2001 front shock question

[jreask]

I just replaced my front shocks with some HD Monroe shocks because I was looking for something inexpensive and close to the original shocks. These shocks came with a spacer that sits on top of the spring seat instead of the spring seat being out of round like most shocks. I didn't have too much problem changing them. It was extremely difficult to get the lower hole to line up and had to use a jack from the fenderwell down to get it lined up and the bolt inserted. The question is will I have to get an alignment now that the suspension was pushed down to get the shock hole lined up? The right side was more difficult than the left.

I just bought this Runner a few days ago. It is a 2001 SR5 with 198.000 Miles. The maintenance records were good except for the Timing belt. I don't think it has ever been changed and that will be my next item . The shock on the right front had pretty much fluid over the outside, not just a light coating, that is the reason I replaced them.
Anyway, everything seems to work perfectly and the body is in outstanding shape, along with the interior. NO RUST at all on the body or undercarriage. The undercarriage was undercoated and was done exceptionally well.
The steering is a little funny and I am thinking of replacing the rack bushings because all of the other susp parts look good.
I would appreciate any feedback you long time 4Runner owners could give me. Especially about the alignment of the front end after installing new shocks. Is it possible that I didn't compress the spring enough?
I can get it aligned for $59.95, so it is really not that big of a deal.
I have been browsing this forum and there is some great info here.

Thanks in advance.

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Joe

 

[maclean216]

Get the alignment done.

If the timing belt has been done there will be a sticker under the hood. It will tell you when and what mileage.

Do the water pump with the timing belt.

 

[jreask]

Will the timing belt not being done hurt the engine? I have read that it won't because it is a non interference engine.

Can anyone give some advice on the rack bushings?

 

[maclean216]

Will the timing belt not being done hurt the engine? I have read that it won't because it is a non interference engine.

Can anyone give some advice on the rack bushings?

Timing belt not being done won't hurt the engine. I would be more worried about the water pump which has never been changed.

 

[jreask]

Why would the water pump be more worrisome ? NOt trying to be smart, in fact just the opposite. Could you enlighten a non mechanic person ?

Thanks again.

 

[jreask]

I took my "new" 2001 SR5 to the stealership today to have the timing belt, water pump, tensioners, belts, cam and crank seals all replaced. They are also supposed to go through it and let me know if they see anything that needs to be done. That is kind of scary. They are supposed to call before they do anything extra that we didn't talk about replacing. The dealer quoted me a price of $650-$700 to do all of the work. The truck will be ready tomorrow night. With 198K on it, the timing belt was never done yet. Amazing. The CarFax had a maintenance list a mile long and it was all performed at the dealer, but no timing belt. I think the price is fair for the work that they are doing. The local "mechanic" quoted me $450 plus parts. I think the dealer ends up being cheaper since they use OEM parts. Any opinions ?
TIA

JR

 

[XJeepguy]

Considering its a dealer , thats a decent price for all that , IMO . Mines never been done either as far as I know ( it has 249,000 KM's on it now ) . I always wondered if some mechanics don't bother to place stickers any where after doing a timing chain , what would be some subtle things to look for indicating it had been done ? My truck was maintained by a Toyota dealer since new and theres no record of a timing belt being done either , which is really odd.
I sure like your runner , very nice .

I took my "new" 2001 SR5 to the stealership today to have the timing belt, water pump, tensioners, belts, cam and crank seals all replaced. They are also supposed to go through it and let me know if they see anything that needs to be done. That is kind of scary. They are supposed to call before they do anything extra that we didn't talk about replacing. The dealer quoted me a price of $650-$700 to do all of the work. The truck will be ready tomorrow night. With 198K on it, the timing belt was never done yet. Amazing. The CarFax had a maintenance list a mile long and it was all performed at the dealer, but no timing belt. I think the price is fair for the work that they are doing. The local "mechanic" quoted me $450 plus parts. I think the dealer ends up being cheaper since they use OEM parts. Any opinions ?
TIA

JR