Advice needed on repairs/replacements.

My 97 limited has reached 225k miles. I am new at this, and i am on a bit of a fixed budget and would rather stay away from any major projects or a car note until after I graduate Nursing school.
So, I decided that for the short term I want to focus my energies on keeping my 4runner purring for another few years..then into a fun Toy project.
I have play in my shifter, so bushings there.
There is a bit of play in steering..so bushings, swing arm and/or?
And while I am down there, what else should I replace?
Fuel filter...radiator...transmission flush?
I am sure I am missing many items, please feel free to offer suggestions.
If this has been asked in the past, please pardon...and point me in the right direction.

 

I would do lower ball joints, and radiator for starters.

 

Well, at 250k it seemed that a fair number of things needed replacing on my car.

However, just the "necessities"?

T-Belt with pulleys/tensioner.
Valve Cover Gaskets.
Cam seals.
Crank seal
Plugs/Wires.
Radiator and Hoses.
Shocks/Struts if original. (I kept my old springs on)
Rubber bushings on front end-links were shot.
Upper and Lower Ball Joints.
Replaced all vacuum lines in the engine bay (they were petrified)
Clean the MAF sensor.
New transmission fluid using the "re-circulation" method. Do NOT do a dealership FLUSH.
New transmission pan filter. Checked transmission pan for shavings to determine health of tranny.

Additional/Preventative:
New Throttle Body (for you it would be TPS and IAC) - I was having issues though. If you are not...you can ignore.
Replaced all coolant lines to transmission and oil cooler.
Oil cooler gasket.
Air intake hoses (the really large ones). Mine got hard and brittle. TOYOTA sells them. They aren't too much.
Air filter.
Oil Change
External Radiator Cooler.

Coming soon: Evap system rebuild. Brake system rebuild. Probably I'll get to it around 300k miles. So you have time.

 

Perfect, and a big thanks. I will work my way through this list.

 

If you don't have them, get a Toyota Repair Manual from Parts Store and a OBD2 Scan Tool, then use this Forum and as you get more familiar and experienced with your vehicle, you will be surprised at what you can do if you have the right tools.

I am old school and drive until vehicle won't go or is unsafe, putting 80,000 plus miles on top of a 130,000 mile SR5 with very little in repairs in the past four years. 4Runners are very reliable and tough. Good luck to you in your chosen profession.

 

Awesome advice, thank you kindly.
And to your statement...that is what had really one me over. I bought what was to be a disposable vehicle, it has been moderately neglected (oil changes, etc done) and the machine is still purring at 225k. Think it high time to treat her right.