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Maintenance recommendations

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by Mtnchops, Sep 26, 2021.

  1. Sep 26, 2021 at 7:46 AM
    #1
    Mtnchops

    Mtnchops [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2021
    Member:
    #23484
    Messages:
    3
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    96 4Runner Limited, 16 4Runner SR5
    Just came into a new to us 3rd gen from a family member. It's my belief that its been well maintained however there are no service records other than the last oil change and a sticker on the timing belt cover saying it was replaced at 63k in 01'. Cosmetically the truck is pristine minus the cracked leather driver seat and surface rust on the frame.

    I've changed the oil, oil and air filters as well as the pcv and grommet. I lubed all the zerks on the drive line. I also replaced the missing stabilizer links and threw on a set of low mileage Goodyear tires on 17" oem wheels from my 16' SR5.

    A quick inspection showed the front stabilizer links broken. The front rotors feel warped. The shocks and springs appear original. Also most of the vacuum hoses appear to be cracking and deteriorating due to age.

    My mother in law bought the truck in 99' with 30k on it. It spent all but the last 6 years in mountain west. Now it's in New England and developing the typical rust.

    With no service records and plans to use it as a daily driver I plan to do the following before having it sprayed with fluid film (I do this on all my vehicles every fall) at the end of October.

    Replace

    radiator, lower and upper hoses, thermostat, water pump etc using aircabmans ebay kit.

    Install new oem fuel filter

    Install bilstein 5100's with OME springs front and back

    Install SPC upper control arms front

    Install new oem LBJ front

    Install oem sway bar Bushings front and rear

    Install the Tundra brake upgrade

    While I've got the front end apart is there anything else i should be inspecting/replacing. It's had an easy 133k miles but its 25 years old. Things wear from age. Im wondering if i should Install new lower control arm Bushings.

    I plan to focus on the front for now and move to the rear next spring summer and see what's what back there. I work outside and New England is cold.

    Basically I hope to.go through the whole vehicle and get on a regular maintenance schedule going forward.

    Any and all input and advice is welcomed.
     
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    #1
  2. Sep 26, 2021 at 7:55 AM
    #2
    SlvrSlug

    SlvrSlug Slightly bent.

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2018
    Member:
    #6172
    Messages:
    7,542
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Ramona Ca.
    Vehicle:
    2017 4-Runner SR-5 P. Kings, Built Right uca’s, Durabumps, RSG sliders
    Welcome to the forum, looks like you have a handle on it.
     
    Ironguy likes this.
  3. Sep 26, 2021 at 8:30 AM
    #3
    Ironguy

    Ironguy New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2019
    Member:
    #12421
    Messages:
    6,230
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ralph
    Bisbee AZ
    Vehicle:
    2020 Black 4Runner Venture 1967 FJ40 Land Cruiser
    New pine scent hanger, new sun shade
    Welcome from Arizona! What @SlvrSlug said:hattip:
     
  4. Sep 26, 2021 at 6:12 PM
    #4
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2018
    Member:
    #7180
    Messages:
    12,094
    Vehicle:
    1996 SR5 Limited
    Valve cover gaskets and grommets on the back of the head? . There’s no way in hell they are’nt leaking unless they have been replaced already.
     
    PhantomTweak likes this.
  5. Sep 29, 2021 at 2:35 PM
    #5
    Mtnchops

    Mtnchops [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2021
    Member:
    #23484
    Messages:
    3
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    96 4Runner Limited, 16 4Runner SR5

    Great advice. Both are leaking. I'll put it on the list. Thx
     
  6. Oct 2, 2021 at 5:11 PM
    #6
    mousemeat

    mousemeat New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2020
    Member:
    #17209
    Messages:
    1,184
    Gender:
    Male
    Memphis, TN.
    Vehicle:
    1997 4 runner limited
    upgraded suspension, large all terrain tires
    good schedule.......and welcome to the forum
     
  7. Oct 9, 2021 at 9:32 AM
    #7
    Ahdofu

    Ahdofu New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 14, 2020
    Member:
    #18506
    Messages:
    296
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Vehicle:
    1997 4Runner SR5, V6, Auto, 4WD
    If you're replacing the water pump, might as well replace the timing belt too. I don't know how many miles there are on the vehicle but I see that the belt was replace 20 years ago.
    Since you're going to replace the valve cover gaskets, don't forget to replace the upper and lower intake manifold gaskets too. Some folks do replace the throttle body gasket as well but if you do not separate the throttle body in doing the valve cover gasket replacement, you will not need to do that.
    Take a look at the rear brake shoes and the condition of the rear brake drum.
    How is the transmission fluid? Some people will say never flush the system but I have flushed mine at 100K intervals. At about 150K I start thinking about replacing the oil in differentials.
     

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