Recent content by Indy4Runner

Replacing Door Glass--with pics My driver's side window broke into a million pieces this week and rather than claim it on insurance (and pay a $250 deductible) I decided to get one for a junkyard. An hour drive and $100 later, I had my new (to me) window and was heading back to install it. I'm...

I would have a compression test and then an engine oil analysis. These two things are going to tell you the condition of the engine better than anything else. Then I'd change the belt just in case and flush the transmission. Who knows when the last time the tranny fluid was changed.

I would be wary of going with a remanufactured engine. Oftentimes if there is an engine failure, you will have to argue (and prove) that that the failure was due to an improper rebuild. Read the small print carefully on the warranty they provide. For this reason, I only use reputable machine...

Eight hundred miles with such a small trailer should not be a strain on your truck assuming it has been properly maintained. Make sure your brake fluid, transmission fluid and coolant are topped off, your brakes work well, and your tire pressure is correct. If you aren't mechanically savvy I...

On Christmas morning I left North heading for Twentynine Palms, California. It was me, my wife, my six year old, a great dane, a beagle and a 6 X 12 Uhaul trailer weighing in (loaded) at 5600 pounds. Took I-40 averaging about 65 mph for 10-12 hours a day on the road, including stops. I didn't...

Wow, this is a handful and there is no simple answer so here goes: 1) This could be as simple as changing the tranny fluid. I would start by doing this. 2) Again, might be as simple as needing fluid or your pump may need to be bled due to air in the lines or your pump may be shot. 3) You can...

I agree totally. I think the FJs are ugly but this does make it more palatable to me.

I would suggest that you first find out why your truck gets such poor mileage before you go replacing your engine. Do a google search for "japanese engines" and you will find what you are looking for on the used Japanese engines. I don't know how cheap they are though. There are other...

Parts are easy to get and fortunately the things you are talking about doing yourself are not difficult. The first "part" you should get (assuming that you don't already have it) is a repair manual. I suggest Haynes or even better yet, the factory repair manual. I'm not sure what aftermarket...

I'll never pay what Amsoil asks for their oil but it is definitely quality stuff. I'm sure this is no exception.

Hey guys! I've been away for a while but I'm back now. And by back, I mean back in the states. What a great year in Baghdad that was. And coming back to see that I got 4ROTM is really cool too. Thanks for all the responses to the post. I'm moving across country in December (California--2500...

I have seen Toyotas in third world countries go the distance with far less obsessing about the make up of oil. I think it is a waste of time to debate such a minor change in oil composition as regular oil and filter changes with your most basic engine oil will get you to ridiculous mileage and...

I would try Rockauto. I've bought a lot of quality parts from them over the years and have always found their prices to be considerably less than Autozone and the other part stores.

Amsoil will work well for your truck. So will Castrol and all the others. Any boost in performance that you feel will most likely be psychological. I wouldn't overthink it.

There is no question that the 4runner can tow that load. There is also no question a Suburban or Excursion (diesel or V10) would tow it much better.