Pre-timing belt maintenance checklist

[juggernaut]

Hi, I own a 2002 SR5 2WD and bought it at 25,000. She is about to click over to 80k and besides doing the air,oil filters and regular oil changes I haven't done other major maintenance..

What repairs/maintenance should I be getting done around this time? I basically never go off-roading all of the miles are highway/city..

I'm also interested in doing the Tundra Brake Swap (I'm guessing the 231mm is the best?), Deckplate mod, Intake Silencer Removal mod, and possible a auto tranny cooler (why not?), what else should I do that is a good performance boost but reasonable price?

With that being said how would your prioritize repairs v. upgrades?

 

[MAD 69]

The tranny cooler is uneccesary unless your towing something or live in a very hot climate.
You can go to the Toyota website and input your VIN# and it will tell all the services that have been done to your vehicle - I'm at 169K and never had my TB replaced, I'm in the process of replacing my radiator now.

 

[TheDurk]

Spark plugs, coolant and brake fluid are the first things that come to mind. 80K is way too long on any of these. Then the diffs, TC and tranny fluids are also overdue. You should clean your MAF and throttle body every 20k or so.

Less urgent is power steering fluid. I did my timing belt and WP at 120K, I think that's reasonable although the recommended is 90K. That would put 50K on your coolant if you change it now, which is ok if you're putting in Toyota Red or Pink. 169K on a timing belt like MAD 69 is pushing it.

Then check your front end, sway bar bushings, end links, rack bushings, tie rod ends, etc. At your mileage I had one broken end link, shot sway bar bushings, shot rack bushings. Car improved greatly when these were changed.

You have gotten away with maintenance sins in your first 100K, but from now on I guarantee you will have problems if you don't treat your truck better. Take a good look at what comes out when you change those fluids.

Also recommend rear brake service and adjustment and check front pads and rotors. Consider fuel filter and plug wires by 100k. How are your shocks?

 

[juggernaut]

Thanks for the response I've been knocking things off the list. All that remains is the WP+timing belt and the shocks.

Also seriously considering the Tundra brake swap, my 4runner wobbles when I brake hard which is concerning to say the least..

 

[PitbullRescuer]

The tranny cooler is uneccesary unless your towing something or live in a very hot climate.

Untrue. An external cooler makes a ton of sense, no matter what the conditions. It is the only guarantee you have against getting the pink milkshake. $45 for a cooler is cheap insurance.

 

[juggernaut]

@PitBull, my thoughts exactly. Plus I live in Austin TX and tow things, so I believe it would be money well spent.