[Bluesky 07]

Originally Posted by 4RunnerAquasport

Yes, but isn't there a precedent set with the other Toyota models that had frame replacements?

Yes, and that will help, especially if any if the rusty frames were sourced from the same facility or perhaps even the same manufacturer. I don’t know how Toyota thought they could recall some models but not all when the issue is clearly the same.

[y=mx+b]

Dang I don't really get on here as much as I used to, which is a bummer. I got a little burnt out of working on cars for a bit, especially after fixing the rear frame since it was on such a time crunch. Eventually, I will get to typing it all up because I have oodles of pictures. But since I posted a major update on here, I have (in chronological order):

• Fabricated and installed a new rear frame section
• Patched a hole in the frame underneath the transmission crossmember
• Put off getting it reinspected
• Graduated from college
• Passed 250,000 miles
• Tried to put off reinspection more, but got in trouble for not having any inspection
• Reinspected with my fixed frame and passed easily (Inspector said I did a really nice job)
• "Retired" as a bus driver (I shared pictures on here a while back, and I'm really sad about having to leave that job)
• Moved to Indiana

One of these days I'll try to get all of my pictures typed up. I really enjoyed making the writeups back when I was cranking them out in 2020, I just need to get over the hump

Heres a look at my moving setup. Towed the 4runner on a flatbed behind a very full 26' uhaul

[chrisbagnell]

Originally Posted by y=mx+b

Haven't been on here in a while, life just gets in the way sometimes. 4runner was chugging along smoothly until it failed a state inspection for frame rust. I knew it was crusty, but it finally caught up to me. I'm going to save it, but I've had a stressful past 4 days working to fix it. For better or for worse, its all on the frame and none of the deep rust is on the body. When I'm all done I'll put all the pics, but here are some teasers and gore:

Reminds me of my rear frame replacement. I took a deep look at my frame after replacing that section and found a lot of the drainage holes were blocked. Now I make it a yearly task to do a once over, clean out holes, and POR/fluid film it up. The body on mine is in perfect condition as well, would be amazing if there was a frame recall as that's the only thing that concerns me on my 4R.

[y=mx+b]

Been a while since I've been on here. I'm going back to VA for the Holidays, so I'm likely going to take off the big tires and suspension. I still have the highway tires from 3 years ago mounted on the stock wheels and all the suspension bolts are fresh, so shouldn't be too much hassle. There is just not as much offroad opportunities compared VA or the east coast, so I think I'm going to go a less aggressive direction going forward. Recently, its just not been as fun to drive.

Also now that I'm not in school, I'm not driving people around and using the back seat as much. I think I'm going to make a proper sleeping arrangement in the back, but with the ability to still flip up the rear or remove to carry some plywood.

[y=mx+b]

went back to the normal mode for the drive back to VA and just to see what it feels like. I don't notice the height difference much when I'm inside, but I do notice the dobinsons shocks and spring ride a lot better than the stock suspension. It is the 200k+ mile original suspension, buuut still makes me want to go back again haha

The worst part is that the Patrick Star skid plate is hidden with it so low!

[aemravan]

I guess that's really not all that much work to swap wheels and take off the lift if you got the parts. I'm sure the long HW distance would have been hugely noticeable if you're like me and are lucky to peg the 13mpg mark lol

Luckily for me, my work commute is only 14 miles each way and only 2 days a week on average.. but I have found myself questioning my modification decisions more and more since I don't actually wheel the thing, and only make it out camping like once a quarter ... lol.

[y=mx+b]

Originally Posted by aemravan

I guess that's really not all that much work to swap wheels and take off the lift if you got the parts. I'm sure the long HW distance would have been hugely noticeable if you're like me and are lucky to peg the 13mpg mark lol

Luckily for me, my work commute is only 14 miles each way and only 2 days a week on average.. but I have found myself questioning my modification decisions more and more since I don't actually wheel the thing, and only make it out camping like once a quarter ... lol.

Yeah all the parts were sitting there, so it was just a days worth to swap it all over. I did have to add 0.5" bora spacers and longer lug nuts because of the +30 of the 4th gen wheels vs +15 on the FJ.

I'm getting about 14mpg avg, but it can sometimes be up in the 16-17 range if I keep the speed to ~65 for mostly hwy. Which actually compared to the ~20 that it can do stock is not much of an improvement lol

Thats kinda the same boat I'm in. I don't go wheeling really like I did when I was in close proximity to PA or VA trails. Theres a place to go here but there is a lot of sxs traffic there that I'm not interested in dealing with. Most of the places in Indiana require ~2hrs of driving to go camping, so I'm thinking I'll come up with a more dialed back setup.