JoeT4R’s 2001 SR5 Build & Maintenance Thread

Bad Luck said:

The majority of the parts on mine are Toyota/Denso/Aisin as well. In my mind Toyotas seem to prefer OEM parts for most things, but that's probably just me trying to justify spending the extra money on OEM parts lol

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Nothing wrong with that. If we can get our trucks up to 200K, 300K and beyond using OEM parts, that's enough to seal the deal for me. I just like having that peace of mind and I'm willing to pay for it. I just recently began experimenting with aftermarket oil filters like Wix and Napa Gold (also Wix) and I'm still hesitant with that, lol.

The Napa pro select are wix. After my supply is up. I just going to buy toyota oem oil filters as their pricing is reasonable.

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brillo_76 said:

The Napa pro select are wix. After my supply is up. I just going to buy toyota oem oil filters as their pricing is reasonable.

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I’ve never heard of Napa Pro. The box that the Napa Gold filter I have waiting for my next change does say “made by Wix” or something to that effect on the box. I typically use the YZZD3’s instead of the D1’s since they’re slightly taller. Makes me feel cool I suppose, lol.

Looks like I will be installing the Fumoto F-133 drain valve at my next oil change. It will likely be sometime next week or the week after. I’m nervous and excited at the same time. I think it will alleviate some nerves about constantly removing the drain plug and reinstalling it every time. I had to have my drain pan replaced in 2015 due to stripping it out and over torquing it. Ever since then I’ve been diligent about using my torque wrench.

I look forward to having a cleaner experience with future oil changes, however. Plus this drain valve will come with the clip for the lever to prevent accidental opening. I’ve heard more good than bad about it so that puts my mind at ease as well. Will upload pics, date and mileage when it’s all done. Oh, and I’ll be switching oil brands, too!

Replaced the OEM Toyota air filter with a Denso one, p/n 143-3040. Going to try and change them only once a year, depending on how they look. I've always ran Toyota air filters, but the Denso one was a few bucks cheaper, so we'll see how it holds up and how it performs. If it's not to my liking, I'll switch back over to OEM Toyota air filters then. The Toyota one on the left was changed sometime in October of last year.

Date: 6/1/22
Mileage: 313,924
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Today I also changed the oil in the rig. Big moves were made, as I was switching over to another oil brand AND installing a Fumoto F-133 drain valve. I have religiously used Pennzoil Ultra Platinum since late 2018, and prior to that, I did one or two oil changes with Pennzoil Platinum, and prior to that I exclusively used AMSOIL Signature Series. So in terms of oil, I'm pretty strict about that kind of thing. I have also exclusively ran OEM filters over the years, but have just recently begun experimenting with aftermarket ones, like Wix/Napa Gold. Today I put on a Napa Gold 1516 filter, but may go back to the D3's next change since I have a few stocked up.

But apparently I have gone rogue, now, as I made the switch over to Costco's Kirkland Signature full synthetic, which is produced by Warren Distribution (who also makes Walmart's Supertech and Amazon Basics oil). I've read good things about the Kirkland oil and even went out of my way to email the folks at Blackstone for some further information on it, yielding a positive response from them.

I was very nervous about running the Fumoto F-133, especially since I don't run a front skid. But I figured why not, let's try something new. Worst case scenario I don't like it and reinstall the OEM drain plug. I did swap out the supplied gasket from Fumoto and put on a new OEM gasket for peace of mind. I also have the clip attachment that secures over the lever to prevent accidental openings, although it does require force and effort.

Date: 6/1/22
Mileage: 313,926
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You rebel you.. lol. I am on the fence with keeping oil filter of Napa gold [ wix] or just going to oem toyota oil filters myself. I run Castro full synthetic oil. From what I seen the full synthetic are really superior to the original blends of oil.

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I installed a Fumoto and switched over my 2WD to full syn (Mobile 1 w/WIX 51348X filter) and did a little experiment - I ran the same oil only topping it off for almost 30K miles. Sent a sample to Blackstone when I changed it and it was almost still perfect.

