First time 4Runner owner...couple of questions...

[doctorcarta]

I recently just purchased my first 4runner and have a couple of questions concerning maintenance of the vehicle. The 4runner is a 1998 limited 4x4 with 112k miles and everything seems to be stock and in excellent condition to my knowledge. The previous owner used a synthetic oil and hasn't replaced the timing belt or water pump etc...I went by my local Toyota dealership last week in regards to replacing the timing belt and water pump...long story short a Toyota service guy handed me a service price sheet with some service packages. Seeing how the 4runner has high mileage , i am especially concerned with the transmission...what should be done? I would like to know what you guys think i should do? I plan on driving this vehicle another 100k miles and want to take care of it the best of my capability.

Thanks

 

[Snookster]

there will be different opinions on this matter. Most will say that you should not flush your tranny. simply do a drain and fill. others will tell you that flushing will not harm the transmission. When was the last time the tranny was serviced?
you could most likely wait more on the timing belt. But keep in mind, when it goes you will have to get the truck towed to fix it. My dads runner's timing belt wasn't replaced until around 130K miles

 

[p nut]

First and foremost, whenever I buy a used car, I ALWAYS do these things right of the bat:

- new OEM air filter
- oil change
- tune-up
- transmission fluid change (if over 75k miles)

It's not that they necessarily need it, but it's for a peace of mind (I have trust issues with other people's maintenance routines.)

To add to those items, I would also do the water pump and timing belt, and possibly the radiator/hoses (depending on the condition). On my last 4Runner, the OEM shocks were shot at 120k, so I would check it out, too. And check your endlinks, as they sometimes tend to snap around that mileage. I would also do the front and rear diff fluids.

I think most of these items are listed in the 90k service.

 

[Ohio4R]

Dont be too worried about the transmission, im going strong at 146K, and dont know what the last owner did maintance wise. Ill probably end up flushing it sooner or later.

 

[doctorcarta]

a local shop said they wanted $550 for the timing belt which includes some minor bells and whistles / $784 for the water pump! WOWZORS! the Toyota dealership will do the timing belt for $360 / water pump $225 / drive belt $60. i think i am going with the dealership...

 

[maine runner]

If you do the timing belt and water pump it should not be x for the belt + y for the pump. If you do the water pump, you have to take off the belt. Is this making sense? It should be like $100 more than just the belt.

By the way, just found out my dealer is now charging $101/hour for labor. What a ^%$#@ rip off.

 

[doctorcarta]

im not a mechanic...looks like i am going to bite the bullet.lol. im hoping that the toyota dealership stands behind there work...so far i am going to do the timing belt/water pump/drive belt(s)?/synthetic oil change/k&n air filter/transmission oil change/what else?