4th Gen Maintenance Tutorials, Writeups, and Picture Threads - Toyota 4Runner Forum

y=mx+b · 08-21-2020, 11:10 AM

Please Comment Any Helpful Tutorials to be Added!

Introduction
Hello All, I've noticed that both the 3rd gen and 5th gen sections have their own specific threads with a compilation of all maintenance, tutorial, and writeup threads. While we used to have a similar thread here, the OP is no longer active and the collection of tutorials doesn't cover all topics. The goal of this thread is to effectively organize all tutorial threads to help future 4th gen owners get the information as easily as possible. I learned everything I know about 4runners, maintenance, and cars in general from this forum. I am really grateful for the wealth of knowledge here, so I like giving back in any way I can!

Submitting Tutorials, Writeups, and Picture Threads
To submit any tutorial, writeup, or compilation of helpful pictures from any platform, please comment a link to them in a reply to this post (Please no "check my build thread for ___" unless you have a link or page number, just so I don't have to go digging through hundreds of pages). Writeups can be for any skill level, I think the more beginner tutorials may even be more important for new wrenchers to get started. Writeups could be from 4runners.com, TacomaWorld, Toyota120, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, etc. Suggestions on organization of topics would also be appreciated too!

I'm also trying to tag all writeup OPs to give credit, so sorry if you get 30 million mention notifications!

To reduce clutter, please don't quote the entire OP, instead, tagging me or doing a small quote is a great way to notify me of a post that should be added. I also get on the forum almost everyday, so I should see it, even if I'm not notified directly.

HTML Code:

Copy this to tag y=mx+b:                                                                            [MENTION=429038]y=mx+b[/MENTION]

All BLUE Links Direct to Subtopics in-Page, All BLACK Links Open Writeups in a New Tab

Tutorial Directory (Jumps in Current Tab)

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Body and Frame | Return to Directory

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Interior, Entertainment, Heat, and Air Conditioning | Return to Directory
Quick Links: Interior, Entertainment, Heating System, Air Conditioning System

Interior | Return to Subtopic

Entertainment | Return to Subtopic

Heating System | Return to Subtopic

Air Conditioning System | Return to Subtopic

PSA: Check if your cabin AC sensors are dirty by @TejasRunner01
DIY: Replace Servo Sub-Assy by @46runner
Replacing Re-circulation Actuator by @BlackWorksInc
How to Replace Cabin Air Filter 02 09 Toyota 4Runner by 1a Auto
DIY Air Conditioning (AC) Recharge by @46runner
How to Properly Recharge Your AC System (Tacoma, but still applicable) by Chrisfix on Youtube
How to Replace an AC Compressor in your Car (Tacoma 1GR-FE) by Chrisfix on Youtube
Solo Evap Core Replacement- DONE! Pics and Info by @TheHennDoggg
Evaporator Core Replacement 4th Gen. 2008 4Runner (Includes Well Detailed Instructional Video) by @r.lionel
A/C Condenser Replacement Writeup (40+ Pictures) by @y=mx+b (me!)

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Engine and Bay | Return to Directory
Quick Links: General Engine and Bay, 1GR-FE V6, 2UZ-FE V8

General Engine and Bay | Return to Subtopic

1GR-FE V6 | Return to Subtopic

2UZ-FE V8 | Return to Subtopic

y=mx+b · 08-21-2020, 11:12 AM

Fuel, Intake, and Exhaust | Return to Directory
Quick Links: Fuel, Intake, Exhaust

Fuel | Return to Subtopic

Fuel Tank Strap Replacement Tutorial (60+ Pictures) by @y=mx+b (me!)

Intake | Return to Subtopic

Exhaust | Return to Subtopic

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Transmission | Return to Directory

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Transfer Case, Differentials, and 4wd Components | Return to Directory
Quick Links: Transfer Case, Front Differential, CV Axles, Rear Differential and Axle

Transfer Case | Return to Subtopic

Front Differential | Return to Subtopic

CV Axles | Return to Subtopic

CV Replacement Tutorial with New Seals (120+ Pictures) by @y=mx+b (me!)
CV Reboot Tutorial with Boot Stretch (80+ Pictures) by @y=mx+b (me!)
CV Reboot by 4runnerfix on Instagram
Well Worn CV Axle Teardown for Science by @y=mx+b (me!)
Replace Boots Without Removing Axle From Diff by @T2MFE
How to Install New CV Axles by @settytb

