before I go on a long trip ?

[kpmurphy]

I am new to the Forum I am on the PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum - Powered by vBulletin quite often, and thought I would try the 4Runner forum for my girlfriends 4Runner.

We have this very nice 4Runner and my question is we are about to go on a trip at the end of the month 5 hour drive each way full loaded with camping gear.
120,000 miles on her and not much has been done at all. Not my doing we just got back together

I just changed the front brakes, back brakes need to be checked and replaced I am sure.
Spark plugs replaced got from the dealer
I need to flush the brake fluid
New fuel filter
New air filter
I always use Val Vilene engine oil
And I would assume that the rear end needs the fluid replaced.

I have 3 questions
Timing chain, front wheel bearings, and transmission fluid.
None of this has been done that I know of.

Would yall make the trip with out replacing the timing belt and repacking the wheel bearings?
How often do the wheel bearings need to be repacked in this 4Runner
And I was thinking about draining the trans fluid, putting in new fluid, and after the trip doing it again, replacing the filter and fluid. I would like to get as much of the old stuff out as I can.

I just had neck surgery before Christmas and I am only able to do things in steps as my neck will allow me to.

I will pay to get the timing belt replaced.

I am open to suggestions.
Thanks
Kevin

 

[Acidmeld]

The t-belt should be done but id wait on the trans fluid til you get back. After replacing the fluid id recommend alot of miles close to home just in case some buildup gets knocked loose from the clutches and sticks inside the valve body.

 

[kpmurphy]

The t-belt should be done but id wait on the trans fluid til you get back. After replacing the fluid id recommend alot of miles close to home just in case some buildup gets knocked loose from the clutches and sticks inside the valve body.

Thanks for the reply. I was hoping to get a couple more responses. Maybe I asked too many questions or said to much.
I will go back to the Mercedes forum even though I am not asking about Mercedes I will get more responses.
If someone asked me what the 2 best cars are I would say the 2001 4Runner and my 1976 240D diesel are the best cars around.
Yall take care I will not ask any more questions. eace:

 

[Ducman]

patience

Its not a SUPER busy forum, I've found most of the time you need to wait a couple of days to get some replies...

Anyway, I would go ahead with the timing belt (you have a V8 right?), but give yourself a week or so of buffer time before your trip so you know there are no lingering issues/and or incase you need to order a part or something.

I would leave the tranny fluid be for the reason previously mentioned.

Pull off the spare and look it over really well too, make sure its in decent shape and that your jack and stuff are complete incase you need them.

Unless the front wheel bearings are making noise I would leave them be myself.

How were the caliper slide pins? They have a tendency to crust fast up on these trucks, if they were any less than nice and smooth, I'd replace them.

 

[kpmurphy]

How were the caliper slide pins? they were not to bad I did lube them up when I put them back.

V6 not the V8

My bad on my last post, just trying to get everthing done before the trip.

:surfer:

 

[Ducman]

Ah

Ah ic...

You mentioned both a timing belt and a timing chain in your original post and I guess I didnt notice the year in your sig so I wasnt sure.

Drive defensively and have a safe trip!

 

[CJ3Flyr]

T-belt for the 2001 4Runner for sure. I'd get a water pump and idler pulleys while you're in there. I mean especially the stuff underneath the timing cover as it's very labor-intensive to get back to it.

 

[PTY507]

Since am not that much a handy man for mechanic, my best advise are:

1. If you know any good mechanic, take it with him and ask him to check it before you hit the road. Usually they know what they need to check.

2. Take it to a toyota dealer, and ask them to perform a full service on it, with that you are going to be safe.

Anyway, for sure you should do a full service before your trip, you don't want to have bad experiences due a broken car.

 

[kpmurphy]

Ah ic...

You mentioned both a timing belt and a timing chain in your original post and I guess I didnt notice the year in your sig so I wasnt sure.

Drive defensively and have a safe trip!

I am stuck on timing chain with my Mercedes. :bash:

Thanks for all the responses I will get some pictures up of the 4Runner tonight, this is a real nice looking one we have and runs great.

 

[kpmurphy]

T-belt for the 2001 4Runner for sure. I'd get a water pump and idler pulleys while you're in there. I mean especially the stuff underneath the timing cover as it's very labor-intensive to get back to it.

Yes I will get this done before the trip thanks

these Fourms are great
thanks
Kevin

 

[pentagrammaton]

mind if i piggy back on this thread?

i'm planning on taking my 97 4runner (144K mileage) on a 2K mile trip, probably averaging 6-7 hours of driving a day.. i've just had the timing belt, water pump and thermostat replaced.. what else should i have it checked up for / replaced?

 

[MikesToy]

mind if i piggy back on this thread?

i'm planning on taking my 97 4runner (144K mileage) on a 2K mile trip, probably averaging 6-7 hours of driving a day.. i've just had the timing belt, water pump and thermostat replaced.. what else should i have it checked up for / replaced?

Spark plugs and tune-up.

 

[Mr. Leary]

Um... long trip... tires! The most likely component to fail.

Check the tires for exposed belts... locate and unpack / repack roadside gear and spare tire. If you get a flat or have another issue on the side of the road, you want to know where all of your gear is located and how to use it.

With that said... as others have said... change oil, air filter, wiper blades.

 

[fenrisx]

I'm about to embark on a 2k mile journey in about two weeks myself... Sad thing is my timing belt and water pump has about 110k on 'em. My accessory belts are pretty dry/cracking according to the Stealership. PLUS I've had odd occasions of a slight overheating, never in the read, and goes back down to normal temp quickly & won't do it again for days...weeks. It's due for spark plugs as well..

I just don't have the cash to fix any of this before the trip! So hopefully we make it there and back. I'll be doing the belts/pump in late August/early September once I get student money..

At least it'll have fresh oil & filter, air filter, and pretty new tires!

Good luck to me, and the rest of you taking long trips!

 

[Chef-j]

I'm about to embark on a 2k mile journey in about two weeks myself... Sad thing is my timing belt and water pump has about 110k on 'em. My accessory belts are pretty dry/cracking according to the Stealership. PLUS I've had odd occasions of a slight overheating, never in the read, and goes back down to normal temp quickly & won't do it again for days...weeks. It's due for spark plugs as well..

I just don't have the cash to fix any of this before the trip! So hopefully we make it there and back. I'll be doing the belts/pump in late August/early September once I get student money..

At least it'll have fresh oil & filter, air filter, and pretty new tires!

Good luck to me, and the rest of you taking long trips!

wow sounds like you never done any maint on them yet.
Good luck tho.