What the hell is a propeller shaft?

[DJ's Toy]

I have just reached 60,000 miles with my 03 runner V8 and I am trying to figure out if I am capable of the maintenance. I have done routine maintenance on all of my previous vehicles, but this is my first toyota and it is a little more complicated then my previous jeeps and blazers.
Looking to change the oil, rotate the tires and change the fluid on front and rear diffs and the t-case. None of which seem to be that big of a deal. However, I am concerned about the unknown. First, what the hell is a propeller shaft, how do I lubricate it and what is the torque suppossed to be at? Second, what is the recommended interval for changing the PCV and EGR valve? Third, the maintenance manual does not even recommend changing any of the gear box fluids under normal conditions. Is this a waste of time and money. I will probably hold onto this vehicle for quit some time.
Any thing else I maybe missing?
My local dealer quoted $178 for all the above maintenance. Maybe I should just take it in, feel like a sap and admit the days of doing any maintenance on some vehicles is over.
Advice or help would be appreciated.

 

[jharris2]

I have just reached 60,000 miles with my 03 runner V8 and I am trying to figure out if I am capable of the maintenance. I have done routine maintenance on all of my previous vehicles, but this is my first toyota and it is a little more complicated then my previous jeeps and blazers.
Looking to change the oil, rotate the tires and change the fluid on front and rear diffs and the t-case. None of which seem to be that big of a deal. However, I am concerned about the unknown. First, what the hell is a propeller shaft, how do I lubricate it and what is the torque suppossed to be at? Second, what is the recommended interval for changing the PCV and EGR valve? Third, the maintenance manual does not even recommend changing any of the gear box fluids under normal conditions. Is this a waste of time and money. I will probably hold onto this vehicle for quit some time.
Any thing else I maybe missing?
My local dealer quoted $178 for all the above maintenance. Maybe I should just take it in, feel like a sap and admit the days of doing any maintenance on some vehicles is over.
Advice or help would be appreciated.

For the differentials, check out this thread.

The propeller shaft is called a drive shaft on most other vehicles. You should see zerks on both ends. Torque is 88 ft-lbs.

The manual I have doesn't say anything about replacement intervals for the EGR or PCV.

 

[Sac State]

Its the shaft that drives this....

 

[DJ's Toy]

Thanks John.
That propeller must be part of the TRD package.

 

[toto]

Its the shaft that drives this....

That's a port-installed option. :biggrin2:

 

[Uneek]

That's a port-installed option. :biggrin2:

Actually, I think it's a special order limited edition option.