Rear Differential and Axle | Return to Subtopic

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Suspension, Wheels, Tires | Return to Directory
Quick Links: Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Helpful Suspension Links, Wheels and Tires

Front Suspension | Return to Subtopic

Rear Suspension | Return to Subtopic

Helpful Suspension Links | Return to Subtopic

Wheels and Tires | Return to Subtopic

y=mx+b · 08-21-2020, 11:19 AM

We did it boys, hit the post character limit again! Sorry if you get tagged again since I had to move some to this post!

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Brakes, Wheel Bearings, and Wheel Hub | Return to Directory
Quick Links: Front Brakes, Rear Brakes, Wheel Bearings, Hubs, and Lug Studs

Front Brakes | Return to Subtopic

Rear Brakes | Return to Subtopic

Wheel Bearings, Hubs, and Lug Studs | Return to Subtopic

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Steering | Return to Directory

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Lighting and Electrical | Return to Directory
Quick Links: Exterior Lighting, Interior Lighting, Electrical

Exterior Lighting | Return to Subtopic

Interior Lighting | Return to Subtopic

Electrical | Return to Subtopic

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Armor | Return to Directory
Quick Links: Sliders, Skid Plates, Front Bumpers, Rear Bumpers

@Inv4drZm has a fantastic thread on all the off-the-shelf armor options here: 4th Gen Armor Thread 2.0. I'd like to keep this section to more custom builds and installs, since he already did a great job covering off-the-shelf armor!

Sliders | Return to Subtopic

Sliders Build by Kevin of toothless.t4r on Instagram

Skid Plates | Return to Subtopic

Transmission and Transfer Case Skids by @Inv4drZm
DIY Gas Tank Skid by @Jetboy
Front Bumper Cover Filler Skid Plate by @y=mx+b (me!)
Front Skid Plate by @y=mx+b (me!)
DIY Skid Plates 4th Gen 4Runner by Offroad Grind on Youtube

Front Bumpers | Return to Subtopic

Rear Bumpers and Swingouts | Return to Subtopic

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Camping and Overlanding | Return to Directory

TheHennDoggg · 08-21-2020, 04:21 PM

Thanks for the features! It makes me want to do write-ups for my factory- bypassed/ dual amp sound system, rear 8.2 swap, rust patches and retrofitted/switchback headlights. I should get on those soon...

y=mx+b · 08-22-2020, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheHennDoggg

Thanks for the features! It makes me want to do write-ups for my factory- bypassed/ dual amp sound system, rear 8.2 swap, rust patches and retrofitted/switchback headlights. I should get on those soon...

No problem, thanks to you for getting info out there on the evap core and the swingout! I'm afraid my evap core is on the way out too, I've had the a/c recharged each year for the past two years and its now getting warm on the driver side again oof.

Wiring stuff for the switchbacks and the sound system would be great too! I find wiring confusing lol, so writeups are very helpful for me to learn!

I've been following your build thread and rust mitigation too, I'm afraid to pull off the rear bumper cover. I've had my hand up there and its a bit crusty, still kind of Schrodinger's cat until I pull it off lol.

Bluesky 07 · 08-23-2020, 07:41 AM

My write-ups. Some are step-by-step instructions while others relate my experience and have links to the references I used. Didn't want to decide which you would want to use so please edit out any you feel don't meet the standard for this thread.

X-REAS delete + 2015 Tacoma TRD Offroad install
How to make a Satoshi grille
How to install console USB power ports
Magnetic phone mount
How to light your door switches
Installing a Gentex 453 autodim mirror w/Homelink & compass using 4RunnERD's instructions (link is to my post & the entire install thread
Head unit, front speakers, & backup camera install with wiring pics
Off-road Nav Setup
Spidertrax wheel spacers
Extending your A/C drain tube (to help prevent frame rust)
HCF (hydrocarbon filter) delete + ECU reset
Sound deadening
LED high & low beam headlight bulbs
5000K interior LEDs (w/ list of bulbs needed)
SuperBumps install & mudflap delete
Brake pad & caliper replacement
Front side window sunshades

importman · 08-23-2020, 11:33 AM

This is a great idea. I don't have any writeups to add right now but I'll try to do them whenever I do something noteworthy. This will certainly make it easier to find stuff when you need it.

y=mx+b · 08-23-2020, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluesky 07

My write-ups. Some are step-by-step instructions while others relate my experience and have links to the references I used. Didn't want to decide which you would want to use so please edit out any you feel don't meet the standard for this thread.

