Revive my 98 SR5 3.4l Automatic

[KCB]

Hey everybody, I'm new to the website and also new to the automotive world. I just started working in the industry and I am becoming aware of some basic improvements that should be done to my vehicle. I have a tight budget so everything will take some time. I currently have 166k miles on my 4R and this is what I've done so far.

18qt transmission flush
Changed rear differential oil
Fuel system/ injection cleaning
Changed air filter
Oil change using GTX High Mileage
One gallon oil system cleaning
Replaced fuel filter
Cleaned throttle body
Put new screws on my skid plates

 

[KCB]

Things I plan to do to my vehicle in the near future.

Cosmetic:
Paint job (same color)
After market CD player
All new door speakers
Tint windows
Put in Weather Tech floor mats
Wipe down and clean engine bay

Mechanical:
Tires-265/75R15 (Cooper Discoverer A/T3)
Replace radiator & hoses
Instal K&N CAI
Change spark plugs and wires
Replace gaskets (valve cover, camshaft rear seal plugs)
Replace PCV Valve
Clean valve covers
Replace battery
Replace alternator
Replace timing belt and water pump

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Don't bother with the K&N.

Otherwise good plan. I'd do the radiator sooner than later and take the K&N money to buy an external trans cooler. It'll be ready for the next 160K miles when you're done all this.

 

[KCB]

Thanks [MENTION=66735]PitbullRescuer[/MENTION] for the input. My 4r is only 2wd and I usually drive on paved roads. I know aftermarket CAI's aren't good for off roading purposes but do you have any other reasons why I shouldn't bother with the K&N? Any other CAI recommendations?

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Yeah. They don't make any more power than a simple deck plate & ISR mod do. (Not that I feel they give you any either). And the oiled filters get your MAF meter and Throttle Body dirty as hell.

 

[KCB]

I'm just looking to get quicker acceleration through 1st & 2nd gear. I was thinking about using the K&N air filter until it was dirty enough to service it, then switch over to the Injen dry filter. I might not even bother with the oiled filter now that you mention that.

 

[5vzT4R]

A intake will not do anything besides make it loud. Don't bother its a waste of money if you are expecting any more power or acceleration. Do the deck plate and isr mod for less then $20. Buy a B&M trans cooler. You need to bypass the factory cooler, look up "pink milkshake " and see why. Otherwise, good plan on doing all the maintenance.

 

[OffRoadGuy]

Things I plan to do to my vehicle in the near future.

Cosmetic:
Paint job (same color)
After market CD player
All new door speakers
Tint windows
Put in Weather Tech floor mats
Wipe down and clean engine bay

Mechanical:
Tires-265/75R15 (Cooper Discoverer A/T3)
Replace radiator & hoses
Instal K&N CAI
Change spark plugs and wires
Replace gaskets (valve cover, camshaft rear seal plugs)
Replace PCV Valve
Clean valve covers
Replace battery
Replace alternator
Replace timing belt and water pump

Sounds like you want to make it to 300k or more. Yeah don't bother with CAI, regular K&N air filter is good, don't overspray oil. DIY replace belts and hoses is cheap insurance. Good mod is trans cooler. Replace your radiator only if its caked up, or in bad condition. If you're not leaking @ valve cover just retorque, If you're getting lousy gas mileage and running rough, then change PVC, plugs and wire. Why do you want to replace your alternator? Save your money for timing belt kit. How about you're suspension and steering? A good detail guy will make your rig lookin like new, even the engine, or DIY.

 

[snivilous]

Yeah. They don't make any more power than a simple deck plate & ISR mod do. (Not that I feel they give you any either). And the oiled filters get your MAF meter and Throttle Body dirty as hell.

Unless you oil it wrong you shouldn't have any issues.

CAI don't do anything for power, they make the truck loud and make it so you don't have to replace the filter and from my experience they make a better seal so dirt doesn't get in, though I also spend more time on dirt roads than on normally. It's hard to beat stock engineering in a cheap way.

 

[5vzT4R]

Also, clean your MAF sensor with some CRC Maf cleaner spray. And Seafoam the engine also. Should help a whole a lot.

 

[KCB]

Sounds like you want to make it to 300k or more. Yeah don't bother with CAI, regular K&N air filter is good, don't overspray oil. DIY replace belts and hoses is cheap insurance. Good mod is trans cooler. Replace your radiator only if its caked up, or in bad condition. If you're not leaking @ valve cover just retorque, If you're getting lousy gas mileage and running rough, then change PVC, plugs and wire. Why do you want to replace your alternator? Save your money for timing belt kit. How about you're suspension and steering? A good detail guy will make your rig lookin like new, even the engine, or DIY.

My goal is to get my 4r well over 300k miles and avoid new car payments as long as possible. I only want to replace the alternator because it has never been done and I figure I might as well replace it before it craps out on me. I definitely plan on doing PCV, plugs and wires. Also my suspension and steering is good to go. I don't plan on doing any off-roading, I just want to have a very reliable and smooth running vehicle.

 

[KCB]

Also, clean your MAF sensor with some CRC Maf cleaner spray. And Seafoam the engine also. Should help a whole a lot.

Will do, thanks for the input

 

[KCB]

I would also like some input on the best way to clean the engine bay without harming the engine?

 

[5vzT4R]

I would also like some input on the best way to clean the engine bay without harming the engine?

Depends how you want to clean it. With a water hose or some rags? I use to spray cleaner all over the engine and cover up anything that I didn't want wet and hosed it down. Now I use Purple Power and a old T-shirt and go to town wiping everything down real good. Works great.

 

[chadsy]

I haven't seen it mentioned yet but consider replacing your lower ball joints to avoid having a very bad day.

 

[KCB]

Depends how you want to clean it. With a water hose or some rags? I use to spray cleaner all over the engine and cover up anything that I didn't want wet and hosed it down. Now I use Purple Power and a old T-shirt and go to town wiping everything down real good. Works great.

I tried some simple green and these cheap AutoZone rags today and it didn't work out to well. I also damped the rags before wiping everything down which probably wasn't a good idea. I'll try a dry old t-shirt tomorrow and see how that works out.