Used 2004 4Runner V8 Maintenance Questions

[HamSnacks]

Hello,

Recently purchased a 2004 Toyota 4Runner, V8
About 230 000 Kms/143 000 Miles

Runs great, shifts smoothly, no signs of any major issues. However the kid I bought it from inherited it about 4 years ago and has pretty much done nothing in terms of serious maintenance and knows nothing about its past work. He did your typical oil changes, brakes/rotors.

Currently have done the following and just would like your expert opinions on what else you think should be done.

Lubricated the Drive Shaft, Changed the oil to full synthetic, started using premium oil (Shell V-Power), ball joints. Relatively cheaper things. Now for the more complicated stuff:

Timing Belt and Water Pump: Have decided its best to do them as I don't actually know if its ever been done. Don't want to destroy the engine. Shop has quoted me a ACDelco Kit including the water pump for about $380, would you guys recommend using an aftermarket part? Dealer was almost triple the price.

Transmission Fluid: It shifts really good, I read threads on when to change the fluid, but my concern is if the fluid has never been changed, is it not safer to just keep it as is. If I drain it, I risk wrecking the tranny, or should I check the color and go based off that?

Anything else you guys feel is necessary to change? Like I said, everything works properly, 4x4 and all. Will also be doing the spark plugs as they are also pretty cheap.

Also a side question, The coolant reservoir seems to lose a bit of coolant every month, nothing extreme, can't seem to find drips on the driveway, and the coolant level itself is full. Any common areas to check that leak, like a hose or the reservoir itself?

Thanks in advance and sorry for the long post.

 

[Gatafly]

I would still do a fluid exchange on your transmission. I would also change transfer case fluids and differential fluids. As far as coolant loss, look on top of the engine behind where the thermostat is. The stat housing has connection in the back that is just an o-ring seal. it is not uncommon for those to leak. You will see a pinkish white residue or crust forming and that is a good chance where your fluid loss is. The picture is from when I did my timing belt a few weeks ago, but you will notice the leak I had just left of the air intake by the right cam shaft wheel. Sorry that picture is sideways.

 

[Whammy]

From what I've read, I would use the OE timing belt. An aftermarket water pump is probably ok.

 

[djkurious]

Get the Aisin timing belt kit.

 

[AuSeeker]

I agree that you should just bite the bullet and get the OEM Aisin belt kit, think about it the new belt will be on there for around 90,000 miles before it's due to be changed again and I wouldn't used anything less than the best for that long of a duration and that is the OEM Aisin belt kit.

You can also look closely at the radiator for any pink crusty deposits forming, especially at the corners areas and if you find any it's sure sign of it leaking coolant and should be replaced at some point.

 

[HamSnacks]

Thank you guys for the information, Gatafly thanks for the picture as well.

I ended up going with the Aisin belt like you guys recommended, priced really good, I was surprised.

Any brand of Spark Plugs you guys favor? I read the threads and its between Denso and NGK and you can't go wrong with either one but do you guys have one you like more?

 

[Gatafly]

Denis SK20R11 are the plugs you want. Best price I found was on Amazon. The Aisin kit is a great kit.

 

[Sherzz09]

Thank you guys for the information, Gatafly thanks for the picture as well.

I ended up going with the Aisin belt like you guys recommended, priced really good, I was surprised.

Any brand of Spark Plugs you guys favor? I read the threads and its between Denso and NGK and you can't go wrong with either one but do you guys have one you like more?

Can you link where you purchased the kit from? I’m due for a timing belt change also...

 

[HamSnacks]

Can you link where you purchased the kit from? I’m due for a timing belt change also...

If you live in Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B008EEYWKI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you live in the States:
https://www.amazon.com/Aisin-TKT-02...008EEYWKI/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

 

[Gatafly]

I would also get this serpentine belt kit along with the timing belt.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IU70SH0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[HamSnacks]

I would also get this serpentine belt kit along with the timing belt.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IU70SH0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I don't know if the 4runners are anything like BMWs, but what about the thermostat? Recommend changing that or no point if everything is working properly?

