[y=mx+b]

I haven't been able to get on here much recently, which is a bummer. I really like reading all the posts and helping where I can. Over Christmas break I didn't really want to set up my desktop computer at home, since I knew I would be packing it up shortly with all of my other crap to move to Annapolis. I'm currently in Annapolis MD doing a Mechanical Engineering Internship for 6 months, which is a great step towards building more experience and offsetting school cost. So far I am really enjoying it! I also found a few local offroad groups, so planning to go out with one of them this weekend. Here are some teaser updates on some of my projects, I'll make more detailed posts later. I just got my internet working lol

06+ Headlights
I got these and the trim pieces installed over winter break. I've got a bunch of installation pics and output shots to come shortly! Heres a half and half pic and them both installed


The trim piece isn't an exact match because its hard to track down Dorado Gold Pearl to paint with. Its some Nissan gold thats close enough, but I think its the pearl or sheen that makes it stand out. Maybe if I actually cleaned the 4runner they might be closer.


Lock Actuator #2
I managed to kill off another door lock actuator. This time is was the passenger rear, the first was driver rear. Not having automatic door locks is pretty annoying, so I ordered another one from eBay and installed it this past weekend. I'll be updating that writeup with some new and better pics I took while in there again.


Rusties
Friggen crusties. Needle scaled, wire wheeled, and painted with a thick Rustoleum Rust Reformer. Stay tuned for some slightly bad spots that make me sad on the inside. Also still planning on welding up a new crossmember, just haven't gotten the time yet with school.

[y=mx+b]

Stretch Fender Liners | Return to Directory
I should have done this when I put the slightly bigger tires on, since it rubbed on reverse full lock turn or reverse turning at angle, and I had to do both in my driveway at school. While my headlights were out, there was great access to the fender liner from both the top and bottom!

Before and After


Stock Hole Position vs New Hole. I only used one clip. I know some people drill the bumper cover, but I'm still a weenie and didn't want to mess it up. I know its on the bottom, like I said, I'm a weenie. Drilling the liner worked just as well


And this is the driver side from the bottom


The passenger side is very similar, although it has 3 clips between the liner and bumper vs the 2 on the driver side. I used 2/3 clips on this side



Door Lock Actuator #2 | Return to Directory
The first time, when my driver rear lock actuator died, I waited probably 5 months to replace it. This time it was the passenger rear. With the beginning of COVID I wasn't driving a lot, and I don't normally carry a lot of passengers, so it was a non-issue for the first one. This time, I knew I would be moving in two-ish weeks, and I like loading from the side doors with the seats flat. I took more pictures this time and updated my original writeup with a combination of all the best photos from both actuator jobs: 4th Gen Door Lock Actuator Replacement: Step by Step with Pictures

My Original on left and Refurbished on right. This refurbished one was a little more beat up than the first one I got for the other side, but it all works fine and is covered up




Pick to remove handle cover instead of the screwdriver


May want to put something soft on the back of the panel clip pliers, I sprayed it with some black really quickly since its covered up and won't see it


Got a pic of the clip locations for the door card


The pin that needs to go into the plastic arm. Had to use something in the background for contrast. In the spirit of 2020/1, I had a mask in my car


Managed to drop that little foam ring (from around the lock actuator plug) down into the door. Quite an interesting endeavor to get that out!




Working on getting output pictures from the new headlights for a comparison

[y=mx+b]

Rust Mitigation #3 | Return to Directory
So I'm slowly chipping away (pardon the pun haha) at this rust. I hate that its got the crusties, but this is the 4runner I have. Part of my wants to fly out south and find a minty one, but the other part of me is rational and realizes its not as bad as it could be. I'm also slightly attached to this stock turd; Its my first car, purchased with money I printed in my basement worked for, learned some wrenching on, etc. Now this is just another opportunity to learn how to weld more.

This session was working on the front, which is really the worst part. I was also at home, so I had access to all tools, compressed air, and a good place to work.

I needle scaled everything chunky and then wire wheeled until I was satisfied. Then blew all the junk out with compressed air. We can see the front crossmember is swiss cheesed a little. I've mentioned a few times that I have metal and plans to remake this piece, just got caught up with school and work. Hopefully I can meet someone in this Maryland off road group with a driveway or something. I will rebuild control arms for friendship haha.




Then painted with Rustoleum Rust Reformer. The second picture with the more rearward of skid mounting crossmember wasn't really that bad. Can see slight pitting on the right side, but overall solid.




Even swiss cheese metal looks good with paint on it!


Also went ahead and sprayed the front diff. I'm not worried about this rusting through because its a big ol chunky metal, but it looks pretty now! For whatever reason, I didn't paint those arms


This part I'm really embarrassed to share, but I want to show everything here, so here goes: My big bad hole. The main problem with this is its right behind a cat, which would make welding difficult without removing that crap. And like all exhausts in salty areas, mines a bit crusty.


