My 4Runner journal: MY00 Limited 2WD

[Mike's4Runner]

Hello Everyone!

I'll make this my official journal thread.

Not that anybody cares since I know by now everything I will be doing to my car has probably been posted over a thousand times, but anyways..

My name is Mike and my car is a 2000 4Runner Limited 2WD.

This is my first 4Runner and in fact the first Toyota I ever own. I'm still learning a lot, reading threads, watching videos, and absorbing as much info as I can since these cars are totally new to me. Already following a few members here, this seems like a great community with lots of knowledgeable folks.

The car had 126,400 miles when I bought it 2 weeks ago..
I was very lucky it is in such great shape in and out, and most importantly, no rust in the frame. It's always been in Florida.

Services to do:

First Things first..
Replaced LBJs and bolts with OEM Toyota parts. Service done on 5/15/21

Pending: Replace the OEM Radiator (has a small bottom leak/cracked on top)
Pending: Replace Valve Cover Gaskets(Left is leaking), along with spark plugs, PCV valve/grommet and rest of valve cover washer seals, grommets, etc.
Pending: Replace Timing Belt, along with #1 & #2 pulleys, Tensioner, all 3 service belts and Crank Pulley bolt. (Belt looks in good shape but I don't know if it has been replaced so it will get done)
Pending: Fix/replace the CCU (it's acting all crazy, one button does everything lol)

That's about it for now..

 

[Mike's4Runner]

The work begins..

Replaced both LBJs on 5/15/21

Even though supposedly my VIN # was not affected by the LBJs catastrophic failure, I didn't want to take the chance so that's the first thing I did..

The job went pretty well, except I had a hard time pulling out the Right Tie Rod from the LBJ's frame. Left side went a lot better/faster since I knew already what to do.

Had to modify the internal space on of the Pitman Arm pullers with a grinder because it would not fit around the Outer Tie Rod end..

 

[Mike's4Runner]

Checking the Timing Belt..

My previous car was a 2001 Forester which I did everything on. Subaru's Left Cam Sprocket is almost identical to the Toyota 4Runner Cam Pulleys! :guitar3:
I was very excited about this because it means I don't have to purchase more tools for the Timing Belt service.. well, at the least the Cam Pulleys anyways..

Company 23 makes some awesome tools. I haven't tested if the Subaru Crank Pulley tool works on this car. For the Forester, the tool used the 4 bigger diameter bolts. But I'm hoping the distance between the two smaller bolts on the tool is the one for the 5VZ-FE Crank Pulley. If I'm not mistaken, I think the distance should be about 2 -15/16", almost 3". We'll se..