200K Mile Report

[Maineiac]

Well I have managed to pass the 200K mark now. Just for those of you who are considering a T4R just do it.

Parts replaced in the last 100K:

Front Diff Seal Drivers Side

Front Brake Pads Rotors and Calipers

Front Sway Bar Bushings

Rear Brake Pads Rotors and Calipers (Right rear caliper is toast again.)

Head Light Bulbs

Marker Light Bulbs

One Set of 265/70/17 Michelin LTX Lasted 85K!

Manifolds are toast and I don't care. Just started throwing P043 code I have not installed the O2 yet but will soon.

Truck runs like a top drives tight and straight. Bought a can of POR 15 and will be applying it to the frame soon as the rust is killer here.

Will be adding a 100 series Cruiser to the garage some time in the next 100k miles! Love this truck!
Maineiac

 

[cloudrunner]

Good to hear she is still running strong. Just passed 150k myself yesterday.

 

[Timph003]

Maineiac, did you ever replace the transmission fluid? My 2004 V8 4WD T4R is sitting at 136k and I am debating whether I should have the transmission fluid replace or not.

 

[Maineiac]

Maineiac, did you ever replace the transmission fluid? My 2004 V8 4WD T4R is sitting at 136k and I am debating whether I should have the transmission fluid replace or not.

I did at 100K and 180K but I file that under scheduled MX. I do believe that you have the sealed transmission? If that is the case you should only change yours for peace of mind. If I remember correctly the 03 was the last of the non sealed transmissions. In 04 I think they went to the sealed trans and the "Lifetime" fluid.

 

[Run4Run]

i took my stock '03 to dealer for routine recall update.. got the ride back just before they closed.. drove 2 block, car shut off, was able to start and drove it back to dealer.. they felt bad and said they will look into it..and they did transmission flush for free!! :wow2:

 

[DThree]

Well this makes me feel better about my purchase, thank you for the post.

 

[HBCAL]

Bought 1 at 200k yesterday

Just bought my first 4runner yesterday ( 2003, 4.7ltr, 2wd, SR5) ODO reading 200,600 mi. Had it inspected prior to purchase..., and it's overdue by 20k on a timing belt, AC compressor is leaking a bit but still blows cold, rotors give feedback in steering wheel when braking, and a few other minor misc. issues but otherwise its clean and tight. Solid truck with 1 prior owner, maintained by the dealer with records available online. I am excited to start the knowledge journey, can't believe I waited so long to buy one.

 

[shahsmerdis]

i took my stock '03 to dealer for routine recall update.. got the ride back just before they closed.. drove 2 block, car shut off, was able to start and drove it back to dealer.. they felt bad and said they will look into it..and they did transmission flush for free!! :wow2:

ensure they set the level correctly. i guess your 03 could have a dipstick.

 

[Inv4drZm]

I must be doing something wrong. I've had to replace my shocks, springs, bump stops, exhaust system, even wheels; all with high-performance aftermarket replacements.:jump:

 

[Bluesky 07]

I did at 100K and 180K but I file that under scheduled MX. I do believe that you have the sealed transmission? If that is the case you should only change yours for peace of mind. If I remember correctly the 03 was the last of the non sealed transmissions. In 04 I think they went to the sealed trans and the "Lifetime" fluid.

First, congrats to the OP on 200K miles. What year is your 4Runner? Just turned 125K on my '07.

About the transmission fluid change, it's has been debated endlessly on the forum. Multiple sources say "lifetime" in this context has been defined as the warranty period - 100K miles. Which makes sense, because to Toyota, the vehicle's lifetime is the period for which they're responsible for fixing it.

So why would a manufacturer want to say a fluid is "lifetime"? Well, supposedly those that import vehicles into the US have to pay fees to cover fluids that will eventually be disposed of - like transmission fluid. Calling it "lifetime" avoids the disposal fee. Hmmm...

Finally, how is it that Toyota says this "lifetime" fluid must be changed at 60K if you tow or drive under harsh conditions? It's fine for as many years and miles as you care to drive in normal conditions but only 60K if towing or driving dusty roads? Just seems unlikely.

