finished valve cover gaskets job today...wasn't terrible, lots to take off. Unfortunately I broke the single pole wire that delivers the engine temperature to the gauge cluster, so I don't have an operating temperature gauge in the vehicle. Good thing I have a bluetooth reader I guess.

Replaced dash/climate lights with LEDs, used several of the threads on here. Easy peaz.

I took this baby to the forests today. 200 mile round trip but definitely worth it. It's amazing how it handles on the leave-packed dirt with stock wheels and tires, so I probably wouldn't get aftermarket ones for the time being. As you can see it does have body lift but again, that was because PO put giant tires on them. I only went off road for only couple hundred feet but it was already lots of fun. Definitely love it and will come back once it starts to snow!

Tahoe National Forest, CA

Fun filled afternoon of replacing the final center console lights (ECT and rear window switch) and continuing work on a Satoshi grill, still in the filling and priming stage... Sooo much sanding!

Tell you what I did, I took out my passenger seat to fix the left side rail that it slides on because I messed it up a little while back. I figured the best way to fix it was to take the seat as I have done that before, but this time after I fixed it and everything was back in order, I bolted the seat back in like usual and I accidentally cross-threaded the bolt, and while backing it out, the nut that is tack welded to the body that holds the seat broke. And the nut that broke it is only one that is not accessible from under the truck, so now I am going to have to cut the body and weld it back together to get that nut out.

i gave eimkeith a bunch of money yesterday and started stripping my LCAs.

Needle Bearing extracted! Replacing it with ECGS bushing!

After neglecting the 4Runner for way too long, I've had a couple productive weekends catching up. I've had some KYB Gas-a-Just rear shocks sitting in my garage I bought from another member several months ago. Last weekend I finally replaced the 22 year old original shocks. It took way too long to remove the top nut! The trick is to use a flex head ratcheting wrench on top and then spin the shock body itself using a chain wrench. I only had rubber strap wrenches and they slipped so I finally used some large channel locks to bite into the metal. Memphis interstates are basically potholes with painted lines right now and these noticeably improved my ride. I'll be ordering some OME 906 coils soon to finish up the rear.

I've also been aging OEM LBJs for a long time in the garage. They're finally ready, so I installed them Saturday. Good piece of mind as my 4Runner has 185k miles on it now and the LBJs were original. I watched @mtbtim YT video to get ready and for torque specs. It was a quick and simple install using only hand tools. I changed my oil and rotated my tires while I was at it. I dropped my skid plates to clean off all the spilled oil from the terribly placed oil filter. After cleaning them and all the oil on the bottom / back of the engine and various components, I found a couple fresh drops of oil to confirm the leak I've suspected. I need to diagnose it's location next. Doesn't appear to be from the oil pan and it's not anywhere up high. I'm guessing rear main seal?

I found my driver side sway bar end link had rusted off, so I ordered a cheap MOOG replacement for now: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000V528JU/

I also ordered 2 of these Honda Oddysey windshield washer nozzles thanks to @Rallysport mod in this thread : https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LIRXIN0/

I also went U-Pull-It and FINALLY found an oak cupholder console intact and in good shape in a 2000 4Runner! For $30, I left with the console and e-brake, one corner light (preparing for HID soon and will need to paint a set to match the headlights), and a factory headlight stalk with the fog switch. The stalk was a whim because it was there. Can it be used in my 1997 to add foglights?

If it has the white plastic connector, then it'll work with your '97. If it's black, then it won't. I think they made the change either in '00 or '01, so see what color your connector is.

Took it to the shop to get an estimate on repairs. It’s not looking good unfortunately...




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The connector is black. Too bad! Thanks for the info.

ouch...bet its totaled due to age and "value"
not saying I agree with "value"

New usrr, lurker here, not enough to post thread.

Heres my problem.. Got 2002 sr5, 2wd drive. 220k miles, bought used 2-3yrs ago. Problem is Both front tires inside worn out.. Front factory struts have been replaced with kyb struts 20k miles ago..old one was original factory.. Wben they replaced with kyb, they didnt put the old toyota original plastic space on bottom.. Said didnt work... Wondering if missing factory bottom plastic spacer cause the inner tire wear. Also is orientation of struts springs installed correctly as far as which way it faces.
New 4 tires installed same time i bought car, 20k ago. Any ideas, help.
First 3 pics are drivers side looking front.

Below three is 3 pics passenger side looking toward rear of car



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what plastic things, I running KYB's and installed myself...I have no plastic things at bottom of sturt.
I think you got something else going on

Dang, I was just typing up the same question - what plastic spacers? I also installed KYB's just a few days ago, I didn't have any plastic spacers to deal with. Unless someone had plastic top plate spacers in there (but they're not Toyota).