1997 SR5 - what to upgrade or replace?

acr_ted

acr_ted

New member
Hi all,

I have a 1997 SR5 V6 Auto 4WD with locker that only has about 91000 miles on it. I bought it new here in AZ and it still has most everything original still on it. I have had the shocks, timing belt and rear axle seals replaced, as well as the usual wear items like the battery and belts. The car has always been kept inside and looks almost new. Everything still works except the power radio antenna, and I seldom listen to the radio anyways - I'd rather watch where I am going :).

It still has the original spark plug wires and brake pads (I am usually quite easy with the brake pedal) - however the rear shoes were replaced with the new rear axle seals.

I live in the East Mesa, Arizona area so no cold or rust issues.

I have decided to keep the car (the new 4Runners are grossly ugly!) and I am wondering what all should be done to keep it running as good as it is now. One thing that concerns me is the 'pink milkshake' issue - how hard is it to add the separate transmission oil cooler? I am somewhat good with mechanics, having once replaced the clutch in my old Corvair pickup, but not all that up on newer cars. I do have the 3 volume factory service manual set of books.

Any and all ideas and thoughts are welcome! And any recommendations for a decent shop would be nice as well.

Thanks!

Ted
 
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I'd change the wires and plugs. Change all fluids such as front diff, transfer case, tranny, rear diff, power steering ect. Maybe Replace steering rack bushings. Grease the drive shaft zerks. Check your coolant color, Mayne radiator flush or new radiator. Tranny cooler !
 
Thanks for the fast reply kolelt! I have had all of the fluids changed as per the book (tranny 3 times so far, front and rear diff, etc.) but not the power steering fluid. The shop said the plugs and wires were fine. All zerks are lubed with oil changes.

I don't drive it hard and my off-roading is nothing serious.

Thanks!

Ted
 
Deff change power steering. And while your at it. Wouldn't hurt to change the brake fluid also. Although this job most likleu requires two people. Rememebr, power steering is DEX ||| ATF. And brake is DOT 3.

Would double check all the ball joints, tie rods, inner, putter, upper,lower, all bushings. Same goes for back.

Check your air filter. If dirty get new OEM.

I'd still go ahead and replace the plugs and wires. But that's just personal.
 
Just curious, have you ever used the locker? if not, you might want to use it once in a while to avoid it getting sticky t the moving parts.

I will keep the OEM spark plug wires, but surely get the spark plugs replaced. Always get OEM parts. This surely keeps your truck to run forever. As you know Toyota only needs few things to replace such as filters (use OEM), spark plugs, (4runner needs lower ball joints) but for the mileage I'd say you are good, brake oil (D.O.T 3) flushed, definitely a new radiator (sediments can build up and will plug the radiator core), power steering oil, coolant, trans oil, diff oil, drive belts and drive shaft.

It is easy and way cheaper to maintain a toyota compared to any other vehicle in the market. Don't waste your money for unnecessary repairs in your long lasting toyota.
 
As far as the fluids go, you might want to consider swapping over to full synthetic as you are headed over 100k miles. They tend to do better with temperature extremes and longevity.
In reference to the separate tranny cooler, I think it's a good idea to do it and just eliminate the possibility of the problem altogether- I want to tackle this next spring and the work looks pretty straightforward.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...oler-transmission-cooler-install-3rd-gen.html
 
Thanks for all of the info! After reading through the threads about adding a separate trans cooler I am not sure if that is something I really want to try on my own :). What about just replacing the radiator? That is pretty easy (I've done it before) and shouldn't be too much hassle. The radiator is the original and apparently isn't plugged or anything - even when out in the desert at 110 degrees the temp gauge is always at just below 1/2 scale - like it has always been since new.

I am thinking that should be done as a preventative measure - just in case type thing. Certainly would be a lot cheaper than a new transmission!

Or does anyone have a shop they would recommend for the separate cooler, or would someone be willing to supervise me while I do the work?

nissanh -> I've always used or spec'd genuine Toyota parts, such as when I had the timing belt replaced. Same for drive belts. About the only non-oem parts I used were the shocks.

And yes, every time I go out in the desert I exercise both the locker and 4WD low. I've never really needed either, but I do like to make sure they are working.

Thanks again!

Ted
 
Seems like you've already done most of what should be done for now. How does the front end feel? If the suspension linkage parts are all original, those will be your next step. At close to 100k miles, if you are still on the original lower ball joints you should replace them soon. And then the other important parts (inner tie rods, tie rod ends, upper ball joints, steering rack/bushings) you could just replace as needed. Really no need to address those parts until they are worn out. The lower ball joints however should probably be done fairly soon.

I have changed my radiator, and like you said it is fairly easy. There are a number or radiators for sale for 3rd gens. Many members go with a Koyo. Personally I went with a Denso radiator. It was more expensive, but I trust the brand.
 
Welcome fellow az 4runner owner. We should go wheeling. Pm me if you hqve any questions im a mechanic and can lend a hand if needed.
 
upgrade

howdy how about the tundra disc brake upgrade? i did it with help from fishingallday l live in tucson driving l-10 can be fun when the brakes start to fade! in the summer in those 100 plus days doing the tundra upgrade is must!!!! on ebay l got the whole kit trust me on this!!


gil
 
Thanks for the advice everyone! I'll be doing some upgrades soon...and a PM is sent to AZ4Running.

Ted
 
The separate transmission cocooler is a bit overboard in my opinion. Lots of people recommend it here though. I just changed the radiator out. Should have no problems for another 150k. Also, be sure to use the Toyota coolant.
 
For here in the Arizona desert I think I'd rather have a separate system...just being paranoid now that I've been reading about the 'pink milkshake' issues. I do want to keep this truck running for some time yet :)

Ted
 
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