Recent content by YarSmythe

Had to do some serious thinking these past few weeks. My 2002 Sport has been extremely reliable and an exceptional workhorse. The only things missing are horse power and storage space. I think I could have lived with forking $2K a year for needed repairs but the family has spoken. Time for...

Finished painting my center wheel caps.

Got rid of some crappy Cooper tires today and paid the big bucks for a set of Michelin LTX/MS2 tires. I used to run with the Michelin years ago but couldn't afford them last time. The difference between the two is night and day. The ride on these Michelin tires is soooo much better. The...

I'd like to jump in with a question. I've never replaced or serviced my 2002 Sport suspension. Currently, my left-rear sags about 1/2". I want to replace the suspension with new shocks/struts and coils. My off-road use is very minimal so a lift kit is not needed. Bilstein's website...

I've been awaiting this announcement for a while. I love my 2002 4Runner Sport but would like to upgrade after 10 years. I'm not a big fan of the new front end. Toyota needs to ditch the silver and keep it black. Here's my quick Photoshop edit of the 2014 4Runner. I had a 1997 Hunter...

Noise in reverse Last week I heard a sound coming from under my truck when I was pulling out of the driveway. At first I thought it was my brakes but a day or so later the same sound was emanating from under the car when with my foot on/off the brakes. My next test put the car on the...

I think all these responses are right on target. I'd start by cleaning the MAF sensor (with MAF cleaner). When I got the comment from my dealer that I needed a new catalytic converter, I swapped out both O2 sensors and the CEL went away. Amazon.com has 'em pretty cheap. Think I paid around...

Installed a new K&N air filter last week. Yesterday, I changed out the plugs (NGK 4302 Platinum), wires, cleaned the MAF, and adjusted the tires' pressure (using new Joe's Racing tire gauge). Just returned from a long road trip and got an amazing 21 MPG on my 2002 4Runner, 2WD. Best it has...

Replaced my air filter with a K&N model and adjusted the air in my tires (265/70/16) to 31 psi cold (becoming 35 psi hot). On a full tank I drove 190 miles on the highway and 120 miles in the city. Ended up getting 19.5 MPG! Sure hope I can keep it that way. Will change the plugs and wires...

I used to get an average of 18 mpg on my 2002 2x4 V6 4Runner. After a tune-up at the dealer, it dropped quickly down to 16 mpg. When I confronted them with it, the lead tech said there was NO WAY I could get 18 mpg on my truck. When I told him I was getting roughly 330 miles per tank he blew...

Installed a K&N air filter. Never used them before. Hoping for positive results.

Did you check the code yet? On my 4Runner, I only had to replace my O2 sensors.

Have another dealer get the proper code from the computer. When I had a similar issue a few months ago, I was told it was my catalytic converter. Turned out, it was both of my O2 sensors. Replaced them in my 2002 Sport 4Runner and CEL went away. $170. Good luck.

After driving with the new fuel filter for several weeks, I have noticed my truck does not down-shift going up hill as often when cruise control is engaged.

My experience Wanted to share my recent experience in the hopes it might assist another. 2002 4Runner SR5 Sport Edition, California emissions After the first Check Engine Light (CEL), I took it to the local auto parts store and got a P0420 code (bad CAT). My dealer also confirmed the same...