4runner is going through some changes

I

ipaman

New member
Today I am installing a new radiator and a B&M Transmission cooler. It was tough to replace the radiator since it hasn't failed yet, but I figured why not since it appears to be original and I have 164k miles. I can't risk being 100 miles from home and having a cooling issue.

I also ordered some Bilstein HD Shocks and Addco Sway bars from shox.com. I drive a lot of highway so I am hoping those two help the handling. The one thing I am worried about is loss of traction in the rain, but I am not a fast driver so hopefully that doesn't occur.
 
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I think what he is referring to is the slight loss of traction that occurs when you lift it/change the suspension geometry. You aren't doing any of that so you should be fine.
 
Im not really asking a question. Just stating a fact. Is it a requirement to have a question to start a thread? I was really just starting a conversation about the sway bars and trans cooler.

As far as the loss of traction i have read where people feel the increased stiffness causes the vehicle to loose traction in turns when its wet.
 
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ipaman said:
Today I am installing a new radiator and a B&M Transmission cooler. It was tough to replace the radiator since it hasn't failed yet, but I figured why not since it appears to be original and I have 164k miles. I can't risk being 100 miles from home and having a cooling issue.

I also ordered some Bilstein HD Shocks and Addco Sway bars from shox.com. I drive a lot of highway so I am hoping those two help the handling. The one thing I am worried about is loss of traction in the rain, but I am not a fast driver so hopefully that doesn't occur.
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Cool story bro. This post is like those callers who call into the radio and just start talking. At some point the host says "why are you calling" or "what is your question"
 
Anyway, enjoy modding it and I don't expect you to have any more trouble in the rain than you would now.

If you haven't already junked it, I'd keep the old radiator. new parts these days concern me with their quality.
 
I would have a hard time replacing the radiator if it wasn't corroded on the inside or leaking. Had I not done the external tranny cooler though, I would have.
 
Yeah I normally wouldnt have replaced the radiator before it failed but the piece of mind is nice. I junked the old one already, but this new one has a two year warranty so i should be okay.

Sway bars and shocks won't get installed for several weeks. Apparently addco doesn't keep them stocked.
 
Nothing beats a little peace of mind. I'm just a glutton for punishment I guess! Hope the sway bars work out for you. I'm torn between revamping the suspension on my '02 right now...can't make up my mind!
 
Are you thinking about getting some poly end link bushings (energy suspension)? Maybe a good idea. The poly bushings are stiffer than rubber. I use them. Also how are your sway bar end links? Alot of 4runners are on their second set by now.
 
Actually, it looks like they do come with poly bushings and end links. I have seen them for sale online but have not seen one personally.
 
Yeah I have them. But I did alot of suspension stuff all at the same time. Like coilovers, upper control arms, lower ball joints, tie rods, rear shocks and coils and the addco sway bars so its hard for me to say I noticed a difference specifically with the sway bars but they are alot beefier than the stock ones and all together with what I did, the suspension is great. I had put it to the test on the freeway a couple days ago to avoid an accident and didn't roll the truck so I am pleased with it. Haha
 
Cool. I was originally just going to do bilsteins and the sway bars but I mightdo ball joints and tie rod ends too. I figure that way I can get one alignment and know its all done.

Anyone have suggestions on the best ball joints to buy? Moog? Any supporting vendors that have some?
 
My inner tie rods were shot. They wouldnt stay up at all. So replacing them made the steering a lot tighter. I went oem and that's what most people will say about that, especially with lower ball joints. But this always causes all sorts of arguments with people saying it isn't necessary to spend that much on oem. But I wouldn't do anything other than oem on important parts like that. I've had issues on other aftermarket parts that didn't last as long as they should have, and heard plenty of stories of aftermarket parts failing prematurely so I tend to stay away from them. That isn't to say that oem can't fail prematurely either but I don't hear that as much.
 
Anyone have suggestions on the best ball joints to buy? Moog? Any supporting vendors that have some?
Click to expand...

Please please read up (via search) before running Moog LBJs. I don't want any harm to befall upon you and your passengers.

Paste this directly into Google. Also read my SIG thread on search.

Code: 
site:toyota-4Runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/ moog
 
Thanks for the info Zac. I first need to inspect all these ball joints before I replace them. I am pretty sure i saw a ripped boot on one of them.

It feels tight and steers good though so i don't think the ball joints or Tie rod ends have completely failed.
 
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