Balmer 'Runner

[swelleriffic]

Hey all-

I've had my 2002 SR5 for over a year now, and I've been lurking t4r.org for the same, mostly just to use the search function. Lots of great posts and information here!

I bought my ride at the Chevy dealership in Salisbury, great people to work with. There were several 4runners for sale in my area, but this was the only one under 100k with an accident-free carfax.

The 4runner just crossed over 100k, and I recently took it to the local dealership for a free multi-point inspection (online coupon deal). I already knew the timing belt/water pump was overdue for a change, the tires were getting sketchy, and the guys at the dealer found some to-be-expected valve cover gasket leakage. They quoted me a total of $3700 for all this:
-timing belt/water pump/accy belts
-new tires (dunflops)/alignment
-valve cover gaskets
-tranny flush
-PS flush
-air filter
-diff fluid change
-new antenna mast

I'm a do-it-myselfer, and for the cost of parts, the Yokos, and some minor labor I can't do on my own, I can get all of that done for $1200! :banana:
I'll be diving in to the timing belt, valve covers, diff fluids, and spark plugs next weekend. :gun5:

I'm not much of a 4-wheeler, but I do venture off the beaten path, and I have a few things on the wish list:
-highlander springs
-hella 500s
-nerf bars (I can't stand the running boards, but I dont want my wife to hate riding shotgun- she's the only one that uses them :sadwave
-tacoma whip antenna
-dashboard hula girl

Thanks for reading!

 

[fourwd1]

Last place you want to buy tires from is the dealer, talk about overpriced.

 

[swelleriffic]

No kidding... I ordered 4 Yoko Geolander A/T-S 265/70/16s from amazon for $570. Same price as Tire Rack, but with free shipping. Amazon has some good deals on parts too.

 

[BucknutBob]

$3700 for maintenance?! That's what I typically pay for the WHOLE VEHICLE (LOL)! Glad to hear you're willing to get your hands dirty and save yourself a truckload--you'll be able to get all those other things on your list and still be under that repair estimate. Welcome to the forum!

 

[swelleriffic]

New Things

Wasn't sure where to start, but long story short I have new wheels. Been a member for a while, but now I'm a new owner again. And here's the long story:

Kept the '02 SR5 4WD for a couple of years, ~25k miles. I didn't end up doing any mods, lifts, nothing. Bone stock the whole time- but probably should have done timing belt and added a trans cooler, especially for stuff like this:

It went from MD to CA on a car carrier when I moved for work. Didn't drive it much in CA at all - wasn't permitted to drive it where I worked (live firing range) so I took the company vehicle most everywhere. Moved to TX in 2014, drove myself, my dog, and towed the wife's '04 Civic with the 4Runner (wife+kid flew). That was a long drive with a heavy tow.

October 2014, traded in the 4Runner at 126k for a minivan. Sad, sad, sad day, but practical won over passion. :rip: The Civic became my DD for a while.

Until this summer! Our family grew +1, the car was too small for us, dog wasn't allowed in the nice minivan, needed more vehicle for camping/hauling/etc. Was looking for a 4-door Tacoma but good grief those hold their value. Which led to a search for a V6 Tundra, which led into agreeing that a 4Runner was actually a better call based on gas mileage, since it would be my DD. I was originally looking at 2nd gens - I was born in the 80s, so I remember when the '92 4Runner came out and I thought it looked awesome as a kid. But with actual safety features, 3rd gen was a better choice. Picked up a 1999 2WD SR5 w/leather and factory premium sound, 176k, overall sound mechanical condition:

Being a '99 it has a factory double DIN 3-CD changer with the giant cassette you pre-load with 3 CDs of your choice. :smokin: Also features 265/70s on 2nd-gen 15" wheels- not sure why or where the PO had those installed but it looks good. I was planning on Tundra brakes, but I actually like the 2nd gen wheels. It had a tad bit of hail damage on the roof, new sunroof, and a new bumper; also newish paint on fenders and hood but frame was straight. So it has character but a clean title/carfax. Upgrades/mods will mainly be focused on keeping it driving for thousands of more miles. I have nearly zero opportunity to drive on trails in east Texas, so 2WD doesn't bother me nearly as much as not having a 4Runner at all. If anything I'll put in a Eaton or ARB locker to keep up with my buddy's beastly LX470 (a transplant from Moab).

As always, these forums are a great resource. In the past 2 weeks of ownership I've done standard tune-up items: MAF/TB/IAC cleaning, spark plugs, fuel filter, air filter, and seafoam. Did the deckplate mod, time will tell if it saves gas or not (jury is :sleepy. Dome and map lights are LEDs now. LBJs are next on the list, then some minor stuff like the clock, '99 gas gauge issue, more interior LEDs, tundra wheels/brakes, rear locker, roof rack, etc... you know how it goes. ChildrenofBodom's rig is inspiration. Glad to be back!