Recent content by phx_4Runner

The stock heater control valve has failed on me a few times. Ball valve was simple and cheap. I open it up in October and burp the cooling system.

1996 4Runner with 3.4, auto, 4wd. I've been monitoring my coolant temps lately (using a bluetooth OBD2 reader/app) and I cant seem to ever run less than 212 degrees, even on the highway in 50 degree weather. Radiator is OEM, less than 12 months old. Hoses, radiator cap, coolant temp sensor...

I keep some large items in the rear of my 96 4Runner that I'd rather not have stolen. They're large enough that they will only come out through the rear hatch door. My plan is to make a hidden kill switch to interrupt power to the rear door so that any would-be thieves will not be able to...

A year ago I installed OME 883 coils in the front and 891 in the rear, which is basically this stiffest, most heavy duty option from OME for the 3rd gen. (Also installed Bilstein 5100 front and back) At the time, my intention was to make this a dedicated off-roader as I had a service vehicle...

How so? I only fishtail in heavy rain, why wouldn't an LSD send traction to the other wheel and prevent the fishtail?

Maybe a completely stupid question :rolleyes: I have a 96 4Runner with the factory e-locker. The locker works great, the 1-2 times a year I use it. However, there are times on the road (especially in rain) where I have fishtailed going around a corner. Now, I'm not going fast or driving...

It should hold just fine in your climate, but the only concerning part is the rest of the rust on your diff. You might want to take a wire brush or wheel and clean that rust off, then apply some rust resistant treatment.

Check the AM1 40A cartridge fuse under the hood. Sometimes this fuse will blow, but the blown link will sometimes make contact. Easy/cheap fix.

I had this issue recently. Turned out to be the AM1 40A cartridge fuse in under the hood. It seemed that on some days, the barely broken link in the fuse would be making contact, allowing the engine to start. Other days, not so much. I couldn't find this fuse at autozone, only o'reilly FWIW.

I live in Mesa and work on 3.4 5VZ engines a lot. What exactly is the issue with the gasket? Why not just drain your oil, clean up any old gasket that is stuck on there, and reapply with new permatex gasket maker?

Glad you made the choice to stick with the 4Runner. You have such a good looking one and the e-locker is tough to beat.

I've been through the AC woes with my 4Runner. If it were me, I'd throw a new compressor in there for good measure. You wouldn't be happy if your compressor gave out and sent metal shavings into your new condenser.

What exactly is your motivation for going through all this? Why not just find a cheap standard cab 1st gen Tacoma and remove the section of glass/body that separates the bed from the cab?