I have questions!!!!!

First off, I hope everyone's 2023 is starting off well.
I've had my 02 for a couple months now and I'm ready to start doing some things.
So, I would like any input I could get.
I definitely do NOT have unlimited funds, so don't want to do more than I need to at the moment.
However, I also want to take care of my ride.
It's got about 175,000 miles, but the transmission (automatic) was swapped out a couple 3 years ago so that's in real good shape.
It runs good, but there are some things that needed to be updated or upgraded.
So.. here we go.
1. What weight/brand oil would be best?
I am in California at the moment but will be relocating to the Midwest in the spring.
2. It has the original Toyota shocks and struts.
They definitely need to be swapped out. Any advice on a good brand ?
Not looking for a super off-road high performance. Just something good.
OEM performance is fine for how I drive.
I have heard it's best to go after market.
And.. should I do Springs while I'm at it?
3. Antenna... I of course have the power antenna. The motor works, but the antenna was stuck in the up position when I bought it.
I worked with it a bit, and it goes down, but not all the way. The motor seems okay, but the plastic gear strip may be broken.
I am thinking about swapping out to a short stubby..... Thoughts?
4. Filters...
I have been told multiple times by several Toyota enthusiasts that when it comes to Mechanical items I definitely want to stay OEM. This makes perfect sense to me. That being said, I have also been told that some aftermarket oil, air, fuel filters are as good.. if not even better than toyota.
5. Fuel pump...
As far as I know, it has the original fuel pump.
I can hear it humming when I start up, and from time to time while I'm driving.
Is that a good sign?
Should I be preemptive and swap it out?
6. Timing belt...
To the best of my knowledge the timing belt is also original.
Should I be looking into having that replaced well?
7. Additives...
I have heard good things about Lucas oil conditioner, but then I have also heard that you should never add anything at all. So I would be interested if anyone wants to weigh in on that.
And, any advice on fuel treatments.
Again, I've heard pros and cons.
8. Valve cover gaskets.
I have a very small, practically unnoticeable oil leak from my valve cover on the driver's side. I've paid very close attention and I'm really not losing any significant oil, I just get the smell and if I look close I can see it on the heads little bit. I have heard this is somewhat common for this model.
I'm not sure if I will get around to this anytime soon as it's not really a big problem, but I eventually will.
Any advice on a brand of gasket? Or, should I stay with genuine Toyota?
Anyway, that's all I can remember wanting to ask about.
I'm sure sometime tomorrow I'm going to think of a couple things that I forgot to ask.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and thank you in advance for any wisdom.

H...

 

Tighten the valve cover bolts do the timing belt and water pump and run it run the replacement shocks of u don't intend on lifting it

 

#4 no. Stay OEM.
#7 Good god no.

 

Don’t buy the “stubby” antenna. You won’t get any stations. I am about to throw mine away. AND don’t get the “cheapy” $15 dollar stock replacement! It won’t work, it’s about $75 for OEM.

 

1. 5W-30 synthetic oil is best (API rating SM or above)

2. If the shocks aren't leaking your fine. If they are then the KYB gas-a-just is the closest thing to stock you can get and they are good. Toyota ones are $$$. If the springs aren't sagging leave them alone unless you plan on adding weight.

3. When mine had a problem I tried a new mast first, that should fix your problem. If you hear grinding or a mast doesn't work, then take apart the motor and clean it out. Sometimes parts of the old mast can jam up the gears. Mine had to be replaced despite no visible damage to the gears, I got a used motor and it's working nicely. If you don't like that then the taco whip conversion is your next best option.

4. Extra filters are unnecessary unless your going to Africa and are afraid of getting bad gasoline. Just stick with normal filters from a reputable company. Avoid the K&N reusable filters that have to be oiled, they're terrible.

5. I wouldn't worry about the fuel pump. When they fail it's when you try starting the vehicle not while it's running (there are ways to jump it into working in these situations). The original pump should last over twice as long assuming it wasn't run on a dry tank.

6. Definitely replace the timing belt as soon as possible if it's original, it's too old. Replace the water pump while your at it. Of all the items you listed this is the most urgent (it's non interference engine so it wont grenade the engine).

7. No additives. The only time I might consider them is if you already have problems and want to get a little more life out. Seafoam is the only one I'd use, but not with any regularity. The fluids you put in your vehicle (oil, gasoline, coolant) should have all the additives you need already.

8. Just go with Toyota valve cover gaskets, not that expensive anyway

Check your lower ball joints for play, they fail catastrophically without warning; a known issue, and something you should address if you find they have play. Grease the U-joint zerks. And put valve adjustments as something you should get done eventually if they haven't been.

 

Wowzers!
Thank you!!!