Maintenance Suggestions???

[Generaljdog]

I am a newbie to the board. Just purchased my second 4Runner, but it's been a long time since I've owned one. Had a 99 a few years back and just purchased a 2001 last week. It currently has just under 170k. I purchased through a dealer, not a big lot dealer, but someone that operates as a dealer, who purchased through an auto auction....so, I got a good deal, but have no history on it. Looking for suggestions on what maintenance I should possibly do. I already changed the oil and filter and replaced with fully synthetic oil. Air Filter looks good, and transmission fluid looks good as well, nice and red, not brown.

I was thinking of replacing the spark plugs, and I think I need a new battery as it's getting a little hard to start in the morning, like it needs a new battery. Anyway, besides what I've already looked at, and the spark plugs, what else can you guys suggest I do myself, or take to a mechanic to do.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Maxil]

I am not sure if you have 4x4 but I did the front and rear differential and transfer case first. Very easy to yourself.

I also cleaned my maf sensor and air filter. I just added an external tranny cooler and plan to switch to synthetic trans fluid asap. After that plugs and wires are up to be changed.

Due to buying mine used I am unsure of the age of many of these things so getting done what I can, when I can.

Also, how old is your timing belt, that may be due also.

 

[Generaljdog]

I do have a 4x4 and I am not sure how old the timing belt is. The engine runs pretty smooth and quiet as of right now. I assume there are some other posts on changing the diff fluids? I'll have to do a search and see.

 

[Maxil]

I do have a 4x4 and I am not sure how old the timing belt is. The engine runs pretty smooth and quiet as of right now. I assume there are some other posts on changing the diff fluids? I'll have to do a search and see.

Try 4runners.org

The diffs just have a drain and fill plug, just make sure you pull out the fill plug first. If you drain it and find out you can't get off the fill plug, it's a bad thing.

 

[sawtooth3]

At 170K, chances are it has had at most one timing belt change, if that. So if you want to keep the 2001 for some years, just go ahead and change it now. No worries later. Well, that's what I'd do. As a bonus, you'll get all new coolant. Totally agree with the changing the fluid in the differentials and transfer case. Again, it may have been done once at most, and maybe not at all. Ditto on spark plugs. On all this stuff I think you will not be wasting money, especially if you're gonna keep it for some years more.

 

[fenrisx]

If you look in the engine bay, probably on the timing belt cover, there may be a sticker on there if the timing belt has been changed before. It will have the mileage in which it was changed on the sticker.

There's a seller on eBay (aircabinman), who sells a complete OEM timing belt kit for $288 shipped. That's probably going to be the best deal you find if you want to do the complete job (tensioner / idler rollers & front seals on top of the normal belt + water pump).