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Old 11-18-2012, 10:54 PM #1
Blue Note Blue Note is offline
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Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 1
Blue Note is on a distinguished road
Blue Note Blue Note is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 1
Blue Note is on a distinguished road
East Tennessee Convert

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After about 10 years with my 2000 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L, I decided it was time to move into something more practical for traveling that would still allow my off-road adventures as well. The Toyota 4Runner seemed the logical choice to allow me to carry more people, more cargo, and to pull medium sized trailer when the need calls for it. After going through the 4Runners forums and doing some additional research, I settled on buying a 1999 Toyota 4Runner Limited with the rear locking differential. After a bit of looking and shopping around, I am now the proud owner of a ( very stock ) 4Runner with 153,000 miles on it that looks like it has never seen dirt, let alone been in it... yet. Luckily, it will not need to serve as my daily driver and is intended mostly for travel and special circumstances where 4WD is required, which happens several times a year for me.
I have been spending quite a bit of time on the forum as a guest doing some research and have found many answer to the following issues, but not entirely. Rather than be one of those that just starts another thread for a topic that has been cover repeatedly before, any direction to the best threads or links on the subject would be appreciated. Several of my issues seem to be common and are listed below. Some seem pretty straight forward, but I am looking for the unexpected pitfalls I need to be aware of for each repair. I am pretty technical minded and mechanically inclined, but also tend to learn automotive repair as it comes up. I have no history as a mechanic and typically acquire the necessary tools as the need arises. A second pair of hands is also difficult to find most of the time, but not impossible.

What I have identified as needing attention is :

Leaking passenger side head gasket ( This seems pretty straight forward from my reading and watching of a couple videos, just time consuming. Unclear about the need for RTV for the spark plug inserts. )
Tailgate window is inoperative ( Currently, it seems the motor is completely inoperative. I have confirmed that the window lock button is not to blame, and the window does not operate with the key either. )
Trailer lights will not work, even though the tail lights do ( It seems to most likely be my trailer light control module, which I have obtained but not yet replaced. )
ABS Caution light is illuminated most of the time ( I understand that this is most likely a defective or dirty ABS sensor. The brake fluid level is fine. )
Drive shaft / CV / U-Joints / Chassis needs greased ( Evident with slight clunking with slow rolling such as when coming to a red light or starting again. Intermittent issue and the transmission is smooth with all gear changes. )
Plan to change all fluids as needed ( Service records confirm that the coolant was “flushed” about 2500 miles ago and the oil was changed about 1000 miles ago at the Toyota dealer. No information about the method of “flushing” and if the differential fluids were changed at the same time, although I understand that to be common. Other fluids as listed below are scheduled for changing upon purchase. )

These are some things I feel the need to address in the relatively near future :

Brakes ( They are fine right now, but the quality seems lacking. I have read many people thing that the 4Runner brakes leave a lot to be desired and I would appreciate any input on an “upgrade” when the time comes. I had to do this on my Jeep with the larger tires and the difference was huge.)
Radiator / External Inter-cooler ( I intend to pull a 5X8 enclosed V-Nosed trailer from time to time. While not heavily loaded, I wish to avoid the “pink milkshake” issue. I also intend to use trailer brakes and a control module if possible )
Roof Rack / Cargo Box ( I know there are several options here, and I have identified the roof racks that appeal to me the most. However, I also need the ability to use a Yakima/Thule roof top cargo box to carry items at least 72” long. The factory roof rack is too short if you still wish to be able to open the rear hatch or are uncomfortable with the front half of a lightly loaded cargo box being unsupported...which describes me. I have been looking for options to either replace the stock roof track and cross bars with a longer pair that will come up to beside the sunroof, which would allow greater crossbar spacing, or adapting an aftermarket roof rack system to allow cross bars to be attached securely, but temporarily. This would allow the use of the roof rack and cargo box at the same time, but will also be my most expensive, yet most versatile, option. I have yet to find the extended roof tracks that look like they conform to the rain track the same as the OEM parts and I am hesitant to go to the clamp on style at the doors since I am not a fan of splitting my head open when I get out of the vehicle. Any help here would be appreciated. )
Key chain fob tailgate window hack ( I only found information on it being done to a 2006. Not sure of the compatibility with the 1999 Limited. I don't really need to do this, just thought it would be convenient some day.)
Wheel Bearings ( From what I found, it seems they are sealed and virtually unserviceable. Is this correct? I will be traveling through muddy water several times a year and do not wish to have problems with something that I could prevent. )
Timing Belt ( This was changed 09/28/2004 at 87,902 miles )
Plugs, Wires, Air & Fuel Filters, etc. ( As needed. )
Grey Wire Mod ( Still researching the full benefits of this and if it applies to the 1999 Limited. )

Luckily, many service records were available for this 4Runner when I bought it, but I typically perform my own maintenance and intend to do as much as I can myself. Flipping through the manuals, I have tried to list all of the necessary fluids to be used to keep up the Toyota. I find myself wanting to be more particular with this vehicle, since I intend to keep it in service for a long time, and would appreciate any input as to brand preferences ( and why ) for the following. I understand some things may be essentially created equal, but not all. I'd appreciate any objective reports to brand quality rather than it being based on who sponsors your favorite NASCAR driver ( no offense intended ).

Motor Oil ( 5W-30. Any brands or mixture really proven superior? It has 153K on it with conventional oil from Toyota, so I understand it is too late to go synthetic safely. )
Oil Filter ( I understand I should really stick with Toyota brand here. Agreed? )
Air Filter ( figured I replace it with a drop in K&N air filter at some point )
Brake Fluid ( SAE J1703 or FMSS no. 116 – DOT 3 )
Power Steering Fluid ( Dextron II or III Automatic Transmission fluid. Brand specific? )
Automatic Transmission Fluid ( Dextron II or III AT Fluid. Brand specific? )
Transfer Case ( SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil. Brand specific?)
Differentials ( Front : Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 75W-90. Rear : API GL-5 SAE 90. Brand specific?)
Antifreeze ( Brand Specific? )
Chassis Lube ( NLGI no. 2 Lithium grease. For all fittings contact points? Seems like I should be using Moly somewhere... )

Please inform me of any other upkeep issues I may have overlooked and need to be made aware of. I understand that different years have different issues and 4Runners in general are prone to certain issues. I am just trying to avoid costly oversights and develop good maintenance habits. Thanks for all of the help and for welcoming me to the community.
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