Bringing Her Back to Life

I've neglected my truck for years. While attaching a picture to my thread earlier today about the air conditioner blower I noticed this old photo of my engine bay:


That led me to pop the hood and finally tackle some other maintenance I've been neglecting.

1) TRD CAI: I'm in the process of washing the filter, but what about the filter built into the lid? It's filthy, can I clean it in the same way? (Using

$18 K&N Air Filter Cleaning Kit: Squeeze Bottle Filter Cleaner and Red Oil Kit; Restores Engine Air Filter Performance; Service Kit-99-5050

K&N Recharge Kit) this is my second time cleaning the normal filter in 260,000 miles and I've never cleaned the one built into the lid. What do you think?

Another TRD CAI question; has anyone come up with an alternative to the little $30 clips to hold the lid on? Mine have been missing for years.



2. Sparkplugs: Has anyone definitely replaced all their plugs without removing the supercharger? I'm running original plugs and surely to God it's time to replace them. I looked into it maybe 5 or 6 years but the cost of removing the S/C at the dealership scared me away, the uncertainty of whether or not I could do it myself kept. Me from ever actually trying.

3. S/C oil and belt. I did this around 100,000 miles and know it needs to be done again. The belt is looking pretty cracked and missing some teeth. Pretty easy job if I remember correctly...


4. Fluids: I know nothing about what fluids I should replace. Does anyone have a list of all fluids and ideal replacement intervals? I'm not made of money, so I may have to spread these out over time.

5. Replacement driver seat covers: I want an OEM style seat replacement that fits snug like it's supposed to. I hate baggy and loose seat covers. Does anyone have a lead on something like that other than a salvage yard? Is it even possible to remove the cloth and replace it?

Thanks for all of your help in returning her to her former glory. I do drive my truck hard daily, but I do feel like the performance has diminished lately. I'm considering buying a new truck in the next few months to become my daily driver...but I'd like to hold on to this one so it can be my son's first truck.

 

A good place to start on fluids would be your gear oils in the rear axle and the transfer case and front axle if you’re 4x4. I’d also recommend a transmission flush with fresh fluid but most likely you’ll need to take it to a shop. There are some DIY threads on here but I just found it easier to let someone else mess with it.