kenfused

hello,
Been doing some research on my 1996 4x4 3.4 V6 4Runner for it's 90K service...

Most dealerships charge in the $300-350 range here, then more for other services..

In addiiton to the usual inspection/lube/filter changes, what do you recommend doing:

1. Front/Rear Diff fluid
2. Transmission fluid
3. Coolant (was changed at 60K) with or without thermostat change
4. Spark plugs
5. Transfer case


An additional $400-600 depending..
6. Timing belt
7. water pump
8. Other drive belts

Thanks!
K

ebelen1

It's best to do all, especially if you haven't had things like plugs done in awhile. It's nice insurance even though the bill will be steep.

Elton

might as well have them do the fuel filter

fireteacher

there charging you 300ish for that? do it yourself for less than 125 i bet!

creekfisher

Hello Kenfused,

Before I found YotaTech I had never done an oil change. I didn't even know where the oil pan was. Actually, I did not even know there was an oil pan

Now (after YotaTech), I change most of the fluids myself and I do basic stuff like spark plugs and brakes. I started doing this because the dealer cares about NOTHING except spending LESS on your vehicle and making you spend MORE on it. Sure, they may have smiling service reps but it's their job to apply the Vaseline. The mechanics are paid by book hours which means they are incentivised to spend the least amount of time on your vehicle as possible. Also, they are going to put low-grade bulk oil in your vehicle, recycled anitfreeze, and only god knows what chemicals they are going to push through your transmission. And then there are the little things like overtorquing drain bolts simply because they are too cheap to replace the $1.00 crush gasket as per manufacurer's specifications. The list goes on. . . are they going to put anti-seize on the spark plugs? I sure hope so because replacing the head will cost you big bucks (poor you - lucky them).

Personally, I hate the typical dealership service model where there is a disconnect between the person who needs work performed and the person who will perform the work. Having the information relayed through a 3rd party only helps to insure that you will get screwed. I think you will be well served if you can find an independent mechanic who specializes in Toyotas.

I think you will be amazed at how easy it is to do items 1,3,5 (don't foget to lube the driveshaft). Item 2 can be done at home but I prefer to have it done with a machine. Just bring your own ATF and watch them do it. Number 4 is easy too but if you don't own any tools and have never used tools before then you should probably pay someone to do it.

I would pay someone to do 6,7,8. I would look into replacing any seals, gaskets, o-rings, and bearings that are accessable while the timing belt is off.

Good luck.

austin4R

Is the engine on a 3rd gen 4R SR5 an interference type engine? How critical is the timing belt replacement at 90k?

frodin1

http://smg.toyotapartsandservice.com/index.php

fireteacher

non interference. not too critical, i see people here go 150 before they change it. if you have AAA or equiv. and are driving in the city and no long trips, i would just wait for a while if i knew now what i know.

dealer here offers t-belt and all drive belts for 330.00! i could fax you that estimate and they would most likely honor it if your going to get it done now!

if anything else, its peace of mind to have it done. my old one looked new still! changed at around 106k

Jim McNabb

Timing belt is of primary importance. The owners manual of my '96 3.4 says the timing belt should be changed at 90k.
Where U live & the climate (primarily humidity) is an important factor in belt wear. If U get frequent rain & enjoy lots of moist air, your belt MAY last longer. Out here in Arizona, where there has been very little rain in the last ten years, and sneezing sends dust from your nostrils, belts dry out quicker.
Changed mine @ 89k and felt lucky that I made it in time. The belt was brittle, cracked, and starting to fray. Changed the water pump & both idlers @ the same time cuz I only wanted to take this thing apart once.