'03 Daily Driver Build/Maintenance

[Bml_merris]

Hey guys! Finally decided to make a build thread. This vehicle will be based around the daily driver style.

I previously drove a 1999 4runner until I totaled it on August 23, 2018.
On Saturday September 1st, 2018, I purchased a 2003 v6 2WD Toyota 4runner with right at 200k miles. Seller originally wanted $4,500 but I talked him down to $4000. The vehicle is in really good condition for the price.

Maintenance:
- Coolant Flush - 200k
- Oil&Filter Change - 200k

Electrical:
- Pioneer stereo with Bluetooth

Exterior:
- Spec D Tuning projector headlights

Any questions, tips, suggestions or advice are encouraged and appreciated!

Here is how it sat at time it was bought:

 

[Johns06yota]

Hey guys! Decided to actually make one of these. I almost got around to it with my old '99, however it was totaled back a couple of weeks ago.

This will mainly be a maintenance thread, with some build aspects.

Today, Saturday September 1st, 2018, I purchased a 2003 Toyota 4runner with right at 200k miles. Seller originally wanted $4,500 but I talked him down to $4000. The vehicle is in really good condition for the price. There are only a few issues known to me at the moment including a messed up rear bumper, roof rail covers are mostly missing or cracked, idler pulley needs replacing, and some carpet discoloration. The vehicle will also need some new tires soon.

Any questions, tips, tricks, or advice are encouraged and appreciated!

Here is how it sits currently:

Nice purchase!

Some things you may want to do to start out. (not sure of your budget for the project but some simple things to start)

- for the black plastic trim what I would use to "restore it" would be
https://www.amazon.com/Rust-Oleum-Automotive-251574-11-Ounce-Bumper/dp/B005H5P5C6

this stuff works great and has lasted a long time for my black plastic parts. Just make sure the surface is clean.

-next while doing the idler pulley check the other ones for play and noise because if you are in there you might as well replace the other 1 or 2 (cant remember the exact amount).

- I would also dependent on records replace the spark plugs with denso ones, run a bottle of fuel system cleaner through it (beforehand) replace the engine air filter and cabin air filter as well. You might as well clean the throttle body and mass airflow sensor while you are in there too. (and do an oil change if not already done)

-as for tires I had toyo open country H/T 265/65/17 on mine and they lasted 55,000 before I replaced them. Granted they probably had 15,000 more miles on them but I had wanted an all-terrain tire so I replaced them. But they were great tires, good gas mileage, quiet, and a smooth ride.

-something else to do that may be beneficial is to replace the sway bar bushings with poly ones as the oem ones are probably shot by now. I paid 45 in total for front and rear. also if 4wd check the cv boots for leaks to avoid possible damage later on.

-for carpet when I have enough saved up I plan to get a black carpet kit from stockinteriors. They seem to have decent reviews and for 200 it is affordable.

-Something that is helpful for window tracks and the sunroof if you have it is to spray some lithium grease in the tracks which helps them open and close easier.

I hope this helps!

 

[rdruss]

Tips(?) and suggestions.

I would do all the fluids first with synthetics, then check air filter, I would suction the P/S fluid reservoir dry and refill w/ATF and do it again every time I drove it for about 4-5 times until what you suction out starts to look somewhat clean or have ATF color. I would drain the AT pan and refill with Toyota ATF. If what came out at drain was brown, or worse, then I would drive it around and drain/refill again.
When were plugs last changed and what about timing belt? How about fresh air filter?
Don't know what your intended use is but I like Michelin LTX/MS tires very much, no noise and very smooth, cost a little but worth it to me.
Suspension and frame condition worth looking at too.
Enjoy your new Toy!

Hey guys! Decided to actually make one of these. I almost got around to it with my old '99, however it was totaled back a couple of weeks ago.

This will mainly be a maintenance thread, with some build aspects.

Today, Saturday September 1st, 2018, I purchased a 2003 Toyota 4runner with right at 200k miles. Seller originally wanted $4,500 but I talked him down to $4000. The vehicle is in really good condition for the price. There are only a few issues known to me at the moment including a messed up rear bumper, roof rail covers are mostly missing or cracked, idler pulley needs replacing, and some carpet discoloration. The vehicle will also need some new tires soon.

Any questions, tips, tricks, or advice are encouraged and appreciated!

Here is how it sits currently:

 

[Bml_merris]

I would do all the fluids first with synthetics, then check air filter, I would suction the P/S fluid reservoir dry and refill w/ATF and do it again every time I drove it for about 4-5 times until what you suction out starts to look somewhat clean or have ATF color. I would drain the AT pan and refill with Toyota ATF. If what came out at drain was brown, or worse, then I would drive it around and drain/refill again.
When were plugs last changed and what about timing belt? How about fresh air filter?
Don't know what your intended use is but I like Michelin LTX/MS tires very much, no noise and very smooth, cost a little but worth it to me.
Suspension and frame condition worth looking at too.
Enjoy your new Toy!

