Newbie Questions - Would Appreciate Any Help

Strider

Strider

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Newbie Questions - Would Appreciate Any Help - Radiator - Timing Chain Cover - Struts

I am brand new to this forum and to 4Runners. We used to own Subarus but wanted something a little more rommier, reliable and flexible to do many things (4x4, camp, family car, etc).

We bought a 2005 SR5 4Runner with 136k on it. I am surprised how solid it feels, the v6 power, how it handles, etc. We think it will be a great family car and will last is many years.

I was hoping to get some insight on a few things from everyone. Please direct me to any threads that would assist or your own experience. I recently got into working on my own vehicles as we are on a budget. I notice you can save 40-60%, buy better parts and see how to do things on YouTube. I've just started and did a tune up and struts on my Subaru Impreza. I'd now like to look at a few things on the 4Runner and see if I could do them myself or if they are even an issue. We don't really do any crazy 4x4 and maybe go camping 1-4 times a year so we don't need big mods, etc.

Here is what I am looking at to potentially fix...

1) Radiator - We've been told by two different shops that there is a small leak. I was considering buying a radiator, the special coolant and replacing all the hoses I could. Dealer and independent shop said $800-1000. What would you all suggest replacing or doing?

2) Front Struts and rear shocks - I can hear a small click on the front right and I know none of the suspension has been changed. I was thinking of buying the complete front strut kits and mounts while also doing the rear shocks. Any suggestions on brand of items I should buy? Should I get an alignment? I did my Subaru front Struts myself and took it to a shop to compress the coil. I didn't get an alignment and it drives good. Dealer quoted over $1000.

3) Timing Chain cover leaking oil - I googled this and it seems to be a common thing. Dealer or shop said $1200, but when I asked if they'd ever done it they said "no". When I asked why, they said because usually it's not a big of a deal and people just spot check it every oil change. I looked at photos and YouTube and it looks VERY intensive. I'd think out of my league. I was thinking of just getting this one looked at, at each oil change.

Any help would be appreciate. Sorry, I am brand new so I appologize if this was too wordy or there are threads I missed answering these.

Thanks!
 
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I'm not qualified to give answers to all of your questions but I'll chime in on the things that I do know something about.

First, the shocks. If you aren't lifting it in any way then I'd suggest buying the Monroe Quick Struts for the front. They come with new springs and you just bolt them in. I went that way on mine and have no regrets. They will run you about $100 for each of the fronts and then you can get some decent shocks for the rear for about $35 each plus shipping. I bought all of mine from RockAuto. You shouldn't need an alignment afterwards but it might be smart to go ahead and get the alignment checked since the truck is new to you.

I wouldn't jump straight to replacing them because of a sound though. Most tapping/ticking/clicking/clunking sounds aren't the result of bad shocks or struts. Most likely you have a bad stabilizer bar end link or bushing. It could also be a ball joint or control arm bushing. After I replaced all of my shocks/struts and the sound didn't go away I ended up pulling my stabilizer bar completely off for about a week. The sound went away which helped me narrow down the possibilities. I'd suggest that you start by doing that because stabilizer bar ends and bushings are a lot cheaper than shocks/struts.

Second, the radiator. Definitely use the dealer recommended coolant. I don't believe that you need to replace the hoses unless they are obviously damaged in some way or are leaking. You might consider replacing the serpentine belt and or tensioner/idler pulleys while you have the fan off just because it makes those jobs a lot easier. Don't replace them if they don't need it, obviously. Just check them while you're in there and be ready to replace them because it would be opportune timing.
 
Good comments and suggestions!

Thank you both for those suggestions. I can see where looking into more of where that clicking noise is coming from on the strut makes sense and could save some $!

With the radiator, that link was helpful and answered a lot of my questions. Sounds like the leak I am experiencing is that common one too. My only question is on that link it references an add on piece, the external tranny cooler I think. I don't tow anything, we live in Denver so the temp isn't too extreme, to be honest, I don't even understand what that extra piece does. Would you all suggest I add it on?

Thanks!!!
 
Aequitas said:
Thank you both for those suggestions. I can see where looking into more of where that clicking noise is coming from on the strut makes sense and could save some $!

With the radiator, that link was helpful and answered a lot of my questions. Sounds like the leak I am experiencing is that common one too. My only question is on that link it references an add on piece, the external tranny cooler I think. I don't tow anything, we live in Denver so the temp isn't too extreme, to be honest, I don't even understand what that extra piece does. Would you all suggest I add it on?

Thanks!!!
Click to expand...

the add on tranny cooler is something that was just easy to do at the time of the radiator install, i did it because i tow often, it isn't totally necessary if you don't.
 
Got the radiator!

Thanks for the link and info on the radiator. I successfully did that a few weeks ago along with the hoses and new thermostat for around $400 with some tools and fluids. Great value vs. $1000 quoted by dealers and shops.

What's funny is those dang hose clamps were the hardest part sucking up a lot of time. I only used a gallon of antifreeze which I thought I'd need more even after burping it. I did have that hairline crack on the driver's side that so many others see.

Thanks for the great write up and info all.
 
fdbyrne said:
First, the shocks. If you aren't lifting it in any way then I'd suggest buying the Monroe Quick Struts for the front. They come with new springs and you just bolt them in. I went that way on mine and have no regrets
Click to expand...

I'd have to disagree with fdbyrne on this point. I had the Monroe quick struts in my truck for 6 months before I replaced them.

I hated them. Too soft and it felt like I was riding a hobby horse evey dip and bump in the road.

I am not a hard core off-roader, but I do go onto gravel side roads and light off roading. That set-up did not work for me, I went with Bilstien 4600's on all 4's. There are other options dependent on your needs.

Again, not trying to dismiss fdbyrne's opinion and experience, but you have to decide what you expect of your suspension for how you will use the truck now and in the future.
 
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