4 runner 1996 Toyota Hilux Surf 4runner · SSR-X 1TZ-TE Turbo Diesel from Japan. Need advice.

Bought is from an importer in FLorida.
Questions
I bought one of those Japanese right hand drive 4 runners, 1996 Toyota Hilux Surf 4runner · SSR-X it is has the 1TZ TE TUrbo Diesel. Getting much conflicting advice. The only thing I know about its history is that it is from Japan and has 105,000 miles. Timing belt is good. No rust. What fluids and filters and parts would you change to prepare for cross country trip? My mechanic is advising from NOT changing Transmission oil because it may cause a proper viscosity problem and shifting problems. His theory is that the particulates combine with oil to create proper viscosity. He says clean new oil will cause problems... Hum?? Lower Ball joint is tight when moved,not shaking or wobbling but have been advised to change because they can suddenly fail. Looking to get it tuned up before bring the family north to Wisconsin. ANy help is greatly appreciated. Great to meet you all. If anyone is interested in other 4 runners like this... I paid 13,700.00 from Florida private seller. He told me he has one coming with 60,000 miles..1996

 

Draining and refilling the transmission fluid is perfectly acceptable to do. No need to drop the pan and replace the transmission fluid screen (not a filter). I would also drain and refill the front and rear diff's and the transfer case. Replace the lower ball joints with Toyota OEM if you can, because they are better than the cheap aftermarket stuff. (images below are examples of what happens when a lower ball joint fails)

 

The transmission fluid concern is more of a domestic transmission thing, but it's not entirely outside the realm of possibility.

If you really want to get the fluid changed, ask to keep the original fluid that comes out. That way you can put it back in if there are any problems.

For all transmissions, foreign or domestic, if you change the fluid at lower mileage intervals, you should be safe every time. Domestics like to shed materials into the fluid that the transmission reaches symbiosis with which if the fluid gets changed it can lead to slippage if the fluid remains in there for a very long time, like 100,000 miles. Toyota's transmissions don't do that quite so much. Still, I plan on getting mine changed at lower intervals since mine is new and I'll know what the history will be.

 

If it was me, id leave the tranny alone, do the reg/normal maintenance, hop in that thing, and drive it around the world........ twice. With zero fear.

 

What is the best American source for OEM lower ball joints? Thank you

 

Welcome from Wisconsin! Sounds like you have a pretty cool vehicle on your hands. Changing filters is a good idea, that way you can start 'fresh'. Some maybe all the fluids could be changed with the recommended viscosities, I'm fairly sure it won't hurt, and you have the piece of mind thing going then. If it has been sitting for a long time check the brake calipers, brake fluid likes to absorb moisture after sitting around. Does it have a cabin filter? Change and throw mouse nest out. Do a check of A/C for charge, just check it over and drive it, see ya when you get up here. Enjoy!

 

Thank you, We are up in Beaver Dam. Have you heard of a trans failure after replacing oil? I am getting conflicting advice. 105,000 mile on it and it may have never been changed... When I changed the crank oil it was filthy...?

 

I have heard of trans failure shortly after servicing, so when would you ever contemplate changing the trans fluid if you don't do it now? I don't want to see like a smart-ass, but it's not going to get 'better' by not changing it. As far as the engine oil appearing filthy..... that's the nature of diesels, fresh oil change on my dump truck and after 1 day of running, you could swear that it was not changed! Change the tranny filter and fluid... it's inevitable. Good luck, see ya 'round.

 

Automatic or Manual transmission?

 

Automatic. thks

 

Where is the best place in USA for OEM parts for 3rd Gen mine is
1996 Toyota Hilux Surf 4runner · SSR-X 1TZ-TE Turbo Diesel from Japan
I want to get lower ball joints thks

 

https://parts.sparkstoyota.com/t/To...-34L-AT/JOINT-ASSY--LOWER-BALL--FRONT-LH.html
https://parts.sparkstoyota.com/t/To...-34L-AT/JOINT-ASSY--LOWER-BALL--FRONT-RH.html

 

THank you bought them both

 

1996 Toyota Hilux Surf 4runner · SSR-X 1TZ-TE Turbo Diesel from Japan right hand drive...
Looking for location of Cabin Filter. last driver was a big smoker! stinking

 

Post of pictures of the imported 4runner

 

You won't find one because they didn't have it.

This is going to sound weird, but get a plate and slice of tomato and leave it under the front seat. Both front seats for that matter. Replace the tomato slice every few days. Really absorbs cigarette odor.

 

I love it! either you are crazy or it is true! so funny. thks

 

Why not both??

 

thks bro