Recommendations: replacement parts for high mileage 4runner

[shiftmx]

This is the fourth 3rd gen 4runner I have owned but the first time I drive one to 170,000 miles. I am on the fence about buying a new 2dr Jeep Wrangler or putting a few dollars into this one to get to 250,000 miles without issue. Payment vs no payment, and I want to move to a new city and would like to not have a payment but have something reliable since I will be driving around a lot in an area unknown to me.

***Currently, the 4runner makes a "light supercharger" type noise when in drive but only accelerating in first gear, as soon as I hit second, the noise is gone. It does not make this noise at any other time. I have done some reading, and some people think it's normal for the A340 but I'm not 100% convinced. Although it does shift very well, so I don't know at this point.***

Here’s what it comes down to. What else would I need to replace as a preventative measure to keep the 4runner safe and reliable? This is what has been done so far, excluding normal stuff like oil change and air filter:
-Timing belt job with the works (water pump, bearings, tensioner,belts, t-stat, etc…done less than 5k ago)
-Fluids done in last 35k – rear diff, transmission
-Plugs and wires in last 35k
-New tires
-New battery
-Front 02 sensor
-Steering rack bushings
-Sway bar and endlink bushings
-Shocks
-U-joints
-Trans cooler
-Fuel filter
-PCV valve

If I keep the 4runner, next on the to do list would be:
-OEM lower ball joints
-Outer tie rod ends
-Radiator
-Fresh power steering and brake fluid (both look good though)
Wish list: New OEM coils and Wet Okole seat covers

Am I missing anything to keep it running worry free for the next 80k? I know it SHOULD make it without issue, but I still know this is a 15+ year old truck. Please share your experiences with what you did to keep running to 250k.

 

[offroadxplr]

I think your list for upcoming maintenance looks good. I don't think you should be too concerned that it will make it to 250k.

I can tell you, that I have owned mine since 200k miles and now am approaching 250k (246k). In that time, the only things I have replaced are:
-steering rack bushings
-lower balljoints (were due with 125k miles on them)
-plugs and wires (originals with 200k!)
and I lifted it, which replaced the suspension aspect.

Other than that, oil gas and tires. It has been extremely reliable. Wouldn't hesitate to drive it cross country today if I had to.

 

[Kyngfish]

This is the fourth 3rd gen 4runner I have owned but the first time I drive one to 170,000 miles. I am on the fence about buying a new 2dr Jeep Wrangler or putting a few dollars into this one to get to 250,000 miles without issue. Payment vs no payment, and I want to move to a new city and would like to not have a payment but have something reliable since I will be driving around a lot in an area unknown to me.

Here’s what it comes down to. What else would I need to replace as a preventative measure to keep the 4runner safe and reliable? This is what has been done so far, excluding normal stuff like oil change and air filter:
-Timing belt job with the works (water pump, bearings, tensioner,belts, t-stat, etc…done less than 5k ago)
-Fluids done in last 35k – rear diff, transmission
-New tires
-New battery
-Front 02 sensor
-Steering rack bushings
-Shocks
-U-joints
-Trans cooler
-Fuel filter
-PCV valve

If I keep the 4runner, next on the to do list would be:
-OEM lower ball joints
-Outer tie rod ends
-Fresh power steering and brake fluid (both look good though)
Wish list: New OEM coils and Wet Okole seat covers

Am I missing anything to keep it running worry free for the next 80k? I know it SHOULD make it without issue, but I still know this is a 15+ year old truck. Please share your experiences with what you did to keep running to 250k.

I'd check the rubber bushings having anything to do with the suspension and swaybars. Check the sway bar links, front and back (front will impact your driving feel a lot, if they are worn). Those are pretty easy and they are like 40 for each end of the car (20 apiece) if you go for the AC Delco ones from Amazon.

I know a number of people run without a front swaybar, but it REALLY changes the manners of the car when those bushings aren't tight - especially at 70 MPH.

None of that would kill you, but it will really change up the feel of the car, if you haven't done it already.

 

[shiftmx]

I think your list for upcoming maintenance looks good. I don't think you should be too concerned that it will make it to 250k.

I can tell you, that I have owned mine since 200k miles and now am approaching 250k (246k). In that time, the only things I have replaced are:
-steering rack bushings
-lower balljoints (were due with 125k miles on them)
-plugs and wires (originals with 200k!)
and I lifted it, which replaced the suspension aspect.

Other than that, oil gas and tires. It has been extremely reliable. Wouldn't hesitate to drive it cross country today if I had to.

Thanks for reminding me I did plugs and wires too!

I'd check the rubber bushings having anything to do with the suspension and swaybars. Check the sway bar links, front and back (front will impact your driving feel a lot, if they are worn). Those are pretty easy and they are like 40 for each end of the car (20 apiece) if you go for the AC Delco ones from Amazon.

I know a number of people run without a front swaybar, but it REALLY changes the manners of the car when those bushings aren't tight - especially at 70 MPH.

None of that would kill you, but it will really change up the feel of the car, if you haven't done it already.

Ah, I forgot I did that. Sway are and end link bushings have been replaced with energy suspension ones. Updated the OP.

 

[fblainen11]

#1 on this list should be a new radiator.

Edit: I saw you did a trans cooler. That's fine, but I'd still be looking into a new radiator.

 

[shiftmx]

Adding radiator to the list of to do...

 

[TheDurk]

I'd say you have most fail points covered, except brakes. If needed, fluid flush, pads, rotors, shoes and drums should be done. I like having brakes.

 

[gamefreakgc]

To be honest, you could neglect all of those and it will make it to 250,000 miles. Will it drive well? No. Will it still get you from point A to point B reliably? Yes. These 4Runners can take a lot of negligence and still run great.

That being said, once you hit around 200k you'll notice that ride quality start to go down. New shocks, coils, sway bar bushings and/or links will keep it more comfortable. The engine does need maintenance but even if you don't do it it'll still run. Not saying you should, but I have seen from experience on how neglected 4Runners last a long time. Just finished selling off a 2002 with 268,000 miles that had been THRASHED. Engine ran spectacular though for the mileage, but the body and suspension was garbage.

Most of us on here like myself are very particular about maintenance because we are looking to have ours last 300k and beyond. Might eventually have to swap the engine, but maybe not. Time will tell as more of these 4Runners get higher up in mileage.

 

[Beau168]

I think you've covered the majority of it...