Because Im No Mechanic...

[Cuffs]

Here's what Ive got:

1997 T4R
Limited
3400 4-Cam
244K miles

Im the second owner. First was a family member, so I have (most) all the records. I know the oil has been changed religiously at 3K-4K miles. The timing belt is not original, but I cannot find a record of when it was last done. Its showing a little wear and Im sure needs to be done soon thought.

What Ive done so far:

Routine oil changes 3K-4K miles
Plugs and wires
1 coil pack (was getting a CEL for 2 & 5 misfiring)

What else routine do I need to do?
What can I do myself? (I did the plugs/wires/coil pack myself, but thats the most Ive ever done without taking it to a shop...)

I know of a valve cover gasket leak that needs to be addressed promptly too. Once again, is this something I can do or leave to a professional? Average cost?

Whats it going to cost me to have the timing belt done? Is this something I can tackle myself?

Other than the front leather seats showing serious wear, the truck is in great shape. Id like to keep her around for a while!

It was by a simple google search that lead me to this forum and the cure for my CEL, thanks everyone!

 

[BruceB83]

I'm a little confused, did you recently buy this vehicle? So you're just looking for recommended maintenance?

First, I would have the timing belt changed very soon. Check your local dealership, the one near me has a deal going on right now, $229 for a new timing belt and install (Mall of Georgia Toyota for anyone interested). Maybe your local has something similar. You probably want to have a new water pump installed while you have them do the TB.

Second, install an external transmission cooler. You're up there in the danger zone for your coolant mixing into your transmission fluid. This leads to a dead transmission. This is a very easy job. If you can work some pliers, a razor blade and a screwdriver you can do this.

Third, clean your MAF (mass air flow sensor). Look at the 3rd gen tutorial & documentation thread for a write-up, it's a simple job.

Another thing I'd do that many people overlook is make sure to grease your driveshaft(s) and joints. Again, very simple with just a grease gun.

Here is a link to the tutorial & documentation thread. Look over this and you'll find it very helpful as to spotting the 4R specific things to pay attention to when doing maintenance. Other than your standard maintenance items, that thread will pretty much keep you covered.

Good luck! You stumbled on a great site, just as I did last year when I started a search for my 4Runner. This is by far the best car hobbyist specific site I've ever used. Everyone here is more than willing to help out.

 

[criera]

at 250k id definitely be looking at lower ball joints lest you risk catastrophic failure. Search it out and you will find plenty of pictures that will scare you into this preventive maintenance.

 

[Cuffs]

My dad was the original owner. It was the demo vehicle on the lot and the sales rep drove it daily. So when dad bought it, it had about 4K miles on it when he bought in in 1997. It got handed down to me and Ive had it for about a year.

I'll check out the deals locally and see what I can turn up and what I can do for myself.