First 5k mile service 4Runner Love

First 5k sweet and gentle miles have been put on my 4Runner and did a little service. Was it necessary to do an oil change at 5k miles and put in an upgraded oil filter and other things below? Probably not so much but made me happy.

Changed cabin air filter with Fram Fresh Breeze filter. Local dealership wanted $75. Did it myself for $20 in less than 5 minutes with most likely a better quality air filter listed below.
https://amzn.to/44Km2LK


Changed engine air filter. Wasn’t horribly dirty but I do drive dusty desert roads. Dealership wanted $80. Did it myself in under 5 minutes for Wix filter for $19 below. Most likely better quality as well than OEM.
https://amzn.to/3R1fIfv

Wanted higher quality oil filter so had Dealership reluctantly use this Royal Purple one when they did my oil change. It is rumored to be same as or very similar to TRD Pro filter but almost 1/2 the price.
https://amzn.to/45sbvWx

Used this Techron fuel system cleaner a couple fill ups before my oil change.
https://amzn.to/45sbvWx

Got this center console organizer. It’s nice and worth it for sure. Would probably put this in top 10 upgrades to do.
https://amzn.to/3ErsEnr

What oil did I use one might ask? Sweet OEM Toyota Synthetic nectar 0-20w
https://amzn.to/3qUIofB

Almost got this K&N Engine Air filter below. Seems good but reviews seem to be hit or miss. Might try it out at some point though.
https://amzn.to/3EnVh4P


Since doing this I almost feel my 4Runner has a faintly little more pep to it and improved mpg’s (like 0.25-0.5mpg). Is this possible or in my head placebo effect?

 

It’s totally possible. My 4Runner is always a little zippier after I wash and wax it.

 

As long as you're just putting sweet and gentle miles on it, the truck will be fine. Gotta do what makes ya feel good.

 

Actually, I would change oil at 5k on a new truck. All the initial wear from a new engine with small metal debris gets flushed out and you have a solid base going forward.

 

The OEM cabin air filter uses carbon to clean the air. I paid $20.39.

Regarding asking the dealership to use a specific oil filter, I would be curious to know if they actually put it in. I worked at a Toyota dealership and one day a mechanic walked by me with several quarts of oil and he put them right into his tool chest. He smiled and said that a customer wanted this specific oil put in his car, but he was going to take it home and just use the bulk oil that came out of the tank. That's a true story. Next time you're in the dealership for an oil change, demand that they save the old oil filter for you and show it to you. Bring a Ziploc bag and bring it home and make sure it's the Royal Purple one that you paid for and asked to be installed on your vehicle.

 

Can confirm, Seen this happen back in the day with customers bringing in Mobile1, requesting this to be used over the bulk Kendall normally used.

Sad that this takes place, But 'Merica, right?

 

oh I wouldn’t doubt it. Quality of work these days from contractors in my area I deal with and my local Toyota dealership is shady. Will definitely be asking them for my used filter so can see if they actually used it.

 

Stay tuned. Will be doing update in 6 months when I get my next oil change and see if they used the Royal Purple

 

You can always take the drain screw thing off the oil filter and drain a little out. That way you can catch them red handed if they stole your oil.

 

One thing I’ve been curious about regarding the oil filter - if you drain the housing, can you remove it without draining the oil from the pan?

 

Yes, I think it is around .8 - .9 of a quart. Varies some due to the temp.

 

long as i can change every 5000, ill use what they got.

 

I have found the FRAM cabin air filters on Ebay for $12. Probably fell "off a truck" pricing.

 

Good question. Not sure if the oil pickup would siphon oil through the pump and out the filter. I might have to try that at next oil change.