About my Previa and Sienna

When I picked up the previa, the perspective of rebuild vs replace came to mind. With a blown head gasket, worn SADS couplers and unknown extent of possible damage to the internal of the motor, I decided to go all out and rebuild the whole motor. Since I could not do this at my apartment complex and if you understand the location and the amount of work this motor has, then you know that I would hate to change a head gasket on a high mileage motor and have something break down shortly after and have to go through the process again. When conversations about the rebuild vs replace come up, I always think like this: Time, Place, money (knowledge and resources as well). I dont have place, so I dont have the time. Knowledge on the previa motor, very low. I have novice mechanic skills, but not well versed. Resources, I feel I can be resourceful and have a way to get what I need (parts and services).But knowledge and resources can only take you so far if you are not working ...

dimensions:  Inlet/outlet opening ID 2", 3.5" thick 14" wide and 9" tall http://www.theturboforums.com/content/161-Intercooler-Reference-Collection-Guide

A few months back, I had a catastrophic event with the oil filter. I spent hours underneath the van degreasing everything. I wiped every place I saw a splatter of oil. But I noticed some oily dirt build up on the front right side boot. Instead of changing out just the tie rod, I decided to replace the whole thing. I fought the idea for awhile as I didn't want to spend that much, but it really came down to I have many new parts and the rebuilding process has been great for the van. So I decided to finally replace the rack, both inner and outer tie rods for now. Sway bar endlinks and other parts are definitely down the line too. I called Rack Doctor to make sure that the proper one was available, which it was and I ordered it, Should be in with a couple days. I also ordered it with the inner tie rods with boots attached. I ordered it because this shop has a good reputation on the BMW forums as well as a few others. After looking over what was replaced, I was more...

The previous owner of my previa did an awesome job of keep record, I mean it was something I never had experience with older cars. But there was never a receipt for alternator change or starter change. Both are currently functioning properly and no issues. Since I've been itching to get things changed out, preventative maint mentality, I decided to go with these parts. To be honest, I never had issues with going to the local parts stores and buying remanufactured items. The issue is, I never questioned the quality of these parts. I just assumed they were good. After jumping on Toyotavantech, Tim who is an "OEM parts nazi" showed pictures of a reman alternator. The issues were the diodes were soldered poorly and the quality looked like crap, and eventually failed. He took it apart and took pictures. I never had this issue, but it does make me more mindful of parts. Here is the link http://www.toyotavantech.com/forum/showthread.php?335-Alternator-woes "...