40k mile service

I am over 35k miles, but my 34s have slowed doen my speedometer. So it is close to 40k miles. I haven't done a thing to the truck so far except oil changes. So what needs to be done? Too lazy to read the manual.

 

Transmission, T-case, front and rear difs need the fluids replaced; no engine oil and filter this time - you're good for another 10,000 miles.

 

Lube your shafts. Rotate tires.

 

https://www.4runners.com/threads/5th-gen-maintenance-maps-torque-specs-and-part-numbers.31033/

Some might have minor disagreements with the linked chart like spark plugs having too low an interval but it’s a good start.

Also make sure whatever bolts you can see on the underside are not loose.

 

I did a transmission drain and refill at around 30k miles because I thought I was being pretty hard on it. It looked so perfectly clean that I felt kinda guilty.

You already had the diff fluid done whenever you got the lockers. I forgot, did you also regear? If so, the diffs are kind of on their own schedule.

Transfer case is probably fine for another 20k miles at least, judging by how clean mine was around that mileage.

Have you been greasing the driveshaft u-joints and slip yokes? The schedule for this is around 5 to 10k. Technically, every time you “off road”

Oh, and I forgot the two most important things! Check driver’s floor mat, and retorque prop shafts!!!

 

Yeah diffs should be good. And I did two breakin oil changes on the diffs lol. Not synthetic though, I used the good old Lucas

 

No greasing no nothing. Just been driving the heck out if it. Now I will give it a nice service. Great truck!

 

Honestly then, I think those driveshafts are the only thing that need actual work. However, I’m not sure you’ll have any luck having a dealer do those. Doesn’t seem like people get what they pay for when they ask a dealer to lube the driveshafts.

Given how hard you use your 4runner, I think a regular “service schedule” doesn’t really apply. Besides maybe for the coolant and brake fluid.

I think at your mileage, it’s wise to do a thorough inspection of fluid levels (coolant, power steering, and brake fluid), and a general condition inspection of all the moving parts, like suspension components and bolts, CV boots, power steering boots, suspension bushings, KDSS components, etc. and just checking for physical damage to the undercarriage.

Oh, almost forgot! It’s probably worth it to at least refresh the power steering fluid very regularly in the hopes those big tires don’t smoke the steering rack early. I’ve been just suctioning out the reservoir bottle and refilling it with fresh fluid maybe every couple of oil changes. The manual calls for a particular ATF fluid for the power steering.

 

Not that anyone does it, but the manual says to lube the propeller shafts after each day of wheeling.

 

I can see this if you submerge it in questionable water, mud. If something gets past the seals to the cups and inside, yeah, maybe. But, that would be pretty extreme.

 

I would do the first one in the privacy of your own home, with the shades drawn.

 

I didn’t know mechanics lube your shafts

 

Umm who’s replacing their trans fluid at 40? Lemme roll my eyes

 

Yeah, the Car Care nut recommends a drain and fill every 60,000 miles.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NUAuGmDGntY&pp=ygUhQ2FyIGNhcmUgbnV0IDRydW5uZXIgdHJhbnNtaXNzaW9u

 

There is not a 1 size fits all for ATF. Depends on usage and temp the fluid is hitting. Big tires, towing, climbing grades all generate extra heat and degrade fluid. I see a big variation in my ATF based on ambient temp.

Properly Maintained" means changing the fluid every time it exceeds around 220-240 deg F.

 

Yeah but think I'm going to do it cuz I'm heavily modified

 

Not me. I genuinely thought it would be noticed as unnecessary IMMEDIATELY and followed by "RTFM." ;-)

 

If you have full skids and your dropping them to access the T-Case and Front diff you may as well do a transmission drain and fill as well.
You'll only get 3 quarts out of the system but if you're planning on long term ownership getting a bit of new fluid in there is not a bad idea.

I just hit 40K but my transmission gets very very hot in the environments I wheel in.
I used Toyota ATF WS for the transmission, and amsoil products in the T-Case and diffs.

Moving forward I will be doing all drivetrain fluids at 30k intervals and fluid filming the undercarriage before my skids go back up.
These links should help.

https://trail4runner.com/2018/12/24/4runner-driveline-fluids-how-and-when-to-change-them/

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


Bonus maintenance: You may consider swapping out the power steering fluid as well depending on how hard you abuse your rig. My PS fluid was very dark.