97 t4r with 57k miles

[1997limited]

Hello all,
I am new to the forum and also a new owner of a 97 4runner limited. Found a good deal one on that was garage kept and driven by an older couple hardly 4000 miles a year. So far I am really enjoying this truck and it is in great shape for its age. The previous owner had all previous maintenance done at the dealer and last report was nothing needing to be done. So far I have had no issues with the vehicle other than a squeaky ac belt when I fire up the engine which quickly goes away. The belt looks in good shape so I am thinking it may just need to be tightened a bit. My questions for the forum are more about what steps I should take now to keep it running in top form. I had given thought to a flush of all fluids and switching over to synthetics. Does anyone know the added benefit of this and whether it will actually extend the life of the vehicle? My dad seems to think a transmission flush can actually cause more harm than good. Any other tips or suggested maintenance for a newly aquired 4runner of this age?

nick

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Welcome. Sounds like one hell of a find you got there. Any pics yet?

Fresh fluids are always a good idea. Your dad is referring to a high pressure trans flush. Yours has such low miles that it would probably still be okay to do one but just take it to a shop with a T-Tech machine (low pressure flush.)

 

[A.Wilson013]

Even with just 57k miles, the vehicle is still 15 years old.

If the maintenance was all done at the dealer, register the vin on Toyota Owners Official Website: Service Coupons, Owners Manuals, Service Scheduling and More and get a good idea of when/what exactly has been done.

If it were mine I would flush everything to include power steering, radiator, brake fluid, diffs, t-case, trans, everything.

Post up some pictures to include interior, exterior, engine, undercarriage... perhaps that will reveal more for us to tell you to take care of =)

Good luck with it!

 

[LittleCaesar]

Welcome Nick,

Since your transmission drain pan has a drain plug, just drain a couple of quarts (usually about 4) and refill it. Do not over tighten the plug when finished.

Areas that can become problematic are lower ball joints, the radiator cooling for the tranny ATF failing, and rear axle seals leaking. Just Google such for more info.

For a 4runner that old, even with the low miles, I would change the TB/H20 pump sooner than later. To change both, you would have to change the AC and the other two drive belts at the same time, along with the idlers, tensioner, thermostat, and new upper and lower radiator hoses.

Like PBR said, we need some pics.

 

[1997limited]

I appreciate the advice .. I think I am going to go ahead and have all the fluids flushed then minus the trans which sounds pretty easy to do myself. Any idea the reasonable cost for the rest of them?

Here are some pics .. I wasn't sure what I should be looking for so took some random pics under the hood and truck itself. Let me know if anything jumps out!

 

[1997limited]

And a few more....

 

[1997limited]

A.Wilson - thanks for the tip on registering it with toyota. According to the service records the following was recently done ..

5/11/09 - 49,547 miles - power steering flush; brake flush
3/6/10 - 51,316 - coolant flush

Based on the mileage these were done would it be safe to check them off the list?

 

[BlackCat]

Wow, very nice find! make sure you take good care of it! :thumb3:

 

[madbomber08]

Wow, that engine bay is spotless. Absolutely spotless. Great find.

 

[A.Wilson013]

I wouldn't worry about those things since they were done so recently.

Nothing about replacing plugs or wires or anything? If not, I'd look into that.

 

[kingwilliam]

Wow... it's like it's brand new. The biggest complaint I have about my 1999 is that when it wears out, I won't be able to buy a new one.

 

[LittleCaesar]

That is one clean engine bay. Everything looks spot on. A little spot rust underneath, but nothing to lose sleep over.

I'd also pull the PCV valve and check its condition. With it being previously owned by an older couple, most of those trips were probably short in length. It probably would not hurt to put some high grade octane in the tank and give it an Italian tune up.