Front end maintenance suggestions for 2002 with 220k miles?

2 part question

1- Where is the best place to buy a front valance for an 2002 4Runner limited?

2- I just purchased an 2002 4Runner with 220k taken good care of from what I can see but never had any front end preventative maintenance done. It’s obvious it has seen minimal Offroad so what would be suggested to start on first? Remind you I’m sorta on a budget given the current world we live in.

 

Shocks and struts if they are leaking or original.

Upper and lower ball joints if they were never done. I had my recall done early with the car and just replaced them again at 250k miles.

Other than that...fix what is needed.

What do you mean by front valance?

Edit: I am still running my original brake fluid. I plan on a caliper rebuild and new rubber brake lines and fluid soon. But she still stops fine.

 

More important would be transmission maintenance. Probably the old girl has never had any rotation of that fluid. See Tim's youtube vids on how to do it the easy-on-the-transmission way. Don't do a flush.

 

Thank you!!!!
Front valance- the bottom part of the front bumper. I believe it has fog lights in it as well.

 

I plan on that right after front End is in decent shape. I am driving 600 miles one way multiple times for next 3 weeks

 

For the OEM lower bumper/valance...junk yard. I didn't know if you were looking for OEM or aftermarket.

 

I would replace the radiator if you can’t determine if it has been done before.

 

Radiator has been replaced, just did water pump and timing belt 1000 miles ago, new cooper atp 265/75/16. Just looking to see what is most critical between ball joints, tie rods and sway bar. New to 4Runner world but always wanted a 3rd gen. I tried to post pics but it’s being dumb.

I have tried tons of junkyards on bumper valance with no luck.

 

As someone who used to track down HTF parts, you just have to keep searching.

Call local junkyards. They have good inventory systems these days.

If you know someone in the collision industry, ask them who they would contact.

Go on craigslist and look for 4Runners being parted out nationwide.

Go on ebay and look for wrecked 4runners.

Even if the person is selling the car, they might be willing to yank a bumper off and ship it for a chunk of change.

Go on every 4Runner forum and post want ads.

You say you're on a budget so I wouldn't recommend checking Toyota.

 

Also, is it as stringent of a thing to put oem upper ball joints in as lower? I know I know I have read all about the thousands of threads about oem lower ball joints being only safe way but never really specifies on upper. This is going to be a rock crawler or anything. Just do some trails in Colorado, New Mexico, Arkansas... camping with family. Not like “need” 3 inch lift, Full skid plates, after market nasty control arms.... just a fun vehicle to cruise 600 miles and go see some cool shit.

Thank you very much!!!! Calling them now!

 

You have to get the knuckle off anyway so just remove it, replace upper AND lowers and check the wheel bearing and the seal.

Edit: I reread what you asked. You can't switch uppers and lowers. The lowers are in a bracket thing that bolts on. Uppers need to be pressed on.

For me the wheel bearings were fine, the knuckle seal was toast but that just taps in and out and the upper and lower joints were still "ok" but loose.

Use only Toyota parts (I order online from McGeorge...25-30% discounts). Toyota parts last for 20 years. Don't buy cheap Chinese junk that wears out in 3.

Also, get the Torque specs and use them. On front ends this is super important. For me, the Castle nuts lined up EXACTLY where they need to be with the correct torque. Again, I'm grateful the Toyota engineers did such an awesome job.

There is a video by the 4Runner Timmy guy that shows getting the knuckle off. First time I tried it my way and failed. I got a front end servicing set, did it Timmy's way and it was easy peasy.

 

Lmfao no I was asking is upper ball joints okay to get “quality” aftermarket and lowers oem?

 

oh lol. I personally consider "quality aftermarket" to be an oxymoron.

Except for Chrysler, Kia and Hyundai. Then buy whatever.