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-...nkies-4runner-journal-2wd-11.html#post3252484

I'm about to do the syn swap on my 4WD and add a Fumoto but this time I'm also going with Kirkland brand full syn and again a WIX 51348XP filter.

FWIW, I use Penta air filters

brillo_76 said:

You rebel you.. lol. I am on the fence with keeping oil filter of Napa gold [ wix] or just going to oem toyota oil filters myself. I run Castro full synthetic oil. From what I seen the full synthetic are really superior to the original blends of oil.

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I’ve ran a Napa Gold once before but I actually ended up having to hand tighten it at some point, it appeared that it had been slightly leaking. More than likely user error on my behalf when first installing it. I ran a Wix Xp last oil change, both the Napa and Wix were oversized filters. Makes me feel good I guess, lol.

octanejunkie said:

I installed a Fumoto and switched over my 2WD to full syn (Mobile 1 w/WIX 51348X filter) and did a little experiment - I ran the same oil only topping it off for almost 30K miles. Sent a sample to Blackstone when I changed it and it was almost still perfect.

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-...nkies-4runner-journal-2wd-11.html#post3252484

I'm about to do the syn swap on my 4WD and add a Fumoto but this time I'm also going with Kirkland brand full syn and again a WIX 51348XP filter.

FWIW, I use Penta air filters

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How long have you ran your Fumoto valve for now? I’ve been nervous about running one, but decided it would be worth a try. I also ran PUP for about 30K+ miles and Blackstone sent me a good report. TBN was at like 2.2 on the sample and it had 4,468 miles on it when I sent it in.

I was pleased to read good things about the Kirkland Signature full syn oil. Do you ever run oversized oil filters? I’ve also never heard of Penta air filters before. I’ve had great results with OEM so far so I’ll stick with them/Denso.

JoeT4R said:

How long have you ran your Fumoto valve for now? I’ve been nervous about running one, but decided it would be worth a try. I also ran PUP for about 30K+ miles and Blackstone sent me a good report. TBN was at like 2.2 on the sample and it had 4,468 miles on it when I sent it in.



I was pleased to read good things about the Kirkland Signature full syn oil. Do you ever run oversized oil filters? I’ve also never heard of Penta air filters before. I’ve had great results with OEM so far so I’ll stick with them/Denso.

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The fumoto valve has been installed for years, never had an issue. Installed it once and forgot about it.

I also had them run my TBN at the same time

octanejunkie said:

The fumoto valve has been installed for years, never had an issue. Installed it once and forgot about it.

I also had them run my TBN at the same time

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Looks good! I plan to send them another sample after a few oil changes with the new Kirkland stuff. Wanna wash out all the residual PUP that may be leftover or mixed in with it. Maybe at 330K or so. I’m half tempted to send them a sample of my ATF at my next drain & fill (which will be January of 2023)

JoeT4R said:

Looks good! I plan to send them another sample after a few oil changes with the new Kirkland stuff. Wanna wash out all the residual PUP that may be leftover or mixed in with it. Maybe at 330K or so. I’m half tempted to send them a sample of my ATF at my next drain & fill (which will be January of 2023)

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My 4WD drive is currently running conventional, I'm going to pull a sample and send it to Blackstone now, then do one oil change with semi synthetic adding half a can of seafoam to the crankcase when I drain that, then switch over to Kirkland branded full synthetic

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Monthly photo, 6/2/22
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JoeT4R said:

How long have you ran your Fumoto valve for now? I’ve been nervous about running one, but decided it would be worth a try.

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I don't understand the nervousness at all. It is a well machined piece of brass and a stainless steel ball. I ran one for many years (close to 150k miles) on a LOWERED WRX with the valve about 3.5" from the ground, including offroading (mud, rocks, snow, deserts, forests, etc.), before they started shipping them with the stupid little extra plastic locker. There are 0 worries, even without the extra plastic bit. It takes force in two directions, in order and around a 90* turn to open it up...

The only complaint might be cost, but the ease of use is worth it to me. The only vehicle that doesn't have one (yet!) is our Chevy Volt - but that only gets an oil change every 1-2 years...

