Ok so I have a 89 4wd, V6 5SPD, longbed regular cab Toyota, with about 202,xxx miles on it. I had bought it from the first owner when it had 177,xxx (in 2004) miles on it and had a 150K maintenance done on it at a local shop (spark plugs, air filter, etc, had them change out the fluid in the tranny, and the gear oil in the front and rears. It appears the last time the timing belt was replaced was at 161K, I replaced the rotor and cap this year, have a refurb power steering pump, replaced the contacts in the starter and alternator, added A/C, new front brake pads in early 2005, new rear drums and pads late last year, near rear seals and bearings, basically a lot of things to keep it running. I have a brother in law who works on parts at the dealer and has a mechanic that does stuff on the side. The mechanic did my rear bears and seals, and installed new rear brake pads for $300 (both parts and labor). I?m looking to have him do my water pump, timing belt, adjust the timing, clean/adjust the valves, possibly replace any worn belts, new spark plugs, replace the oil pan gasket and possibly the valve cover gasket. I would like to get some ideas on what else I should have done since he can do all the work at the dealer but cheaper (for both labor and parts) with all the dealer tools. So what do you guys recommend I do, have replaced, adjusted, looked at etc? Thanks in advance for your comments and suggestions.

 

Not much left, let's see. The rubber bushings all around; suspension, shocks, control arms. The steering components need checked, aside from the pump. Fuel filter.

 

Thanks Mudhippy.

Anyone else with suggestions or comments.

 

Before taking it in for a timing belt run some coolant cleaner through your coolant system. I used coolant flush by Prestone. Basically you add it to the radiator and drive around for a few days then flush it out. That way after the timing belt (and new water pump) you'll have an excellent cooling system for your motor.

Also, prior to changing out spark plugs research into running some seafoam through your intake. I think the usual point is a vacuum hose. Do a search here for seafoam. I say before changing your spark plugs because some have said they think it causes fouling of your plugs. This is my plan for my 4runner before I change plugs next.

Prior to changing out oil pan gasket think of running Auto-Rx through your motor. I used that on the 4runner and I think it did a great job of cleaning up some of my seals. It stopped the rear main oil leak. Search here for auto-rx to decide if that's for you or not. I may even have a few extra bottles in my garage I'll sell to you at the group discount price as I ordered $100 last time to get all the discounts. Doing it before the pan vice after is probably a mute point but it would be nice to see how clean your pan is after running it through. You may not need auto-rx since you said you have new bearings. I would base it on how your rockers and valves look under your valve cover. If you see a lot of dark, burnt on oil, then maybe think of doing it.

What kind of shape are your radiator hoses in?

What about air filter, pcv valve?

Also, make sure they replace the front camshaft seals when replacing your timing belt.

If valve cover coming off to adust the valves, then ask him to replace your rear camshaft seals as well. Cheap parts but they like to leak in high mileage engines.