Recent content by BigDogMoney

Thanks for very for your responses. I normally change the oil myself because it is so easy, but I fiigured since I was taking it to the dealer anyway, and it was pretty darn cold outside that I would get the oil changed as well. I should have done what Kimboy had suggested, but you would think...

I took my 04 Runner to the dealer for some warranty work (windshield rattle - accoring to this informative site it is due to the clips that are used for spacers in the windshield), and to get an oil change. I told the guy on the phone when I made my appointment, and the service person when I...

I agree with the other guys: oil companies already use additives in the oil, so you would be wasting your money. There are some that say even fuel additives are a waste of money.

It's pretty darn cold up here, but I only warm up the car for a few minutes (3-4 minutes). I'm not like some that turn on their cars and immediately drive away. If I'm in a hurry I'll drive slow and avoid hamering the gas until the car is at operating tempature. I think it's important for the...

One of the flaws of an otherwise exceptional vehicle is the computer. There a numbers of threads on this site that attest to the frustration of 4R owners and the lack of accuracy from the MPG estimates. Why put something into a vehicle that simple does not work? I've observed mine being off...

There have been a ton of threads regarding this subject on this forum. I personally use Mobil 1, and change oil about every 7500 miles.

Thanks for the links Thai. I actually read a few of those before I braved the sand, which I decided to do yesterday. I have pics and will post them soon. It was a great time, and something I will do again. One thing I will say, drawing on my vast experience of one excursion through the sand...

Yeah, I'm really looking forward to it, although it will only be a day trip; sometime soon. I'll keep my eye out for the second entrance - thanks. One of the most important things is to get the rocks really hot so a second batch of wood might be necessary. I think instead of wood I'll bring...

Yup, that's what I read. I believe all Pilots and Odysseys are made in the US. Maybe Canada too but I could be wrong, but I think they're all made in North America irregardless.

Thanks all for your help and suggestions. Lojeff, yes I'm going to Island Beach. I was there with a couple friends years ago, and we had a camper which had no problems in the sand. We actually had a clam bake which was a blast. I'm not sure if you're allowed to build a fire on the beach (for...

As a long-time, very satisfed Honda owner, my natural inclination was to look at the Pilot. Without a doubt, it is a very nice vehicle, and extremely roomy, more so that the 4Runner. But to compare the two vehicles isn't fair to either one, because they are different types of vehicles even...

I'll try that. I'll pressure down if I need to. So, I should be in 4Hi with the diff locked - should I be in a certain gear, like 2nd? Thanks for your help.

I agree that it is a blemish on an otherwise exceptional vehicle. The range calculation seems to be fairly accurate, but the MPG is really of no worth. On an unrelated note, as I was reading in the owner's manual about the on-board computer, I noticed that there were numerous grammatical...

Thanks Mark. I think the air pump station is about a mile or two from the beach access point. I saw some pics of some people in the sand with their Runners and it almost doesn't look like they've aired down at all. Anyway, I guess I'll go with 15PSI and see how that works. If I feel the...

Never actually driven in the sand before. I've read a few threads here about PSI and driving on sand, but is anybody aware if you would need to drive in 4LO, or lock the differential? I plan on driving on the Jersey beaches if the type of sand makes a big difference. In one of the threads a...