Newbie 3rd Gen questions, please

[Pogo123]

A few years ago I bought a 2002 Toyota 4Runner, 2WD, 6cyl with 60,000 miles and have been, for the most part happy with it. What I did not get at the time was an owners manual and never saw one until recently where I noticed that Toyota recommends a timing belt change at 90,000 miles.

I now have 95,500 miles on mine and want to know just how critical this 90,000 mi belt change is.

My second issue is about trans fluid. Since Dex-3 is no longer made, what do you guys recommend? I plan on doing a drain and refill, but am reluctant to jump to "6" (all synthetic) without a total replacement.

Any thoughts or recommendations will be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[thor999]

Yes you are due for timing belt replacement, and Amsoil appears to be the way to go for tranny fluid, but it is recommended to do a complete flush, which requires (14 quarts?) and is expensive! More importantly, you should consider a tranny cooler, new radiator, and lower ball joint replacement before Amsoil; the failure of any of those items wreaks costly havoc on our vehicles. Welcome to the forum!

 

[Doc2012]

Hey Pogo,
Again, welcome to the forum. Where in NC are you located? I'm in Camp LeJeune, but travel to Hickory via I40 just about every weekend. If you need any help with anything, feel free to ask.

As far as the tranny fluid, doing a complete flush is going to be the best option, especially since you're going to a different KIND of fluid. call around to some local shops. I know there are places in Hickory and Jacksonville that do tranny flushes for ~100. Save ya time at least....

 

[Pogo123]

Thanks for the response thor, but are you saying that the timing belt change is necessary ... maybe even critical?

The reason I ask is that I have seen cases where factory recommended services were not all the important and mainly served to make money for the dealers.

I also appreciate the other suggestions you've offered .. I hadn't given a single thought to any of them, but will get them looked at soon.

 

[Pogo123]

Looks like we ae neighbors, Doc2012 ... I live in Sneads Ferry (and have for going on 15 years) just a few miles South of you out the LeJeune back gate.

Truthfully, I'd rather not have to switch kinds or types of trans fluid, but don't appear to have much choice. I don't welcome a full flush switch, but here too, may just be forced to.

Since I've had very few problems, I don't really have a regular mechanic, but do know one I trust ... expensive, but then, what isn't today?

One place I shy away from is the local dealer (Stephenson). They can't even order parts correctly, let alone turn a wrench. Once was enough for me.

Other than that, Doc, I welcome any recommendations you might have.