I'm not going to throw anyone in particular under the bus here, but I have noticed a LOT of new threads lately on topics that have been covered ad nauseum on this forum. These are threads that pose some of the same questions of threads past and inevitably yield the same answers. Many of these questions can be addressed by doing a simple or advanced search.

Toyota - 4Runner . org Forum - Search Forums

I understand the search function is not always the best at uncovering the results you are looking for, but it does work with a little patience and perseverance.

This is a great forum with a lot of knowledgeable people. I am more than happy to help answer questions when I can. I too was once a newb and had a hundred thousand questions regarding maintenance, recalls, lifts, tires, etc. so I'm not trying to throw stones. All I'm asking is for some people to think twice before they hit the "New Thread" button and to spend a little time reading some great threads of the past that will most likely answer your questions.

Why would T4R forum be any different than any other forum? I've been on many forums and despite our best efforts, newbies and veterans alike will continue to post the same questions. Sometimes I want to scream but bottom line; you can stomp and beat your chest all you want. It'll continue to occur. Bite your lip and direct the OP to the best of your insanity.... I mean, ability.

Very true. I've just noticed an influx of it lately so I wanted to throw out a subtle reminder.

Another way to look at it; if someone keeps asking old questions, it keeps the info fresh and provides more search results for someone who does use the search function.

It can definitely get frustrating. I'm guilty of doing it and others are guilty of doing it, sometimes it can be an absolute nightmare to try and search for something on this site. As I've used various forums I've gotten used to the searching but for newbies it can royally SUCK trying to use the search function, especially with a very detailed issue.

If only the search function worked as it should...

I'm sure we've been on both ends. We wanna ask a question and use the search button but sometimes it's worded differently, or for another type of vehicle. As long as a question gets answered I don't see a problem. but thats just me.

X2!!!

I agree... It's much better than it was 15 months ago but it's still less than ideal.

For some reason this works really well. Just go to Google and type "whatever site:toyota-4runner.org"

More cool Google tricks in this sticky from the "Off Topic" sub-forum.

x2 on CJ3flyr comments

when in doubt I just ask the question in google and it almost always points me to here or YotaTech.

much quicker and more comprehensive search than using either forums' respective search engine.

Or add a new rule (especially for the newbie's) to click on Search before they ask a question.

Ya, its always like that, even in other forums.

Tires?, Lift?, frozen calipers(4rth gen), climate control bulbs(4th gens). HIDs, Bumpers, Torn CV's, CAI's, nitto vs bfg at, off road in mars, Atrac, spidertrax, tint, amp.......

Thats why I go directly to "off topic forum" lika "tisue in or out"or guns n metallica-more entertaining..you know.

actually, it will only tAkE less than a month for a forum to cover a particular 4runner generation. after that. same cornfed or daystar thread is posted..
seARCH SEARCH AND SEARCH - EVERYTHING IS HERE T4R.ORG

That's the truth. If it ain't here, I'm outta luck.

I am not a newbie nor an Admiral Monkey Wrench Guy but I will say:

1. Defnintely everyone should search before asking a question

2. When you ask/post a question you SHOULD also include some of the info you found on your search to show you did your homework- works great if you think that "I'm hot for Teacher!" is answering your question after school with you

3. Yes the search is not perfect, come on guys no search is! But if you put forth the effort the people who answer the question I'm sure will appreciate the fact that you did.

4. The "bearers of knowledge" who have put forth the effort,work, mistakes oh and blood-sweat-tears n beers to which we want them to share would be more open and appreciative to answering questions if you also put forth some effort when posting.

IE: I did a 50,000 mile tune up and other mods for performance and better mpg in May but recently found out from another post (same topic as mine) that O2 sensors going bad can also cause poor mpg AND that was the first time I ever saw that in a post

Thank you T4R Gurus for sharing and yes putting up with newbies posts - I'm sure I'm guilty too

It's always easier to ask than to search or look.

Searching and continuing an existing thread keeps the information concise, because other information and suggestions maybe present in one and not another if their a duplicate threads on the same topic.

Like with the driveshaft thump, most will suggest greasing the zerks. But there's also a TSB where the GX got a different fix with different parts, which few members have pursued this route.

Use Google. Punch your question into google and nine times out of ten you get a list with T4R right at the top. If I'm having trouble with the search here I go straight to google and still end up here.

example- I just punched in 4th gen wheel spacers on google and 2 of the top 3 were for this forum.