4x4 SR5 Newbie Questions!

M

mikejames68w

New member
Alright folks, I have a few questions pertaining to the 2000 T4R SR5 V6 5 speed I just picked up today.

2000 4Runner with 181xxx miles, will go up slightly (driven daily)
-6 cylinder, desirable 5 speed manual transmission shifts smoothly
-New inspection, battery, front axles and bearings
-SR5 package includes push button differential lock
-Fully loaded, sunroof, all power, flip-out CD/DVD player, all options except leather. Nice clean interior
-Six inch suspension lift
-Aftermarket wheels and tires (35's in fair shape - good bit of life left)
-Aftermarket front bumper and roof rack
-almost new 8000lb smittybuilt winch

I absolutely love the truck and being that it is my daily driver I look forward to correcting any minor issues such as dents, scratches, and paint. My questions revolve around the frame and mechanical aspect of the rig. I am not a mechanic but I like to know as much as I can about the vehicle I choose to put myself, my loved ones and most importantly the love of my life in on a daily basis. Any and all answers are greatly appreciated.
Here we go.

As you can see in the three pictures I uploaded of the truck is in total working order. My questions:

There is surface rust areas all over the under body/frame, can I just oil-undercoat it and be good or is there another process to add in order to keep the truck from rusting out?

The timing belt has already replaced at i believe 140k miles but with 181k miles is there anything else I should have checked out by my mechanic before long trips or off-roading that these trucks are known for having issues with? All of my research has led me to dead ends.

Is there anything regarding the tranny, axles, or 4wd system I should keep an eye on?

Finally, are there any relatively cheap add-ons that you folks would recommend to aid in daily driving?

Any and all knowledge on this rig is greatly appreciated!:lookout:
 

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With the rust surface rust I've tried lightly prepping surface and spraying with Eastwood rust encapsulator, but after 6 months small rust spots start showing through. Recently purchased a can of fluid film from local advance auto to test and so far I like it.
 
Nice truck. Here's my advice:

1. Change the oil.
2. Drive the truck.

Keep checking T4R every so often and you'll start to see what problems other people have and what to look out for. There are a shitload of threads asking what you're asking (basic maintenance), including some started by me asking the same questions. :)

Seriously, though, that rig looks well built on paper, and the undercarriage isn't going to explode into a cloud of rust just because you got your name on the title. Enjoy it!
 
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Your gas tank skid has been smashed in along the front edge. It is not supposed to have that v shape. Subsequently, your tank may also have some damage.

I would be weary of the fresh front axles. Trying to turn 35s offroad on any CVs other than OEM or upgraded aftermarket axles typically results in breakage. Its possible that the front suspension is too tall, putting unnecessary stress on those axles. You may want to look into getting OEM axles, the boot slide mod, and/or lowering the front suspension.
 
mikejames68w said:
The timing belt has already replaced at i believe 140k miles but with 181k miles is there anything else I should have checked out by my mechanic before long trips or off-roading that these trucks are known for having issues with? All of my research has led me to dead ends.

Is there anything regarding the tranny, axles, or 4wd system I should keep an eye on?

Finally, are there any relatively cheap add-ons that you folks would recommend to aid in daily driving?
Click to expand...

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/167629-3rd-gen-faq-tutorials-documentation-reference-v2.html
 
The gas tank thing is interesting like NHRunner said. I would research the Pink Milkshake and decide if you want to add an external cooler, replace the radiator, or do both. I only did the external cooler. Also check your lower ball joints. They are a common point of failure on these 4Runners, especially when they are lifted.
 
Unner said:
The gas tank thing is interesting like NHRunner said. I would research the Pink Milkshake and decide if you want to add an external cooler, replace the radiator, or do both. I only did the external cooler. Also check your lower ball joints. They are a common point of failure on these 4Runners, especially when they are lifted.
Click to expand...

What do you mean by Pink Milkshake? haha
Do you have a link for a serious 4x4 parts website?
 
The pink milkshake refers to the radiator corroding overtime and leaking coolant into the built in automatic transmission cooler in the radiator. Since you have a manual, you do not have an auto trans cooler so you do not have to worry about that. You could still get a oil cooler for your 5 speed but it is not as necessary.
 
mike85 said:
The pink milkshake refers to the radiator corroding overtime and leaking coolant into the built in automatic transmission cooler in the radiator. Since you have a manual, you do not have an auto trans cooler so you do not have to worry about that. You could still get a oil cooler for your 5 speed but it is not as necessary.
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Oh okay Im tracking. Knowing that everything in the motor is stock minus the K&N Air Filter, would you make any recommendations for add-ons that will keep the truck running good for being high miles? Being that I dont know the maintenance history as well as Id like to, I want to take care of any issues that may occur with a 181k miles on it before Im on the side of the road!
 
mikejames68w said:
Oh okay Im tracking. Knowing that everything in the motor is stock minus the K&N Air Filter, would you make any recommendations for add-ons that will keep the truck running good for being high miles? Being that I dont know the maintenance history as well as Id like to, I want to take care of any issues that may occur with a 181k miles on it before Im on the side of the road!
Click to expand...

The 5VZ-FE engine is arguably the most reliable engine Toyota has ever made. As far as the engine goes, just keep up on the regular maintenance items like oil, spark plugs, wires, etc. just like you would any other car/truck.

That being said, the steering and suspension will start to fail much quicker. Obviously you don't have a stock suspension so I think you're good there. Look into if your lower ball joints have ever been replaced, like others mentioned. Just saw another LBJ failure report this morning. Also, take a look at your bushings on the sway bar end links, the sway bar itself (the "D" shaped bushings) as well as your steering rack bushings. These are cheap and fairly easy to install and if the old ones are worn out, cracked, or split, putting new ones in will add more steering stability and eliminate excess body wobble.
 
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mikejames68w said:
Oh okay Im tracking. Knowing that everything in the motor is stock minus the K&N Air Filter, would you make any recommendations for add-ons that will keep the truck running good for being high miles? Being that I dont know the maintenance history as well as Id like to, I want to take care of any issues that may occur with a 181k miles on it before Im on the side of the road!
Click to expand...
Open up the top portion of timing belt cover to confirm that it looks good (no visible signs of cracking or fraying) u said no maintenance history receipts etc. Make sure the oil looks clean or better yet spend 25 bucks and change it.

Do a search for clutch pedal bushings
Search for marlin crawlers shifter socket and seat.

My 5spd has 294k and runs great. So 180k is nothing, be happy you got a 5spd less things to worry about like strawberry milkshake, automatic owners worry about.
 
I would be less concerned with being stranded on the side of the road in that truck and more concerned with being upside down on the side of the road.

Take a very serious look at the condition of the suspension components and if the lower ball joints are original they need to be replaced yesterday with OEM or high quality aftermarket
 
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