Headed West in my 2001 4Runner

[HDouglas316]

Hey guys. I'm new to the forum and looking for some veteran advice.

I'm headed out west from TN to explore our national parks in AZ, UT, CA, WY, MT, WA, and pretty much anywhere else I can go in 6-7 weeks. I plan to do some minimal off road exploring, but this will be limited due to my 4Runner being a bone-stock 2wd. The truck has 211,000 miles on it, and has had "relatively" regular maintenance since I bought it in 2008 with 133,000 miles on it. I replaced the universal joints last month, but other than that I've had no problems with ole faithful.

My reason for posting is that I'm concerned how well it will hold up on the 6,500+ mile journey. I have little-to-no mechanical knowledge, and don't want to end up broken down on the other side of the country. So, is there anything I should know/expect to happen while on the road? Looking for help/advice on "must brings" and what isn't necessary. Also, any specific parts that should be monitored?

Not sure what this will matter for available storage space, but I have already built a sleeping platform for the back of the truck.

Thanks in advance.

 

[96LTDrus]

FAQ will cover this better than I can in a single quick post, but off the top of my head: check lower balljoint condition, check condition of coolant and radiator, consider doing the trans cooler bypass (controversial, matter of opinion), make sure timing belt is in decent shape. Aside from that I'd just give the truck an oil change, double check all fluid levels, check tire pressure (including spare) and hit the road!

 

[HDouglas316]

FAQ will cover this better than I can in a single quick post, but off the top of my head: check lower balljoint condition, check condition of coolant and radiator, consider doing the trans cooler bypass (controversial, matter of opinion), make sure timing belt is in decent shape. Aside from that I'd just give the truck an oil change, double check all fluid levels, check tire pressure (including spare) and hit the road!

Thanks for the advice. I've checked most of those things, and had the truck inspected by a local Toyota mechanic when I had the U-joints replaced. He seemed to think everything looked good. I'll look into doing a trans cooler bypass.

 

[jgue467]

Maybe you did this already but I'd recommend diff fluid change to full synthetic, trans fluid change to full synthetic and new plugs/wires. Maybe add a Magnefine to your trans fluid line.

I took mine last summer on a 5000 trip from central texas, over to san diego and along pch to northern cali, then tahoe, utah and colo.

I would suggest getting Torque or your favorite version to monitor engine/trans variables more closely than the dash gauges (you'll also need an odb2 bt device).

Most important: Learn to turn OD off when climbing grades more than about 4degrees, it will keep the trans about 20-35 degrees cooler (hence the Torque monitoring via ur smartfone).

Luck! :cowboy:

 

[Konkordmusk]

Just know that if you do have any issues in norcal, I'll be around to help!

X2 on the transmission cooler

 

[infamousRNR]

Hey guys. I'm new to the forum and looking for some veteran advice.

I'm headed out west from TN to explore our national parks in AZ, UT, CA, WY, MT, WA, and pretty much anywhere else I can go in 6-7 weeks. I plan to do some minimal off road exploring, but this will be limited due to my 4Runner being a bone-stock 2wd. The truck has 211,000 miles on it, and has had "relatively" regular maintenance since I bought it in 2008 with 133,000 miles on it. I replaced the universal joints last month, but other than that I've had no problems with ole faithful.

My reason for posting is that I'm concerned how well it will hold up on the 6,500+ mile journey. I have little-to-no mechanical knowledge, and don't want to end up broken down on the other side of the country. So, is there anything I should know/expect to happen while on the road? Looking for help/advice on "must brings" and what isn't necessary. Also, any specific parts that should be monitored?

Not sure what this will matter for available storage space, but I have already built a sleeping platform for the back of the truck.

Thanks in advance.

I'm having two mod meet up weekends In May In San Jose California..

Don't knew of your coming to the Bay Area or stopping by Texas....

I'm looking for someone to bring a sport hood my way

Cheers!!

 

[Smog-guy707]

Don't forget to check the condition of the drive belts, radiator hoses. Just Cheap parts that can leave you stranded.

��Cheers, and you will love California ��

 

[ajonesnv]

You have help in SoNevada as well.

