NEW MEMBER - Couple of Q's for ya

[TSO]

Howdy from Detroit (work in the city, but drive in from the country, about 45 mins north of Detroit) ...

Long-Time, and very active member over at TundraSolutions.com (aka PoPo) as I first owned an '07 DoubleCab with the 4.7, then a 2010 CrewMax with the 5.7. Due to budget cuts at work, I had to find ways to trim my own budget and so I sold/traded my beloved truck, took the $5k equity I had, and picked a nice 2003 4Runner Limited 4.7L. I believe they listed the color as "Galactic Gray" - which is the slate blue color. This 4Runner is nice, and while not a substitute for the workhorse my Tundra was, it'll fit my needs for now.

So, I hate to be a posterchild NOOB, but I have a couple newbie questions for you guys/gals about these rigs. (My house has ridiculously slow options for internet, so doing forum searches for all my questions just isn't in the cards at the moment - so sorry if these have already been answered!)

1) I don't see anything that says I have heated mirrors, and no "III" logo on the mirror, like you usually see, but I'm assuming that since I have a Limited, that it has heated mirrors built in?!? Is this an included option on the '03's?

2) I understand that the v8's have full-time 4wd, so maybe this is normal... but I'm noticing that at low-speeds, it feels like my power steering sucks. It's not like I have to muscle the wheel around, but it does require more work than I'm used to. Is this normal for these trucks?

3) I bought this used with 88k miles on it. Everything feels tight, and there's no noises, squeaks, rattles, etc... (typical quality of Toyota :tu: ) ... but with that said, are there any specific things I should keep my eye on at this mileage, and anything I should be ready to swap/repair at this point?

4) Can you guys direct me to the best DIY instructions for stereo install/removal? I'm probably going to swap in one of those eBay NAV units, and I'm looking for the best directions for removing the dash panels.

5) Speaking of stereo stuff... I have the factory JBL system, but the BASS is really lacking What are you guys replacing the stock subwoofer with and is it helping?

6) I'm still on my first tank (about 170 miles in so far) and I'm averaging about 19 MPG, 60/40 HWY/CTY... I drive relatively conservative, and the truck has stock size (265/65/17) General Grabber AW's on it. Does that seem to be about the average MPG for these trucks? I just want to make sure I'm not way below the average or anything like that.

7) TOWING: I have what looks like a factory tow receiver with a 7-pin harness.... how much can I reasonably expect to tow with this rig?

8) REAR-WINDOW & KEY FOB: I noticed that when outside of the car, I can roll the window down with the fob, when holding it down for a few seconds, BUT I can't roll it back up until I start the car and use the button inside the truck. Is that how it's designed? Or, is the fob supposed to be able to control both DOWN and UP from outside?

----
Well, I think that's it for now. Thanks in advance for those of you that will help out a NOOB while I'm getting used to this new (to me) rig

Oh, here's the new ride, and one of my old Tundra:

 

[08medic4x4]

that's a nice 4runner, looks like the front has a lil bit of lift on it already, I'd watch for seized brake calipers, and rust around sunroof if you have it. that seems like pretty good avg gas mileage w/ the v8 and full time 4wd. hope you enjoy it.

 

[ClockWork]

Welcome. Timing belt and water pump at 90k. Since you're an active member on another forum you should be well versed on the search function as all your questions have been answered.

 

[jirehn]

Welcome most in 4runner mate, You do really have a great 4runner.

 

[Sharp_Cheddar]

Love that color!

 

[zerowkul98]

1) I don't see anything that says I have heated mirrors, and no "III" logo on the mirror, like you usually see, but I'm assuming that since I have a Limited, that it has heated mirrors built in?!? Is this an included option on the '03's?
Limited's should have the heated mirrors, just have to hit the rear defroster to turn em on. I see no markings on either of my 4runners that detail any "has or dont has"

2) I understand that the v8's have full-time 4wd, so maybe this is normal... but I'm noticing that at low-speeds, it feels like my power steering sucks. It's not like I have to muscle the wheel around, but it does require more work than I'm used to. Is this normal for these trucks?
I remember test driving the V6 and V8 and the V8 4WD DEFINATLY had a tighter, tougher PS system than the V6 that switches from 2WD to 4WD. I had a 2010 Sequoia and the steering was easier in 2WD, but when switched to 4WD it was tighter.

