Bought my 97 SR5 4x4 with 132,000 miles in April for 4,200$. I paid a mechanic buddy 1,000$ to help me find a great truck and diagnose any problems and fix what we could. Like other guys on here, I have a laundry list of maintenance items I've completed in the last 3 months of ownership and here goes:
1) Installed Sonoran Steel 1.2 Alternate Kit
2) Replaced LBJs, UBJs, and inner/outer tie rods
3) Used Denso plugs and NGK wires
4) Flushed the tranny
5) Rear diff service
6) Replaced the left front CV, which was cracked
7) New lower control arm bushings
8) Rebuilt and rebalanced the front and rear driveshaft due to poor maintenance by PO (got a great deal with help from a friend)
9) Replaced rear axle bearings and seals
10) Replaced both my front and rear brakes (Did this before I knew about the Tundra brake upgrade, so I'll eventually do this)
11) Installed Hankook Dynapro ATs 305/70R16
12) Had my Ultra wheels powder coated a semi-gloss black
13) Installed Energy Suspension sway bar bushings
14) Installed Duralast Gold battery
15) Installed B&M tranny cooler
16) Upgraded dome and cargo light to blue LEDs I got on Oznium.com
17) Removed running boards and cheap wheel flares installed by PO
18) Plasti-Dipped the emblems
19) Replaced passenger door cuz of poor body work performed by PO
20) Aligned suspension and balanced tires
21) Installed new toggle switches for running lights and extra radiator fan
22) Installed Ultra-Gauge, though I still need to calibrate it
23) Replaced my torn up armrest with one from a 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
24) Had a buddy rewire most of my truck, including lights, stereo, and problems with dashboard
25) Swapped all speakers and tweeters for Pioneer
26) Painted my floormats black
27) Taco Whip Mod
28) Replaced missing plastic clips in doors and center console
29) Painted chassis/undercarriage, which was already rust-free
30) Painted front bumper, grille, rear bumper, and rear brake spoiler with SEM trim black
31) Reconnected AC clutch, so now I have a working AC just in time for summer!
All told, including original purchase price, taxes, and fees, paying my buddy a finder's fee, and above-listed items, I'm into my truck 11,000$ or so. I consider this a steal for such an awesome truck though. I get so many comments and questions here in SoCal. My girlfriend always laughs and says more guys look at me than girls do, but I take that as a compliment. Besides my 65 Mustang, this is my favorite vehicle I've ever owned and that's worth a few bucks. Plus, I plan on driving this truck until it completely dies and is past the point of resuscitation.
