03 4R Sport V8 4x4 - 65.5K Miles What Services Should I do?

[AndroT100]

Hello All,

My 03 Runner is in the shop for general service...65,500 miles...tune-up has been done and today the dealer is changing differential fluids, transmission, transfer case and general check-up for $700. They recommend timing belt and valve adjustment for an additional $1350!

Should I be doing the timing belt and valve adjustment? Specifically the belt is $610 and the valve adjustment is $689....I don't believe they include a new water pump and tensioner...

Opinions please!

 

[Morphyne]

I don't know about the adjustment but considering the age of your vehicle I would recommend doing the timing belt. that thing is almost 13 years old.

 

[AndroT100]

I don't know about the adjustment but considering the age of your vehicle I would recommend doing the timing belt. that thing is almost 13 years old.

Thank you!

Yes...I've decided to have them do the timing belt but not the valve adjustment. Of course they found the steering fluid and brake fluid are original and want to change them and my battery is half-gone...though I have some warranty on it. Now total for all service today is almost $2k!

They also want to do throttle-body and injector cleaning and I'm skipping this...I seem to remember it is a DIY that isn't too complex.

 

[Range]

Thank you!

Yes...I've decided to have them do the timing belt but not the valve adjustment. Of course they found the steering fluid and brake fluid are original and want to change them and my battery is half-gone...though I have some warranty on it. Now total for all service today is almost $2k!

They also want to do throttle-body and injector cleaning and I'm skipping this...I seem to remember it is a DIY that isn't too complex.

…….but if you do it the wrong way you can do some serious damage. Lots of people use Seafoam but there is also a 3 stage cleaner that I personally recommend. And 65,000 miles on an 03 V8 Sport is insane. I would kiss that thing every morning.

I would change all fluids like you're doing, belts and hoses. Check to see if your 4lo works and your center diff lock, CV axles, and all bushings. Lots of things you can do yourself but might as well have them look while is up on the lift.

 

[Morphyne]

You could save some money and do the differential and transfer case fluids your self its really easy.

 

[AndroT100]

You could save some money and do the differential and transfer case fluids your self its really easy.

Yes! I've already kicked myself for letting them do it....next time I'll be doing it!

 

[AndroT100]

…….but if you do it the wrong way you can do some serious damage. Lots of people use Seafoam but there is also a 3 stage cleaner that I personally recommend. And 65,000 miles on an 03 V8 Sport is insane. I would kiss that thing every morning.

I would change all fluids like you're doing, belts and hoses. Check to see if your 4lo works and your center diff lock, CV axles, and all bushings. Lots of things you can do yourself but might as well have them look while is up on the lift.

Thank you!

Definitely checking all. And if I do the other services myself you bet I'll be being really careful! Good thing is that the XREAS is in good shape...a bit of seepage, but nothing that requires replacement of shocks or system.

Love the Runner! And yes...I haven't driven it much over the years! It's in great shape.

 

[AndroT100]

…….but if you do it the wrong way you can do some serious damage. Lots of people use Seafoam but there is also a 3 stage cleaner that I personally recommend. And 65,000 miles on an 03 V8 Sport is insane. I would kiss that thing every morning.

I would change all fluids like you're doing, belts and hoses. Check to see if your 4lo works and your center diff lock, CV axles, and all bushings. Lots of things you can do yourself but might as well have them look while is up on the lift.

What is the 3-stage cleaner you recommend???!

 

[Range]

Here is something of the like.

CRC MAF & Throttle Body Single-Use Twin Pack, 1 Kit at Amazon.

Not necessarily a 3 stage. I had mine done at a shop the first time so I could do it myself next time. You need to allow the intake hose to suck in the cleaner very slowly over time, not just all at once. That's the most important thing. Don't get me wrong, plenty of guys use Seafoam and have great results, its just the timing that's important.

 

[Morphyne]

Yes! I've already kicked myself for letting them do it....next time I'll be doing it!

Oops sorry. I thought this wasn't done yet.