3) I bought this used with 88k miles on it. Everything feels tight, and there's no noises, squeaks, rattles, etc... (typical quality of Toyota :tu: ) ... but with that said, are there any specific things I should keep my eye on at this mileage, and anything I should be ready to swap/repair at this point?
At 90k or 72 months, the 4.7L V8 is ready for a timing belt and 90k service done. The 03-05 has a laundry list of things that need to be done as "preventative maintenence". I just had my 03's done and requested the Water Pump be changed, and the tech said if they see no leakage then they wont change it., Well, i insisted they do and im glad....cuz they found a leak in the pump that was allowing fluid to collect and burn/crystalize in the pump housing. Long story short, REPLACE IT REGARDLESS! The frozen caliper issue is common so get those checked out for a seized piston, check that sunroof for any rusting, also open the back tailgate an pull back the weatherstripping around the perimeter and check for rusting or bubbling, depending on where you are in the USA you might want to clean and POR15 parts of your undercarriage, and last is the 4WD high-low actuator. follow the manual's directions on how to engauge/disengauge the low-high system and make certain it works well and doesnt have any leaks where its attached to the tranny.

4) Can you guys direct me to the best DIY instructions for stereo install/removal? I'm probably going to swap in one of those eBay NAV units, and I'm looking for the best directions for removing the dash panels.How to Remove the Navigation Head Unit from a 2003 Toyota 4Runner

5) Speaking of stereo stuff... I have the factory JBL system, but the BASS is really lacking What are you guys replacing the stock subwoofer with and is it helping?I personally never have done his...but im sure if you search the threads in here you'll find something.

6) I'm still on my first tank (about 170 miles in so far) and I'm averaging about 19 MPG, 60/40 HWY/CTY... I drive relatively conservative, and the truck has stock size (265/65/17) General Grabber AW's on it. Does that seem to be about the average MPG for these trucks? I just want to make sure I'm not way below the average or anything like that.
Depends on the time of year. Personally, i find that during summer months I avg 20.8-21.7 in both my V8's. However, after a long drive to and from the Cape, im around 19.5mpg. Something about the "winter gas" topic perhaps?

7) TOWING: I have what looks like a factory tow receiver with a 7-pin harness.... how much can I reasonably expect to tow with this rig?
There's some posts in the forum on this issue. I've read that Toyota had said one number originally but then rolled it back to something more modest. Again, search the topic. You'll find many opinions on this. Personally, i dont tow. Sorry.

8) REAR-WINDOW & KEY FOB: I noticed that when outside of the car, I can roll the window down with the fob, when holding it down for a few seconds, BUT I can't roll it back up until I start the car and use the button inside the truck. Is that how it's designed? Or, is the fob supposed to be able to control both DOWN and UP from outside?QUOTE]Nope...one of the pet-peeves of people is that the FOB doesnt control the rear window UP direction. I find myself using the actual KEY most of the time to roll it up (physically have to insert the key in the rear door hole, turn and hold in position and the sucker goes up!) People in here have their thoughts as to WHY Toyota does this.

 

[PWGUNNY]

Welcome and good luck with your new truck. The 4Runner is a great vechicle. You'll be saying this also.

 

[TSO]

Thanks to those of you that took the time to give an insightful answer (especially you zerowkul98)... like I said, with my miserably slow internet speed, it's difficult to search the forum for everything.

It looks like my truck had a "front leveling kit" installed - there was a receipt in the glovebox for it. I took a look, and it looks like just a 1" shock/strut spacer in the front. Hopefully it doesn't cause any issues. Hmm.... I should probably check to see if they did put a diff-drop in along with the spacer :beatsme:

Are there TSB's on the Timing Belt & Water Pump? How much should I expect to pay to get them replaced?

Thanks again

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Timing belt and water pump are both general maintenance items. There shouldn't be any issues from that leveling kit, I wouldn't worry about it. Diff drop is useless, especially with that spacer. Fire audio upgrades, check out the link in my sig to see what I did.

 

[TSO]

Timing belt and water pump are both general maintenance items. There shouldn't be any issues from that leveling kit, I wouldn't worry about it. Diff drop is useless, especially with that spacer. Fire audio upgrades, check out the link in my sig to see what I did.

Thanks for that info - I checked out your thread. Looks like I can re-use the aftermarket equipment I installed/removed from my Tundra.

Sorry to re-ask the question, but does anyone know how much I should expect to pay for the new Timing Belt & WaterPump? I'll address it at my next/first trip to the stealership for my oil change. Is the 90k maintenance schedule in the manual? (haven't had a chance to read it yet, only had the truck for a few days)... or if not, is there a link somewhere that explains what should be addressed?

