New 3rd Gen, Need Input!

[diffy98]

So I got my 3rd gen on Thursday last week. Got it at a used car lot, literally RIGHT after they got it! Spotted it on the lot, called the next day, picked it up a few days later. I must say I am not disappointed ONE BIT in this SUV, it's exactly what I wanted and everything I expected it to be. But as the days are going by I am finding out these little things, and I'd like some input on what to do next.
So Diffy has 202k miles. Not bad for a Runner. Valve cover gaskets got replaced by the mechanics at the used car lot, I even watched them do it. They are also putting in a new driver window switch for me on Wednesday. So there are the first 2 fixes.
I started thinking about all of the maintenance things that I want to do myself, there is absolutely no documentation with this vehicle, no manual, no nothing. All I know is they got it at auction. I want to change the oil of course, and all the other fluids and filters (tranny, cooling system, transfer case, front and rear diff, etc).
My first step was ordering new plugs and wires, and also the plenum gasket (because I know for a fact the car lot mechanic did NOT change it when he replaced the vc gaskets). I replaced my air filter, and fuel filter (which was the factory filter.... at 202k miles??). My belts squeak a little, so I want to replace those as well. Go to check them out, and WHAMMY my A/C belt is gone... and the clutch on the compressor is locked up. Hoping to get away with just replacing the clutch (and the idler pulley too), but I haven't been able to diagnose any further yet. Got an oil change ready to go and my plenum gasket should get here tomorrow.
I want to do the timing belt/water pump, parts are relatively cheap for me but have any of you replaced it yourself? I have looked at several write-ups and I feel that I could accomplish this but I'd also like to hear from a few people that have done it.

Are there any other things I should check out while I'm doing all of this initial maintenance stuff? I want to get as much taken care of now as I can, because I feel like the previous owner didn't really keep up on it. I got a hell of a deal, just wanna make sure I keep this thing in good running condition!

Sorry to drag on... New to T4Rs and eager to learn!
Thanks for everything!

 

[diffy98]

:bump:
Greatly appreciate any help and information I can get!!
I want to learn as much as I can about my 3rd Gen!

 

[Granada7]

:bump:
Greatly appreciate any help and information I can get!!
I want to learn as much as I can about my 3rd Gen!

I would check the shocks and rear struts for the back! even thought all the shocks are about 200$ and the 40$ for rear shell struts they def make it ride smoother and better accessibility choiceis really yours on shocks whether you lift it with that many miles or keepit stock either way welcome!

 

[diffy98]

I would check the shocks and rear struts for the back! even thought all the shocks are about 200$ and the 40$ for rear shell struts they def make it ride smoother and better accessibility choiceis really yours on shocks whether you lift it with that many miles or keepit stock either way welcome!

Thank you! I plan on replacing the lift supports for sure, mine are starting to sag. But if I push the hatch all the way up it stays so I'm not suuuuper concerned with those.... yet!
The ride is really pretty good for the amount of miles it has, the frame and suspension and shocks all look pretty good. Shocks HAVE been replaced before (surprisingly) and ride great. I could use sway bar end-links but that's about it there.
My main concern are mechanical parts, anything that is detrimental to the running and driving of the truck. I'm learning the preventative maintenance schedule and checking things out as I go, but I figured I'd ask all these other 3rd gen owners as well!
Working for an auto parts store sooooo has its plus sides! I have been checking up on soooo many parts and so much info, it's just all making my head spin. Just wanting to bring my truck back to tip top shape, and I'm making progress little by little!:juggle:

 

[diffy98]

Anyone know of a write-up for timing belt and water pump replacement for 3.4? That's one of my main concerns along with fluid and filter changes, just to make sure everything is up to date. And if replacing the timing/water pump is easy enough (or at least isn't super confusing) I really don't want to pay out the buttocks to have it done.
Sorry if I'm being a pain to anyone, I am just learning!!

