What to maintain to make it new again?

[achha64]

Hi Guys,

Im on a Decision to do a full maintenance and build of my 97 4runner with 130 000 mile on it or buying a 4th generation 2003 or 2004 or get a 2005 Tacoma instead.

If I keep my 4runner I want to keep it at least 100 000 miles more. so What to change? timing belt? water pump, oz sensor, maf, transmission? I want her to feel fresh and new again. And is those price on the rebuild will not be more affordable or reasonable to just buy a 2004 or a 2005 Tacoma instead?

So what is your advice?
Here a Tacoma 2005 4WD cost around 17000 USD.

Thank you

 

[THatfield]

I would advise a fresh tune up for the engine. New spark plugs, wires, air filter, PCV Valve. Consider replacing the radiator and associated hoses as well as new vacuum hoses for the vacuum system as well. Clean out the throttle body with a good throttle body cleaner. I would replace your fuel filter as well. Moving on, freshen up the suspension to really feel a difference in the ride. Fresh Shocks and Struts, Fix possible broken Stabilizer Bar links, inspect tie rods and ball joints and possibly replace those as well. You will notice a difference in ride quality and handling with a refresh on those components.

I do recommend a Timing Belt and Water Pump, as those are rated for around 90,000 miles.

If you haven't serviced your brakes, take a look at those. See if any components need replaced to help longevity.

Really other than that just keep up with fresh fluid changes. Change your front and rear differential fluids, transmission fluid, Power Steering Fluid (Which is Automatic Trans Fluid if I'm not mistaken), and brake fluid.

Your 4Runner does traverse unique terrain given your location, but with a proper inspection and replacement of any worn out parts as well as a tune up and appropriate fluid changes, you should easily go another 100,000, for much less money than a new Tacoma pickup. My 4Runner has about 135,000 and runs great, but I am also getting ready to a great deal of work to the suspension and braking systems to bring it up to date.

Hope this helps you out.

 

[sterbenlicht]

If it has that mileage and the timing belt and water pump haven't been done, then yeah, I'd do those as well. You won't notice any benefit from it, but it's peace of mind.

 

[RAD4Runner]

If 4runner's not giving you major problem, AND you are pretty handy with minor repairs, I say keep it. Better to do routine maintenance than have new monthly payment. Also, older models are simpler to work on then newer ones. Exactly the reason I got a 28-YO classic made in Japan

 

[Tsfc]

What buddy said x2.... Can't go wrong with a timing belt kit from aircabinman on ebay. That is what I did, plus the usual rigamarole, drain and fill all fluids, radiator, hoses. Check out the first post in my thread to get an idea what I did when I got her........16 years old on original suspension.....not a single rattle

I would advise a fresh tune up for the engine. New spark plugs, wires, air filter, PCV Valve. Consider replacing the radiator and associated hoses as well as new vacuum hoses for the vacuum system as well. Clean out the throttle body with a good throttle body cleaner. Moving on, freshen up the suspension to really feel a difference in the ride. Fresh Shocks and Struts, Fix possible broken Stabilizer Bar links, inspect tie rods and ball joints and possibly replace those as well. You will notice a difference in ride quality and handling with a refresh on those components.

I do recommend a Timing Belt and Water Pump, as those are rated for around 90,000 miles.

If you haven't serviced your brakes, take a look at those. See if any components need replaced to help longevity.

Really other than that just keep up with fresh fluid changes. Change your front and rear differential fluids, transmission fluid, Power Steering Fluid (Which is Automatic Trans Fluid if I'm not mistaken), and brake fluid.

Your 4Runner does traverse unique terrain given your location, but with a proper inspection and replacement of any worn out parts as well as a tune up and appropriate fluid changes, you should easily go another 100,000, for much less money than a new Tacoma pickup. My 4Runner has about 135,000 and runs great, but I am also getting ready to a great deal of work to the suspension and braking systems to bring it up to date.

Hope this helps you out.

 

[Nunyabiz]

130,000 is barely even broken in on a 4Runner as long as it has been properly maintained.
I X3 what everyone else has said.
Just do a timing belt, water pump, all other belts, plugs, wires, maybe 02 sensor.
If the front brakes need replacing do a Tundra Upgrade instead.
PCV valve.
Basically everything that THatfield stated.
Replace stock intake with an Airaid Kit and filter, replace stock muffler with a freer flowing one like a Borla 40665 and you should get about an extra 2mpg on highway.
Do the ball joints, fresh shocks, 3" lift kit, OME springs.

Probably ALL of this, including a mechanic doing the Water Pump and Timing belt and go ahead and replace radiator at that time because half the work is already done.
Do the easy DIY stuff etc and you are probably looking at less than $2500 total for about everything to freshen it right up and be better than new.

WAY cheaper than buying a 2005 anything.

 

[achha64]

130,000 is barely even broken in on a 4Runner as long as it has been properly maintained.
I X3 what everyone else has said.
Just do a timing belt, water pump, all other belts, plugs, wires, maybe 02 sensor.
If the front brakes need replacing do a Tundra Upgrade instead.
PCV valve.
Basically everything that THatfield stated.
Replace stock intake with an Airaid Kit and filter, replace stock muffler with a freer flowing one like a Borla 40665 and you should get about an extra 2mpg on highway.
Do the ball joints, fresh shocks, 3" lift kit, OME springs.

Probably ALL of this, including a mechanic doing the Water Pump and Timing belt and go ahead and replace radiator at that time because half the work is already done.
Do the easy DIY stuff etc and you are probably looking at less than $2500 total for about everything to freshen it right up and be better than new.

WAY cheaper than buying a 2005 anything.

Thanks for all your reply.

I running a LC coil and shock lift on the rear and coil spacer on the front already. Im about 4 inch in the rear and 2" with the front.

I think yeah, its time for the timing belt and water pump.
Spark plugs have been change 7000 mile ago.

I'm on also a decision to run a 285 tires. Is this will affect my perfomance a lot? I know some feel the power loss, some not. what about gas milage? with my lift Can I run this without a big customization?

 

[Myrunr2010]

If you decide to tear down the whole intake to clean everything, it might be worth looking into replacing the valve cover gaskets. The smell of constant burning oil can get pretty old. My 97 has 235000 on it and still running strong!