Quote:
Originally Posted by Seymore Butts
So, just routine maintenance and no major repairs?
I don't doubt they'll last 25 years, but was it really a design requirement?
|
Yes, I've done some things over the years since I purchased the 4Runner new:
1) Replaced the ignition coils.
2) Replaced one front left wheel bearing and one rear right wheel bearing.
3) Replaced brake pads and rotors, and elected to upgrade the front calipers with rebuilt ones to go with the drilled and slotted rotors. My 4Runner has the larger Lexus brakes.
4) Replaced the UCA and suspension front and back with Donahoe Racing very early on, which is now Icon. Along with rebuilding the coil-overs every 150,000 miles + or -.
5) Replaced the battery every 1.5 years on average.
6) Rerouted the exhaust to behind the left rear wheel for added departure angle.
7) Replaced the lower control arm, instead of the effort to replace the ball-joint.
8) Replaced the steering rack.
9) Replaced the V8 valve cover gaskets once.
10) I have the dreaded header crack and am planning on replacing both headers with new Toyota parts soon. I've had the cold tick-tick-tick for over 100,000 miles now, and am tired of it.
11) I have the dealer replace the timing belt and water pump every 90,000 miles.
12) Replaced the radiator hoses about 50,000 miles ago, despite nothing wrong with the original ones. May get the cool silicone ones and make the change again. Will have the dealer do it with the next timing belt change, as that replaces the radiator coolant. I always add the Amsoil coolant boost because the engine warms so much faster when cold.
13) Replaced all the halogen bulbs with LED ones, except for the DRL/turn signals. After a few times I have the perfect headlight LEDs that are far brighter but are well aimed so as to not upset oncoming traffic.
14) Replaced a couple of the tiny bulbs behind the center dash displays.
15) Replaced the driver cloth seat cover with OE cover.
16) Replaced the dash 40,000 miles ago under warranty.
17) Replaced the floor mats a couple times.
18) Replaced a couple front shafts after extreme off-roading tore the boots.
19) Replaced a transfer case gasket, which was done without removing the transfer case. Fast and easy.
20) Warranty replacement for certain airbags.
I change the oil every 10,000 miles, using Amsoil and the synthetic Amsoil filter. Could easily go 15,000 miles, but doing it every 10,000 is easier to remember. I use a larger oil filter. When I check oil level before each oil change, there is zero loss or consumption.
I change the engine air filter when necessary. My job has me in dusty off-road conditions a lot. Same with the cabin air filter.
Regularly change the transmission fluid with Toyota World, and the differentials and transfer case fluids with Amsoil.
Regularly grease the U-joints and slip joints. Now that I do it with waterproof Amsoil grease the interval is much longer.
Regularly lubricate the ignition, and door locks, to make key use easier when its below zero.
That's pretty much it.
I drove my last car 1 Million miles. Mercedes diesel.
The 25 year service life came from reading I've done about the Prado, GX and other names for the 4Runner platform.