Need some pointers

Greetings guys, new here. I'm going to look at an 04 SR5 later today and was wondering what are some things specific to 1st gen tundra maintenance that I should check before I buy? Do they have lower ball joint issues like the 3rd gen 4runners? Timing belt and water pump? Any and all tips are greatly appreciated. Here's a pick of my 2002 SR5 4runner for attention. Cheers

 

Welcome. Nice shot.

There are a ton of super knowledgeable guys on here -- I don't count myself as one of them -- so hold out for one of them to chime in. You've definitely come to the right place.

 

I ran 200k on mine.
My issues:
1) Exhaust Manifold leak - never did fix it.
2) One starter replacement - That was expensive.
3) Last 50k miles headlight would go out every 2-3 months. Never could find the cause.

 

Timing belt and water pump replaced every 80k is the big one. It is an interference engine.

05 and 06 have a 5 speed transmission and vvti motor if you're on the fence between what year to buy.

 

04 is a good year, the bugs were worked put by then. Has the bigger front calipers and good 4 speed auto. Does not have VVTi or air injection system.

Timing belt and water pump as you mentioned are the only big ticket maintenance items. Lower ball joints have a reputation as a weak point but not something to be afraid of as long as they're in good condition. They did get slightly bigger on 05/06 models, but again not something to fear. Check the undercarriage carefully for rust. Check all the fluids but pay attention to the radiator fluid and trans fluid to be sure they aren't mixing. There have been reports of the trans cooler leaking into the radiator.

They are solid trucks, good luck and welcome.

 

This video is helpful

• Frame rust. Not sure what state you're in but inspect it thoroughly. Make sure someone didn't paint over rust.
• Early ones did have LBJ issues but there was a recall done. I don't hear about it still being a major issue. If you're buying one with 100K+ miles you'd probably want to replace them anyways.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPfQcIXmFiU

 

Thanks guys. I'm familiar with the pink milkshake, not personally, but it's been mentioned a few times on the 4runner forum. I'm in SoCal so rust SHOULDNT be an issue, but I'll be all up under that truck before I take it home

 

@Darkness already responded, so @BestGen would be another guy with good info.

 

Rear diff breather is something to look at. It'll stick and cause diff juice to squeeze past the axle seals and do bad things to the rear brakes. Some of us have parking brake issues, and squishy brake pedals. How many miles? Pics or a link?

 

I bought an 06 that I'm happy with, but also drove a 2004 when shopping. Both seemed to have the same acceleration, at least from 0-70mph during my test drive. I'm told the VVTi motor is supposed to be 1-2mph better, but who really knows when you consider traffic and short vs long trips.

I have not had the smog pump issue yet, but had I known there was no pump on the 2004, that would have made an impact on my decision making process. One less thing to put you into limp mode, and $2k plus repair if you're unlucky to have it fritz out when your far from home and have to rely on the nearest dealer. The 4 speed also has a dip stick if that is important to you. My double cab does have the head curtain airbags that I don't think were available on the 2004 and earlier. A little more peace of mind when hauling the kids, but it is a 5,000lb truck, so maybe not as critical.

 

I'll also add that the 05-06 have the funky master cylinder with some funky proportioning valve gizmo that when your master cylinder wears out you have to buy a $1,300 combo unit. There's a couple threads on here about it if you do a search.

 

1) Factory recall in 05’ fixed LBJ. If there is a problem after that, then its due to punishment.

2) TB 9 years or 90k miles.

Buyer beware.