Recent content by 85_4Runner

I know this still may not resolve the OP's question, and I don't mean to hijack, but I did want to give an update on my transmission problems in case this thread turns up in somebody's future search. I was surprised to discover that none of the problems I mentioned earlier were internal to the...

Yes, it's about using the right tool for the job. Chains are not for yanking. They should have been using a yanker strap for that instead of winch line and chain.

To the OP, there's a good FAQ on these transmissions on Pirate4x4: A340 Transmission issues and FAQs - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum Discussion of the gutless aspect: "Why are vehicles with the Toyota A340H trans/t-case so gutless? (Compared to their 5 speed counterparts with the...

I have similar problems with my '85. The fluid is clean and red and seems to be at the right level. It smells okay as far as I can tell. The transfer case functions fine but the transmission is rubbish. It shifts hard on the upshifts most of the time, sometimes shifts abruptly/unexpectedly...

This was actually my first thought in response to this question, even though I realize it's a little bit of a tangent since the question was about vehicle upgrades. When I got my first 4WD rig (a stock '74 FJ40) I guess I thought it would go absolutely anywhere. I took it out and promptly got...

I simply wanted to point out that not only do these vehicles have no air bags, but the cabins have poor structural integrity from a crash safety standpoint. The driver is particularly at risk from a side impact because the doors consist of little more than the sheet metal skin. The safety regs...

My .02 is that a 1st gen is a fundamentally unsafe vehicle relative to a more modern truck and realistically, there isn't an upgrade fix for that. I feel "iffy" in my trucks even with anemic 22R power. So from a safety standpoint I think it's not a great platform for a hot-rod.

I was wondering if anybody has an aftermarket source for the vent window gaskets for 1st-gen 4Runners? This part is NLA from Toyota. Mine are apparently toast, because even with the windows closed and latched, there's a ton of wind noise. I'd guess that they're no longer water tight, either...

What adhesive did you use to glue the pieces together? Those mats are really handy - I've been using them for various things for years, including to stand/sit on in the garage, and I have some cut-up scrap pieces lying around.

Nice! I really like those big-rig mud flaps, actually.

I certainly don't disagree with that, but nevertheless, if you can only replace two tires, the recommendation is to put the new ones at the rear. Keeping the rear end of the vehicle, at the rear, is really important too. Best just to replace all four tires if they're worn out. When Buying Two...

You might want to check out RUD Grip 4x4 chains. I don't have experience using them myself, but Bill Burke demonstrated them in his Getting Unstuck video and they seem like the business. You can read more about them here: http://www.amazon.com/RUD-Chains-Pickup-Trucks-Vehicles/dp/B00HKV17IG

My 4-wheeling passion is the Colorado high country...has been that way ever since I discovered it in 2004. I've done most of the better-known trails (using the Wells guide books, mostly), but have always been a bit apprehensive about us being out in the backcountry alone in just one vehicle...

Do you have to live in Colorado to be allowed to join the Facebook group?

Nice! Thanks for the pics. Would like to have seen video of that red truck getting through the "notch". That looks really technical. Is that one of the alternate tracks up the wall? I did that trail in my Land Cruiser a few years ago and was humbled. Even fully locked, I couldn't get...