Few quick questions for a possible new owner

[kameleon]

Hello all. I am currently looking at a 2000 SR5 2wd to purchase. I have been looking through the informational threads but have a few questions. I will be doing some light towing with this truck if I get it so I was wanting to do the tundra brake upgrade. The bigger one if possible. However this model has the 15" wheels and if I read correctly only the 16" will barely fit without spacers. I do want to avoid spacers if at all possible. So being that it will need new tires also I was looking at some wheels on tirerack. I won't have a ton of money to spend on wheels and tires but if you could suggest some good looking options that possibly come in a 8" wide version also (More meat is better ). I don't really want to go over $900-$1000 for a wheel/tire combo if possible.

This particular 4runner has 237k on the clock. I do plan to do a tuneup, timing belt, water pump, front seals, etc. Anything else I should look at doing?

I may be looking at getting another 2000 model also as my wife is kinda leaning towards his/hers 4runners. :shocked:

 

[Singtoe]

I would pass on this 4runner if you plan on towing. The 4 cylinder motor can't even get out of it own way let alone pull some that would require bigger brakes. Plus, it has 237k miles. Do you have anymore choices?

 

[kameleon]

Well, I thought I posted this earlier but obviously tapatalk didn't do right. So here goes again.

I'm sorry I didn't put this in the first post but it is the 5vzfe v6 in this 4runner. I test drove it and it pulls nice. When I say I would be towing stuff I mainly mean lawn equipment So nothing super heavy. It would be my daily driver also.

Worst case is if I get this 5vz powered one and the engine goes pop. I have a 1uzfe I can drop in it for some real fun. I'm not afraid of getting my hands dirty.

I just looked at another 2000 model SR5 this morning but it has the 3rzfe 4cyl so if I got that one it would have to go to my wife. Although it too has the 15" wheels.

My main questions are:
1. How can I tell without test fitting if the wheels will clear the 231mm brakes without spacers.
2. What, besides the aforementioned tuneup/fluid changes/timing belt, would you do on a 5vz that has 237k on the clock.

:thanks:

 

[white_n_slow]

Look at the bottom of post #3 in this thread for wheels that will fit the tundra brakes:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ements-231mm-13wl-tundra-calipers-rotors.html
And a general rule of thumb for the tundra brakes is that the less backspacing the wheel has, the more likely it will clear. The clearance issue most people run into is rubbing on the front face of the caliper, not the outer edge.

The maintenance you mentioned should be perfect for the old motor. Nothing else required unless you notice something worn or beat up.

Other maintenance items:

1) If it's an auto, do an external trans cooler and bypass the radiator cooler.

2) If the previous owner does not have record of replacing the lower ball joints, do it now.

 

[kameleon]

Look at the bottom of post #3 in this thread for wheels that will fit the tundra brakes:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ements-231mm-13wl-tundra-calipers-rotors.html
And a general rule of thumb for the tundra brakes is that the less backspacing the wheel has, the more likely it will clear. The clearance issue most people run into is rubbing on the front face of the caliper, not the outer edge.

I see where the OP in that thread stated: "I am running ProComp model 8069's. They are 16x8's and they have 4" backspacing. The equivalent offset is -11mm." The wheels I am looking at are either:
Offset: 00mm Backspacing: 4.49"
or
Offset: 10mm Backspacing: 4.84"

So going by that as long as I stay on the + side of -11mm I should be ok. I do plan on doing a 16" or 17" wheel also.

The maintenance you mentioned should be perfect for the old motor. Nothing else required unless you notice something worn or beat up.

Other maintenance items:

1) If it's an auto, do an external trans cooler and bypass the radiator cooler.

2) If the previous owner does not have record of replacing the lower ball joints, do it now.

I already had plans to do the external cooler so I don't get the "strawberry milkshake" and the first thing I do to any used vehicle is check/replace the suspension. Thanks for the input!

 

[kameleon]

I ended up getting it today. First thing I am doing is ordering the tuneup stuff with timing belt/water pump/pullys and installing an external transmission cooler. When I pull her down to do the timing belt I plan to pull the injectors and send them off to my guys at Witch Hunter to have them cleaned and flow tested. I know a bit overkill for a stock engine but I like the peace of mind knowing that they are good and flow properly. Also since I will have the upper intake off anyways I plan to replace the valve covers. There is just a very slight tinge of oil on the pass side one but I'd rather do it sooner than later.

Before I do the tuneup I plan to seafoam it and while I am at it I am replacing the #1 o2 sensor (it is throwing a CEL). Beyond that I want to pull the radiator and have it cleaned but that may be a bit overkill as the fluid still looks and tests new. Also a plus is it is actually running Toyota red coolant! When I do the trans cooler I will probably have the trans fluid serviced also. One question though, do I need to do the filter also or just take it to the dealer and have them transfuse the fluid?

Beyond the running part I will need new tires. Before I go do that I plan to double check the brakes. If they are over half life left I will probably just stick with the stockers for now and get some tires for the stock 15" rims. If they are less than half life left I will probably be looking for a set of 16" rims and tires that will clear the tundra brake upgrade. Just wish I knew what would fit before I buy.

Mods for later: HID projectors, LED interior light upgrade, stereo upgrade, plasti-dip emblems, etc.

See ya'll around!