What part of East TN are you from...Im from Nashville.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Like others said, double check all fluids including differential and transfer case. Make sure all the "easy stuff" like belts, spark plugs are up to snuff.

I highly recommend this little OBD-II reader in the rare case you get a check engine light. For $25.00 it's a great preventative sort of thing, eliminates the need to pay for someone to pull the codes for a Check Engine Light. Only for Android! There are iOS compatible ones though:

http://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products-Bluetooth-diagnostics-Android/dp/B005NLQAHS

Just download the free Torque Light app and it'll tell you exactly what is wrong and which part to replace (in most cases).

Other than that, I would plan on stopping for an oil change and overall check-up at the 3,000 or 3,500 mark. 6,500 miles is too long without at least one oil change.

If you find yourself at wit's end in the Sierras near Sacramento, hit me up.

 

[jeremyc74]

I did this a few years ago in an old RV. Try to hit Crater Lake for a day if you can, and leave Yellowstone through Grand Tetons. Tons of stuff to see on that trip!

 

[gamefreakgc]

I did this a few years ago in an old RV. Try to hit Crater Lake for a day if you can, and leave Yellowstone through Grand Tetons. Tons of stuff to see on that trip!

x2 on Crater lake, it's beautiful! There may still be a lot of snow on the ground though, this time last year and they still had about 3-4 feet!

 

[96LTDrus]

Like others said, double check all fluids including differential and transfer case. Make sure all the "easy stuff" like belts, spark plugs are up to snuff.

I highly recommend this little OBD-II reader in the rare case you get a check engine light. For $25.00 it's a great preventative sort of thing, eliminates the need to pay for someone to pull the codes for a Check Engine Light. Only for Android! There are iOS compatible ones though:

http://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products-Bluetooth-diagnostics-Android/dp/B005NLQAHS

Just download the free Torque Light app and it'll tell you exactly what is wrong and which part to replace (in most cases).

Other than that, I would plan on stopping for an oil change and overall check-up at the 3,000 or 3,500 mark. 6,500 miles is too long without at least one oil change.

If you find yourself at wit's end in the Sierras near Sacramento, hit me up.

IMO the truck will make it just fine for 6500 miles if you do an oil change before you leave, just keep an eye on the level as the trip progresses.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

Check out this thread in the 5th gen forum.

You might enjoy it.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/193390-last-hurrah.html

 

[StreetCreeper]

Go up the coast of Oregon. If you want spectacular ocean views, awesome seafood, beer, wine, places to camp and other outdoor activities like riding ATVs on beach sand dunes...Oregon coast is the place.

 

[A.Wilson013]

My best advice would be make sure you have enough money for fuel. At 20mpg and $3/gal you're looking at nearly $1000.

I wouldn't worry too much really- you've driven it nearly 80,000 miles without issue.

When do you plan on leaving? You've got a helping hand here in Washington.

 

[HDouglas316]

Wow. Thanks for all the help guys. I'm going to order an OBD2 scanner that is iPhone compatible, and check all the hoses, wires, belts, plugs, etc. that you guys mentioned.

The plan is to leave early June from Nashville and hopefully return mid-July, depending on how far I can stretch my dollar.

You guys have been incredibly helpful so far, hope to meet up with some of y'all while we're out there.

 

[HDouglas316]

I'm having two mod meet up weekends In May In San Jose California..



Don't knew of your coming to the Bay Area or stopping by Texas....



I'm looking for someone to bring a sport hood my way



Cheers!!

Won't be headed that way until June, but if the hood will ride I'd be more than happy to help you out

 

[Mikey01]

When you get to Utah Shot me a PM

 

[kball]

I just got through with a 6300 mile trip. Had no issues but took tools and enough fluids to change oil, trans and coolant. Lots of weight but worth the piece of mind to me.

All the national parks out here on the west side are great. My favorite is Monument Valley. There's miles of dirt road your runner will handle just fine that put you right next to the buttes.

 

[jgue467]

...I'm going to order an OBD2 scanner that is iPhone compatible...

Minor clarification - All odb2 blue tooth scanners are compatible with all fones, its the application you choose to use that needs to be compatible with your fone. Spend the $5 and buy the app, the free versions don't have all the features usually. Fun & Luck!