Prioritizing maintenance

[152 Sumo]

Along with just finding out that my inner tie rods (both sides) are worn, My check engine light came on today (sensor 1), I probably need to do MAF cleaning, throttle body clean, spark plugs, possible spark plug wires.

My inner tie rods aren't that bad, but of course they need to get done. My gas mileage seems to be getting worse. Approx 180k mileage.

I am not sure what to do first. I cant do all at once. If I could easily afford that, I would probably be driving a newer 4rnr.

Thought about doing seafoam as well. Should I do that first, then o2 sensor, then throttle body/MAF cleaning?

Could I get some advice?

Everything is piling up at once.

 

[49Runner]

I bought a '97 this past Spring with 180k. It was a little rough so I started going through it.

You need to go through and make a list of the "must haves" (what lights are on/codes thrown) to get the truck running right and to make it a safe ride (suspension, busihngs etc.)... I went the cheap direction (factory springs and shocks from NAPA) tie rod and steering rack bushing kit.

Once all the "MUST HAVES" are taken care of, then take the time to go through the pages (I'm up to pg 150) on the forum... you'll see threads that catch your eye regarding mileage and common problems... this will give you an idea of what to keep your eye on in the future.

Here's what my list looks like so far...

Replaced tie rods, Rotors, pads, shoes, rear springs, rear shocks, steering rack bushings, ALL FLUIDS (oil/seafoam, trans, front/ctr/rear diffs).

Based on what I have read, next on my list is Trans Cooler and Timing belt.

Good luck...

 

[152 Sumo]

Thanks 49rnr. What I am trying to figure out right now is when to replace the o2 sensor. Of course, it has to be replaced soon. But, after reading about seafoam, I thought I might do that before changing the sensor. I will probably hold off on the oil portion of the seafoam since I just changed my oil. This forum is awesome though. I never new about seafoam, throttle body cleaning, MAF cleaning, etc. until I started reading here. Good stuff.

I guess I am going to write everything down and start prioritizing, just like I have to do at work.