These are great, I'll get them added in later tonight! I knew I saw a good review on the Powerstop kits, just couldn't remember where they came from! I also need to extend my A/C drain too, so I'll definitely be looking into your writeup. I've got a crusty spot right under it lol.

Quote:

Originally Posted by importman

This is a great idea. I don't have any writeups to add right now but I'll try to do them whenever I do something noteworthy. This will certainly make it easier to find stuff when you need it.

No sweat on the writeups, hopefully something in there helps you. I was surprised by the quantity of awesome content out there!. Thanks for the compliments!

Bluesky 07 · 08-25-2020, 08:24 AM

Is there a reason the lighting is restricted to external? Not a criticism, just curious as there are many interior lighting mods that can be done.

y=mx+b · 08-25-2020, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluesky 07

Is there a reason the lighting is restricted to external? Not a criticism, just curious as there are many interior lighting mods that can be done.

I think I made that change with the intention of making an internal lighting section, but it might have gotten late and I forgot lol. All of the internal lighting stuff is currently in the interior section, but I can work on getting an interior lighting section worked back in.

Also as a side note, do you know if you still have pictures for the USB console power port mod? Looks like they might have died in the Photobucket debacle.

Bluesky 07 · 08-25-2020, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by y=mx+b

I think I made that change with the intention of making an internal lighting section, but it might have gotten late and I forgot lol. All of the internal lighting stuff is currently in the interior section, but I can work on getting an interior lighting section worked back in.

Also as a side note, do you know if you still have pictures for the USB console power port mod? Looks like they might have died in the Photobucket debacle.

Hmmm...the pics were indeed fouled up by those...people at PhotoBucket but I fixed them. Aren't they okay at this link?

Also, I may not have included my illuminated door switches mod in the previous list but please feel free to add it if you feel it's useful in the context of this thread.

y=mx+b · 08-25-2020, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluesky 07

Hmmm...the pics were indeed fouled up by those...people at PhotoBucket but I fixed them. Aren't they okay at this link?

Also, I may not have included my illuminated door switches mod in the previous list but please feel free to add it if you feel it's useful in the context of this thread.

I get probably half the pictures showing up for me.

click this one to see it bigger>>

I got the door switch lighting, it should now be under the all new interior lighting section here

Bluesky 07 · 08-25-2020, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by y=mx+b

I get probably half the pictures showing up for me.

click this one to see it bigger>>

I got the door switch lighting, it should now be under the all new interior lighting section here

My apologies - please try it now. I originally fixed the PhotoBucket image issue by moving the pics to Google but those links proved not to work well in forums. I thought I had gone back through all my write-ups and linked the pics through Imgur but clearly I missed this one. Should be good to go now.

y=mx+b · 08-25-2020, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluesky 07

My apologies - please try it now. I originally fixed the PhotoBucket image issue by moving the pics to Google but those links proved not to work well in forums. I thought I had gone back through all my write-ups and linked the pics through Imgur but clearly I missed this one. Should be good to go now.

Awesome, its working great now!

y=mx+b · 08-26-2020, 01:30 PM

Thread Updates
I've made a few changes and wanted to document them here

Added a section for interior lighting, which I left off somehow. Thanks @Bluesky 07 for the heads up!
Added the "Return to Subtopic" links so that jumping around is easier. Maybe I'll try and figure out how to make all the in-page linking look more button-like so they stand out from the other links.
Added the "Quick Links" text to indicate the links under each Subtopic will direct within their respective subtopics. Before they were unlabeled and might not mean much without knowing what they do.
Added a few more miscellaneous links, still would like a Fuel Pump Writeup, a good thread on Doug Thorley Header Installation, something on adding a fuse block for lighting. I'll do some more digging, but if anyone has a good one to pass along, that would be great!

@momo.75 is this thread possibly sticky worthy? Probably can exchange the strap tutorial for this one, since its included in here. If not, thats no sweat too.

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