Ratsack's 90 Series Prado

[glen_ep Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close glen_ep]

Probably do a service once we get back from the Vic High Country this weekend but I can't remember which oil I got last time I did it (around 16000km ago as mechanic did the last one). Can anyone tell me what oil specs I should go/look for?
Also, do I need to do anything with the air filter when I replace it? I've read of people oiling them? Do I need to do that?
Anything else I need to remember for when I do it? I know I need to lube the seal before installing the new oil filter.

There's plenty choices for oils, depending on whether you want to spend more money for synthetic, semi or mineral, and of course what temperatures you drive in. for most of the year I'll use Penrite's extra ten 10w50 or similar. In winter I'll often go to the snow so change to 5-40.

The engine oil filter only requires a small amount of oil to be spread along it's rubber seal.

The air filter, if a standard paper type, needs no oil. Only specific aftermarket performance filters such as Uni-Filter use oil.

[ratsack Member Find all posts View Profile Close ratsack]

Is there any point going a fancy air filter?

Also, any reason to service more often then every 10000km?

[glen_ep Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close glen_ep]

Well, just removed the front shaft and took it for a test, the noise/vibration is still there. Plan on getting some new universal joints all around for it and we'll see how that goes.

Just one question, is it fine to drive in 4HL with the front driveshaft removed for maybe a couple of days?

Glad you've sorted the vibration issues! I regularly have vibrations and have found most times it's just the MT tyres. There's a limit to what balancing can achieve.

With the front propshaft removed it's absolutely essential that you engage 4HL, and it's fine to drive like that. Many owners of Prado's who use their vehicle solely for urban do this all the time. The only danger is when the transfer is in 4H (not locked) and the transmission is engaged to R or D/2/L - the front output plate will spin, brakes won't stop it, and changing gear in that situation is bad.

[ratsack Member Find all posts View Profile Close ratsack]

Haha, when I first tried to take off with the front prop shaft removed I got worried because I wasn't moving. Then I remembered and thought "you idiot!".

[glen_ep Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close glen_ep]

Is there any point going a fancy air filter?

Also, any reason to service more often then every 10000km?

No, standard paper is fine. I've even put paper back in mine as anything else increases the risk of contaminating the engine.

Many car enthusiasts change oil every 5,000 km but in some cases this could be just a waste of money. It depends on how the vehicle is being used. IE, technically, 10,000 km is the recommended interval, but under harsh conditions it's recommended that the several service intervals are halved. Harsh conditions would be lots of low range, excessive temperatures or towing. A VIC high country trip would certainly warrant an early service.

[glen_ep Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close glen_ep]

Haha, when I first tried to take off with the front prop shaft removed I got worried because I wasn't moving. Then I remembered and thought "you idiot!".

I once had a mechanic claiming my auto transmission is faulty and needed replacement, from this very situation. Years ago when I blew a front diff, they removed the front prop shaft, and because the vehicle wouldn't drive anymore, they claimed the transmission was faulty!! lol

[ratsack Member Find all posts View Profile Close ratsack]

Thanks for the replies glen_ep! Still jealous of your Prado. Haha!

Once we get back from the Vic High Country trip, it'll be around 7000km since the last service. I figure I'll just wait until we get back to do it instead of just before going.

[glen_ep Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close glen_ep]

Thanks for the replies glen_ep! Still jealous of your Prado. Haha!

Once we get back from the Vic High Country trip, it'll be around 7000km since the last service. I figure I'll just wait until we get back to do it instead of just before going.

No worries mate!
After your VIC trip is a good plan. Interestingly most of mine end up around the 7k mark.

[ratsack Member Find all posts View Profile Close ratsack]

I have another question. I got a recovery hook for the front the other day but it seems like I need to get inside the chassis rail to install it but I don't think I can. Any ideas or tips? Or do I need to pull the bull bar off to do it?

[glen_ep Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close glen_ep]

I have another question. I got a recovery hook for the front the other day but it seems like I need to get inside the chassis rail to install it but I don't think I can. Any ideas or tips? Or do I need to pull the bull bar off to do it?

Sorry, I don't remember. I definitely had to remove the bar to access the front body mounts, not sure about the recovery hook bolts. One thing I definitely remember is that aftermarket hooks come with incompatible bolts threads, so for additional hooks I had to source additional bolts.

[ratsack Member Find all posts View Profile Close ratsack]

Might have to wait until I get a winch cradle and winch so I can put it on and save some effort. Although I'm not sure I could do the bull bar at home, even with help.

[ratsack Member Find all posts View Profile Close ratsack]

Well, looks like I might finally have a roof rack. I found one locally for $250. New and unused as it didn't fit their vehicle. Will be going to have a look next Tuesday.
Too bad it's after we get back from the Vic High Country...

[ratsack Member Find all posts View Profile Close ratsack]

Snatch strap and d shackles arrived today. Slowly getting everything! Soon I'll be just enjoying the vehicle with everything needed/wanted!

[ratsack Member Find all posts View Profile Close ratsack]

Well, the Vic High Country trip was awesome and the Prado went well without any problems. Didn't do anything extreme but the tracks were fun. I think next visit we'll try some harder tracks and go deeper into the High Country. It's a place that really requires you to visit, and no pictures or video can explain how enjoyable and amazing it is.

Also, should be picking up the roof rack this afternoon.

[ratsack Member Find all posts View Profile Close ratsack]

Well, got the roof rack last Tuesday afternoon. Was still in the box when we went to pick it up and install it. Took around 1.5 hours to install which wasn't too bad considering I did a fair chunk by myself. It weighs ~50kg. They also gave us the invoice/receipt with it. They paid $630 for it and didn't even get to use it. I got a pretty good buy IMO.

Was also planning on giving it a service today but we've had rain so that won't be happening. Guess I'll have to do it next weekend.

Now to hunt for a bargain on an awning