[EatonKyleH]

Awesome find on that o-ring!

and I keep noticing your frame rails and control arms in your pictures look great and a deep black. Have you undercoated/painted them? Just curious if so and what you used. Didn't see anything in your thread about it.

thanks for the info and again this thread is filled with really cool and beautifully done work.

[paddlenbike]

Originally Posted by EatonKyleH

and I keep noticing your frame rails and control arms in your pictures look great and a deep black. Have you undercoated/painted them? Just curious if so and what you used. Didn't see anything in your thread about it.

After seeing rusty frame pictures on the forum I got in there and hit the A-arms, rear control arm brackets and rear axle with semi-gloss black. The frame still looks great but I have touched it up in places where rocks have taken the paint off. I think this is a good idea for those that want to keep their 4Runners around for a while, especially those in the rust belt.

[the great him]

Originally Posted by paddlenbike

After seeing rusty frame pictures on the forum I got in there and hit the A-arms, rear control arm brackets and rear axle with semi-gloss black. The frame still looks great but I have touched it up in places where rocks have taken the paint off. I think this is a good idea for those that want to keep their 4Runners around for a while, especially those in the rust belt.

i do the same thing every year weather it needs it or not, ill pressure wash the frame and spray super clean all over it then wash that off and let it dry for a day or two then i re pain the frame and crossmembers ect to protect them. i have 260+ k mi and zero rust issues an plan to keep it that way

[paddlenbike]

Had a little mishap a few weeks ago that resulted in some bent sheetmetal. I slowed and stopped for traffic, the girl behind me did not. I can't blame her though, she was pretty busy texting and talking to her passenger.

The 4Runner rearranged her front clip for her, trimming it in places, re-aiming her headlights and also did a complete radiator draining and air conditioning freon evacuation. Both fender liners were laying in the road and the right front fender was touching the tire and passenger door.



The 4Runner did not come out completely unscathed. The rear bumper took a hit and her car folded so much it pressed some dents into the rear hatch.



Otherwise, there were no structural issues or hidden damage underneath. The trailer hitch took the bulk of the hit, but the 8 large bolts attaching it to the frame showed no sign of movement whatsoever.



So into the shop it went and came out looking new again.


The shop even ordered new emblems and painted them black like I had originally done. (The Toyota black pearl emblems are no longer available.)


While it was in the booth, I had the shop respray the hood. It had some blemishes since the day I bought it in 2005.


I worry about losing this truck due to other people's crappy driving skillz, but thankfully, this hit was easily repairable and she's back on the road.

[paddlenbike]

I can't think of a better way to break-in new paint than to throw gritty sand all over it. Here are a few pictures from the Ultimateyota Pismo Jamboree.

[MAD]

Too funny; I just emailed you about Pismo. Hadn't seen your build thread for awhile so I come check it out and BAM; pics of you in the dunes. Nice.

Glad the fender bender was minor.

md

[paddlenbike]

I am struggling a bit with low fuel mileage. As recently as April, I could always get over 20 MPG (often closer to 21) if I kept my speed at 70 MPH or below, but lately I've been getting low-17s. I did make the move to a 1/2" taller and wider tire than I used previously, but I'm not completely convinced the tires alone have caused a 4 MPG drop in economy.

I started by replacing the original O2 sensor. I was able to determine that 1999 & 2000 49-State manual V6 4WD use Denso part number 234-4161, which I was able to purchase on Amazon for $57. The connector plug is located on top of the transmission and is an absolute bear to reach. However I found someone's post that recommended removing the O2 sensor from the exhaust, passing the sensor over the top of the transmission and pulling the wiring harness toward the driver's side. Worked like a charm, this technique made the O2 sensor plug completely accessible.

I removed my noisy Yakima bike rack and threw the factory Toyota cross bars on. I plan to build a hitch rack, so hopefully this will help a bit with economy.

I checked tire pressures and raised pressure a couple of pounds to 37 psi.

Hopefully I can pick up some mileage again.

[paddlenbike]

The O2 sensor replacement seemed to have worked.

[BigFishAllDay]

I've noticed that the front 02 sensors can have a dramatic effect on MPG's, especially when they get old and "lazy". A long time ago, when I first got my '97, my mechanic descibed them that way to me. He said something along the lines of "they warm up slower and respond slower to changes in the exhaust mixture.. they get lazy".

I took his word for it, and since then, I've made them part of my tune up routine every 30-40K or so and it always brings back some MPG when I install a fresh one.

The rig is looking good, and I'm glad to see her back in tip top shape after the accident.

[PhdNPrerunners]

Your 4runner looks amazing! You are really making me want to sell my tacoma and pick up a manual 3rd gen. It looks right at home at Pismo!

[paddlenbike]

Thanks! 3rd gen 4runners work well stock and even better with a few light modifications. If I had to start all over again, I would very likely end up with a similar build to what I have now; it just works. Another no-compromises build involves running the tall 99 coils and some 265/75R16 tires--that setup gives a better ride than stock, good offroad capability and virtually no change in gas mileage.

[MCObray]

Real clean. I enjoyed browsing your thread.

What front mud flaps do you have there?

[rideexileex]

Originally Posted by BigFishAllDay

I've noticed that the rear 02 sensors can have a dramatic effect on MPG's, especially when they get old and "lazy". A long time ago, when I first got my '97, my mechanic descibed them that way to me. He said something along the lines of "they warm up slower and respond slower to changes in the exhaust mixture.. they get lazy".

I took his word for it, and since then, I've made them part of my tune up routine every 30-40K or so and it always brings back some MPG when I install a fresh one.

The rig is looking good, and I'm glad to see her back in tip top shape after the accident.

Wait, quote from months ago, but the rear one? I've been under the impression the rear was only for emissions on our rigs... The front was the only one to actually affect engine performance?

[wheelds]

Originally Posted by rideexileex

Wait, quote from months ago, but the rear one? I've been under the impression the rear was only for emissions on our rigs... The front was the only one to actually affect engine performance?

The rear, after cat sensor won't make much difference. The front one is the one paddlenbike replaced and the one that you will benefit from replacing. Unless you have the extra cash don't worry about it. Interesting enough though I'm looking at replacing both of mine and I found different part numbers. I'm not in California and I have an 01 not a 00 but the sensors shouldn't change?

Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor - Denso #234-9002 (Front)
Rear O2 Sensor - Denso #234-4261 (Rear)

[paddlenbike]

Originally Posted by MCObray

What front mud flaps do you have there?

The mud flaps are 1989-1995 pickup mudflaps cut down to size. I only went that route because they were left over from my 1994 truck.