Timing Belt Replacement 2004 4Runner V8

I am buying a 2004 4Runner V8 that has only 55K miles and original owner. Should I replace the timing belt due to age or go with the 90K replacement time. The 4runner has been garage kept in Southern California. Thanks

 

Wow, great find. I would get it replaced as well as changing all fluids and the drive belt unless owner has already done that. Check the tire date too.

 

Thanks. That is what I was thinking as well. I am picking it up tomorrow. Not sure how many posts you have to have to be able to post pictures.

 

Welcome OP, that truly is a unicorn! Like mentioned above probably change out everything, I might be hesitant on opening the transmissions thought. Unless the lady towed a lot the transmissions and fluid should be cherry and probably not touched. Those 4runners have a closed transmission and are a PITA to do any service on. I have an 06 V8 with about 200k. Biggest concern would be the SAIS, mine is having this problem but there is a cheap bypass option. Anyways welcome again and I’m jealous of your find!! Best of luck, cheers!

 

Secondary Air Injection Pump- or SAIP - also known as the Secondary Air Injection System -SAIS- were installed starting in 05' so the OPs 04' should not have it. Also OP, a few of the 04's were installed with a dipstick for the transmission, so the 03's like mine have a dipstick and sometime in 04 they started putting the "sealed" trans in the 4th gen. Not sure of the production dates though. Just check and see if you have 2 dipsticks on the passenger side of the engine. (pictures below) One being for engine oil and the other for trans fluid. If you have the dipstick, this trans will take "type IV" fluid. Check the fluid if you have the dipstick and see if it's brown and burnt, but I doubt there will be any issues with that low of mileage.
The only other advice I have is that if the timing belt were to get dry rotted for some reason or another (sitting up in a dry climate), it might be a good idea to change it out sooner than later. Changing the engine oil is always a good idea as well as the serpentine belt, in a new to you vehicle. If this vehicle is a 4x4, both diffs and transfer case fluids should be at least checked, and make sure the 4Lo is operational as the servos that engage the 4Lo function tend to seize up. If it's only a 2wd, then obviously just check the rear diff fluid. Welcome and Good Luck!!

 

Thanks for chiming in! This is why forums like these are amazing! I drove an 03 and never had the issue and the 08 and 06 I forgot had those changes! Appreciate you!!

 

No worries! I've learned a ton on these forums. My catch phrase is "read till they bleed". There's a bunch of people with a lot more knowledge than I have, so hopefully they will chime in with some more tips. The only other tip I have is to stay safe out there brothers and sisters.

 

Thanks for all the replies. I fly out from Phoenix to San Diego at 11:30 arrive at 12:25. Should be a smooth transaction. I am excited as I have been looking for a low mile aged 4Runner V8 4x4 for quite sometime. I missed on a few and was disappointed until this one fell in my lap. Never expected to get one with such low miles. Basically a new vehicle.

 

Looks good! I used to live in San Diego, if you want to try some good cali-mex try El Azteca in la mesa or Cali & Fries. Enjoy the vehicle and the quasi vacation?

 

Everything worked out great. The timing belt, water pump, etc... were done at 35K because it was ten years old. That is probably the lowest miles on a 4.7 timing belt replacement. It has the transmission dip stick so it does not have the sealed transmission. Not sure which one is better? The vehicle was very clean. It's the first time I drove a 4runner V8......it is really smooth. The engine is really quite and pulls very strong.

 

You have definitely scored a true unicorn! The Transmission is the same as any other A750, you can check and add fluid much easier than a sealed trans, so some will say it's better. You have to get a sealed trans between a certain temperature threshold to check the level properly. These engines have recorded 1 million miles in a commercially used Tundra, so you can own this thing for life if you take care of it. I am way jealous!

 

Thanks. I looked for a long time and always missed out on a low mile aged one. I was looking for either a LX470 or a V8 4runner. As much as I liked the LX470, I did not like the NAV/Stereo/Climate controls in one unit. Makes for a lot of problems if something breaks and damn near impossible to upgrade the stereo. Glad I found this low mile aged 4runner because I would probably have pulled the trigger on a low mile age LX470 if it would have come available.

 

Wow, that is one clean engine. Congrats on a great purchase.

 

Oh I forgot to mention. The Original Owner listed it as a 2004. Actually it was purchased in 2004 but is titled a 2003. It was serviced at the Toyota Dealership to include the timing belt. I real Unicorn alright.

 

Awesome find! Those V8's have such great torque!

Welcome to the forum

 

IT'S MY TWIN LOL. I have the exact same. Got in in St. Louis from dealer, one owner 55K V8. Had an 03 6 yrs ago with V6 and loved it but had to sell. told dealer I wanted another and they called me with this one. towed my cycle to Denver 80 to 85 mph most of the way and had oodles of power. I've only added an aftermarket air cleaner, LED lights, and changed the tires and wheels. LOVE IT and won't sell!!!
it did come with the xREAS suspension, is smooth, but noticed it would sway side to side with side wind. almost unsafe moving out of my lane. since then, recently removed that system and installed Bilstein 5100 shocks. much better control.

 

oops, almost the same. rims came off a 2019 4Runner. liked the looks better than OEM.

 

Very Nice. I like those rims as well. Was there any difference (offset) in how they fit in the wheel well?

 

Mounted perfect, no issues at all. The tire is a shade taller, but looks better, filling in the wheel well. speedo is like 1mph off. same off set.

 

Thanks. Are they 16's or 17's?

 

sorry i didn't[t reply, computer was down. they are 17"

 

Thanks

 

Holy crap that is clean!

 

Thanks. I have a chance to pick up those rims with tires as take offs. My 4runner is the SR5 model so it has 16" rims. The tires on my 4runner are brand new but I don't care for the rims. If I buy these take offs, I will have to find a 17" spare. Still trying to decide.

 

Sharing a find in Bend Oregon three years ago. One owner. 2008 2UZ VVT with 35000 miles. I flew into Bend. Picked up the vehicle I purchased online. Original michelin tires. Imported into Canada. Hauls A$$, great find when it is possible. Lifted 2 inches and is now the quad hauler. Burns fuel but has the grunt required.

 

Wow! Great catch. I live in Nevada and have been on the hunt since January. Not sure how I missed this one. I go tomorrow to pick up a 2003 with 100k on the clock. Lots of worn out trash out there right now and nothing in Nevada of worth.