96 Project truck

[gloch]

So, I didn't want to glamorize this by calling it a "build" as I am not sure how much I will do with this beast but, the truck does have a lot of 'needs' that I will want to address.

What is it:
1996 4runner Ltd
178k miles
White/Gray trim tan interior

Condition: OK
-Interior was DISGUSTING. Combination of kids, pets (200Lbs Mastiff no less) and neglect. The longest hour of my life was driving it home. I took it to a detailer and it took 3 days to get the smell out. I should have taken pictures but, I didn't and now it looks like new except for the driver's seat (big leather-torn mess)

-Exterior is in good shape. The running boards have broken plastic but, I plan to pull them anyway. Only a couple of rock chip spots on the roof edge that I plan to put some touch up on to stop rust spread.

-Mechanically it's OK. It needs O2 sensor replacement (not sure which), new brake rotors (warped), new shocks/springs(It is very squirelly when hitting bumps), and has an oil leak (valve cover I think). Tranny shifts smoothly and steering is fine except for the suspension being worn.

I will post picts soon!

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Now my questions:

O2 sensor: Any instructions on where/how to replace? Is it a big job? I am around a 2-3 on a scale of 10 on mechanical ability

Shocks: I have a lead on some good conditioned stock shock/springs combo for the front. Should I replace rear at the same time? I need the springs combined with the shock as I don't have the tools to combine them.

Tuneup: I am not sure how long it has been on the current plugs/wires so, I want to give it a clean start. Any recommendations on plugs?

Keyless entry: There is a "Security" light on the center console so, I assume that it has keyless entry? I guess a Fob is available from Toyota.

Supercharger: This is a later project but, I will want some more ponies (Coming from a WRX). I just wonder what the wear will be on a motor with 178k miles on it already? Is it wise?

Gas gauge: I fill it up, the marker goes to the top and then works it's way down as I drive. Is this a know issue with these? Do I just replace the gauge?

Gas mileage: I just clocked the first tank at around 17-18mpg. That included quite a bit of freeway. Is that normal? Just want realistic expectations.

I will have more questions and updates.

Thanks!

-gl

 

[Panzerpatty]

Seafoam before anything else! Seriously, go buy a can right now. I'm unclear on your question about the gas gauge, it's normal for the needle to go down as you drive, you are using gas. The notorious issue is that they are inaccurate, not unreliable(if that makes sense).

 

[gloch]

Seafoam. Will do.

The gas gauge dropped to the floor in about 25 miles and then climbed a little. It was never even close to being accurate.

-gl

 

[Brian757]

Seafoam. Will do.

The gas gauge dropped to the floor in about 25 miles and then climbed a little. It was never even close to being accurate.

-gl

Yeah. I Sea Foamed a couple weeks ago. The engine runs quieter IMO.
Also, that is not common for our runners to have the fuel needle drop and rise, or have any fluctuations for that matter. Like Panzerpatty said, they are only inaccurate related to how full/empty they are, like all vehicles.

Read up on the Tutorial and Documentation thread:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/69744-tutorial-documentation-reference.html
(I scroll through there all the time for fixes on my truck.)

O2 Sensor: I purchased mine from my local auto store. Dirtied them from mud. I ended up changing them out.
Here is the installation of the front O2 sensor.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/71078-replacing-front-o2-sensor-2000-a.html

Shocks: Also, "@steezemcqueen and friends" did a great writeup of lift info and FAQ:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/69744-tutorial-documentation-reference.html

Tuneup: NGK spark plugs, dual electrode are pretty commonly used throughout T4R, or OEM "Denso" spark plugs. Also, the Sea Foam.

Keyless Entry: I have no clue. Someone else can chime in here. I think they came factory @ '99 and later. I think all Limited's came with keyless entry. Not sure though.

I am assuming it looked like this from the factory?:

Supercharger: As long as you know what your doing or if you have the dealership install it, your good to go. There are people on here with superchargers and have twice your mileage.

Gas Gauge: As I mentioned, this is not normal. I am not certain of a fix.

Gas Mileage: These things got between 16 City - 18 Highway. After modifying and such, you can imagine these numbers decrease.

 

[downpour11]

Gas gauge problem sounds like your fuel sending unit may be going out. It's in the gas tank itself. From the dealer it's about ~$160 IIRC. Not too hard to replace, I dropped the gas tank to do mine but you can access it from a plug underneath the rear seat on the drivers side. I didn't know the plug was there, that's why I dropped my gas tank.

 

[gloch]

Thanks. I can live with the fuel gauge issue, I always go off of the miles anyway.

Sorry to ask some FAQs. I thought I went through the tutorials thread pretty well.

-gl

 

[gloch]

Thanks for the tip. Congrats on 400k miles. Wow!