 

[Granada7]

Thank you! I plan on replacing the lift supports for sure, mine are starting to sag. But if I push the hatch all the way up it stays so I'm not suuuuper concerned with those.... yet!
The ride is really pretty good for the amount of miles it has, the frame and suspension and shocks all look pretty good. Shocks HAVE been replaced before (surprisingly) and ride great. I could use sway bar end-links but that's about it there.
My main concern are mechanical parts, anything that is detrimental to the running and driving of the truck. I'm learning the preventative maintenance schedule and checking things out as I go, but I figured I'd ask all these other 3rd gen owners as well!
Working for an auto parts store sooooo has its plus sides! I have been checking up on soooo many parts and so much info, it's just all making my head spin. Just wanting to bring my truck back to tip top shape, and I'm making progress little by little!:juggle:

Got ya check the alternator perhaps i know those have been a problem with that and the steering pumps on the 3rd gens!

 

[diffy98]

Thanks Granada!! I know for a fact my ac compressor is locked up. there's my first semi costly repair! Hoping to have it fixed real soon!

 

[drtyjerz47]

im in the same boat as you, i bought a 99 limited with no maintance history . im at work right now but when i get home ill send you all the stuff i got as far as wright ups for the timing belt, zerk fittings, diff oil, transfer case oil, tranny oil the works. i found some good write ups. the best thing you can do to take care of your 4runner is learn how to use the search on this (not trying to be an a-hole) but yeah its helped me out alot. ill send u what i got when i get home and im slowy saving the money to do the timing belt myself aswell. i quoted some yoda stealers and they were in the 6-700 range. but to buy parts online im at like 150ish so i can dump the rest into my suspension upgrades when i get to that ... and lear a thing or 2

 

[drtyjerz47]

Toyota Maintenance: 3.4L V6 Timing Belt Replacement


thats for the timing belt.
if u pm me what u had questions on, if i got it ill hep u out

 

[drtyjerz47]

also if u want it to run 4ever what a lot of people r using as reference is the 30k mile routine of:

engine oil/ filter
air filter
coolant
spark plugs
lube drive shaft
auto trans fluid
diff oil
transfer case oil
clean throttle body and MAF

 

[diffy98]

Thanks drtyjerz!! I have done most of the major stuff, I work at a parts store so luckily I can find most everything I need pretty easy! Have a Toyota tech that's gonna do my timing belt on the side for cheap (he even drives a 3rd Gen himself) and gonna get the compressor done as soon as it gets a lil warmer outside. This winter is harsh!!! Also gonna do a full fluid flush and fill in the spring, I know it needs it!!!

 

[3rzrunner]

also if u want it to run 4ever what a lot of people r using as reference is the 30k mile routine of:

engine oil/ filter
air filter
coolant
spark plugs
lube drive shaft
auto trans fluid
diff oil
transfer case oil
clean throttle body and MAF

holy crap! you change your oil every 30K?? your 4R will never "run 4ever" with that kind of maintenance.

 

[drtyjerz47]

holy crap! you change your oil every 30K?? your 4R will never "run 4ever" with that kind of maintenance.

No clown. you change your oil every 3-5k
but every 30k you do the rest and do that aswell. if you do your oil change every 3k then your 10th oil change will be done with all those other things.

 

[3rzrunner]

No clown. you change your oil every 3-5k
but every 30k you do the rest and do that aswell. if you do your oil change every 3k then your 10th oil change will be done with all those other things.

K good lol.

 

[Brique]

LOL.

I'll also add you might consider changing the fuel filter as well. Toyota considers it a "lifetime part", but at this age, if it hasn't been done, it could be a good idea.

 

[jgue467]

strawberry milkshake anyone?

Before too long, I would check if the "strawberry milkshake" potential problem has been dealt with or not. If not, I'd spend $35 on a good tranny cooler, install it, bypass the factory one & tie its in/out tubes with a hose. Here's some background on that so you'll understand where the problem Can stem from: any body ever crack-opened up OEM rad, if not, here we go! - YotaTech Forums

Also here's a couple links to a variety of info, some of its on this site some not: 3rd Gen 4Runner FAQs and 4Runner FAQs - Car Forums and Automotive Chat

Good luck and enjoy your ride!!