Recent content by suncoug

If I understand you correctly, you seem to suggest that it would be better to seal off the frame. I had someone help with this project and he suggested the same. Actually, he had a very strong opinion about this. However, the Autorust tech I spoke with said it is critical that I have drain holes...

Like others have said, severe rust is quite relative. I thought I had a pretty severe rust issue with my 3rd gen, but it ended up not being so bad. I am currently cutting out the section of frame on both side where the LCAs are and welding it back using the Autorust Safe T Cap kits. I am also...

I have 1997 SR5 4Runner. Driver's side LCA mount broke off while on highway and I am currently working on repairing it using a kit from Autorust. I am also going through many other things since I have the rear end, fuel tank, exhaust, etc. out to properly clean up the rust and finish the job. I...

Sounds like a great deal. Congrats!

As cool as the 3rd gen 4Runners are, they are probably not that safe compared to the newer cars and SUVs. BTW, newer Honda Accords are quite large and wide. Thus, it is noticeably harder to park it than the 4Runner. Still, I got 38 mpg today driving to work during my long commute. I...

I would vote for a GX470. As great as 3rd gen 4Runners are, they are not as comfortable to drive long distance and lack some refinement and power for today's standard. While I was waiting to get the 4Runner fixed for the frame issues, I thought of getting a GX470, but ended up with a late...

Thanks for your looking into this and the picture. It appears that my note was off.

Many thanks for your advice on this. I have actually bought an another vehicle, so I don't feel the time pressure. Still, I do want to get it back on the road before the winter. So, for now, I plan on installing the LCA/Frame kits from Autorust. Slipping in the heavy duty pipe inside the...

The kit does come with a two-page general instruction sheet. It does not go over the specifics of a particular application. It mainly covers safety aspects of the installation. Basically, you cut off the rusted parts, slip the kit over, and then weld it all around.The company is known for good...

I thought the factory holes were necessary. This seems contrary to the general sentiment on this topic. Regarding the cross member, I actually got a a heavy duty tube with the right outer diameter. I plan on welding it inside the existing cross member. I think I saw the trick on youtube...

I would say sell it if you don't enjoy working on it. Try to get as much as you can. Just be decisive. As for myself, having owned many cars, having a car with a good frame and body is a great blessing. Other stuff including engine, transmission, etc. can be relatively easily dealt with. I...

I made a mistake of driving around with one of the upper control arms detached. Apparently, that put a lot of stress on the driver's side LCA bracket along the welding joints and it got separated neatly from the frame. Thus, it was no longer an option for me to simply reinforce the LCA...

Can you tell us how you built your own? I thought of doing the same but I found it to be challenging. Did you end up using the factory LCA brackets?

I would replace the spark plugs and spark plug wires first. This happened to me several years ago while driving to the beach in NC. I stopped at a auto parts store and swapped out the above. I would look at replacing coils as well. They are pretty cheap if you buy non-denso/toyota brand. I...

My prayer has been finally answered and we now have more serious repair options as Jeep owners do: 4-Runner 1996-2002 3rd Gen Archives - autorust.com Kudos to AutoRust for finally bringing this to the market. I have no affiliations with them what so ever, except to bug them for many months to...