For oil filters - I like the OEM filter simply due to the actual o-ring seal. Most (all?) other oil filters use the square-cut gaskets, which take more force (filter torque) to seal correctly and remove than the OEM filter with o-ring. I use the (slightly) larger filter meant for the 2UZ (the "D3" filter, I think).

-Charlie

phattyduck said:

I don't understand the nervousness at all. It is a well machined piece of brass and a stainless steel ball. I ran one for many years (close to 150k miles) on a LOWERED WRX with the valve about 3.5" from the ground, including offroading (mud, rocks, snow, deserts, forests, etc.), before they started shipping them with the stupid little extra plastic locker. There are 0 worries, even without the extra plastic bit. It takes force in two directions, in order and around a 90* turn to open it up...

The only complaint might be cost, but the ease of use is worth it to me. The only vehicle that doesn't have one (yet!) is our Chevy Volt - but that only gets an oil change every 1-2 years...

For oil filters - I like the OEM filter simply due to the actual o-ring seal. Most (all?) other oil filters use the square-cut gaskets, which take more force (filter torque) to seal correctly and remove than the OEM filter with o-ring. I use the (slightly) larger filter meant for the 2UZ (the "D3" filter, I think).

-Charlie

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So because I don’t run a front skid, that’s where the majority of my nervousness comes from. The fact alone that it’s just out in the open and exposed to anything. A friend of mine told me he’s had three Fumoto valves in the past, 2 of which resulted in catastrophic engine failure. I definitely see where there must be purpose and intent in order to open the valve and I’m wondering if maybe he just had some bad luck. Either way, it makes me nervous because of no skid. I’m gonna run with it, though, and see how it performs over time.

As far as filters go, I have to agree with you there. OEM gaskets are pre-lubricated and they just fit perfectly. They feel “soft” for lack of a better word when mating them to the engine vs. an aftermarket filter. I also run the D3’s when I’m not using a Wix/Napa Gold product. The o-ring on the Napa Gold is a hard piece of rubber compared to what’s on the D3’s.

I’ve ran mostly OEM everything over the years, but wanted to try experimenting with some aftermarket stuff. Done a lot of research. Lots of opinions. Lots of info. Decided Wix and Napa Gold (made by Wix from what I understand) gave me some confidence in venturing out. I’ll probably keep them in rotation— Toyota filters, then Wix or Napa Gold, and just switch back and forth to satisfy my weirdness. I’m a nut when it comes to this stuff even though most of it probably doesn’t matter, lol.

The factory "skid" is not, it's a bottom engine cover at best, but the oil pan is pretty far above the cross member the factory skid bolts to. I think you'd have to high center the truck to tear a Fumoto off

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Sweet build love to see a 4runner getting broken in.

Figured I'd put this here for anyone that may want to see some real life stats. This was my first and only Blackstone report that I've had run so far and it was from May of 2021. I was very impressed with the results I was given and the information they provided me with. I definitely look forward to doing another UOA in the near future since I've switched oil brands. I'll give it a few oil changes before I pull and send off another sample. It should be noted that I used a YZZD3 filter during this oil run for anyone who's wondering.

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So the other day I attempted to perform a drain and fill on my front diff. Getting ahead of myself, I cracked open the fill plug with relative ease, go to the store to pick up some synthetic 75W-90 and return home to crack the drain plug. Go to start working on the drain plug and I stripped the dang hex bolt. So yesterday I went to Harbor Freight and picked this up for $9.53:
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In addition to this, I special ordered new fill and drain plugs from Lexus, which are less likely to strip out since you can attach a normal wrench to them. A HUGE thank you goes out to [MENTION=319302]Bad Luck[/MENTION] for telling me about them. He even did the leg work for me and told me the p/n's associated with them. I'll pick those up from the Lexus dealer in the next day or two. I plan to attack the stripped drain bolt with full force first thing Monday morning. Hopefully this extractor set will work perfectly. Will post pictures and updates then.