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Hello, everyone. I bought a 2kxj recently and I was looking for some advice on what to replace right off the bat. I have about $600 to put into her at the moment. I've started a small list of parts I'd like to replace .
1. Radiator
2. Water pump
3. Thermostat
4. Battery
5. Oil change
6. Tranny flush
7. New brakes all around
Any suggestions would be highly appreciated. I have some pictures of her
Any suggestions on how to get all this surface rust off?
It also has a brake light on. The brakes are very soft and don't bite until the last few inches. shes parked and wont be driven until ive replaced the brakes all the way around
everyone's 2 cents welcome!
Last edited by Jethro4days; May 24, 2015 at 03:37 PM.
Your brake fluid looks to be low. Inspect the brakes and make sure the rears are adjusted. It look like there may have been some cooling system issues judging by the rusty residue all over the place. But it also looks like the hoses have been replaced, so the problem may have been solved. How's the coolant look in the radiator? Fresh or rusty?
I'd start with the braking system. That alone can eat into the budget pretty quickly.
There was definitely some form of cooling system blowout at some point prior, nothing else could make an aluminum intake or rubber lines "rust". Probably best to stick with the basics at this point - change all fluids and filters, do a load test on the battery (I've never bought anything used that didn't lose the battery within the first month), pressure test the cooling system and get an oil analysis done on the engine and trans.
I can't tell for certain, but that serpentine belt looks glazed - might put that on the replacement list or at least get a spare to throw under the seat.
I've had decent luck cleaning that stuff off with slightly diluted Simple Green and a toilet brush (best long handled stiff bristle cleaning brush in the world!!). Clean it up and go over it with a flashlight and the proverbial fine toothed comb. See what little gremlins are waiting to pop up before they do.
I'd start with the braking system. That alone can eat into the budget pretty quickly.
There was definitely some form of cooling system blowout at some point prior, nothing else could make an aluminum intake or rubber lines "rust". Probably best to stick with the basics at this point - change all fluids and filters, do a load test on the battery (I've never bought anything used that didn't lose the battery within the first month), pressure test the cooling system and get an oil analysis done on the engine and trans.
I can't tell for certain, but that serpentine belt looks glazed - might put that on the replacement list or at least get a spare to throw under the seat.
I've had decent luck cleaning that stuff off with slightly diluted Simple Green and a toilet brush (best long handled stiff bristle cleaning brush in the world!!). Clean it up and go over it with a flashlight and the proverbial fine toothed comb. See what little gremlins are waiting to pop up before they do.
Hey Thanks man! Good stuff! I'm gonna do all those things you said today.
Make sure the cooling system is in great shape, as the 2000s are known for the 0331 head cracking. My head cracked, and it caused my block to crack shortly after.
Need some advice.
