retiring2texas
New member
I am not a mechanic. I don't have the time, tools or know-how (yet...) to do what needs to be done. They got me by the short hairs I guess. My brother took the shop classes, I was the college prep dude taking calculus...
90 4runner, M/T, 3.0L V6.
Bought it new in 90. My Dad owned it 95-07.
Everything stock.
137000 miles.
Back-ground info:
I just drove successfully from Florida. 900 miles at 57 mph, 26-29 mpg. Not a problem, Starts fine. Runs fine.
Sags in the rear like an overage stripper.
Brake fluid looks darker than one of those Bavarian beers.
Rusty brake fittings where the A/C condensate dripped on it.
One blown CV boot. Others look ready to go.
Everything coated with grime and cob-webs.
It has been sitting undriven but covered since at least may 06.
Well, just minor start-ups and a bit of movement every few weeks by the neighbor watching the truck.
My Dad was ill health and finally passed away in July 07.
I am registering it to Texas so it goes through the state inspection. It seems lame. General safety items only.
Here is what I plan to have done.
Oil and filter.
Lube the chassis. (eventually I get my own grease gun & DIY)
Inspect M/T, differential & transfer fluids.
Flush coolant sustem. It looks kinda brown...
Flush brake fluid.
Replace the rusted brake fittings.
Rotate and balance tires. Tires relatively new (125k, 8/04).
Replace CV boots and ball-joint dust covers.
Repack front wheel bearings.
Replace timing belt and water pump.
Adjust valves, set timing & idle.
Replace spark plugs.
Replace original rear shocks and maybe coil springs.
Check drive belts, replace as needed. 2 done at 129600, 5/05.
I went through all my dad's maintenance records.
It was a bit sad to always see his distinctive scrawl...
Fuel filter done at 130505, 8/05. So, it is OK, right?
New battery at 124116, 7/04, so it seems fine.
New clutch slave and master cylinders at 119349, 1/04.
Pulled 4 wheels, check brakes, scuff up drums with grinder, test drive sat at 125022, 9/04.
Replaced front brake rotors and pads, cleaned and adjusted rear brakes, repack and replace front wheel bearings, replaced r/s cv boots. 99602, 5/01.
New muffler, tailpipe and hangers. 78000, 1/98.
(Exhaust system looks really rusty. State insp. checks for leaks.
I might have to do this now, but definitely will roll it in soon)
Replaced distributor cap, rotor, wires, starter contacts at 94943, 12/00.
QUESTIONS: Well, you guys that do your own work are probably cringing now but I don't have a choice really. I need this vehicle for a few more years so I gotta pump in some dough.
Should I do the front shocks while I am at it?
Original shocks with 137000 miles I guess.
No noticeable problem but when the truck is this disassembled is it cheaper to have them replaced?
Should I replace the original oxygen sensor?
I will replace the air filter myself!
And maybe even the fuel tank cap gasket if someone walks me through it. Slowly please.
All my dreams of a suped up 4WD with big tires, a lift kit, other new add-ons and seat covers and a CD player will have to wait.....
I will let you know what they say they will charge me.
I call at 2PM today to get the estimate and authorize them to press on or not....
Also, I will tell them to keep all the old parts so I can see the condition and at least know they actually did something, right?
Or is there a trick around that to screw the consumer?
90 4runner, M/T, 3.0L V6.
Bought it new in 90. My Dad owned it 95-07.
Everything stock.
137000 miles.
Back-ground info:
I just drove successfully from Florida. 900 miles at 57 mph, 26-29 mpg. Not a problem, Starts fine. Runs fine.
Sags in the rear like an overage stripper.
Brake fluid looks darker than one of those Bavarian beers.
Rusty brake fittings where the A/C condensate dripped on it.
One blown CV boot. Others look ready to go.
Everything coated with grime and cob-webs.
It has been sitting undriven but covered since at least may 06.
Well, just minor start-ups and a bit of movement every few weeks by the neighbor watching the truck.
My Dad was ill health and finally passed away in July 07.
I am registering it to Texas so it goes through the state inspection. It seems lame. General safety items only.
Here is what I plan to have done.
Oil and filter.
Lube the chassis. (eventually I get my own grease gun & DIY)
Inspect M/T, differential & transfer fluids.
Flush coolant sustem. It looks kinda brown...
Flush brake fluid.
Replace the rusted brake fittings.
Rotate and balance tires. Tires relatively new (125k, 8/04).
Replace CV boots and ball-joint dust covers.
Repack front wheel bearings.
Replace timing belt and water pump.
Adjust valves, set timing & idle.
Replace spark plugs.
Replace original rear shocks and maybe coil springs.
Check drive belts, replace as needed. 2 done at 129600, 5/05.
I went through all my dad's maintenance records.
It was a bit sad to always see his distinctive scrawl...
Fuel filter done at 130505, 8/05. So, it is OK, right?
New battery at 124116, 7/04, so it seems fine.
New clutch slave and master cylinders at 119349, 1/04.
Pulled 4 wheels, check brakes, scuff up drums with grinder, test drive sat at 125022, 9/04.
Replaced front brake rotors and pads, cleaned and adjusted rear brakes, repack and replace front wheel bearings, replaced r/s cv boots. 99602, 5/01.
New muffler, tailpipe and hangers. 78000, 1/98.
(Exhaust system looks really rusty. State insp. checks for leaks.
I might have to do this now, but definitely will roll it in soon)
Replaced distributor cap, rotor, wires, starter contacts at 94943, 12/00.
QUESTIONS: Well, you guys that do your own work are probably cringing now but I don't have a choice really. I need this vehicle for a few more years so I gotta pump in some dough.
Should I do the front shocks while I am at it?
Original shocks with 137000 miles I guess.
No noticeable problem but when the truck is this disassembled is it cheaper to have them replaced?
Should I replace the original oxygen sensor?
I will replace the air filter myself!
And maybe even the fuel tank cap gasket if someone walks me through it. Slowly please.
All my dreams of a suped up 4WD with big tires, a lift kit, other new add-ons and seat covers and a CD player will have to wait.....
I will let you know what they say they will charge me.
I call at 2PM today to get the estimate and authorize them to press on or not....
Also, I will tell them to keep all the old parts so I can see the condition and at least know they actually did something, right?
Or is there a trick around that to screw the consumer?