AOAA with MORE
I'm going with the Maryland Off Road Enthusiasts (MORE) to AOAA this weekend. They're planning to do some green trails to start off the year and get some new members involved, so this is the perfect time for me to hop in. I'm an off-roading newb when it comes to 4 wheels. I do alright on 2, but this is new for me.

I started by taking my front sway bar off! Hopefully this allows the IFS more freedom to flex off road. So far road manners aren't terrible with it off. I was really worried about removing it, since I was doing it in my apartment parking garage and I had previously broken a lot of the skid bolts due to them being seized in there. Thankfully the sway bar bolts were larger than I anticipated. I thought they were the same size m8 as the skids, but they ended up being m10 (Whatever JIS 14mm head equates to). They all came out fine, just wish I had moved outside so I could have used my mini impact without as much echo. I ended up doing them all with a ratchet. One of them was hard to get out, I wonder why?


For the links, the passenger side came out easily since I had it out when I did the CV. The driver side 6mm hex stripped on my, so I grabbed the boot area with vice grips and was able to get the nut off that way. Old pics, but I like pictures that show everything in case any reader hasn't seen these before


Lastly I picked up some recovery gear. I got a hitch shackle with a 3/4" shackle, an extra 3/4" shackle, and a recovery strap. I would have liked buy some soft shackles and a kinetic rope, but they wouldn't have arrived in time. Eventually I will upgrade and expand my recovery gear collection


Not pictured, but I picked up some cheap handheld GMRS radios. I would have liked to get a nice permeant mount one, but I was limited on time, and this is what I could get here this week. I also bought a 4lb fire extinguisher in hopes that I never need it. I'd like to make a mount for this, and that could be a nice apartment capable project haha.

[momo.75]

Great work, man!

[y=mx+b]

Originally Posted by momo.75

Great work, man!

Thanks Momo!

[y=mx+b]

Sometimes things don't always work out as planned....

1.5" thick ice chunk went through the radiator, and I kinda need that part. More pictures to come, both good and bad! I did get GoPro video of the whole time I was out there. The 4runner did really well, too bad it had to end a bit early. Since I was a bit far away from home, towed to a Goodyear and they can get the parts and do it tomorrow.

[y=mx+b]

My First Time Off-Road at AOAA + Radiator Damage | Return to Directory
I mentioned briefly in a previous post that I would be going to AOAA with MORE (Maryland Off Road Enthusiasts) do to some green trails and get my feet wet in offroading. I packed all of my tools, the spare CV I have, jack, jack stands, and all of my new recovery gear. I met a group of 10ish in Towson and we made a convoy up there. When we got there, I was surprised at the turnout. There were 55 people from MORE and a few more people with 4wds, SXS, atv, bikes, etc. Here I am parked next to the 4runners. I was the only 4th gen with this group, but I did see another 4th gen at the trailhead parking lot


I have a dinosaur age GoPro I purchased when I thought I lived an action packed life, only to realize I don't do anything interesting. So I dug it up for this trip and apologize for the mediocre quality pics from the video

We broke into 3, 20 person groups and I was second in line of group 3. Starting on the trail, we entered down this nice and rocky hill. Its hard to see the terrain with this camera angle, but when driving it felt very adventurous and fun. We also crossed a few water area with some ice on top, and this bit me in the butt later.


I opted out of this one with my stock 4runner haha. This blue jeep was the leader and he got a bit hung up on the ice. Seeing how deep it was, I went arround


I enjoyed going on these high sided turning paths and wiggling through the trees. Also encountered some traffic


more tree wiggling


Around this time, I noticed the temp gauge getting a little bit above halfway. No big deal, we weren't going fast for wind to blow through the radiator and assist the fan like on the highway. I noticed the needle slowly moving some more and it was approaching the edge of the little gray section in the center 1/3 of the gauge. I am completely new to the off-roading and still wasn't completely sure if this was normal. I noticed the needle would go up and down like 1/8" inch depending on how I was oriented on the terrain and figured the temps would change depending on if I was putting more or less demand on the engine. I radio, and they say its normal to get a little warm, but we can slow down at the top of this hill. Fine, I can make it to the top of the hill okay. Nope. At this point I don't notice that the heat is no longer working because I had the window open to watch myself and talk to people. As I'm going up the hill, the needle starts going up really fast and I stop halfway up because the temp is scarring me. I radio again and the guy behind me says to just go ahead. I shouldn't have listened to this, because at the top of the hill the needle went straight to the ketchup and I immediately get over and shut it off.


I now know something is up, but I'm not sure. I limp it along after the needle dropped to halfway and we stop for lunch.


Now I can give it a proper inspection, which I should have done when I pulled off to let it cool of the first time. I look underneath, and sure enough an ice chunk had made its way right through the radiator. Oddly enough, the A/C condenser, which is right in front of the radiator, barely got touched. I know it must have occurred on one of the puddle crossings, just not sure when.


