1996 Limited New To Me, New To 4Runners

[Bigger_Is_Better]

1996 Limited New To Me, New To 4Runners, Bringing back a Salvage

Hello Everybody,

New member here, I've been lurking and using the site for about a month to solve issues on my 96 Limited. First off, let me say, great forums with tons of info!

HUGE thanks to BrianSD_42 for the alternative search method, it makes finding answers waaaayyyy easy.

I purchased my Runner last month on a Salvage title. I think I got a good deal at $2,000. It has 175,000 miles, and the E-Locker. It had front end damage from a collision with something. Trashed the bumper, radiator, condenser, skid plate, and a couple supports. It did not damage the frame, fenders, or hood, and the airbags didn't deploy. It must have been a fairly slow collision, as the bumpers on these appear to be worthless in even a light bender.

I've been taking my time repairing everything as this is a third vehicle. While I had the front end apart I did the timing belt and water pump myself thanks in large part to the write ups. I also went ahead and did the crank seal and repaired a sheared woodruff key on the crank snout. Replaced the radiator with the TYC, the fan clutch and fan bracket with Aisin parts and all the belts and hoses with factory pieces. The two supports that were damaged in the wreck were replaced with salvage yard pieces cut from a couple different 3rd Gens. Also lucked out and found a pretty decent headliner in the yard. Mine was torn in several places. The last thing I've done was put new carpet in the passenger compartment. The cargo bay will be herculined eventually.

 

[Bigger_Is_Better]

Now for some pictures:

Initial Damage (didn't take any with the bumper and radiator still on)

Damage cut out and ends cleaned up and sprayed with weld through primer.

Salvage yard piece ready to go in.

Taped off where the spot welds were to go and painted flat black.

 

[Bigger_Is_Better]

While the front was completely apart figured it was due for a TB. There was a sticker saying it had been done at 68,000 miles so at 175 I thought it best to do it again. The first problem I ran into was the bolt in the crank was not 19mm like it was supposed to be. Some "mechanic" cut down a longer bolt with a 27mm head and used it! I made my own balancer tool and took it all apart.

The ever elusive compressor bracket!

New parts

All buttoned up.....I didn't realize the fan bearing was out till after I had everything back together and running.....:mmph:

Sitting in the garage with parts strewn about.

Tranny Coolers. I'm not sure I'm going to keep it exactly this way, but it works for now.

Bumper on.

 

[jgue467]

Sweet work! Continued luck! :banana:

 

[Bigger_Is_Better]

Thanks!

It's been a decade since my last Toyota 4x4. I strayed into Cherokee's for awhile. Man, I forgot how great Toyota's were built. They make the Chrysler's look like cheap garbage.

Here's how she looks this morning.

I just blacked out the original busted up grill. I'm going to have to get a new one eventually. The drivers headlight bucket is broken just enough it didn't want to fit in anyway. I'll have to replace that before a new grill. Right now I'm just worrying about getting it ready for the Highway Patrol to inspect. Then I can title and license it.

I am having one issue I can't find the answer to. The rear window just quit. NO, the lock isn't on. I've searched, but I can't find exactly how to test the switch. The window is currently all the way up. When I hit the up button I can hear the relay click in the rear door. The down button though makes no noise. Any ideas?

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

Good job!! Another 4runner saved from the grave. How's it run?

 

[Bigger_Is_Better]

Runs smooth and quiet, once I took it back apart and replaced the fan bearing. I believe I have a small exhaust leak though. I can only hear it under acceleration. I haven't tried to track it down just yet.

 

[Brique]

This may be a silly suggestion, but make sure the ignition is all the way to acc. Otherwise the window won't roll down from the switch.

 

[Jdog]

Nice ride sir. And nice work on saving a beautiful truck.

 

[Bigger_Is_Better]

Thanks Jdog.

It's not the ignition, tried it running and every other way. Next spot to check will be the wiring where the door opens. I've read where they sometimes break inside the loom.

I'm ready to get this done and licensed so I can put some miles on it.... Thanks to this site I've got a huge shopping list of mods I want!

Since my antenna is completely gone this will be my first real "mod." Parts are on the way already. http://www.off-road.com/trucks-4x4/tech/20-lowprofile-trailadapted-antenna-install-53836.html

 

[Bigger_Is_Better]

Small update, I took the rear window switch apart and lightly sanded the contacts. Rear window works perfectly now. It does make some clunking noises from time to time.

The exhaust leak wasn't a leak. It was a misfire on #3. My buddy came by with his code reader. P0303, wires and plugs on order from Amazon.

My drivers side seat was pretty trashed and the only switch that worked was front to back. I found a set of manual leather seats in a local yard out of a 97. I switched the seat bottom cushion and the inside back cushion between the two. The back cover was ok. Now I have a manual leather seat that works! I also have a very nice seat back cover I may put on my passenger side. It has the 4Runner embroidered on it, so I figure both sides should match.