250k miles: what can go wrong?

[gloch]

I bought my '03 V8 with 160k miles and I have put almost 100k miles on it without serious upgrades. I was thinking of upgrading the suspension and maybe replacing the headers (tick tick). However, I am wondering if there is trouble ahead in the next 100k miles?

What are the problem areas in the high 200s? I just had it into the Toyota dealer and the only trouble spot was the "Transfer Case Actuator" needed to be resealed ($2k) and it needs another timing belt replacement of course. anything else I should look out for?

My next vehicle will probably be a GX. I love the 4.7 and the extra headroom in the back would be welcome for my sleeping setup.

 

[Tironeous]

If you’ve gotten this far I’m sure you’ve got an idea what to expect. Hoping others will chime in, but here’s my 2 cents.

If you’re doing the timing belt might as well do the water pump, thermostat, and serpentine belt while you’re in there.

Change all the fluids, replace the spark plugs, inspect worn/ tired suspension bits that need to be replaced/upgraded.

Keep on driving it and smiling


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[gloch]

Yes, planning to do those things, again. I did most of them when I first bought it. Now, it seems time to do them again.

I have not changed plugs nor changed transmission fluid yet. They are on the immediate list to do.

I am really hoping to get as close to 500k as I can as I love the truck and have no need of something newer at this point.

If you’ve gotten this far I’m sure you’ve got an idea what to expect. Hoping others will chime in, but here’s my 2 cents.

If you’re doing the timing belt might as well do the water pump, thermostat, and serpentine belt while you’re in there.

Change all the fluids, replace the spark plugs, inspect worn/ tired suspension bits that need to be replaced/upgraded.

Keep on driving it and smiling


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Zoom-a-Loom]

Do the tensioner wheels also for the timing belt. Keep changing the fluids on a regular basis and your good.

 

[rdruss]

I have an '03 V8 as well, only 150K on it. But in your case I think the biggest "worry" if it is one, is the transmission. Nothing you can do about it but maintain it. Do a drain and fill every 30K and keep on going!

 

[Bossman]

4th Gen High Mileage Maintenance

Anything I'm forgetting? Preventative maintenance at 200k miles...

Approaching 200,000 miles

What would you replace at 200k?

Would love your advice - Maintenance on 2008 4Runner at 200,000 miles

 

[Keros]

Things I can think of off the top of my head that I've replaced since 160,000km to my current 330,000km:


3x sets of sway bar bushings
2x sets of rear endlinks (replaced w/OEM, broke one, replaced the new & broken OEM with MOOG, okay since)
sway bars
Fuel pump
thermostat
shocks/springs (removed RAS/XREAS at around 260,000km, replaced the RAS sensors at some point prior)
rack, high pressure power steering hose, intermediate steering shaft
both front wheel bearings
exhaust headers (doug thorley shorties, mine were leaking)
entire exhaust system c/w cats
MAF
throttle body
fuel pressure regulator
transmission
rear drive shaft
both front half shafts
I think the lower ball joints got done at some point
Radiator
various rad hoses
replaced the mechanical hub when the t-belt was done
all 4x calipers, twice over
brake lines (now stainless steel)
rear hatch electric latch
gas tank straps

I'm sure there's things I'm forgetting... but it's been quite a task to keep this truck in tip-top shape.

 

[biv117]

I'll chime in... I have an '03 V8 LTD that's just turned over 240K miles. Currently on jack stands in my garage as the master cylinder went out on me, so that's the big job right now. While I had the break lines off the master cylinder, I went ahead and pulled the brakes off all four corners and am doing new rotors/calipers/pads, as well as MOOG replacement tie rod ends while I've got the wheels off. Next on my list is the transfer case actuator seal, as mine is leaking, as well as the timing belt/water pump replacement (no idea when that was last completed).

Have done suspension (a combination of OME, 5th gen and Toytec parts), new radiator & hoses, plugs & other misc. work since I bought it in 2020. All in all I don't think you can beat these trucks, especially the V8's, for the combination of utility/comfort.

The way I look at it, it was a relatively cheap, high mileage truck that I get to learn about as I fix it up. It can be frustrating, but overall it's been extremely reliable, and to me more valuable than just buying something new.

 

[Flybynight]

Be very careful of changing the trans fluid guys, new fluid has so much detergent it'll clean the material right off the clutches. I wouldn't touch it on a unit with 250K. Look it up - they are sealed for a reason. Unless its been changed very frequently over the years and is still bright red, leave it.

 

[firebirdguy]

Be very careful of changing the trans fluid guys, new fluid has so much detergent it'll clean the material right off the clutches. I wouldn't touch it on a unit with 250K. Look it up - they are sealed for a reason. Unless its been changed very frequently over the years and is still bright red, leave it.

not true... what "material" will new fluid clean off clutches? & if thats the case why didnt the new fluid that was in teh trans when new clean off this material??

look what up? toyota recommends a fluid exchange at 100k miles on these "sealed" transmissions & countless people have changed it at higher miles with zero issues. just because its at 150k,175k,200k+ miles doesnt mean it cant be changed. if past 100k then at least do a few pan drain & fills... if the trans is operating without any issues changing the fluid wont harm anything.