New to forum - 2006 Sport v8 suggestions

[meltdowner]

Hi guys, I bought a used 4runner last month with 55k miles on it (I know right?). I took it to my mechanic to give me an inspection and it turns out some struts need to be replaced as well as the radiator had a leak.

So apparently the radiator leak from calcium build up isn't a big deal, but does anyone have any suggestions of work that should be done, maintenance wise, of things that I should get taken care of while the car is on the lift?

I was thinking to replace struts and shocks across the board with some after market. The goal is not offroading but smoooooth highway driving and I don't want to worry about hitting a pothole.

I hear you guys talk a lot about timing belts, is that something I should go ahead and get done while it's in the shop as well?

I'm not rich, but I'm not poor and can afford pumping 1-2 grand into the car if it will increase it's reliability and my peace of mind.

Suggestions are INCREDIBLY welcomed and I thank you just for reading!

Love that 4runner guys! Great car. Coming to Toyota from Ford t-bird 97' that I had since I was 19.

 

[hinmo24t]

the v8 have timing chains that need to be replaced every 90k i believe.

 

[jamesewells]

The V8 has a timing belt, for sure. Replace 90-100k miles...

 

[WhiteBoomer04]

V8 is a belt, not a chain, and you would be best advised to do water pump while your there.

Check for leaks around the actuator of the transfer case.

Hows the brakes? Pistons have a tendency to seize up, especially with little use.

Also check rubber bushings at ball joints and lower and upper control arms.

Other than these items I would do a full fluid change, filters and belt.

 

[thennen]

A 2006 with 55k miles on it - how sweet is that??? Congrats on the nearly-new ride, sir!

Calcium buildup in a radiator sounds odd to me. I have well water, and that would definitely do that if I ever used it. But you're supposed to use distilled with the antifreeze, so any deposits would be light I would think. Perhaps it's corrosion rather than calcium? That would make more sense to me.

It's never a bad idea to examine the brakes, too. Maybe your mechanic already did that.

Timing belt - I don't know if time affects them (versus miles), but yours is 12-13 years old. Maybe someone here knows the answer to that. I think the V8 is also an interference engine, which is always a good reason to replace early rather than late :thumb3:

Again, congratulations. That thing will take you to 300k and beyond!

 

[JukeRedlin]

.... the V8 is also an interference engine, which is always a good reason to replace early rather than late :thumb3:

Again, congratulations. That thing will take you to 300k and beyond!

This. The V8 is an interference engine. The timing belt fails, pistons meet valves and begin an intimate relationship. You do Not want that. The water pump is integrated into the timing belt housing. You may as well take it to a stealership and hand them 800. Then the work is guaranteed.

The suspension can be done by any shade tree mechanic, but smooth isn't a common goal around here (not unheard of just uncommmon) so I don't know what to reccomend, just that you can do it in a driveway.

Sent from my SM-G892U using Tapatalk

 

[meltdowner]

This. The V8 is an interference engine. The timing belt fails, pistons meet valves and begin an intimate relationship. You do Not want that. The water pump is integrated into the timing belt housing. You may as well take it to a stealership and hand them 800. Then the work is guaranteed.

The suspension can be done by any shade tree mechanic, but smooth isn't a common goal around here (not unheard of just uncommmon) so I don't know what to reccomend, just that you can do it in a driveway.

Sent from my SM-G892U using Tapatalk

I appreciate all the responses in this thread. Liked it all. THANK YOU.

So, go for the safe side and replace the timing belts? I think I'm going to suggest it to him along with the water pump. If a new timing belt lasted me 80k miles ... that's like 6 years for me. I do not drive to work and back, this is my LUXURY vehicle :banana:

 

[meltdowner]

A 2006 with 55k miles on it - how sweet is that??? Congrats on the nearly-new ride, sir!

Calcium buildup in a radiator sounds odd to me. I have well water, and that would definitely do that if I ever used it. But you're supposed to use distilled with the antifreeze, so any deposits would be light I would think. Perhaps it's corrosion rather than calcium? That would make more sense to me.

It's never a bad idea to examine the brakes, too. Maybe your mechanic already did that.

Timing belt - I don't know if time affects them (versus miles), but yours is 12-13 years old. Maybe someone here knows the answer to that. I think the V8 is also an interference engine, which is always a good reason to replace early rather than late :thumb3:

Again, congratulations. That thing will take you to 300k and beyond!

I might be wrong about the calcium to re-quote. He said the radiator was leaking due to a calcium build-up but again, i may we wrong on the term he used. Cell phones...

Brakes were in good shape, apparently recently changed. Tires are new. I'm happy with the rims for now...

I want to change the radio in the future and install a backup cam if possible at some point. So dang useful...

Thanks, I paid 18k for this thing, which is a lot for such an old vehicle. However, it had everything I want in a vehicle. I didn't want to buy a 30k v6. I don't want a car with over 100k miles on it. And this was a decent middle ground. Since it was in good shape and really clean (engine area too) I was convinced the previous owner used it to just go shopping and home. Maybe a mom? Anyway it was the right choice.... even now that I need to dump another 3 grand into it.

In bet in 5 years I can sell it still for a solid 4-6k at that point!

 

[Samm25]

Just to add onto what everyone else is saying about the timing belt. Yes, they’re good for 90k miles which Toyota recommends replacing them at. BUT, if this truck is 12 years old, that timing belt is also 12 years old, which isn’t always a good thing. Better to replace it now. I believe Toyota recommends every 90k miles or 6 years, whichever comes first.

Other than that and your water pump as well as the other things you’re getting taken care of, those trucks will run forever.

 

[meltdowner]

Just to add onto what everyone else is saying about the timing belt. Yes, they’re good for 90k miles which Toyota recommends replacing them at. BUT, if this truck is 12 years old, that timing belt is also 12 years old, which isn’t always a good thing. Better to replace it now. I believe Toyota recommends every 90k miles or 6 years, whichever comes first.

Other than that and your water pump as well as the other things you’re getting taken care of, those trucks will run forever.

Thank you, I talked to my mechanic and he's on it. I got a warranty with this car for 1500$ when i bought which is already paying off here. Hell, I think this is going to cost the warranty company around 1500$. Even Steven I am.:girl:

Love you guys. I can't wait to get nerdy with this thing. I hope to help another 4runner driver once I know more.