60K Service: Necessary?

[ShipOfFools]

I just hit 60K on my 4R, and I know there is a 60K mile service that you are supposed to have done, but I am quite low on funds at the moment, and I really don't want to do it. I don't really know that much about cars, so I was wondering if someone could tell me how necessary this maintenance is and all that. They even mentioned spark plugs at the service place, and I know I don't need new plugs. So, is this service necessary?

Alternatively, are there some parts of the service that are more necessary than others, and does anyone have a list of what needs to be done for this service?

 

[charlier180]

I just hit 60K on my 4R, and I know there is a 60K mile service that you are supposed to have done, but I am quite low on funds at the moment, and I really don't want to do it. I don't really know that much about cars, so I was wondering if someone could tell me how necessary this maintenance is and all that. They even mentioned spark plugs at the service place, and I know I don't need new plugs. So, is this service necessary?

Alternatively, are there some parts of the service that are more necessary than others, and does anyone have a list of what needs to be done for this service?

Here is a link to the Toyota Schedule Maintenance Guide for your year 4Runner: http://smg.toyotapartsandservice.com/guides.php?xv=0&xy=0&xint_id=0&v=1&y=2004&int_id=12

This list is what Toyota Recommends. Be advised that dealers and some shops "recommend" different maintenance be done (ie MORE items that tend to cost MORE money). Personally, I go by this guide. I print it off, cross off any items I have just done, then give the list to my dealer's service people to do the rest. That way there are no misunderstanding between us.

I am curious as to how you know that you do not need spark plugs?
Have you pulled them out lately and checked them? Have they been replaced in the last 60K miles?

Obviously, if one is low on funds putting off maintenance is an option. Problem is, once you put it off, it gets harder and harder to find the money to get it done later on.
Then it slips your mind and the next thing you know you have a more serious issue with the vehicle because the maintenance was not done.
Contrary to popular belief, even Toyotas do need maintenance.

 

[eskimochaos]

Here is a link to the Toyota Schedule Maintenance Guide for your year 4Runner: http://smg.toyotapartsandservice.com/guides.php?xv=0&xy=0&xint_id=0&v=1&y=2004&int_id=12

This list is what Toyota Recommends. Be advised that dealers and some shops "recommend" different maintenance be done (ie MORE items that tend to cost MORE money). Personally, I go by this guide. I print it off, cross off any items I have just done, then give the list to my dealer's service people to do the rest. That way there are no misunderstanding between us.

I am curious as to how you know that you do not need spark plugs?
Have you pulled them out lately and checked them? Have they been replaced in the last 60K miles?

Obviously, if one is low on funds putting off maintenance is an option. Problem is, once you put it off, it gets harder and harder to find the money to get it done later on.
Then it slips your mind and the next thing you know you have a more serious issue with the vehicle because the maintenance was not done.
Contrary to popular belief, even Toyotas do need maintenance.

He has the V8, plugs arent until 120k so I too KNOW he doesnt need them either. Get an oil change and say thanks to your knowledgeable service advisor.

You really dont need to do anything to these v8s until 90-100k for timing belt etc etc. Perhaps check engine air filter.

 

[Tempsho]

You really dont need to do anything to these v8s until 90-100k for timing belt etc etc. Perhaps check engine air filter.

I thought it was recommended to replace the timing belt at 60,000 miles. (100,000 km's) Is that correct? My V8 is almost at that stage right now and I am debating whether or not to get it done. I would hate to push it and have it fail then be stuck with a hefty repair bill on the top end of the motor. I wont try to do it myself, so I would get the dealership to do it. Any idea what they charge to change the timing belt?

 

[eskimochaos]

I thought it was recommended to replace the timing belt at 60,000 miles. (100,000 km's) Is that correct? My V8 is almost at that stage right now and I am debating whether or not to get it done. I would hate to push it and have it fail then be stuck with a hefty repair bill on the top end of the motor. I wont try to do it myself, so I would get the dealership to do it. Any idea what they charge to change the timing belt?

Like I said nothing until 90k which is when the belt is due. Next time read/search before asking a question for the hundreth time.

LOLOL looking back at this relies not only did you get the service manual linked to you but I said in my first post timing belt is at 90k. READ

kthxbye

 

[nc211]

As hilly as B'ham is, I'd probably just do the differential and transfer case oil change, just to be on the safe side. Other than that, I wouldn't worry about anything beyond the normal. The coolant should be good to go for 100k miles. If you're still on your original brakes, then I'd expect a new set of pads soon, specifically on the front. You can get them for much cheaper on the web, at www.parts.com. If you've ever changed a tire, you can change these brake pads yourself...very easy to do! If you need help, let me know and I'll email you a pdf file on how to do it.

B'ham....one of my ALLTIME favorite places! What I wouldn't give for a little 280-Coffee Shop eggs and grits! I use to live there...yes, I was a "brookie" as a kid.

 

[ShipOfFools]

Hahaha, what a coincidence. I live in Mountain Brook as well. And yeah, you're always either going uphill or downhill around here. I am getting front brakes (as well as a left front CV boot, ugh) done on Tuesday. Thanks for all the replies guys, I was thinking most of that stuff sounded unnecessary. One other question: does anyone think there's a possibility that the CV boot got torn during off-roading? I drive mostly on dirt trails with the occasional rock section.

 

[Tempsho]

I did read your post, and I did click on the link. I guess the dealership that I goto is trying to get me to replace my timing belt sooner than I need to because they said at 60k miles to replace it. I'll wait until I hit 90k and then worry about it. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[charlier180]

He has the V8, plugs arent until 120k so I too KNOW he doesnt need them either. Get an oil change and say thanks to your knowledgeable service advisor.

You really dont need to do anything to these v8s until 90-100k for timing belt etc etc. Perhaps check engine air filter.

FYI, the link I posted earlier does say 60K miles is the spark plug replacement interval for the >>>>2004 V8 4Runner<<<<.
The Toyota Maintenance Guide for my 2004 4Runner also says "Replace Spark Plugs all models except Highlander & Land Cruiser" as well.

I think you are confused when it comes to spark plug replacement.
The V6 engine calls for spark plug replacment at 30K intervals per The Toyota Maintenance Guide and the web site, the V8 is 60K intervals.
You are correct that spark plugs are replaced at 120K miles since that is the next 60K interval after they are replaced at 60K miles.