 

[Ol'Blue]

In all honesty if you are going to have the Rad cleaned just toss it and buy a new one. You can pick up a new Denso for 100 ish bucks off amazon. I'm guessing with labor unless you are getting a deal it is going to cost more than that by the time you take it out and have it flushed and reworked etc... I know my fam's shop we charge 150 and up. Most time we just get a new one for the customer.

Blue

 

[kameleon]

I'll definately look into that. I do all the work myself as far as removal/installation. The only thing I'd need done is the actual cleaning and such.

 

[the great him]

look for some stock toyota take offs from a tundra for wheels. they look great and either the 16s or the 17s will clear the brakes. i would not buy a new set of wheels and tires from tire rack, their selection is limited. they have a couple of good wheels imo but they dont have the greatest selection. but wheels are a personal taste, so if you like the wheels they have then sure go for it, no one here can stop you.

personally i like a clean look, im not into flashy things(unless they are lights)

 

[kameleon]

look for some stock toyota take offs from a tundra for wheels. they look great and either the 16s or the 17s will clear the brakes. i would not buy a new set of wheels and tires from tire rack, their selection is limited. they have a couple of good wheels imo but they dont have the greatest selection. but wheels are a personal taste, so if you like the wheels they have then sure go for it, no one here can stop you.

personally i like a clean look, im not into flashy things(unless they are lights)

Now why didn't I think of that! I have actually found some 04 tundra 16x7's that look decent (5-star swept look alloy) at a local salvage yard for $75 each or they will sell me the set for $240 ($60/each). Now to price tires for those wheels. Some 235/70/16 should do fine as the stock is a 225/75/15.

 

[Bama_Runner]

look for some stock toyota take offs from a tundra for wheels. they look great and either the 16s or the 17s will clear the brakes. i would not buy a new set of wheels and tires from tire rack, their selection is limited. they have a couple of good wheels imo but they dont have the greatest selection. but wheels are a personal taste, so if you like the wheels they have then sure go for it, no one here can stop you.

personally i like a clean look, im not into flashy things(unless they are lights)

You beat me to it. This is what I was going to suggest. I found my FJ cruiser wheels for $400 including tires.

 

[kameleon]

You beat me to it. This is what I was going to suggest. I found my FJ cruiser wheels for $400 including tires.

That actually got me to thinking about hitting up craigslist for a combo. Looks like I can get a set of the rims I was looking at a salvage yard for $150 instead of $240. OR I found a set of FJ wheels/tires for $500. See, you guys are jogging my memory. Thanks!

 

[T4R2014]

Considering you will only be towing landscaping equipment, I would say the stock brakes are sufficient. Otherwise you will definitely need to get new wheels and tires if you go the route of Tundra brakes.

 

[kameleon]

Considering you will only be towing landscaping equipment, I would say the stock brakes are sufficient. Otherwise you will definitely need to get new wheels and tires if you go the route of Tundra brakes.

I believe the stock brakes will be adequate for normal driving. My concern is from what I have read is they warp more easily than the tundra ones. My plan is to leave the brakes alone for now but upgrade them when it is time to replace them. Although since I am looking at having to get tires anyways I might as well plan to accommodate them now. That is why I am looking at getting the bigger wheels.

However now I am concerned with getting too big a tire/wheel combo and throwing off my speedo/odometer too bad. If I were to get the FJ wheel/tire combo that would be a 11.7% change (225/75/15 to a 265/70/17) meaning I would actually be doing 67 when the speedo says 60. For me this is a problem.

 

[the great him]

I believe the stock brakes will be adequate for normal driving. My concern is from what I have read is they warp more easily than the tundra ones. My plan is to leave the brakes alone for now but upgrade them when it is time to replace them. Although since I am looking at having to get tires anyways I might as well plan to accommodate them now. That is why I am looking at getting the bigger wheels.

However now I am concerned with getting too big a tire/wheel combo and throwing off my speedo/odometer too bad. If I were to get the FJ wheel/tire combo that would be a 11.7% change (225/75/15 to a 265/70/17) meaning I would actually be doing 67 when the speedo says 60. For me this is a problem.

yeah 4runner brakes are ok for a stock vehicle with no loads or add ons and day to day soccer mom driving, but for a work vehicle or something towing a trailer of any kind imo the TBU is a must along with a trans cooler.
when i had the 265 70 17 my speedometer was dead accurate according to 3 different GPSs... when i jumped up to the 285, thats when i saw it getting thrown off a little.

 

[kameleon]

Thanks for the info. I ended up getting the fj wheels with tires for $400 cash. Not a bad deal when the tires have 85% tread left. I'll check the speed with my gps before and after the wheel change. My main concern with the speed difference is the guys with radar guns. Maybe I can get one of them to shoot me before and after also.

As for the brakes, since it is the end of the cutting season I should be good until spring with stock brakes. Pending, of course, there is plenty of pad left when I look at it. I am about to make some stainless braided lines for it and maybe replace the stock fuel line with stainless steel braided line also. I know people ask "why" but that's something I can whip up in a few minutes. I sell stuff like that for MR2's and such through my online store so I have everything needed.

Besides the trans cooler, tuneup and o2 sensor is next on the list along with seafoam. Since it has 237k should I use 5w30 or something a little heavier? I need to see if they have the weight used on the windshield sticker I guess.

Again thanks for all the input. You guys are awesome.