205,000 Miles.....zero troubles so far- what to prepare for?

[blackmax]

I've got 205,000 on my '03 Limited V6. What should I be preparing for (maybe parts to keep on board in case of a brake-down)? Water pump? Alternator? I don't want to be stranded somewhere or held hostage by a mechanic.

By the way, here's all I've ever done to this truck:

- change oil every 7-9k miles with "sythetic"
- Dump trans oil every 35K or so (what's in the pan) and replace with syth.
- Flushed brake fluid once
- Dumped coolant and replaced once
- Changed diff. oil every 50K or so (waited 90k the first time)
- I did have my pinion bearings replaced as they were getting real noisy (gritty/rough sound, not singing)
- On my 3rd serp belt
- Dumped front diff oil and replaced
- Dumped transfer case oil and replaced
- Grease drive-shaft zerks once in a while

How long to alternators go on these things? Water pumps?

Thanks!

 

[theoutbackdream]

Nothing... It's a Toyota..













But in all seriousness.

I would personally replace the alternator, water pump, and radiator at that mileage. It's easy enough to do, and they usually break out of the blue. From there, most other things will be hard to do on the road, but it's a good idea to have a spare tool bag for easy things, with zip ties and duct tape.

 

[RonJR]

If you do proactively change the water pump and/or alternator, replace them with OEM parts. I doubt you'll improve long-term reliability much by replacing a working 200,000 mile Toyota OEM alternator with an aftermarket unit of unknown pedigree.

 

[Ngonerogwu]

Mines a v8, but perhaps all the pullies? Every one of mine was bad @ 200k, and from what I understand, if they’d lock up... you’re gonna have a bad day.

 

[Bumbo]

Aside from keeping on top of fluids, plugs, and all the general maintenance... I would only fix what needs fixing.

Don't go looking for problems and if it ain't broke, leave it be.

 

[blackmax]

thanks for the input. I think I'll just purchase said parts, plus some pullies just to have them on-hand in the event of a problem. I wonder how long A/C compressors and blower motors last? I guess blower motors give you a head's up though.

I go EASY on this truck. If it sees 2,500 RPM, that's an exceptionally rare event. Plus, I live somewhere where it never rains and there's no salt on the road. This thing might just go forever (now I went and did it.....)

 

[wc11]

It's an automatic to replace the water pump when replacing the timing belt.

With regular maintenance, nothing else to worry about until it just plain wears out.

 

[Bumbo]

thanks for the input. I think I'll just purchase said parts, plus some pullies just to have them on-hand in the event of a problem. I wonder how long A/C compressors and blower motors last? I guess blower motors give you a head's up though.

I go EASY on this truck. If it sees 2,500 RPM, that's an exceptionally rare event. Plus, I live somewhere where it never rains and there's no salt on the road. This thing might just go forever (now I went and did it.....)

Why not just not worry about it? There is a cost to having parts on the shelf...

Being prepared is great but ur throwing money at things that may never come.

You never know... by the time you need it, you might not even want the car anymore.

I also have 202k on my 4Runner... I also have to balance my enthusiasm for maintenance and upgrades vs looking for excuses to spend money on it.

 

[Az4runnin]

I have replaced ABS Booster $$$, Diff Lock Actuator $$$, AC Evaporator $$$ I need to replace soon $$$. Replacing UCA's Soon. Just did Radiator and AC Blower Motor. I am Due for Timing Belt and Water Pump again. Im at 187k.

 

[Beaumont67]

My 2000 SR5 AC Evap went out last year, system original / mileage is low at 145,xxx miles...pump still good.
- just sold a 1996 Jeep Cherokee with cold air (a month ago), AC never touched...** hard to believe, I know**
- AC on my 1998 Chev. Silverado & 2005 Jimmy, both stopped working 2 years ago

^^ When it comes to AC, anything over 15 years old...is on borrowed time, regardless of mileage.
- so many components, just fix what breaks or fails

Alternators - cheap offshore China rebuilds, are junk.
- my best alternators were factory equipment, rebuilt by a local guy
- new Japan bearing & Bosch diodes installed & bench tested
- sold vehicles, before another charging issue

 

[CXS]

I agree with not buying parts to have ‘just in case’

I’m at 220,000 and have done the usual maintenance including t-belt kit, brakes, tires, etc.

Still original alternator, radiator, difs, abs booster, a/c parts etc. I suspect my a/c is slowly failing but at 12 years and 220k miles I’m okay with it.

Don’t jinx yourself by having parts on hand.

 

[fayewong]

I agree with not buying parts to have ‘just in case’

I’m at 220,000 and have done the usual maintenance including t-belt kit, brakes, tires, etc.

Still original alternator, radiator, difs, abs booster, a/c parts etc. I suspect my a/c is slowly failing but at 12 years and 220k miles I’m okay with it.

Don’t jinx yourself by having parts on hand.

If you are at 220,000 with original alternator and radiator, shouldn't it be time to change them? its kind of contradictory of what you said at the beginning when you haven't done some of the changes yourself.

 

[CXS]

If you are at 220,000 with original alternator and radiator, shouldn't it be time to change them? its kind of contradictory of what you said at the beginning when you haven't done some of the changes yourself.

Why change good parts? Everyone says replace the water pump with the t-belt. Mine was fine so I left it on the first t-belt replacement. At 200k I chose to replace it since it had a small amount of weeping. My good parts stay until they fail so my alternator and radiator stay.

I’m not following you on the “contradictory” comment. I only made one post before this one.

layball:

 

[Bumbo]

If you are at 220,000 with original alternator and radiator, shouldn't it be time to change them? its kind of contradictory of what you said at the beginning when you haven't done some of the changes yourself.

I fight with that question all the time... Id like to think I have a healthy trail worthy rig... reliable, I change things regularly like belts, plugs, lubrication for engine and drive-line... but I still don't go looking for trouble.

One thing I learned about changing things early is that its a bit of a risk/reward.

I still believe in just letting some things be. I've seen plenty of NEW bad parts, manufacturing defects, that if unchecked and untested might leave you worse off.

I tend to say this about a lot of older things... but sometimes they don't make em like they used to. I like to see old OEM parts that just won't die. Who am I to retire the part? I want to see some of those legendary Toyota quality things happen to my truck...

If I was answering in behalf of the dude that you made the comment to... I would probably keep running whats in there, and keep a spare in the truck if it's a trail rig. People keep CVs, why not that if you feel it could die at any moment. But if its in the city... I could care less. That's what AAA roadside is for.

 

[Atlanta_man]

I'd hold off on the timing belt since it is a V6.

 

[Bumbo]

I'd hold off on the timing belt since it is a V6.

lol...

I think that's a good idea because there isn't a timing belt to replace.