So, this is my second first-gen that I’ll be inheriting from my stepfather. the first was a ‘95 2RZ 2WD that was pretty beat up and had unknown mileage(the odometer broke at the 100K rollover) that he gave to me when he bought this one. I didn’t have it for long, maybe about a year.
This one is a ‘97 4WD single cab with the 3RZ and 5-speed manual. 135K on the odo; my stepfather bought it in 2017 with 85K or so. I’m not getting this one for free, but definitely at a steep discount considering what these are going for these days. I know he’s had the clutch replaced a few years ago, I helped him with replacing the plugs/wires a couple years ago, rear shocks were recently replaced, newer radiator and hoses, and he’s going to have new leaf springs, windshield, and battery put in before I buy it from him.
My main questions are what should I be looking at as my first steps for this truck, maintenance and inspection-wise? I figured on replacing the transmission/transfer case/diffs oil and lower ball joint replacement, and when the truck is in for the leaf springs I’m going to pay for a valve adjustment. I consider myself to be a moderately experienced DIY wrencher but not a professional mechanic; I’m just not really familiar with 4WD trucks and this will be my first time owning one.
My goals with this one are to have a solid backup daily to my main car(2011 Camry V6), with occasional parts hauler duties with my project cars and light trail use(I live in Colorado so there are plenty of trails and areas I haven’t seen, so I’d like to get out and explore a bit, but within reason). I’m definitely leaning more mild than wild, and I will likely keep this one mostly stock.