongly suggest finding more mechanically inclined individuals than yourself, bribe 'em with a couple beers, and have them watch over you as YOU do it. If you need a helping hand, then you've also got them for that. Either way, it's good experience and a Timing belt kit and some beer (even if you got a keg lol) will still cost less than the labor. My mom had hers replaced yesterday, with ~$650 in parts and ~$800 in labor. Good luck to ya!

Do yourself a favor..and find a good independent mechanic. Any good independent mechanic can do a timing chain. Most good backyard mechanics can do it. And I'd trust a good independent over a dealer any day of the week.

Aftermarket parts are fine....but use good quality parts. Use either OEM or Gates.