1991 4runner 3vze tune up?

U

utsikt

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Hello all I just bought a 91 4runner and I am stoked. Since this will be my weekend vehicle I want to do a lot of the mechanical work myself to learn just in case I need to in the field.

The truck has 360k that I know of the, speedo cable doesn't exist. My question is what should I start with for tuneup/maintenance. I did a search but couldn't really find any kind of list. My plan one day is to use the 4runner for exploring the back country. I have no desire to build a crawler but more of a overland rig. Before I start that I need to get her running at her best.

Thanks in advance for any help.
 
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Spark plugs, distributor cap, distributor rotor (button), spark plug wires, engine oil, engine oil flush, a full case of transmission fluid, diff lube (viscosity slips my mind), c9ling system flush and new coolant...

I only asume the guy that owned the vehicle before me was an idiot and never kept up on vehicle maintance so i flush the transmission, engine case, and change all the fluids as a freas start... Cleaning out the old **** gives you exactly an idea of just how old and worn out your **** is prior to relying on it in a life an death situation you may find your self in while on an overland adventure
 
From the maintance above i then move on to greasing everything and inspecting all the rest of the systems power steering, breaking system, steering components such as ball joints,tir rod ends, wheel bearings..

not knowing what cheap auto parts store pads and shoes the previous owner put on i generally start with replacing the break pads all the way around and bleed and flush the breaking system...

Next and this is all a matter of who you ask is making sure the vehicle is mechnically sound and starting the process of modifications and upgrades... I cant stand driving a "stock vehicle offroad that make way to many noised
 
Great thread, just what I was looking for. I myself just bought a '91 4Runner, and was looking for info on what I should check and change out for proper performance.
 
jgilk1 said:
Spark plugs, distributor cap, distributor rotor (button), spark plug wires, engine oil, engine oil flush, a full case of transmission fluid, diff lube (viscosity slips my mind), c9ling system flush and new coolant...

I only asume the guy that owned the vehicle before me was an idiot and never kept up on vehicle maintance so i flush the transmission, engine case, and change all the fluids as a freas start... Cleaning out the old **** gives you exactly an idea of just how old and worn out your **** is prior to relying on it in a life an death situation you may find your self in while on an overland adventure
Click to expand...

I believe it is 85w90 but could be mistaken... I'm pretty sure that is correct though for the Dif/gear lube. If you have a manual transmission you'll use that in there too.
 
I also like to run a can (or two) of B-12 Chemtool in the gas tank, for the first few tanks of fuel. Also, don't forget to clean the throttle body, which may lead to you needing to reset the idle (no big deal).
 
utsikt said:
Hello all I just bought a 91 4runner and I am stoked. Since this will be my weekend vehicle I want to do a lot of the mechanical work myself to learn just in case I need to in the field.

The truck has 360k that I know of the, speedo cable doesn't exist. My question is what should I start with for tuneup/maintenance. I did a search but couldn't really find any kind of list. My plan one day is to use the 4runner for exploring the back country. I have no desire to build a crawler but more of a overland rig. Before I start that I need to get her running at her best.

Thanks in advance for any help.
Click to expand...
. I got my truck with 230k on it, first think I did was rebuilt the motor, then I did all regular maintenance( oil, diff, coolant). Then I replaced all the vacuum lines (LCE engineering sells a great kit) , you will feel a power difference from that alone, along with smoother idle and better mpg. Then I replaced the gear oil with redline mt 90 and replaced the shift lever bushing . Truck felt way better when shifting immediately after. I replaced the shocks with old man emu shocks and coils from Toytec lifts ( I'd recommend buying a spacer for the rear coils because when u put heavy stuff in the back the truck will sag even with new coils). Last thing I did was installed a cold air intake , new magnaflow cat converter and larger diameter tail pipe (2.5") and a straight through design muffler from dynomax ( dynomax super turbo muffler). There's plenty more I need to do but that that's what I started my truck with and it runs and drives so much better than when I got it!
 
Hey, Chris. Is that Dynomax Super Turbo muffler quite a lot louder than the stock exhaust system? Thinking about going that way but want to keep it fairly quiet.
Rod
 
Another thing that I like to do is clean the crap off the engine (degrease it) that way I can see any possible leaks/seeps. I am about to do mine, I have only put 150 miles on mine since I bought it a little under a month ago. When I bought mine I started with: exhaust gas test (coolant), flushed coolant, oil flush/change, plugs, wires, cap, rotor, ball joints, air filter, shocks, lift, tires, inspected brakes, cleaned throttle body, and bled the P/S. Next on the list is water pump, timing belt, half-shafts, trans drain/fill, diff drain/fill, tanscase drain/fill, confirm vacuum is routed correctly, fuel filter, pcv valve, tire rod ends, alignment, and wheel bearings. My 4r was handled very poorly by the PO and I intend to use it for weekend excursions and trekker. I also plan on gutting my cat or putting a universal on her and then straight piping the rest. I don't mind the added noise since it is not a DD and has pretty aggressive M/T's. I am currently getting about 10 mpg so need to get that nipped in the but ASAP. Just remember the more you do no the less (hopefully) problems you will have in the long wrong. The more more PM you do lessons the number of breaks you should have later.
 
Adjusting valves can make a big difference too. It is a PITA, but I noticed more power after bringing tolerance back within specifications. My poor 4Runner was horribly neglected, so it seems like everything I did helped a little.
 
Most things have been mentioned. I may have missed it, so Ill mention: you should check & grease the U joints.

& FYI the turbo muffler is louder than stock.
But Nothing compared to a flowmaster 40 (you will need to raise your voice or yell to have a conversation)
 
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