I Love My 4 Runner - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Shirley S · 06-12-2011, 09:43 AM

just want to say how well my 4 Runner has treated me

'07
Sport Edition 4X4
4.0L

but after 98,000 miles I have only replaced tires and brakes, change the oil each 5,000mi and had the tranny flushed

Am I giving back enough to this faithful ride ?

it runs like a champ and I average 20+mpg

I'am considering
serpentine belt replacement, the original looks fine no cracks or splits;
I was told to get a GoodYear 'gator back' but the local shops only have 'Gates' or 'Dayco'
any thoughts on a certian brand ?

spark plugs - NGK or Denso per the manual

and does this engine require a timing belt change ?

what else should I do to keep her running another 5 years?
any and all opinions are welcome

thanks in advance from Beautiful North Georgia

***TrailDust*** · 06-13-2011, 05:59 PM

Shirley,

As long as the serpentine belt passes visual inspection I wouldn't change it. If you do decide to replace it I have no problem going with Gates, but, trust me, opinions on where to get parts is like discussing religion so opinions will vary greatly. Your 4Runner has a timing chain so no replacement is necessary. Since you indicate that you've never done anything beyond regular maintenance then I'd highly recommend taking care of the service needs for 90,000 miles, which would include lubricating the propeller shaft for your 4x4, re-torque your propeller shaft bolt, replace the cabin air filter and engine air filter, replace the spark plugs like you mentioned, and if you do any towing at all there are a number of other maintenance issues that need attention.

***heartdisease*** · 06-13-2011, 09:25 PM

I recommend Rockauto for parts. http://rockauto.com/

Almost always the cheapest for the same parts, but as with anything check around.

54866814555883 %5 off at rock auto, put that in the Where did you here about us box.

I am a big believer in full synthetic, I have put well over 600k on vehicles with it and none of them ever used oil. They all run like new also. You will get just a touch better mileage also. I don't know if I would change over now though I always started with it at the first oil change except the one used work car I had for awhile. My experience for long term would be to check under neath for surface rust and nip it in the bud. Look for any leaks also, I made the mistake of letting a rubber seal around the door/window go bad and now I have rust in my side panels on my little Sonoma

Shirley S · 06-14-2011, 05:59 AM

propeller shaft; thats a new one for me
what & where is it ?

my brother keeps me supplied with 5w30 Motorcraft semi synthetic oil
and does all the fluid & filter changes for me
my 4Runner sleeps in a garage and I try to stay out of the mud; my underside looks very clean no rust or corrision
I use one of our Farm Trucks for towing the Horses and driving in what little snow we get
my next one will not be a 4X4, as the only time I use 4WD is just to make sure it still works

I will have to say again that my 4Runner is the best vehicle I've ever owned

Zuke76 · 06-14-2011, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shirley S

propeller shaft; thats a new one for me
what & where is it ?

my brother keeps me supplied with 5w30 Motorcraft semi synthetic oil
and does all the fluid & filter changes for me
my 4Runner sleeps in a garage and I try to stay out of the mud; my underside looks very clean no rust or corrision
I use one of our Farm Trucks for towing the Horses and driving in what little snow we get
my next one will not be a 4X4, as the only time I use 4WD is just to make sure it still works

I will have to say again that my 4Runner is the best vehicle I've ever owned

The propeller shaft (also called the drive shaft) the the long tube that connects the transmission/transfer case to the rear axle. Look under the truck and the long tube near the exhaust pipe is the propeller shaft. There are bolts and joints on there that should be tighten and checked.

Your 4.0 V6 does not have a timing belt (it has a metal chain) so there is no maintenance to it.

Either NGK or Denso will be fine. Get the exact part# the manual recommends.

Have you had the gear oil changed in the 2 axles (front/rear) and transfer case? Use synthetic 75w-90w gear oil (Mobile 1 is an easy favorite). Here is a great right up for doing it. http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3369

Good luck and post some pics of the 4runner!

Shirley S · 06-14-2011, 10:22 AM

drive shaft LOL I know about them; I've been around tractors and farm machinery since I was little

and thanks for the link to the gear oil change; that will get done very soon

Shirley S · 06-14-2011, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heartdisease

I recommend Rockauto for parts. http://rockauto.com/

Almost always the cheapest for the same parts, but as with anything check around.

54866814555883 %5 off at rock auto, put that in the Where did you here about us box.

a Big Thank You

for the link & discount code
I cannot get parts that cheap from our local shop
plus they have the GoodYear belt

I'm feeling that Toyota Love

***TrailDust*** · 06-15-2011, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shirley S

propeller shaft; thats a new one for me
what & where is it ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zuke76

The propeller shaft (also called the drive shaft)

It's an old habit....

I've worked for years with a group that restores vintage aircraft and by force of habit I call it a propeller shaft. Got to remember...got to remember...drive shaft.....

jetwhine · 06-16-2011, 05:56 AM

That is what it is called by Toyota. A "propeller" shaft.

Shirley S · 09-05-2011, 06:01 PM

y'all were correct about the differant plugs
3 DENSO on the passenger side & 3 NGK on the drivers side
they all had about .010 wider gap (.043 is new gap)
and the DENSO just looked better, the groung strap was not worn as was the NGK ground strap and the NGK's electrode was worn down on the back side (closer to the groung strap)
could be because the DENSO has the grove and looks like they have more metal
my brother put in 6 DENSO's

one thing I could not find under the hood or in the book or on the net or by a 'SEARCH' function on this site
was a Serpinetine Belt routing diagram

Can any one HELP me out

; I got a Good Year 'GatorBack'
thanks Guys;
Shirley