Hello from southwest Virginia

[VolcanoT4R]

Just wanted to say hello to all forum members. I recently purchased a white 2001 SR5 4runner with 213K miles on it for $3,999. So far, it seems to be stock and needs a little TLC. It is a secondary vehicle that will primarily be used as a "weekend" vehicle. I have always wanted a 4runner and even with the needed TLC I just couldn't pass up on it. This is my first 4x4 vehicle and I'm sure I'll have a million questions on my journey, but I'll do my best to "pay it forward" as well.

About me, I'm currently working in Roanoke, Virginia, but was raised in Columbia, SC (GO GAMECOCKS!!). Graduated from Virginia Tech with a BS in Industrial & Systems Engineering. Currently employed as a Master Scheduler.

That's all for now.

 

[fourwd1]

Welcome to T4R !!

 

[dorton]

Welcome to the board

 

[Speedy Gomez]

:welcome: to T4R.ORG!

 

[jgue467]

Welcome!

:wave:Now that is a super price for that MY!! Great job on that. Now if you don't know about the potential 'strawberry milkshake' tranny issue, read up on it on the main page of this site. Its a simple, lost cost fix (add a tranny cooler for about $35) yet if not done and it happens could cost your a tranny rebuid-ouch! So, just check if you've got an aftermarket cooler already going to your tranny or if you've got lines feeding from your tranny to the lower part of your radiator (if there its not done yet). Good Luck and Enjoy!

 

[VolcanoT4R]

:wave:Now that is a super price for that MY!! Great job on that. Now if you don't know about the potential 'strawberry milkshake' tranny issue, read up on it on the main page of this site. Its a simple, lost cost fix (add a tranny cooler for about $35) yet if not done and it happens could cost your a tranny rebuid-ouch! So, just check if you've got an aftermarket cooler already going to your tranny or if you've got lines feeding from your tranny to the lower part of your radiator (if there its not done yet). Good Luck and Enjoy!

:welcome: to T4R.ORG!

Welcome to the board

Thanks everyone for making me feel welcome! [MENTION=75316]jgue467[/MENTION] Thanks for the head's up. I researched "issues" with 3rd gen 4runners prior to purchase, so I am aware of the "strawberry milkshake" issue. The downside of getting such a great deal on the 4runner is that I have ZERO maintenance records, so, as much as I'd like to throw some sexy new wheels and tires on it, I'm investing my $$$ in routine maintenance for now. So, my to-do list is as follows:

- valve cover gaskets (they were shot)
- PCV valve
- change fluids (oil, tranny, power steering, coolant, diff and t-case, etc...)
- new radiator
- new t-stat
- Big Three (with new battery)
- Fuel Filter
- Air Filter
- Spark plugs and spark plug wires
- Brakes (not the TBU, but that will happen eventually)

Timing belt seems to be in good condition (visual inspection), but I'm not sure about the water pump so I'll be changing both of those in the near future. Crossing my fingers about the UCAs and LBJs; I'll inspect those closer when I change the brakes. Anything else that may need to be addressed?

Needless to say, I've got a long weekend of wrenching in front of me.

 

[Kel Varnsen]

welcome aboard. I'm just down the road from you...less than an hour

 

[ladyfire]

Hi Volcano!

I'm in Blacksburg, with a newly purchased 2000 SR5 with 235k.

I'll also be locked into maintenance mode for a while. Your list looks pretty much like mine, except that my tools are all in NC.

Are the valve cover gaskets difficult to do...I've never done them. The last vehicle I wrenched on was my beloved '94 F-250. (Calipers, radiator, water pump, alternator, tranny flush)

What's the Big Three?

 

[VolcanoT4R]

Hi Volcano!

I'm in Blacksburg, with a newly purchased 2000 SR5 with 235k.

I'll also be locked into maintenance mode for a while. Your list looks pretty much like mine, except that my tools are all in NC.

Are the valve cover gaskets difficult to do...I've never done them. The last vehicle I wrenched on was my beloved '94 F-250. (Calipers, radiator, water pump, alternator, tranny flush)

What's the Big Three?

[MENTION=109774]ladyfire[/MENTION], valve cover gaskets weren't difficult, just time consuming and require quite a bit of space to lay everything out. The 4Runner isn't my daily driver, so I had the luxury of letting it sit while I cleaned up the engine.

Big Three is a phrase used to describe an upgrade in electrical wiring. There are three main wires involved. BigFishAllDay did an amazing write-up on this topic if you think you want to tackle it.