Adventure of fixing/modding my new 4runner!

J

jmarsh8923

Member
I bought a 04 4runner V8 in Pacific Blue with 165k miles. I know very little about working on cars and want to use this car to learn about cars and how to fix cars. The car is in really good condition minus a few things that need to be fixed or upgraded.

First and foremost is there anything I should be checking or replacing?

I know the belt just got replaced before I bought it. It needs a battery and probably brake rotors/pads.

On that topic how hard is it to replace battery and brake rotors/pads? Also which brand of products do you go with for things like this?

Secondly on smaller cosmetic areas. The main console behind the a/c knobs, lights are burnt out. I tried looking for parts but the diagrams are confusing and I don't understand what I am looking at. There is also a scratch going across the face of the led screen where your mpg, ac temp and weather temp are displayed. Is there anyway to get a new screen for that?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
 

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Here are two links to get you started. Here and here. Answers to just about every question you have can be found on this forum if you know what to search. Congrats. on the purchase.
 
jmarsh8923 said:
There is also a scratch going across the face of the led screen where your mpg, ac temp and weather temp are displayed. Is there anyway to get a new screen for that?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Click to expand...

Yes, there is an instrument plastic cover to replace the scratched one. I bought one to replace mine when I first got it. You will need to do some hard googling for the plastic cover since I bought it a long time ago and forgot the part number

And to answer your other questions. I would do a tune up, replace the battery, spark plugs, do an oil change, flush the differentials and add new gear oil, change the necessary filters,check the brake pad and rotors, all the shebang that is required so you don't have to worry about something failing later . It will give you a peace of mind
 
fayewong said:
...Yes, there is an instrument plastic cover to replace the scratched one...
Click to expand...

He's talking about the HVAC control screen... I believe you would have to replace the whole control panel. You could probably find a used one or one out of a wrecking yard somewhere.
 
jmarsh8923 said:
There is also a scratch going across the face of the led screen where your mpg, ac temp and weather temp are displayed. Is there anyway to get a new screen for that
Click to expand...

Might sound silly, but check to see if the thin peel off plastic protector was ever removed from there. When i bought my truck i was cleaning it and thought i put a big scratch across that screen only to figure out about a year later that i put a "dent" in the protective cover that was never pulled off.
 
If the scratch is not deep and is shallow you can most likley polish it out, i.e. you can't catch it with your fingernail.

Check omline for methods, products, and step by step instructions and or videos.
 
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DisguisedRope said:
Might sound silly, but check to see if the thin peel off plastic protector was ever removed from there. When i bought my truck i was cleaning it and thought i put a big scratch across that screen only to figure out about a year later that i put a "dent" in the protective cover that was never pulled off.
Click to expand...

i had the same thing happen with my 04. thought the screen was scratched when i bought it, then one day while cleaning my truck less than a year ago figured out the protector film was still on it.
 
Ok, so I have been fixing a lot of basic things that needed replacing.

Finally getting to the point where I can start to mod things without worrying about something else needing replaced. I am trying to decide on plasti dip colors and can't really make my mind up. I don't like blacking things out other then window tints. I saw an older Fj Cruiser with a cream color that I think would go really well with the Pacific Blue.

I was thinking cream plasti dip grill, front bumper/rear bumper(grey metallic middle middle sections), wheels,
Then Maroon plasti dip the badges, center caps

Any input is appreciated!
 

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DisguisedRope said:
ught i put a big scratch across that screen only to figure out about a year later that i put a "dent" in the protective cover that was never pulled off.
Click to expand...

[MENTION=143366]jmarsh8923[/MENTION]. if you need that lcd screen cover still, pm me an address. I have one you can have free. I thought mine was damaged too, but was a clear tape that hadn't been removed. Found out after the new part arrived. Let me know.
 
I had an 03 V8 and sold at 260k miles and for me, I never had any issues, I skirted the timing belt and water pump so that would be one thing I would look at if not already
 
Trumpet said:
[MENTION=143366]jmarsh8923[/MENTION]. if you need that lcd screen cover still, pm me an address. I have one you can have free. I thought mine was damaged too, but was a clear tape that hadn't been removed. Found out after the new part arrived. Let me know.
Click to expand...

It seems a lot of people have said that about the protective screens. How well are they on there? I will double check tmw and let you know. I really appreciate it.
 
Mod list

EXTERIOR Cosmetic
Paint Running Boards or Get Sport Running Boards
Daystar Lift KIt 2.5/1.5
https://www.amazon.com/Daystar-4Run...671769&sr=1-1&keywords=KT09115BK+lift+4runner
Plasti Dip Camo Tan Grill/Grey Metallic Middle Sections
Plasti Dip Maroon Emblems
Sport Hood
Satoshi Grill with Raptor Letters (http://www.bayareametalfab.com/Raptor-Letters_p_42.html)


Upgrade Parts
Blistein 5100 Shocks
2007 FJ Spring
2015 4Runner Trail Premium Wheels
Swaybar Bushings
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/34115-swaybar-bushing-upgrade.html#post289790
BFG AT KO'2s 265/75/16
Magnaflow 12586
TRD Intake




INTERIOR
Interior LED
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...ster-hvac-switches-window-steering-wheel.html
How to: Steering Wheel Control Color Change - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums
Clazzio Seat Covers Cream/DarkGrey
Upgrade Sub and Amp
PT546-00160 - 2016+ Scion Head Unit
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/237322-pt546-00160-2016-scion-head-unit.html
Sound Deadening

OTHER
DIY Camping SHelf/BED with pullout drawers
 
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Trumpet said:
[MENTION=143366]jmarsh8923[/MENTION]. if you need that lcd screen cover still, pm me an address. I have one you can have free. I thought mine was damaged too, but was a clear tape that hadn't been removed. Found out after the new part arrived. Let me know.
Click to expand...

Woah, I can't believe the cover has been on the LCD screen for 13 years! I was afraid i was tearing the whole front up. Now I got a brand new screen.
 
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