Recent content by smithoman

The only reason I'm amused about the 33's is that was one of my original posts here years ago. It seems to be one of the most popular inquiries here as far as I can tell. Anyone here ever buy from the auction house Copart?

A diesel 4runner, who would have thunk. But the biodiesel option is quite fascinating. Put in a 3.4 with the computer from another 4runner. It's probably the most common swap on earth as per 4runners. There are supposed to be some guys in Denver who sell most of the stuff you need. And you...

I'm no expert but I had overheating problems with my 90 automatic. My recollection is that there are clutches inside there and that's what I thought my problem was until the rod bearings went on the engine and then I was a free man transmissionwise. Sounds like your torque converter is shot...

You guys are rocking with the advice. But as far as coils, man, they're cheap and pretty easy to install. I haul a lot of painting equipment in my 92. I threw in a set of "cargo" springs and it takes a lot to get the rear end to sag. Although, it isn't exactly the smoothest set up on a bumpy...

This is just a guess, but I know that there are pulley's that the timing belt turns while rotating. Perhaps you have a bearing going on one of those. I just replaced mine at 200K and they were beginning to go bad. It isn't too hard to get to the timing belt. Perhaps it would be worth a...

I was driving from Phoenix to San Francisco and one of the bearings on the crank went bye bye near Palm Springs. It's one of those sounds you just don't want to hear! Long story told short, I towed it to the Bay Area and I'm in the process of pulling the 3.0 V6. I have a great machine shop...

I need new tires and I know what I want. But will they fit? They're Yokohama Y788 highway tires (all I drive is highway around the western states). These tires are 31.7 inch's tall. Will they fit in there without a lift? I've got to put on some new tires before Thursday. I'm heading off...

I tried replacing a bad cv joint + axle and never did get those hubs off! I had a haynes and a chiltons. I've probably bailed on a repair 4 times in my life and that was number 4. I took it to my great mechanic. He did the rotors, bearings, axles and aligned the whole thing for around...

It took me an entire day to install my new starter but I would do things differently this time. Taking off the brake lines may lead to another pain in the Axx but you would have enough room to get the starter in there. Call the local toyota guys and ask them what they would advise. I'm not...

That is the question (again). I got some great advice here on doing a 2 inch lift about 2 years ago. I'm back to the same lifting proposition. I want to put on a set of Yokohama Y788 highway tires. They're 235/85/r16's. It looks like they'll fit without lifing but then again. I don't...

replacing starter not for the wimpy! If you're about to replace your starter on a 90 or so 4runner prepare for battle. The access plate is behind the front right tire and it all looks so innocent... I swore I'd sell the car before putting another starter in so let me tell you what I learned...

Yeah, I've often thought of buying a more recent model. I guess I'm "emotionally attached" as I've done loads of work in my current 90 and it's running like a top. I think the best improvement I've made is installing "cargo" strength springs in the rear. I'm a housepainter and haul lots of...

Right on! That is most inspirational.

I have a 90 with a 3.slow. The automatic transmission makes the power situation much worse. I'm constantly switching the overdrive off and on and manually shifting on the hills. I would love to take it out and put in a 5 speed manual tranny w/ clutch. Anyone out there done this operation...

1st Gen 3.slow If you're dead set on a 1st generation with a 3.0 then realize you'll be driving an underpowered vehicle. I have been driving mine for 4 years and have done all the logical steps to improve its performance. I do have an automatic tranny which I think is a burden in the...