[alfredo26]

I recently purchased a 1999 4runner for my wife. I noticed that when she goes to lift the back hitch, it seems to be grinding metal with metal. I looked at the hinges and noticed there is what looks like a pin that literally holds the door in place. It looks as if the pin itself goes thru what I can describe at best would be a bearing of some sort. I dont know what else it could be but that is what seems to have worn completly down. Does anybody know where or what I am talking about? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Nashvegas34]

Can you post a pic? Do the shocks hold the door up properly, so the only issue is with the hinge?

[alfredo26]

The shocks hold up the door pretty decent. I mean I can push it up another 3 to 4 inches but it does the job. I will post a pic soon

[Nelsonmd]

New hinge assemblies aren't that expensive fro man online dealer, so perhaps you could replace the whole hinge.

[Nashvegas34]

The part numbers for the hinges are
68810-35010 for the right side
68820-35010 for the left side
They are $29.48 each at Toyota Parts - Genuine OEM Toyota Auto Parts and Accessories, $29.74 at ToyotaPartSales.com

They're body-colored so you'd just have to make sure to get the right color.

[alfredo26]

Pics of the left hinge, u will see wear it is rubbing metal with metal, the pin that runs thru the hing seems to be running thru a washer/bushing/bearing that has worn out

[alfredo26]

Also, can anybody give me pointers on how to improve the gas mileage!! This thing can swallow up some gas. Will a K&N filter help some? I have the 3.4 V6

[alfredo26]

Sorry, I just realized i was saying hinge. I sincerly appologize, but i meant where the pumps and the door hook up

[tbst]

Originally Posted by alfredo26

Also, can anybody give me pointers on how to improve the gas mileage!! This thing can swallow up some gas. Will a K&N filter help some? I have the 3.4 V6

There are literally hundreds of threads about this. Not being a forum police, but you will get more from doing a search in the google search bar than anyone here can post. Will be a better use of your time.

Also, I get 17 mpg. People getting 21 is few and far between, I think the consensus is most people get around the same as I do.

[tbst]

http://www.toyotapartsales.com/parts...up=LIFT%20GATE

[awdjunkies]

Originally Posted by alfredo26

Also, can anybody give me pointers on how to improve the gas mileage!! This thing can swallow up some gas. Will a K&N filter help some? I have the 3.4 V6

Sometimes, improving gas mileage is as simple as replacing: plugs/wires, fuel filter, even an oem air filter as you don't really want to use an air filter that requires oiling them which is not great for your MAF. Unless of course you oil sparingly so this doesn't happen.

[bitchaaz]

Originally Posted by alfredo26

Also, can anybody give me pointers on how to improve the gas mileage!! This thing can swallow up some gas. Will a K&N filter help some? I have the 3.4 V6

If you can get at least 295 miles (with 265 75 16 tires) to the tank, You're doing pretty good. I get all happy when I hit the 300 mark before a fill up. There's only so much you can do with a square box on wheels.

[Nashvegas34]

Originally Posted by alfredo26

Sorry, I just realized i was saying hinge. I sincerly appologize, but i meant where the pumps and the door hook up

Okay, I see what you mean now. Click here to see a diagram:
1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Parts - ToyotaPartSales.com

Looks like this is all part of the shock assembly, which is not cheap, so I don't know if you'd be able to find just the part in your picture unless you could pull one from a wrecked 4runner.

[alfredo26]

Thanks to everybody for your responses. I have picked up alot of info from this thread. Thanks again for your help, I will see if i can find a wrecked 4 runner somewhere around town...

[bitchaaz]

Something else you might want to try in the interim, is slathering a bunch of white lithium grease in there. After numerous times of open close open close, the grind will eventual go away.