New member, need advice

[Huntfish53]

I just bought a '99 Limited 4WD, 248,000 miles. 1-owner, interior and exterior are in excellent shape for a '99. Here's my question. The vehicle has only ever had starter and battery replaced and front brakes replaced twice. Rear brakes never changed, timing belt never changed, Mobil 1 for all oil changes. Antenna is stuck in the up position, what all needs to be done and how much $ we talking?

 

[chimpy]

First off, when you refer to how much, are you doing the labor yourself or are you taking it to someone else? You will be a little busy checking eveything out on your new purchase but take your time and do everything right the first time. What I have found about owning a Toyota is that once you have repaired/replaced necessary items, it will run a long, long time. In short, a great return on your investment. Good luck!

 

[4-Ripcord]

250k on the original timing belt! :wow:

 

[LittleCaesar]

I am amazed that the water pump made it that far on the original coolant. Wow.

 

[nissanh]

When I bought my Geo Prizm (toyota sprinter - Asian Market) it had 178 K miles with the OEM belt! It was yellow and cracks all over!. I am stunned to see it is at 250 K miles.

I would FIRST get the T-belt done. Use OEM parts. You can buy the kit on ebay for $355
Toyota TIMING BELT & WATER PUMP KIT Genuine & Parts! 4-Runner/Truck 3.4L V6 | eBay

Mechanic will charge you about $250 - 400 for the T-belt repair.


You can replace the radiator, brakes etc., after getting the t-belt done.
Is your truck automatic?

 

[Huntfish53]

Major tune-up at 120k miles. Timing belt was changed. Just found out, sorry.

 

[nissanh]

The t-belt must be replaced every 60 K miles. I think it is overdue!

 

[Millerad1651]

The timing belt and water pump should be at 90k intervals, but it is still overdue. I would replace the radiator as well, then add new fluids throughout.

I'd leave the antenna up for now, or just put in a whip antenna...my wife's is stuck up as well and it doesn't seem to be hurting anything.

 

[Huntfish53]

Anybody know of a good mechanic on the north Georgia area?? I'm not too mechanically inclined

 

[PitbullRescuer]

I have 176K on the original belt and WP. Belt doesn't look too bad either. But, I'm giving my truck to Zach this week. I'm too busy to tackle it and he could use the work so win-win. He's doing the TB/WP, seals, etc. (eBay kit that's referenced above with OEM parts) as well as doing the clutch and rear main seal.

OP, if I were you'd still do the TB/WP again soon, just for piece of mind. Wouldn't hurt to do a tune up: plugs, wires, O2 sensor, fuel & air filters, etc. Good idea to do fresh fluids in the drive train too.

As for the antenna, if it works and it doesn't bother you being up, leave it alone. If it does, search for "Taco Whip Mod."

 

[TheDurk]

I have 176K on the original belt and WP. Belt doesn't look too bad either. But, I'm giving my truck to Zach this week. I'm too busy to tackle it and he could use the work so win-win. He's doing the TB/WP, seals, etc. (eBay kit that's referenced above with OEM parts) as well as doing the clutch and rear main seal.

OP, if I were you'd still do the TB/WP again soon, just for piece of mind. Wouldn't hurt to do a tune up: plugs, wires, O2 sensor, fuel & air filters, etc. Good idea to do fresh fluids in the drive train too.

As for the antenna, if it works and it doesn't bother you being up, leave it alone. If it does, search for "Taco Whip Mod."

I agree with all the above. I did my first TB/WP at 120k deliberately, and I think it's a good interval. I'd also go to town on the brakes, front and rear, including fluid flush, as I do with any used car I plan to keep. One reason the rears might not wear out is they aren't working, although I have 150k on mine and they work because I service them and I check. The fronts do most of the work.

On the antenna, if you prefer, it's maybe not that hard to fix. Does the motor make a noise when you switch to radio? If not, it may just have been disconnected because the mast broke. If it does make a noise, then it probably IS just a broken mast. If that's all it is, read http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/110684-power-antenna-fixed-but-new-issue.html#post1019785. It's important to get the RIGHT mast.

If it's not just the mast, leave as is or get the whip. They are expensive and it's not worth it.

 

[Volley]

I have 176K on the original belt and WP. Belt doesn't look too bad either. But, I'm giving my truck to Zach this week. I'm too busy to tackle it and he could use the work so win-win. He's doing the TB/WP, seals, etc. (eBay kit that's referenced above with OEM parts) as well as doing the clutch and rear main seal."

Best post! Wish I had had him so mine!

 

[Huntfish53]

I have 176K on the original belt and WP. Belt doesn't look too bad either. But, I'm giving my truck to Zach this week. I'm too busy to tackle it and he could use the work so win-win. He's doing the TB/WP, seals, etc. (eBay kit that's referenced above with OEM parts) as well as doing the clutch and rear main seal.

OP, if I were you'd still do the TB/WP again soon, just for piece of mind. Wouldn't hurt to do a tune up: plugs, wires, O2 sensor, fuel & air filters, etc. Good idea to do fresh fluids in the drive train too.

As for the antenna, if it works and it doesn't bother you being up, leave it alone. If it does, search for "Taco Whip Mod."

How much labor are we talking for the eBay kit???

 

[Millerad1651]

About $300-400 worth depending on where you take it. Or a good chunk of a Saturday if you and a friend take a swing at it.