3rd Gen T4R DIY Maintenance, Repair and Modification Videos

ZionXIX said:

Alright Timmy, got a question for you. Out of all the things I would like to do to my island runner,
The most beneficial upgrade would probably be new rear springs and shocks.
I cant even take 2 people and their luggage to the airport without riding the bump stops the entire way there.
Here's what I got......

- 2x 3ton jack stands
- lots of hand tools
- 2 wheel chocks
- the stock jack
- no paved driveway, just dirt, which is surprisingly sturdy

I was thinking of doing one side at a time and perhaps resting the axle on to the spare tire and the removed tire to reduce my chances of dying. Placing both jack stands on the side Im working on. Then using the stock jack with blocks to push the frame/body away from the axle just enough to replace the springs. I suppose one of those spring compression kits might work. The real constraint is that everything has to fit in my luggage as far as the new coils and shocks. Also being super remote, i would definitely get extras of any bolts, nuts, and washer that could break or be lost ans so forth.

What do you think? Recipe for death? 4runners for life?

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You don't need to work on one side of a time to be safe. You can do it just like everyone else does it with supporting the rear of the truck on the frame with your jack stands and then using the hydraulic jack to lower the rear axle to the point you can get enough flex to remove the springs. If you're not lifting and just replacing the springs with new ones, you'll have enough flex to get them out without damaging your brake line. If you're adding longer springs, you'll probably have to remove the brake line in order to get the rear axle low enough to fit the springs in and then it would be wise to add an extended brake line after you get the springs in.

If I were working on dirt, I'd want to disperse the load the jacks are resting against. Big metal plates would be ideal, but I gather you wouldn't have something like that. So, some thick plywood would be your best bet. Put a big square of plywood between the jack and the ground to disperse the load to the earth. If you don't do this, I think the jack legs will sink into the dirt even with heavily compacted soil.

So, jack up under the 3rd member with your hydraulic jack and it would be good to also have the jack rolling on a thick sheet of plywood as well. Get the truck way up and resting on jack stands on the frame members on each side so you'll be able to lower the rear end enough to get the springs out. I'm thinking there's a chance your 3 ton jack stands aren't going to be high enough for this job. You need taller jack stands, meant for working on trucks, to be able to support the frame high enough. You've seen my videos so you know the size I'm talking about.

Don't forget ratcheting wrenches are pretty much a must when removing the top nut of the rear shocks unless you plan on cutting them out. Same with the installation of the new shocks. A ratcheting wrench makes the job tolerable, but it's still a pain in the ass.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have more questions.

**Edit - I just realized you only have the stock jack the rig comes with. This isn't ideal. A floor jack is something you really should invest in. Do you have a store on the island you can buy one from?

mtbtim said:

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have more questions.

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Thanks for the info. I am quite impressed with the dirt in my driveway.
I have used the stock bottle jack to lift the front end many times with very minimal sinking.
In April Im moving to a new place that has actual concrete!
My concern is mainly the stock bottle jacks ability to balance the axle when working on the springs.
I feel like it would topple over when I start pulling on the spring and shock.
Are the rear control arms able to keep the axle from shifting forward and backwards too much?
I do have a set of gear wrenches so Im good for the top shock nut.
I will be replacing with OEM stuff, nothing fancy.
I was going to bring a chain wrench to help remove and install the shocks and extra lower shock bolts in case I break those.
I dont suppose you know the maximum length bolt that can fit the lower shock?
I read a thread where someone found their bolts cross threaded and was considering longer bolts since there are more threads than are used on installation.
I even thought about the night before my plane trip back to the states I could break the shock bolts loose just to see if the snap.
That way I would know for sure if I need new bolts or an easy out kit and all that.
Im trying to prepare for anything since resources are limited out here.

Thanks.

mtbtim said:

**Edit - I just realized you only have the stock jack the rig comes with. This isn't ideal. A floor jack is something you really should invest in. Do you have a store on the island you can buy one from?

Click to expand...

They want $300 USD for a 3 ton floor jack. So ill try and fail my way before I give them that much money.


**Edit I have a fantastic floor jack in the states. Sadly it wont fit in my luggage and is over the weight limit.

ToyTec Boss Complete Suspension Lift Installation

Hey Dudes,
[MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] and I installed a Toytec lift for [MENTION=146244]phokingchink[/MENTION] and of course we videoed the whole thing so we could share it with the masses.

If you want to install a complete lift on your 3rd Gen, this is the video to watch. Is it long? Of course it is. But, if you can stand listening to me for an hour and 20 minutes, you'll have all the information you'll need to be successful installing a lift on your rig.

Here's the video and Enjoy the Show!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yXjioXyZa_M" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

mtbtim said:

Hey Dudes,

[MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] and I installed a Toytec lift for [MENTION=146244]phokingchink[/MENTION] and of course we videoed the whole thing so we could share it with the masses.