Gonna get around to all the fluids next week. Suspension and frame are in great shape as well. I do intend to use this as a daily driver for school and work. This T4R isn't 4wd so no offroading

Oh and it has a timing chain, not a belt, and I'd in good shape.

 

[Bml_merris]

After doing some reading on the forums and online, I've decided the first order of business is to of course do all the regular maintenance. Change all the fluids, as well as seafoming the truck.

Also, it desperately needs new tires. I plan on going with some BFG All-Terrains. Not sure if I want to go with 33's or something smaller. Can these trucks fit 33's at stock height? If not, what is the smallest sized lift to be able to fit them?

 

[Bml_merris]

Drained, flushed, and filled the coolant system today.

Decided to go with the Zerex Asian formula 50/50 antifreeze. My nearest Toyota dealer is 45 minutes to an hour away so this was my best option.

I don't know if I'm just not mechanically inclined but the skid plate under the rad was a pain to remove, lol.

Next order of business will be engine oil drain and fill, same goes for ATF fluid. Then planning on seafoaming the truck as well as engine and cabin air filter changes.

 

[Bml_merris]

Changed the engine oil and filter today. Used Pennzoil High Mileage Synthetic and K&N Filter.

 

[Supersonic]

Rock Auto has a good price on the Philip 60% brighter headlight bulbs, low and high, I just got the low for now. Also the coated calipers/rotors at Rock Auto are competitive best price too, except the core charge can be steep on some, but that eventually gets refunded.

The best mod I did was tires and steel rims from the Tacoma, 245/75/16, Hankook Dynapro HT's, this was for a better daily driver being I don't four wheel or live on a farm, best way I can describe it is from driving a tractor to a Camry, but that may be a bit of an over-exaggeration. Old tires were Big-O Bigfoot 265/75/16 AT, only slight oversize in sidewall height from stock, they only had 8k on them and I probably should have run them down but now that I made the switch it was the right choice for me.

Next, LED interior bulbs, just got a kit off eBay and it seems they only sent 2 sizes, but there are about 10 of each so that is plenty for both 4Runner and Camry.

Just to clarify the 4Runner is 2005 SR5, 297k, and runs like new. When I did the valve cover gaskets I also replace the upper intake manifold gasket. it one of those between plastic and metal that can get very flat and I figured at almost 300k it was time for a new one.

My next will be the back window, leaks bad like they never put the weather seal in right, it looks okay at first glance, but I should really find one to compare it to. The window was replaced shortly before I got it. I did remove the plugs at the bottom of the door so at least the water runs out.

 

[Bml_merris]

Rock Auto has a good price on the Philip 60% brighter headlight bulbs, low and high, I just got the low for now. Also the coated calipers/rotors at Rock Auto are competitive best price too, except the core charge can be steep on some, but that eventually gets refunded.

The best mod I did was tires and steel rims from the Tacoma, 245/75/16, Hankook Dynapro HT's, this was for a better daily driver being I don't four wheel or live on a farm, best way I can describe it is from driving a tractor to a Camry, but that may be a bit of an over-exaggeration. Old tires were Big-O Bigfoot 265/75/16 AT, only slight oversize in sidewall height from stock, they only had 8k on them and I probably should have run them down but now that I made the switch it was the right choice for me.

Next, LED interior bulbs, just got a kit off eBay and it seems they only sent 2 sizes, but there are about 10 of each so that is plenty for both 4Runner and Camry.

Just to clarify the 4Runner is 2005 SR5, 297k, and runs like new. When I did the valve cover gaskets I also replace the upper intake manifold gasket. it one of those between plastic and metal that can get very flat and I figured at almost 300k it was time for a new one.

My next will be the back window, leaks bad like they never put the weather seal in right, it looks okay at first glance, but I should really find one to compare it to. The window was replaced shortly before I got it. I did remove the plugs at the bottom of the door so at least the water runs out.

Do you know the part number for the rubber seal/plastic trim piece that runs the along the bottom of the rear window? Mine was dry rotted and barely attached when I bought it.

 

[waypoint]

Your engine is in terrific shape on the outside, gotta love non-salt states. And you won't be disappointed with Pennzoil High Mileage motor oil, lots of moly anti-wear additive on board which timing chains need.

I'd add power steering flush to your catch-up maintenance list. Easy to do, and the old fluid is likely pretty gross by now if it's never been done. Not a good application for synthetic fluid in my experience, just regular auto trans fluid meeting spec (Dexron III likely, but check your manual). I use Castrol high mileage Dex-Merc.

edit to add: I wouldn't do the Seafoam thing. Instead, I'd mix TC-W3 spec 2-cycle oil in the gas at 1 ounce per 5 gallons of gas. More gradual cleaning of deposits this way, with the added benefit of lubricating the fuel injectors, intake valvestems, and top compression ring. My normal injector ticking noise is gone, idle is silky smooth, acceleration is smoother, and I'm consistently using 2-3 less gallons of gas when I refill after the same 230 mile weekly work commute.

