3rd Gen guy looking at a 2004 tomorrow. Advice appreciated.
 

I’m coming from the world of 3rd Gens, specifically at 2002 sport, which I just recently sold to my son. Anyway, I’m going to look at a 2004 SR5 V8 4 x 4 tomorrow, with 150,000 on the clock. I’ll take a flashlight and crawl underneath and inspect for rust, sagging springs, basic leaks and stains, and may take my scanner with me.

As I’ve been scanning the forum I noticed something about secondary air pressure pump and Toyota not being willing to replace it? Is this something that I should worry about and if so how do I check it? Or is it something with the later V8’s with the VVT?

I also read that apparently there is not a transmission dipstick? How in the world do I check the transmission fluid if there’s no dipstick? And, how do I replace the fluid once I get it, just to start out fresh?

In short, any advice you could give me would be appreciated.

Listen for cracked exhaust manifolds, a common issue with the V8. Before the engine is warmed up, you can hear a fairly loud ticking sound under the hood. After I replaced my cracked manifolds, I thought I was driving a brand new vehicle.

I’m not aware of the secondary air pressure pump issue, and I have never changed my ATF myself.

The secondary air injection system is a problem on the Toyota 2uz-fe V8. If it’s not currently failed or failing, a bypass can be purchased and installed for $50 and about an hour of your time so I wouldn’t let that scare you unless there are current codes indicating the system is failing.

Exchanging the fluid in the trans pan is relatively straight forward. You can also do a more robust fluid exchange using the trans cooler lines. Neither approach requires you to drop the pan unless you wanted to change the filter.

Wonderful. Thanks!

Excellent, thanks. Good to know there’s a bypass. Too bad there’s no dipstick tho, I’d still like to check the fluid.

You don't have to worry about the air injection pump on a 2004 V8, only the variable timing engines have that pump.

3rd Gen guy looking at a 2004 tomorrow. Advice appreciated.
 

Am I crazy or did the early 4th gen V8 have a tranny dipstick? I could swear I’ve read on here they do.

Also, the timing belt/water pump need replacing every 90k on the V8. Look for a sticker on the timing cover or under the hood anywhere indicating it’s been done. If not use that for leverage as it generally costs about 1k to have done depending on your area.

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I have a 2004 V8 Sport. Here is my list;

Check is it has the XREAS suspension or not. If it does, that is the original suspension. I understand they tend to leak.

It is common for the lower control arm bolts to be frozen. I don’t think a visual inspection would be enough to tell. I replaced mine so the shop could get the alignment correct.

The boots on the sway bar links.

Timing belt replacement history.

Check if the drive shafts have been greased.

Cabin air filter.

I don’t know how to check, but frozen brake calipers are an issue. Mine were.

Derek V

There is an overflow plug on the drain pan. Takes an Allen wrench although I'm not sure which size. The fluid should barely trickle out of the overflow plug (at operating temp, fluid expands so temperature is important) when it's at the correct level. Although it's a pain without a dipstick, I'd follow this guide. If no fluid comes out at all, there is a 24mm fill plug that you can pump fluid into. Some say you can gravity fill it but I've never had any luck with that so I use a small hand pump.

The 2003 V8 did get a 5 speed transmission but it's a non-sealed transmission so it does have a dipstick and uses the same fluid as the older 4 speed transmission, T-IV fluid, both the 2003 and 2004 V6 engines had the older 4 speed transmission, which also has a dipstick and uses T-IV fluid, the 2004 V8 has the sealed 5 speed transmission and 2005 and onwards both the V6s and V8s has the sealed 5 speed transmission, the sealed 5 speed transmission uses WS fluid.

Well, after three requests to send the VIN so I could get a carfax, he’s stopped responding to my texts. “When I get home”, “I’ll do it right now”, and then nothing. Maybe that’s a good sign.

Hey there, I've had two 3rd gen V6 4WDs and now an 08 V8 Limited 4WD.

I will say I absolutely loved my 3rd gens and I wish I didn't sell my 97, but the 4th gen is a big improvement in nearly every way.

My 4th gen rides much smoother, is bigger, has many more creature comforts. I believe the seats are more comfortable and the leather seems to be of higher quality.

The biggest difference is the v8. Man, no more lack of power! It is night and day difference in power and silky smoothness. I found that real world, no lift, completely stock on Michelin defenders I get 15.5 mpg. My commute every day is on the toll road going 72-75. If I drive at 68 mph I'll get 19 mpg. Honestly that is the same mileage as the 3rd gens in my experience.

Things I don't like is I wish I had a mechanical 4wd shifter instead of electronic. Even that can be swapped for a fj shifter. My exhaust manifold is cracked, just part of owning a 4th gen. Luckily my truck has minimal surface rust that I had to grind down and cosmoline over. Sadly this is a very prevalent problem so check that carefully.

Ask any questions you may have.

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What did you end up doing?

He would not answer my question about rust. I texted and called multiple times and he never responded. I took that as an answer, and never went to look at it. I’ve got a dealer friend who is keeping his eye out for a GX 470 for me. His advice is to wait a few months until things calm down because they’re about 30% more than they were a year ago.