New to me 2000 T4R

[NL99]

Hey guys, just got this 2000 SR5 4WD. Enjoying it so far, but it needs some love.

As of now it has a small leak coming from the transmission line at the bottom of the radiator. Since its coming from the metal joint i think i need a new radiator.

The 2nd row windows both seem to be inoperable, and the light on the gear shift it out.

I also noticed some popping from the front and a pulsating noise coming from the wheel/axle while over 25mph

Since i bought it basically with an unknown maintenance record up to 80k in which time there was just oil and filter changes showing i think i'm due for a Timing Belt and Water Pump. The truck has 167k on it now and it in good condition other than some rust spots and an owner who thought it would be a good idea to take a can of silver spray paint to the chrome bumpers to cover up the rust. The dealer quoted me for about $1900 for a new radiator, timing belt, water pump, drive belts, thermostat, gaskets. They charge $110 an hour for labor in my area :tape:. For only Timing Belt and Water pump they quoted me $1050 which i still think is a little steep. Maybe people in the CT area could recommend a knowledgable repair shop or individual who has done this type of thing before. I would appreciate it.

All in all i think this will be a great truck for years to come. I hope I attached the image correctly.

Take Care.

 

[TheKorstjens]

Welcome....get to work.

 

[brosama]

Nice rig. IMHO, that's a lot of money to drop on work that you can do with a little time and basic tools.

Put it this way, your truck is about 14 years old with 167k miles on it. It's gonna be expensive to keep unless you start learning to work on it yourself.

Welcome!

 

[NL99]

Nice rig. IMHO, that's a lot of money to drop on work that you can do with a little time and basic tools.

Put it this way, your truck is about 14 years old with 167k miles on it. It's gonna be expensive to keep unless you start learning to work on it yourself.

Welcome!

Thanks, I completely agree and am willing to put in time to work on it and I already have. Im just not that mechanically inclined, nor do I have the tools or space to do a timing belt/water pump job.

 

[Whackmaster]

For that kind of money you can buy all the tools you need (and have for later repairs) And do the job in your drive. Taking your time you should be able to complete in 8 hours with no experience. Get a chiltons manual and watch some videos.It isn't that bad of a job.

 

[brosama]

Thanks, I completely agree and am willing to put in time to work on it and I already have. Im just not that mechanically inclined, nor do I have the tools or space to do a timing belt/water pump job.

I like what [MENTION=60037]Whackmaster[/MENTION] said above. He's right.

If you still decide to have a shop do it, I'd shop around with a few reputable shops for a better price. And you can certainly drop a radiator and throw belts on yourself, super easy to do those. Only pay for the things you absolutely don't want to try yourself.

 

[NL99]

I like what [MENTION=60037]Whackmaster[/MENTION] said above. He's right.

If you still decide to have a shop do it, I'd shop around with a few reputable shops for a better price. And you can certainly drop a radiator and throw belts on yourself, super easy to do those. Only pay for the things you absolutely don't want to try yourself.

Thanks for the replies guys. I like the advice but at the moment im in a tight apartment style parkinglot and cant see myself comfortably doing a job that significant. I think i may have to look around for some small reputable shops, or worst case maybe someone on the forum to help me out. As for radiator and other small jobs I will definitely do those myself.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Welcome.

Make haste with the replacement of the radiator, then move on from there.

JohnsD90 is a member in CT; he may be able to recommend a good mechanic.

 

[jeff88]

Welcome!

Like LittleCaesar said, I'm sure somebody here can help recommend a shop in your area. You do have other options though. Sometimes groups of guys will have a build day where everybody helps everybody. You could learn quite a lot and get your work done, without needing driveway space. Taco world may have some guys to befriend that could help too. Another option is to find a place that rents the space/tools and sometimes helps if you need it.

If you're going to get a new radiator, you might as well do a bypass and get a transmission cooler for an extra $50.You'll be thankful you did when your (now new) radiator bites the bullet and coolant starts leaking into what would have been the transmission lines.

Hope this helps. Good luck and have fun with your new rig!

 

[NL99]

Welcome!

Like LittleCaesar said, I'm sure somebody here can help recommend a shop in your area. You do have other options though. Sometimes groups of guys will have a build day where everybody helps everybody. You could learn quite a lot and get your work done, without needing driveway space. Taco world may have some guys to befriend that could help too. Another option is to find a place that rents the space/tools and sometimes helps if you need it.

If you're going to get a new radiator, you might as well do a bypass and get a transmission cooler for an extra $50.You'll be thankful you did when your (now new) radiator bites the bullet and coolant starts leaking into what would have been the transmission lines.

Hope this helps. Good luck and have fun with your new rig!

After I get the new radiator ill be sure to install a trans cooler. Ill keep my eye out for those build days if they come up in my area. No place in my area that does that rent-a-bay thing. I think my options are to find a small shop or someone who is familiar with TB/WP changes and has a garage or driveway and go from there.

 

[audiness]

Welcome to the forums!

 

[amalik]

I hate to state the obvious but check your craigslist section under automotive services. There are some wacky folks on CL but at least for my area there are some solid ASE certified master techs all over CL looking for that extra cash with weekend side jobs. You need to find one with 4runner tb/wp exp.

I disagree with the folks here that tb/wp is a easy DIY job for a first timer... they require a good set of tools, proper torque specs (200plus ft/lb) that cannot be overlooked or done wrong, alignment with crankshaft points, tensioning belt properly, etc etc. Unless im retarded and everyone else is a genius, these arent completely intuitive and obvious procedures.

I will agree the radiator is not a bad job even for a 1st timer.

 

[Whackmaster]

I disagree with the folks here that tb/wp is a easy DIY job for a first timer...



We where at some point first timers. I did my first TB/WP in about 6 hours in my drive before I bought my shop with basic tools. Buy all the tools you need for the job and do it yourself. A little research will go a long way and save you a lot of money. I guess I am a tight wad, but I don't like giving my money to other people for jobs I can do. Research,research, research...You can do it.

 

[NL99]

I disagree with the folks here that tb/wp is a easy DIY job for a first timer...



We where at some point first timers. I did my first TB/WP in about 6 hours in my drive before I bought my shop with basic tools. Buy all the tools you need for the job and do it yourself. A little research will go a long way and save you a lot of money. I guess I am a tight wad, but I don't like giving my money to other people for jobs I can do. Research,research, research...You can do it.

I'll think about doing it myself and research the actual job. I think im going to take off the timing cover and visually see if the belt looks old. I'm hoping the previous owner did belt and pump. On a side note, is there a fuse for the 2nd row windows (child lock is not on)