Ample evidence of effectiveness is available, this 50+ page thread having kicked it off:

https://www.ls1.com/forums/f48/been-testing-oil-91206/

 

[waypoint]

Also, if you kept your receipt for the Pennzoil you can get $10 back at their link below through 9/30/18. I did mine last month, uploaded a pic of the receipt, and the check arrived about 2 weeks later.

https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/prom...rame=L0RJWS9zdW1tZXJNSVIyMDE4L2luZGV4LmNmbQ==

 

[hinmo24t]

congrats - i just got one too. i thought of threads like this
and did some research for stuff to do after buying it (mine has 130k, 4x4)...
but then i realized - the thing drives absolutely perfect and everything works - why would you start tinkering on such a machine? if it isnt broke - dont fix it - and its a toyota, so...

 

[waypoint]

congrats - i just got one too. i thought of threads like this
and did some research for stuff to do after buying it (mine has 130k, 4x4)...
but then i realized - the thing drives absolutely perfect and everything works - why would you start tinkering on such a machine? if it isnt broke - dont fix it - and its a toyota, so...

Preventive maintenance keeps it that way. Fluids break down and/or get contaminated over time, and this one's got a lot of time & mileage on it.

 

[hinmo24t]

Preventive maintenance keeps it that way. Fluids break down and/or get contaminated over time, and this one's got a lot of time & mileage on it.

im not suggesting neglecting anything - but if it all works well now, theres a chance it could change or wont after you go looking for things to 'improve' it.

 

[Bml_merris]

Your engine is in terrific shape on the outside, gotta love non-salt states. And you won't be disappointed with Pennzoil High Mileage motor oil, lots of moly anti-wear additive on board which timing chains need.

I'd add power steering flush to your catch-up maintenance list. Easy to do, and the old fluid is likely pretty gross by now if it's never been done. Not a good application for synthetic fluid in my experience, just regular auto trans fluid meeting spec (Dexron III likely, but check your manual). I use Castrol high mileage Dex-Merc.

edit to add: I wouldn't do the Seafoam thing. Instead, I'd mix TC-W3 spec 2-cycle oil in the gas at 1 ounce per 5 gallons of gas. More gradual cleaning of deposits this way, with the added benefit of lubricating the fuel injectors, intake valvestems, and top compression ring. My normal injector ticking noise is gone, idle is silky smooth, acceleration is smoother, and I'm consistently using 2-3 less gallons of gas when I refill after the same 230 mile weekly work commute.

Ample evidence of effectiveness is available, this 50+ page thread having kicked it off:

https://www.ls1.com/forums/f48/been-testing-oil-91206/

I appreciate the tip! I'll look into it.

 

[Supersonic]

No idea on part numbers for the rear window seal,

but one other mod is speed bleeders for the rear being the accumulator puts an extra challenge into the task, no experience here, though I've heard using them makes bleeding the rear easier so I though best to have them on hand,

Advance Auto with 20% off coupon buy online pick up in store was cheapest by $0.59, not that I am cheap, just frugal when shopping out prices...

 

[Bml_merris]

Got a really good deal on some LED high and low beams from a buddy. $20!!! Much brighter than the HID's the previous owner had installed. Got flashed with my low beams on multiple times on the way home. I don't have any pictures right now, but I'll take some when I get the chance.

 

[djpope09]

Got a really good deal on some LED high and low beams from a buddy. $20!!! Much brighter than the HID's the previous owner had installed. Got flashed with my low beams on multiple times on the way home. I don't have any pictures right now, but I'll take some when I get the chance.

I hate passing vehicles with LEDs that weren't built with them originally. The person driving can see everything like it's the middle of the day, but anyone approaching the vehicle will be blinded haha.

 

[Samm25]

I hate passing vehicles with LEDs that weren't built with them originally. The person driving can see everything like it's the middle of the day, but anyone approaching the vehicle will be blinded haha.

I agree. I actually did that on the '05 I previously owned. Had them in there for a week until I noticed how annoying it was driving towards someone who had them like me. Took them out, retrofit the headlights, and threw some good HIDs in there. It made a world of difference in light output and clean cut off.

Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk

 

[Bml_merris]

I hate passing vehicles with LEDs that weren't built with them originally. The person driving can see everything like it's the middle of the day, but anyone approaching the vehicle will be blinded haha.

I understand where you are coming from, and I do plan to install projectors down the road. But I just can't stand not being able to see lol