Thanks again fellas

 

[zerowkul98]

With labor and parts, i paid $1300. This included the following:

With the itemized bill in front of me, it reads like this:

- Multi-point Inspection
- Front A/C cabin filter
- Air Filter 4.7L
- Balance & Rotate Tires
- Engine Performance Test
- Flush Automatic Trans. 4WD 2003
- Flush Brake System All
- Flush Cooling System (add 2 gal. coolant)
- Inspect Air Filter All
- Inspect Automatic Trans Fluid All
- Inspect Battery Condition All
- Inspect Brake Lines & Hoses All
- Inspect Coolant & Level All
- Inspect Cooling System All
- Inspect Drive Belts & Hoses All
- Inspect Fluid Levels & Adjust/Top Off as Necessary All
- Inspect Lights All
- Inspect Steering Linkage & Bolts All
- Inspect Suspension All (WOO HOO! MY XREAS IS STILL GOING STRONG!)
- Inspect Wiper Blades All
- Engine Protection Kit
- Oil & Filter Change w Lube 4.7L 4WD
- Service Front Differential 4.7L 4WD
- Service Rear Differential w/o limited slip
- Service Transfer Case 4WD
- Performed Timing Belt Change with all related equipment + T/Stat
(next page)

Job #3
Replace Timing Belt
- Belt, Timing
- Pump Assy. Water
- Serp. Belt

Job #4
Flush Power Steering
- Performed Power Steering Flush

Job #5
- P/S Kit <--Apparently I needed a Power Steering Flush.

What I did was call around to the 3 pargre Toyota dealerships in my area. Got quotes, got the lowest and went to the one nearest to me and ask if they'd do it. They didnt even pause and said "Sure!". I got quotes from $2250 to $1300. This included the parts, all OEM. Took 2 days.

Im sure youve done some homework on the 4.7L V8 engine and how its a non-interf. engine. Its a cast iron block, which is seldom seen in Toyota's now a days ive read.

I was at my dealership today getting the front calipers replaced (thank GOD i bought the extended warrantee!) and there was a 2005 Tundra 4.7L with a blown engine. I asked how it happened, as you REEEEEALLY have to TRY to blow this engine! Turns out the guy didnt change his oil for over 23k and no, it wasnt synthetic. It was speedy oil change quality oil.

Bottom line is that it's worth the investment IMO.

 

[TSO]

zerowkul98 - thanks again. What are the consequences of leaving the timing belt until it fails? Same with the water pump (I'm no mechanic). $1300 is alot to spend on a preventative maintenance item for a car I just picked up. I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm saying I'm CHEAP

I picked up a 2-yr warranty from the dealer when I bought the truck... I would assume it covers the water pump (have to double check now) but I doubt it would cover the timing belt.

 

[ClockWork]

It's an interference motor. Do them both. Now you know why people dump them at 90k. You should service the trans properly too. Complete fluid exchange.

 

[jimithing]

What are the consequences of leaving the timing belt until it fails? Same with the water pump (I'm no mechanic).

Engine failure through one of many possible ways. Bent rods or something similar. It won't be cheap to fix - it's best to get the belt done. The water pump is done not because they expect it to go bad but because you're already paying all the labor to get to it by replacing the timing belt. It's worth the cost to have them just throw on a new pump while they're at it. This woulda been good info for negotiation before buying. If you bought it at a dealer maybe they'd cut you a break on the price since you just bought it. It's worth asking.

 

[Sharp_Cheddar]

In short, what everyone is saying is that it's better to spend a little money to replace the timing belt than spend a lot of money to replace the engine when the timing belt fails. It's one of those "better safe than sorry" deals.

 

[scottm]

Timing belt and water pump is not a bad DIY job if you want to save a little. If I was still working at Selfridge we could bang it out some drill weekend. There are a few writeups on this, here's mine: Timing Belt for Dummies writeup

 

[TSO]

Thanks Scott, I'll check out your write-up. I'm going to try to get the dealership group that I bought it from to change it for me.

The warranty says it covers the Timing Belt & WaterPump (among others) but also says it DOESN'T cover maintenance. So, I'm going to see if the dealer can say they need to be replaced so the warranty can cover it.

 

[ClockWork]

Thanks Scott, I'll check out your write-up. I'm going to try to get the dealership group that I bought it from to change it for me.

The warranty says it covers the Timing Belt & WaterPump (among others) but also says it DOESN'T cover maintenance. So, I'm going to see if the dealer can say they need to be replaced so the warranty can cover it.

I doubt it will be covered. Whatever you end up doing, use OEM parts.

 

[jediwebdude]

In regard to your towing question, I have the 4WD with 4.7L V8 and pulled an RV travel trailer that was 5,300 lbs dry. Add in propane, groceries, gear, etc...I was probably closer to 6,000 lbs. Going up hills was not problematic.

Am at 89,000 miles and have had no issues. I also have the JBL audio and find the bass to be fine. Then again, I'm listening to 80's hairband rock, so my bass requirements may be different than yours.

 

[TSO]

I doubt it will be covered. Whatever you end up doing, use OEM parts.

I doubt it too... but it's worth a shot.

---
Thanks Jedi - I took some time to read thru the manual a bit today, and it says somewhere around 7000 lbs for towing... I'll likely never tow more than 4k with it, so it should be fine.

I think I may have a problem with my amp/sub, because I am getting practically ZERO bass production. I do have my own amp & sub (thin mount) that I pulled from my Tundra install, so that may be the fix. Maybe someday I'll replace the rest of the speakers with something better, but that's a "down the road" project for now.