New 00 T4R LTD - priority maintenance question(s)

[DK327]

Hey all, over the weekend I purchased a 2000 T4R LTD. I was able to pull up maintenance records before making a decision and it's been to Toyota Service Center most of it's life but the last owners hardly drove it and there are no records for the past few years or so... From what I can tell, everything is running smooth and there are no leaks. Timing belt was last replaced at around 165K miles (it's just hit 230K) so I know that's coming up but besides that, what would be the to-do list as far as maintenance goes? I'm looking to work on this truck this weekend and have since ordered some stuff on Amazon that are already starting to arrive. Here is a list of things I'm doing, let me know if I'm overlooking anything:

Replace Thermostat and Gasket
Genuine Toyota 90916-03075 Thermostat
Fel-Pro 35445 Thermostat Gasket
Replace Radiator, Cap, Hoses and Radiator Fluid (flush)
Koyorad A1998 Radiator
Genuine Toyota (16401-20353) Radiator Cap Sub-Assembly
Genuine Toyota (16572-62090) Radiator Hose - lower
Genuine Toyota 4Runner Tacoma 1998-2004 Upper Hose
Toyota Genuine Fluid 00272-SLLC2 Long Life Coolant - 3 Gallons
Install Trans Cooler
B&M 70268 SuperCooler Automatic Transmission Cooler
Transmission Fluid Drain and Refill
4 QUARTS - Genuine Toyota Synthetic ATF T-IV Fluid
Replace spark plugs and wires
OEM
Oil and filter change
Mobile 1 Full Synthetic, OEM oil filter

When my tax return arrives, I'll get tires replaced and start on suspension components. Thanks in advance!

 

[unrealii]

Congrats! This should help
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/197591-absaloms-cookie-cutter-4runner-builds.html

 

[DK327]

Congrats! This should help
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/197591-absaloms-cookie-cutter-4runner-builds.html

"This build path would suit someone who just bought their first 4runner used. This person might be unsure of the truck's maintenance history. It tackles important, simple upkeep items, before delving into the suspension and tires. The user will end up with a very smooth running, reliable, semi-capable truck."

That's EXACTLY what I'm looking for! Thanks!!

 

[cek77]

Since intake is removed, clean the MAF and remove and clean the throttle body. You can replace the throttle body gasket at the same time, some recommend the TRD gasket. Get one can of MAF cleaner and one can of throttle body cleaner.

I literally went through most of your list this weekend. I used zerex asian 50/50 through Amazon rather then Toyota antifreeze. Cheaper through amazon then the store.

Lots of great maintenance DIYs here. I find all this maint. helps me get to know the new truck. Forces me in and under it to check it out.

 

[fblainen11]

Alot of people like the added transmission cooler. I replaced just my radiator and I think that would suffice. Don't have to worry about optimizing operating temps for transmission fluid.

In my opinion the external cooler is a bit overboard, but a new radiator is mandatory. I kept my hoses when I replaced mine. Be sure to only use Toyota coolant. Also, Id do radiator before TB and WP. Non interference engines will only leave you stranded if TB breaks.
And broken/failed radiator will cause damage to your transmission.

 

[DK327]

Alot of people like the added transmission cooler. I replaced just my radiator and I think that would suffice. Don't have to worry about optimizing operating temps for transmission fluid.

In my opinion the external cooler is a bit overboard, but a new radiator is mandatory. I kept my hoses when I replaced mine. Be sure to only use Toyota coolant. Also, Id do radiator before TB and WP. Non interference engines will only leave you stranded if TB breaks.
And broken/failed radiator will cause damage to your transmission.

Agreed, I think replacing the radiator and periodic flushes going forward would most likely reduce the probability of pink milkshake to near zero, BUT I just want to be 100% certain and the piece of mind. I would be using the 50/50 premixed Toyota coolant.

 

[stir_fry_boy]

Agreed, I think replacing the radiator and periodic flushes going forward would most likely reduce the probability of pink milkshake to near zero, BUT I just want to be 100% certain and the piece of mind. I would be using the 50/50 premixed Toyota coolant.

Recommend just putting the cooler in and not replacing the radiator. The radiators are very stout. I thought about replacing mine when I did my TB/WP about 500 miles ago, and talked to several Toyota mechanics that said to leave it until it breaks, especially with my TRD cooler in. It will be nearly as reliable and not as expensive to do the work. That's what I would do.

Also, the Transmission Fluid
4 QUARTS - Genuine Toyota Synthetic ATF T-IV Fluid is the same as Valvoline MaxLife DEX/MERC. Much cheaper, totally compatible and full synthetic.

 

[fblainen11]

My radiator went out at about 175k. I had trouble keeping it running cool. On a 2 hour drive one day it was running fine. As soon as I got off interstate and slowed down thentemp guage went through the roof and I had steam rolling out of the hood. I got some water and drove it home and it was fine, but I knew it was on its last leg. Replaced it immediately after I got home.

If I still have this 4runner after another 175k I'll put annew radiator again. It is too easy to replace and too cheap to replace (~$100) to not make sure it is working perfectly. Especially being such an integral part in keeping your engine running well and potentially preventing severe damage to expensive parts. Just do it and have the piece of mind you can go anywhere at any temp. At least putna new radiator and then add external cooler if you feel you must.

 

[DK327]

Thanks for sharing that, i think after 230K miles and not knowing if it has ever been replaced, i'll go ahead and do it; i've already ordered the part and its arriving tomorrow anyway. I recently noticed if i dont let the truck warm up till its within normal operating temp, when shifting from 2nd to 3rd happens at high rpm so i now have to look into transmission cooler bypass so it wont try to cool the fluid if its already not warm enough....

My radiator went out at about 175k. I had trouble keeping it running cool. On a 2 hour drive one day it was running fine. As soon as I got off interstate and slowed down thentemp guage went through the roof and I had steam rolling out of the hood. I got some water and drove it home and it was fine, but I knew it was on its last leg. Replaced it immediately after I got home.

If I still have this 4runner after another 175k I'll put annew radiator again. It is too easy to replace and too cheap to replace (~$100) to not make sure it is working perfectly. Especially being such an integral part in keeping your engine running well and potentially preventing severe damage to expensive parts. Just do it and have the piece of mind you can go anywhere at any temp. At least putna new radiator and then add external cooler if you feel you must.

 

[fblainen11]

Every morning my first shift from 1st to 2nd takes longer than normal. But after the initial shift it doesn't happen anymore. Even when it is cold. No clue why. I just say it's because my truck is nearly 20 years old.