Ok, don't skewer me but I don't know the repair/maintenance history of my truck. It just turned over 270K yesterday and I'm thinking it's probably time to address this. Can you guys help me put together a list, in order of importance, that I could follow to make sure I keep this thing running for a good while longer? I currently don't have any issues with it that I know of.
Am I driving a ticking time bomb?
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SpidermanGeek
New member
Since you are offering little to no information about your truck other than the mileage, you should start by reading through the 3rd Gen Buyer's Guide (more specifically, the 2nd post in that thread).
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html
Tons of info in there about all the common issue and things to look out for as far as maintenance goes. It's essentially a checklist.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html
Tons of info in there about all the common issue and things to look out for as far as maintenance goes. It's essentially a checklist.
Ah, thanks, I've actually read that and is in part why I'm asking this question. I guess to be more specific in my wording: since I can't afford to do everything at once what would be the most important to look at first? I'm thinking timing belt/water pump? Man that's an expensive one..
I'll admit, I could inspect all day long but I don't know what I'm looking at. I'm learning, slowly. And how would you check when the pump was done? Previous owner doesn't think it has ever been done :sobbing:
4runnermama88
New member
Wow! Excellent source of info!
badattitude
Member
use this site to create an account and use your vin to see previous service that was performed at Toyota dealers.
Toyota Owners Official Web Site
The first two things I'd want to check on a new to me 4runner are the radiator and lower ball joints. If either have more than 100K miles replace with new OEM Toyota parts. For real just do this. I like to buy my OEM Toyota parts from Toyota of Dallas. Toyota of Dallas is usually cheaper than the local Toyota dealer.
http://parts.toyotaofdallas.com/
Toyota Owners Official Web Site
The first two things I'd want to check on a new to me 4runner are the radiator and lower ball joints. If either have more than 100K miles replace with new OEM Toyota parts. For real just do this. I like to buy my OEM Toyota parts from Toyota of Dallas. Toyota of Dallas is usually cheaper than the local Toyota dealer.
http://parts.toyotaofdallas.com/
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BoomSticks
Member
Absalom's cookie cutter builds will give you a good guide for refreshing a new buy.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/197591-absaloms-cookie-cutter-4runner-builds.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/197591-absaloms-cookie-cutter-4runner-builds.html
he hit the nail on the head! look for timing belt/overhaul kits.
JBurt
Senior Member
Do the lower ball joints and radiator first. If a ball joint fails your best case scenario is a very expensive repair bill that could have been prevented with $160. Only use oem lbj's. Google 4runner lower ball joint failure. Basically your wheel falls off while you're moving.
If your radiator (really the transmission oil cooler) fails, you've got to replace or rebuild your transmission. Also very expensive.
If your timing belt breaks, your engine turns off but it doesn't cause any collateral damage. You just replace it like normal. You don't have an interference engine. It needs to be done, but I'd give higher priority to those other two.
If your radiator (really the transmission oil cooler) fails, you've got to replace or rebuild your transmission. Also very expensive.
If your timing belt breaks, your engine turns off but it doesn't cause any collateral damage. You just replace it like normal. You don't have an interference engine. It needs to be done, but I'd give higher priority to those other two.
StreetCreeper
New member
I'll go ahead echo what everyone else has said about the Lower Ball Joints and radiator. Lower Ball Joints need to be at the very top of your list. Everything else can wait until that's done. Don't fall into the mindset that it's too expensive or that yours seem to be working ok.
And above all else, they need to be genuine Toyota Lower Ball Joints. Part store brands are NOT acceptable in this instance. If you are not going to replace them yourself but have a shop do it, be damn sure to bring them the OEM parts. Don't let them slap on some cheap junk from Autozone. OEM only.
This is what happens when one of your LBJs fail:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/227083-one-more-lbj-failure-add-list.html
cbr900boy
New member
This would be an excellent start. Take this kit to a trusted mechanic if you cant do it yourself. Dont mess around with aftermarket parts. This is the first thing i did when i bought my rig with 260k on it. I did this before doing any mods including a lift.
GENUINE TOYOTA OEM 3.4 LITER 5VZFE V6 COMPLETE 15pcs TIMING BELT & PUMP KIT | eBay
GENUINE TOYOTA OEM 3.4 LITER 5VZFE V6 COMPLETE 15pcs TIMING BELT & PUMP KIT | eBay
Wow, ok, I'm convinced and thanks for the heads up. Is there a best place to buy them from?
Thanks for the link. Is that a really good price?
etc.
Member
thegipper
New member
I would definitely do the extended rear differential breather mod. With that many miles, it is very likely your breather is clogged which can lead to axle seal failure. The mod only costs like $20 and is cheap insurance for making sure your seals don't fail.
If the axle seals fail, it can be very expensive to fix.
If the axle seals fail, it can be very expensive to fix.
BoomSticks
Member
In the mean time, just unscrew the breather, hose it out with brake cleaner, and make sure it isn't clogged. You should be able to blow air through it easily, but it should seal up and prevent air flow when you try to suck air into it.
The axle seals don't have to be expensive with some DIY.