To me, the bottom line was whether I believe any transmission fluid can adequately protect moving parts indefinitely, and I don't.

It's your truck, do as you please, but I decided not to roll the dice with my money given the cost and consequences of a major transmission failure. My local dealer did a non-pressurized flush and refill for $189. Got the truck at 96K, had the flush done at 115K and my regret is that it took me 20K miles to do the research and figure out it would be money well spent.

 

[Hapeacres]

Congrats on the 200K anniversary. My 04 V8 is almost there at 189K. I too have the rust issues in NH, but I take it in occasionally to get an oil undercoating to keep it at bay. I was wondering about your "manifolds are toast" comment. Last time I went to the dealer they told me mine were cracked and would not pass inspection. I have not noticed anything different as far as noise or performance and surely dont want to spend any more money. I'll just take it somewhere else for inspection where they wont even know it.

 

[shahsmerdis]

Congrats on the 200K anniversary. My 04 V8 is almost there at 189K. I too have the rust issues in NH, but I take it in occasionally to get an oil undercoating to keep it at bay. I was wondering about your "manifolds are toast" comment. Last time I went to the dealer they told me mine were cracked and would not pass inspection. I have not noticed anything different as far as noise or performance and surely dont want to spend any more money. I'll just take it somewhere else for inspection where they wont even know it.

i think they seal a little better when they are hot.

you might run rich bc your 02 sensors will be all out of wack. But 1k repair for manifolds is a steep price.

 

[dta1984]

Congrats!

I'm at 206k and pretty much the same, just the normal wear and tear stuff (sway bar links, tie rod ends, brakes, muffler, resonator, spark plugs). Had a very slight trans pan leak near the gasket so replaced the gasket and filter, as well as some of the fluid (not a full flush).

I'm about due for spark plugs again and also have a slight power steering leak at the bottom hose that needs fixed.

I keep up with my frame rust, and for the most part a wire brush and rustoleum a few times a year has been OK. Next year, i'd like to try something more permanent (POR15 or one of the Eastwood kits).

The manifold crack is interesting. I keep throwing 02 codes for both rear ones (one at a time..replaced driver, then passenger comes on , replaced passenger then back to driver side code....). I have replaced them and the codes keep coming back.

 

[Maineiac]

First, congrats to the OP on 200K miles. What year is your 4Runner? Just turned 125K on my '07.

It is a 2003. Can't you tell by my beautiful gray cladding lol.

 

[Maineiac]

I must be doing something wrong. I've had to replace my shocks, springs, bump stops, exhaust system, even wheels; all with high-performance aftermarket replacements.:jump:

I know the feeling. Sometimes I try to tell myself something is broken so I can replace it with a shiny new something.

 

[Maineiac]

Congrats on the 200K anniversary. My 04 V8 is almost there at 189K. I too have the rust issues in NH, but I take it in occasionally to get an oil undercoating to keep it at bay. I was wondering about your "manifolds are toast" comment. Last time I went to the dealer they told me mine were cracked and would not pass inspection. I have not noticed anything different as far as noise or performance and surely dont want to spend any more money. I'll just take it somewhere else for inspection where they wont even know it.

Yes I have the cracked manifolds and it sounds like a farm truck when cold starting. It seems to quiet down quite a lot when it warms up so I live with it.

 

[Maineiac]

I have also found that my Bilstein 5100s are toast as well. The worst are the rears that have simply given up on being shocks. The fronts still functioning but are worn out. Did enjoy the performance so will replace with the same.

 

[BackOff]

If I remember correctly the 03 was the last of the non sealed transmissions. In 04 I think they went to the sealed trans and the "Lifetime" fluid.

I am no where near 200k.
Just thought I would say that my 2004 v6 T4R has ATF dip stick and drain plug.

With the cracked manifolds...I was reading on TW site about the cracks forming because of the inability of the Y-pipe to muffler section spring clamp not flexing as it should. He ended up adding a section of exhaust flex pipe.