 

[Gatafly]

I don't know if the 4runners are anything like BMWs, but what about the thermostat? Recommend changing that or no point if everything is working properly?

Yes I would. This is what you need if you want OEM.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G0PQPL2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000C80A2S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[raamaudio]

Oops, double post.

 

[raamaudio]

Very wise to do what you are doing and ask questions to ensure all is well taken care of

Aisin is best way to go though I did the whole kit on our 07 when it went to my daughter and 4 months later the water pump developed a major leak so I paid her mechanic to replace it and he verified I did not cause the problem. I was a bit unhappy but in the middle of moving from a 3200 sq ft house full of stuff, 1000sq ft shop with lift and other major tools into a 425 sq ft RV so just bit the bullet on it.

Sometimes we get unlucky even when buying the best parts.

-------------
When I buy a used vehicle I generally swap all belts, hoses, fluids, water pump, tstat, radiator if at all in question, major light bulbs, ball joints, etc....and have never been let down on the road once even on high mileage vehicles.

Just bought an 03 V8 LTD with 247k miles but has perfect maintenance history and so far found nothing I need to replace, amazing really and it drives as nice as our 07 that had 117k when we sold it

I will built up an emergency kit of tools, nuts, bolts, sealants, everything I can think of for anything that might become an issue on or off road, just have to figure out where to stow it all since we have two big dogs that take up the back area.

Rick

 

[KingPrat]

Timing Belt and Water Pump: Have decided its best to do them as I don't actually know if its ever been done. Don't want to destroy the engine. Shop has quoted me a ACDelco Kit including the water pump for about $380, would you guys recommend using an aftermarket part? Dealer was almost triple the price.


Also a side question, The coolant reservoir seems to lose a bit of coolant every month, nothing extreme, can't seem to find drips on the driveway, and the coolant level itself is full. Any common areas to check that leak, like a hose or the reservoir itself?

Thanks in advance and sorry for the long post.

Is that price from the indy shop for parts only, or the whole job?? If the latter, that's one hell of a price for a T-Belt... The "triple price" you received from the dealer is likely for the entire job, parts/labor included.

With the interference engine I gladly paid up for the dealer cost at about $1k for parts and labor. Was worth it to me for the peace of mind. I called around to 3-4 different dealers for quotes. All of them were different $900-1300. I went with the cheapest one and they came out about $100 over, which I didn't think was horrible.

As for your coolant, if the water pump hasn't been changed, could be the culprit. Another thing to check is for a pin hole in the radiator. I had one on the lower P/S that I couldn't see with the radiator installed, and it was just slowly leaking into the rad support. Never saw a drop of anything in the garage. They discovered it when they had everything removed for the T/belt service.

 

[HamSnacks]

Is that price from the indy shop for parts only, or the whole job?? If the latter, that's one hell of a price for a T-Belt... The "triple price" you received from the dealer is likely for the entire job, parts/labor included.

With the interference engine I gladly paid up for the dealer cost at about $1k for parts and labor. Was worth it to me for the peace of mind. I called around to 3-4 different dealers for quotes. All of them were different $900-1300. I went with the cheapest one and they came out about $100 over, which I didn't think was horrible.

As for your coolant, if the water pump hasn't been changed, could be the culprit. Another thing to check is for a pin hole in the radiator. I had one on the lower P/S that I couldn't see with the radiator installed, and it was just slowly leaking into the rad support. Never saw a drop of anything in the garage. They discovered it when they had everything removed for the T/belt service.

Turns out the shop was quoting me $400 for the Gates timing belt kit. I ended up going for the Aisin kit for a lot cheaper. The dealership quoted me $1800 for the kit and installation lol in Canada Toyota is not cheap. Honda did our Van's timing belt for $800 including labor.

Thanks again everyone for the help, going to be doing the major stuff first and slowly doing the other stuff. Great Machine though, little heavy on gas but it's an older V8 it's expected. The paint job is very impressive as well, doesn't chip easily and no rust.

 

[kruton]

Its a added expense but worth it if get your cam shaft seals replaced when doing the timing belt. Did the timing belt/water pump on mine but not the cam seals.. Now a couple years later I have a cam seal leaking...