4Runner-Dan's 96 SR5 Project

[4Runner-Dan]

It's been a while since I've updated my thread, so I figure now is as good a time as any. I hadn't been able to really drive it and enjoy it since the whole knock sensor debacle, so I've been taking every opportunity to drive it anywhere and everywhere. I noticed recently, with the weather being sweltering, that I've developed an overheating issue. It only happens when idling for an extended period of time and once I get some air across the radiator, it normalizes. This leads me to believe that the fan clutch is shot. (Gotta love projects....) Otherwise, she is happy.

Side profile as she currently sits.



Engine Bay.


Updated interior shot with my Weathertechs.


The cargo area. (Haven't finished the seat backs)



I'm extremely pleased with the carpet from Stock Interiors as well as the seat covers from Advance Auto (of all places).

One thing I did have professionally done recently was replacement of part of the exhaust pipe. It had rusted through in one spot and the shop that performed the work did great work. Well worth the $80 dollars and 30 minutes I spent there.



In addition to the fan clutch, my next project is waiting for me in the garage. The PO had lost the tow hitch somewhere and I always like having one. So....courtesy of [MENTION=109102]MattJakobs[/MENTION], I have one. Just have to hit it with the wire brush and a few coats of black paint.

 

[Coolman]

Glad to see more people like you are cleaning up these older 3rd gens

 

[4Runner-Dan]

Now with GM V8 Goodness!

Well, my thread has been quiet for sometime now. And rightly so as I have been just driving and enjoying it. It did require a few maintenance items and upgrades, though. It had its first oil change, replaced the fan clutch, and a couple of radiator hoses. I also put in my non-existent radio, including Sirius XM, as well as a console lid.

All that being said, I've always had big plans for it down the road which included an engine swap. I like the 3.4, but always thought it was a bit on the slow side. So.....yesterday I brought home a GM LM7 5.3 V8. Unfortunately, I have an addictive relationship with Craigslist. ( I can't seem to stay away! LOL) The engine was a steal at $700 for EVERYTHING. (Motor, accessories, wiring harnesses, pedal assembly) It came from an 04 Tahoe with about 160K. No way I could pass it up.

I chose the GM LS for its compactness, weight, aftermarket support, and general cool factor (haven't seen a 3rd gen LS swap, yet).

This will be a slow build up. Today I torn down most of the engine. Next steps are to get the engine squared away, start my standalone harness, acquire a transmission (4L60E) and a suitable transfer case (NP 241?).

Let's get to the pictures:

The engine tucked in its crate. All accessories present.




Me underneath the Tahoe it came out of unclipping harness.


Shop talk with my buddy James. This was probably at 1130PM when we finally got the motor in my garage.


Valvetrain shot.


Disassembly done for the day.

 

[4Runner-Dan]

I think something is missing here...

 

[MattJakobs]

How the hell did I miss that post from a month ago? This looks interesting. Let me know if you need an extra set of hands man. Not sure about anything on this swap but I'd love to come help and turn a wrench.

 

[4Runner-Dan]

Been a few months since my last update. I had put a lot of stuff (ie: large car projects) on hold as I am currently trying to get into PA school. Between that, work, and other responsibilities, there's not much garage time. The fuel pump died on me in May and that was the last major repair to take place. I did, however, find some time this weekend (the hottest of the summer so far) to complete a mod I'd been looking extremely forward to.

A giant pet-peeve of mine on our generation of 4Runners is the lack of sufficient lighting in the cab when the doors are open. Luckily, member [MENTION=89223]xcmtb83[/MENTION] created a solution for us 96-98 guys. He crafted a custom harness which turns on all of the cab lights at once when the hatch or doors are open. (Top notch seller btw!) His harness is exactly what I was looking for, so in it went.



Removal of headliner isn't necessary, but I wanted to pull it down and do a thorough cleaning. Truthfully, the hardest part is not breaking the headliner clips in the back. I broke all of them and ended up buying probably the last of the Toyota stock at my local dealer (sorry).



Another shot. Using good ol' zipties to string up and "rough in" the harness.



Back together and the way Toyota should have done it originally.

Thanks for looking!

 

[xcmtb83]

If you do any camping out of your 4Runner you will like the light mod even more! Glad to see you are happy with it.

 

[4Runner-Dan]

Suspension Refresh!!

My 4Runner was definitely due for a suspension refresh. It currently has just over 312,000 miles and I'm pretty sure the rear shocks and springs we're original. When I bought the truck, the PO said he replaced the front springs. They rode OK but the shocks, I think, we're just tired.

What I went with was MOOG 99 "tall" coils w/ KYB Gas-A-Just shocks. I wasn't looking for a "lift", but wanted to restore my truck to its original height. I don't wheel often and rarely have a ton of weight in the back. This combo seemed reasonable for my situation and the price could not be beat. I did, however, want to upgrade my tires. Wal-Mart, of all places, was having a special of General Tires. I grabbed a set of 265/70/16 Grabber AT2s for just over $500. On top of that, General Tire was offering a $70 rebate. Not a bad deal if you ask me.

The pictures that follow were taken at my new favorite place to wrench. It's a DIY garage in my area. Basically I'm paying for the convenience of the lift and air tools, but it is so worth it. It made life so much easier.

As far as the lift is concerned, I ended up with a 1.5" all around. The passenger side, unfortunately, is definitely higher than the driver side. Not by much, though. Ride is smooth and I have no complaints otherwise.

Anyway, on to the pics!!