New guy with some maintenance questions

[Wyo]

So I just bought a 1997 4runner 4x4 with e-locker yesterday. It is in good shape as far as i can tell. clean body, clean interior, minimal rust but does have 185k miles. I have been reading threads on here and am planning on doing some maintenance and preventative measures to kind of give it a tune up. I plan on doing new radiator and external oil pump to prevent strawberry milkshake.

im also looking into timing belt, water pump, transmition fluid, differential fluid, plugs and wires, and a possible lower ball joint replacement. I was just wondering on any other things you guys might replace at this point to kind of prevent anything bad from taking place. Also some advice on where to take it in for some of the services listed above outside of fluids and plugs. should i go to a toyota dealership or maybe to a 4x4 shop or mechanic. I live in wyoming but am willing to drive to colorado to make sure the work is done right if anyone has any suggestions as good places to go in either state.

I am just trying to take care of all these things to get it running very reliable so i can start to build it up. this is going to be my weekend trail rig/expidition vehicle for the mountains and help would be appreciated.

 

[Nunyabiz]

Well you can get your timing belt and water pump etc right here.

Toyota 3.4L/V6 Complete Timing Belt & Water Pump Kit | eBay

Transmission fluid I would go with a 100% synthetic, I prefer Amsoil and I have heard Redline is also good.

If your brakes need replacing do the TUNDRA Brake Mod.

 

[IanB]

I plan on doing new radiator and external oil pump to prevent strawberry milkshake.

im also looking into timing belt, water pump, transmition fluid, differential fluid, plugs and wires, and a possible lower ball joint replacement.QUOTE]

I think you mean external tranny cooler, rather than external oil pump. If you are replacing the rad, then the external cooler is not needed, but still a good idea if you tow at all. The tranny, and diff fluids you can do yourself pretty easily, I wouldn't pay someone labor for that. Plugs and wires you can do yourself as well.

If your brakes need replacing do the Tacoma Brake Mod.

Do you mean Tundra brake mod?

 

[kyn8]

If your brakes need replacing do the Tacoma Brake Mod.

Di you mean Tundra? I'm not being a smart @$$; I am actually wondering if there's another option out there that I hadn't heard of.

 

[Nunyabiz]

I plan on doing new radiator and external oil pump to prevent strawberry milkshake.

im also looking into timing belt, water pump, transmition fluid, differential fluid, plugs and wires, and a possible lower ball joint replacement.QUOTE]



Do you mean Tundra brake mod?

Yes sorry, I keep getting those Tacoma/Tundra mixed up

 

[Nunyabiz]

Di you mean Tundra? I'm not being a smart @$$; I am actually wondering if there's another option out there that I hadn't heard of.

nope my mistake, meant Tundra.

 

[Wyotoy]

The water pump and timing belt are not that hard to replace. If your going to replace the radiator I would wait till you have all the stuff to do the timing belt and water pump. Where in WY. Are you?

 

[Wyo]

yea sorry i mean external trans cooler. also thank you guys for some advice and thank you for the link to that water pump/ timing belt kit. looks like a good deal but i dont know if i have the know how to install it. im going to have to go at this build slowly but i figure ill get these things out of the way first getting it in prime condition before i lift or anything