If you want to install a complete lift on your 3rd Gen, this is the video to watch. Is it long? Of course it is. But, if you can stand listening to me for an hour and 20 minutes, you'll have all the information you'll need to be successful installing a lift on your rig.

Here's the video and Enjoy the Show!

Click to expand...

Changing the rear shock with that body lift already in place is basically cheating. Otherwise another great video!

Overdrive Off = Transmission Temp Drop

Hey Dudes,

Here's a quick video showing how turning off overdrive can drop your transmission temperature in certain situations.

Here's the video and Enjoy the Show!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BEZfDOkGVno" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Nice. The same line of thought applies to towing. Unfortunately for me the PO of my 4runner didn't take the 4runner out of OD while towing a 20ft boat on flat land for eight years. Not sure if my clutch pack has many more years left on it.

That is why a 5spd is so nice to have.

[MENTION=140707]flyfishinguy[/MENTION], you PM'd me, but when I responded, I got a message that your personal settings don't allow PM's.

Here's the info you requested:

I'm using this Bluetooth OBD II Reader. It has been working great for the 10 months I've been using it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005NLQAHS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I would also suggest buying this shut-off switch because the reader continues to draw power even when your truck is off, it gets the reader away from your foot (I actually hit it a few different times with my right foot) and since the reader port is pointing downward, gravity works against you and a bumpy road or trail can cause it to fall out.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UR5XBMW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you have any more questions, just ask.

Tim

Thanks Tim, I'll check whats up with my message settings.

Rear Sway Bar Bushing Replacement

While this is common sense to most people, I taped it anyway.<iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5CbTH1l0r-E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Front Differential Axle Seal Replacement

Hey Dudes,
[MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] and I have another video for you. When you're doing a CV axle replacement or reboot, this is an opportune time to replace the oil seals on the ends of the front differential axle housing whether they were leaking or you just want to do it as preventative maintenance.

Thanks [MENTION=146244]phokingchink[/MENTION] for trusting us to work on your truck so we can make another repair video.

Here's the video and Enjoy the Show!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mh1BK5--KrU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Tim, did you ever end up replacing the transmission and making the video? Did he end up getting a reman one from the dealership?

thegipper said:

Tim, did you ever end up replacing the transmission and making the video? Did he end up getting a reman one from the dealership?

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We haven't pulled the transmission yet. But, Sean has made a decision to go with a rebuilt one through IPT Performance out of New Jersey. Since Sean plans on keeping his truck for a very long time, it just makes sense to get it rebuilt to a superior spec than OEM. Another transmission built to the same OEM spec could very well fail again which would really suck after all the time and money spent replacing it.

I spoke with John at IPT and he addresses the weakness the transmission has which is a bearing for the planetary gear that's prone to fail. He puts a superior spec bearing for this and also puts in heavier duty clutches and an upgraded valve body. The hope is this transmission will last the rest of the life of the engine. Sean's engine has 160,000 miles, so he should have lots of life left.

There's also another benefit to having IPT Performance rebuild his transmission because we'll be able to find out from John what exactly failed in his transmission. I'm going to ask him to either do a quick video of the damage or take some pictures for us. A video would be better because then we could add that footage to the video we make replacing his transmission.

ARB locker

Hey Tim - Any plans on doing a video on ARB RD132 rear locker installation?

Your videos are really awesome!

Herculean T4R said:

Hey Tim - Any plans on doing a video on ARB RD132 rear locker installation?

Your videos are really awesome!

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No plans to install an ARB rear locker for someone but it would be a cool project. I'd have to see what's involved and whether I need to purchase and special tools for it.

I take it you're thinking of installing one on your rig?

Glad you're liking the videos [MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] and I have been making. We actually hit 1000 subscribers last night. The 1 Year Anniversary for our channel is 3 days away. It's been a cool experience so far.

Thanks for the update Tim, we are all looking forward to the Tranny video.

Super helpful! Thank you!

I filmed the replacement of my power steering rack bushings. I didn't really use any special tools so this job should be pretty do-able to most DIY guys out there. Getting the rack back in place was the hardest part I would say, I recommend turning the tires side to side to help wiggle her back in. I did not take off the driver's side tie rod and I'm willing to bet that you could do this job without taking off the sway bar but that would just make things that much more of a pain. <iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iQ7i7QVx-lA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Steering Rack Replacement

Hey Dudes,
[MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] and I replaced the steering rack on another member's rig. If you need to replace your steering rack, this tutorial could help you out.

Here's the video and Enjoy the Show!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wZoRP5ogrK0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

*For a much more informative and detailed version of this job, go see Tim's video: Page 4, Post #54. *

This is a quick little video on how I performed an automatic transmission fluid exchange through the coolant line. More for entertainment purposes than anything while still being somewhat informative. For those wondering, I didn't drain the pan because it would have been too hard to know how much got drained out. I wanted to show this job using only things found around the house. If you don't drink dairy, I don't know what to tell ya..

<iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0XQujXXeoOI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>