So we we're close to the trailhead now, and I limp it back. No one seemed keen to come along with, but the did give me directions and I followed the signage. From there I got it towed through my insurance which I have coverage for. Unfortunately I had to wait 4 hours in the 20 degree weather, thankfully I brought a bunch of layers. The only shop I could find open on the weekend that could also get the part was 60 miles away. Thankfully the tow truck driver was also a Toyota guy with a 1989 pickup minitruck.


The shop was able to get a radiator on Sunday and replace it the same day. Unfortunately this wasn't something that I could do on my own in this situation. I am very thankful for the work done by Goodyear of Hummelstown, PA. Looking back, there are a lot of learning experiences to take from this.

1. Consider all possible failure modes. I didn't think about thick ice being present, but now I know
2. If temps are getting high, pull off sooner rather than later, even if its not a great place to stop
3. Keep warm clothes with you when its cold. I brought a lot of layers thinking it was overpacking, but it turned out to be what I needed when things went bad

I am frustrated with my past self for letting it overheat fully, especially on the 03-05 v6. I plan to do some tests for exhaust gas in the cooling system and also probably change the oil earlier and send off a sample to ensure everything is good. So far no white smoke out of the exhaust when I started it up after sitting for a few hours when I got home and no misfires. Only time will tell the extent of damage, but what has happened is in the past, and I can only learn from these mistakes

If its really clapped, may be a writeup on how to swap 1GR-FE coming soon lol, but I hope not. I am worried about the heat cycling though since it was really cold out and rapid heating and cooling is of course not good.

Radiator Carnage
I asked to keep the radiator as a souvenir lol. Here are some of the damage pics


While the center area is where it is mostly visibly damaged, I believe the leaks were mostly from where the tubes cracked going into the end caps


I now need to either invest in one of these from RCI or build one myself.

[montijo505]

Literally just bad luck. You can't always plan for everything but good thing you had some tools/recovery gear. On the plus side, fresh coolant! Lol

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[y=mx+b]

Originally Posted by montijo505

Literally just bad luck. You can't always plan for everything but good thing you had some tools/recovery gear. On the plus side, fresh coolant! Lol

Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk

Thanks dude, yeah just back luck I guess. And unfortunately they used green coolant so I'm going to flush and replace that hopefully this weekend with either the Toyota SLL Pink or Valvoline Zerex Red Asian Coolant. Probably going to add a water pump to the to-do list now too

[montijo505]

If you're gonna drain it I'd replace the upper and lower houses while you're at it. Not expensive and easy to do.

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[indoyota]

Hey y=mx+b, I'm about an hour from you down in St Mary's county. I just finished installing a lift and i have my old daystar front spacers still. If you want them i'll give them to you.

[rdruss]

Your radiator experience convinced me that I need some protection for mine so I ordered an RCI filler piece that goes between the front bumper and engine skid. I don't run a skid now, don't off road but I still think that filler piece to be a good idea for $80 shipped.

[y=mx+b]

Originally Posted by rdruss

Your radiator experience convinced me that I need some protection for mine so I ordered an RCI filler piece that goes between the front bumper and engine skid. I don't run a skid now, don't off road but I still think that filler piece to be a good idea for $80 shipped.

For sure a good idea, even some rogue trash on the interstate could have done this. I'd rather have bought 5 of these and passed them out to buddies, than have to get the radiator fixed in another state lol. I'm going to try to fabri-cobble something this weekend from some 1/8" plate and will order one if I fail haha

[y=mx+b]

Originally Posted by indoyota

Hey y=mx+b, I'm about an hour from you down in St Mary's county. I just finished installing a lift and i have my old daystar front spacers still. If you want them i'll give them to you.

Thanks man, I really appreciate that! I'll send a PM after I get home from work

[y=mx+b]

Originally Posted by montijo505

If you're gonna drain it I'd replace the upper and lower houses while you're at it. Not expensive and easy to do.

Welp, so I accidentally got myself in a radiator hose pickle.

Two Sundays ago I tired to order them from McGeorge and they wouldn't be here until after I was planning to change the coolant last weekend. I was home helping my brother move in town, and was planning to use the driveway back in VA then. So I just said screw it, use the old hoses since I can't get parts in time. Ended up spending too much time on moving and it snowed the next day, so I didn't do it last weekend. Then I was shooting for this weekend.

This week, I did the same exact thing. Since I thought I was going to have the coolant changed that weekend, I didn't try and order them until the end of the weekend. Same thing, they wouldn't be here until the next week. On top of that, my no-spill coolant funnel is delayed in shipping. They were much cheaper on Amazon for the same brand at Advanced, $18 vs $45. Now, the plan is to just see if the McGeorge (who is also my local dealer in VA) or anyone else locally has them in stock, although I'm not hopeful. Its hard to be a dummy, but I make it look easy