New SC'd 98 4Runner, AMSOIL and Tune-up Recommendations?

[gamefreakgc]

Hello T4R,

New to these forums (sort-of) but not new to Toyotas. I've been on here time to time when referenced from Yotatech. Their forums are awesome when it comes to the 86-95's but the 3rd gen 4Runner section is a bit lacking. It's sort of dead (original post here: New SC'd 98 4Runner and AMSOIL Recommendations - YotaTech Forums). So here I am.

A little background, I'm a DIY'er on these trucks and love that most jobs can be done with just basic tools. I've done the infamous valve adjustment on the 3VZE successfully, so not afraid to go at it.

I recently purchased a 98 Supercharged 4Runner with 191k. It's in fair condition, interior and exterior are in great shape but the engine is behind on maintenance. Here's what I plan on doing:

• New nose cone on Supercharger (it's a little noisy)
• Clean throttle body
• Check valve clearances (and find passenger side valve cover leak)
• New PCV & Grommet
• New spark plugs (DENSO Iridium)
• 170* Thermostat, has a history of cooling issues from being SC'd
• External transmission cooler
• New shocks & struts
• ISR mod
• Switch to AMSIOL synthetics (and air filter)
• Grease drive line and inspect steering components (pulsating at 55-70 MPH)

A couple of questions off of this, which AMSOIL products have you used and how would you rate them? Also, do you use Perfomance, Extra Performance brands etc., since there's a few fluids listed for oil, transmission, etc.

Second would be a spin-off of the pulsating steering wheel at 55-70 MPH. The tires are brand new and stock. The truck doesn't drift to one side like it's bad alignment, goes dead straight. However, the steering wheel itself needs to be turned to the right about 5 degrees to keep straight, if straight then obviously it turns to the left. No steering slop. Also, no vibration when turning. Any ideas on where to be looking for this one would be appreciated.

I read that some recommend also replacing the lower ball joints every 150k. Is that pretty standard?

If anyone else has some items that I should clean/repair/replace feel free to speak up!

 

[LittleCaesar]

welcome!

I personally have only used Amsoil ATF multi and their 75w-110 gear oil in a t100. The Aisin tranny really seems to like it. My local Amsoil rep said his office recommended using the 75w-110 but I would have no reserve using their 80w-90.

The rack may have a lot of play in it. If you feel as if the steering wheel is loose, read:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/164396-diagnose-repair-steering-play-rattle.html

LBJs can just give out at any time, usually past 150k. The recommendation is to stick with using OEMs (some members have had success using aftermarket brands to get them down the road) along with 8 new bolts that hold the LBJ into the knuckle.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Yeah, I'm planning on using stock parts as much as possible when it comes to drive line and engine. I've tried aftermarket stuff in the past with poor results.

Thanks for the info, I'll look into the steering fix.

 

[Nunyabiz]

Been using Amsoil since 1977.
I use their ATF, Gear lube and Oil in my 4Runner.
I would go with the top of the line everything.
ALL of it is better than Petroleum alternative though.

I think maybe the Denso Double Platinum might be better for this engine than the Iridium.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Thanks for the recommendations, I think I'll go for the high-end products they offer. Because of the longevity of the oil, it's about the same price as getting cheapo stuff, maybe even cheaper.

 

[AZ4Running]

I have used many different oil brands and gotten all kinds of info on oils iver the years of being a mechanic. Whenit comes down to it there are 3 types of oil to choose from natural/conventional oil, synthetic blend and full synthetic. Full sysnthetic is full synthetic no matter what the brand same goes for natural oils. I prefer Mobile1 and Valvoline products. Now synthetic blend oils is where there is gray area. There can be as little as 5% synthetic oil in a blend or it could be as much as 50% but you just dont know and the oils companys dont tell you. All full syntheic oil is man made ie not a petroleum product which as a result if the controlled production makes uniformly identical oil molecules. This allows the oil to want to flow on the molecular level as a chain and thus flows and lubricates much better than the uneven sized and oddly shaped molecules of conventional oil. Sorry that was long but jme with oils. Fwiw i run 5w30 Valvoline conventional in my 4runner. I may switch to synthetic but not sure. I do run Valvoline 75w90 synthetic gear oil in diffs and tcase.