Suggested Maintenance

[cullopj]

Own a 2000 4Runner. SR5 4WD 3.4 V6 Auto. All stock. 94,000 miles. I don't know many specifics about the service history on my 4Runner, so what all maintenance should I be doing at this point. The guy who owned it before supposedly took good care of it. Only drove it around town to work and back. Had another vehicle so didn't put many miles in the 11 years he owned it. Since I've owned it (bought June 2011 with 74,000 miles), I've replaced the spark plugs and wires, brakes, accessory belts, starter, alternator as well as changing the oil every 3,000 miles. I know I'll replace the timing belt and water pump sometime soon. I've read about replacing the radiator or possibly just adding a external cooler due to "pink milkshake". Is it worth while to replace the radiator or to add the external cooler? I believe my whole suspension needs to be gone through as my rear-end sags as well. (any suggestions on what I should put on, or should I go back with stock) I also believe I might have some sort of exhaust leak (hopefully just a new muffler) as my 4Runner has more and more of a purr as time goes on. It can especially be heard when pulled up next to a wall on the passenger side. Any suggestions on a good exhaust to put on? Nothing too loud, but something that can be heard. Thinking about trd exhaust as I may put on supercharger in the near future.

Since my truck is all stock, I'm kind of new to putting mods on my vehicles. Would love to turn the 4Runner into a weekend getaway car to the Rockies.

I'm not scared by any of this, it's just part of owning a 13 year old vehicle that is still running on mostly stock parts.

Any suggestions on what all I should do to make sure my 4Runner is running in tip top shape and so I can prevent any future breakdowns? I would really like to get onto a tight schedule for maintenance with quality parts/fluids to make sure this truck will last me a LONG time...

 

[satek]

About the transmission / radiator, you can just do the external cooler if you want to save money. The only reason you might need to replace the radiator in addition to the external cooler is if you work your transmission hard and need extra cooling power.

The next VERY important thing I've seen is the lower ball joints. I have yet to replace mine, but do a quick search on them and you'll see that they're a huge safety hazard.

Other than those two, I don't think there's much else to do.

 

[Chandlerdoom]

Tons of stuff you can do but to start I would replace LBJs, and do both the radiator and external. I would do the radiator with your timing belt, just because removing it gives you more room while you work.

 

[cullopj]

Alright, this is a great start. I'm currently in college right now and wanna work on my car over the breaks to get my mind off of Engineering ha. Also, since I'll be home over the breaks, I can use my Dad's tools and shop for all of the upkeep. Is the timing belt and water pump something my Dad and I could do? We're both pretty mechanically inclined as he farms and works on machinery all day, and since I've grown up around it my whole life...the ball joints and suspension I know we can do, but I've heard some tricky things about the timing belt and that it's just best to bring it in to the dealer...

 

[UTEP]

Hi,

Consider all the gear oil; front and rear diff and transfer case.

Lube the drive shaft (read about this as it can cause troubles if not freely moving and over lubed)

3x the radiator and external. Most seem to strongly suggest Koyo. Unfortunately some evidence that if you mail order you will receive a re-branded TYC that gets very low marks. I've been flamed for suggesting this but it is a fact. Also there seems to be some current issues here and elsewhere where the KOYO/TYC etc are ~1/4 too big. Hard to spot until installed and you can't close your hood! Be careful, make sure you can return if weird or buy local with return option.

I haven't done LBJ's myself but will do so in a few weeks when I address the suspension.

Some cool stuff:

K&N drop in filter ( but be prepared to clean MAF several times as it can pop codes!)
Air Raid Intake.

These 2 "mods" gave my T4R more noticeable power than anything! I love adding a part that makes a change right away!

Have fun!

UTEP

 

[UTEP]

Alright, this is a great start. I'm currently in college right now and wanna work on my car over the breaks to get my mind off of Engineering ha. Also, since I'll be home over the breaks, I can use my Dad's tools and shop for all of the upkeep. Is the timing belt and water pump something my Dad and I could do? We're both pretty mechanically inclined as he farms and works on machinery all day, and since I've grown up around it my whole life...the ball joints and suspension I know we can do, but I've heard some tricky things about the timing belt and that it's just best to bring it in to the dealer...

Don't bring to dealer unless independently wealthy! I think it an run $800+ at Toyota!

I have not done a Timing belt on a T4R yet but by all indications quite simple. Just involved and must be done properly. Give it a day and you'll be fine.

BTW The T4R I just bought just had the timing belt replaced and the owner said he got a bad set of bearings from Toyota in a kit, didn't notice till it was howling a few miles after install. Not sure if this is common but you can bet I'll 2x check this when I do it!

UTEP

 

[cullopj]

Okay. Thanks!

 

[Srabai]

I'd suggest basic maintenance first. You want that thing to be solid before throwing on any "mods"

Radiator and lower ball joints for sure.