Hey yall....and I say "yall" cause Im from Alabama and thats how we like refering to everyone down here...lol. I just bought a 91 4x4 Toyota 4Runner w/ 185k miles on it. Everything is original, except maybe a new/rebuilt head. I've heard wonderful things about these trucks (i hate the word SUV, so I don't usually use it) and I know a few people that have owned them. Im a CHEVY man myself, but Im now interested in the longevity of Toyota products. The 4Runner i bought seems to be in "OK" running condition....no knocks, no belt noise, maybe some lifter noise and minor rattles. The body has some dings and the hood/roof paint is fading. Overall, with the shape of the interior, it seems like a good truck. Now here's where I need some help....Maintenance for longevity.
I could surf the archives for a couple hours and find what i need, but i figured if i could get some opinions from active members that i could communicate with, i could have all my questions answered.
Let me know if any of these things that i list are not that necessary or how important something might be. Thanks in advance.
-clean fuel injectors
-upgraded/change air filter/intake
-change out differential fluids (front/rear)
-transfer case fluid
-greasing u-joints, etc.
-replacing worn shocks (front/rear)
-flushing trans fluid ( i read some post on this, but I am still unsure if it is a good Idea or just add some new fluid to it every once and awhile)
-belts
-front alignment
-checking O2 sensors
-packing cv boots
All this is what Im thinking of checking/doing to make the vehicle more reliable. If anyone has anything to add or take off, please do so. Thanks again
sounds like you have a good plan of action.....i also have a 91 with 185k on it......running strong....this is my first toyota as well.....i did pretty much the same exact list of things that you have listed....even though the previous owner sayed it was already done.....didn't wanna chance it though.....good luck and happy motorin'
When I first bought my 95' 4Runner I changed all oils to Amsoil Synthetic.
-changed plugs, wires, cap and rotor
-oxygen sensor
-pcv valve
-coolant flush
-cleaned the k&n air filter
-cleaned throttle body (be careful) the reason I say be careful is because after I cleaned my throttle body I noticed high idle problems and the rubber hose at the throttle body split down the side, I think it might need to be done again because the hose had alot of gunk built up in it.
-lubed the propeller shaft and all other greasable nipples under there
mods I did:
-rear diff breather mod (mine was plugged)
-ISR mod (intake silencer removal) this mod definitely improves performance a bit, im happy with it.
My '95 ran noticeably better after a new fuel filter. $10 and about 20-30 min of work depending on how corroded the bolts are. It hadn't been changed since 1998!
EDIT: I just realized this is an 11 year old thread lol. Still, fuel filter is a nice, cheap thing to swap out when you get a new (old) car.