Beginner with list of changes wanted - please help with your opinions (1999 4Runner)

[jmfranc]

OK, I now have the bug. I want to upgrade some things and enhance others. Here's what I want to do - PLEASE help me with info if you have ANY info on ANY of these things. It will help enormously and save lots of $

1999 4Runner, 4Cyl., 2.7L, auto-trans, 125K miles

I have just installed new Bembo rotors and very good ceramic pads
Using synthetic oil
stock tires

What I want to do:

2" lift kit if I can keep the same smooth ride - what kind should I get?

True Flow Air Intake System ($220?) - will this help or make no difference at all?

Should I replace the rear axl seals? I hear it's about time after 100k miles

I understand I do NOT need to replace the timing chain at this point?

Should I use OEM plugs and cables for the next tune-up? Is there something better out there?

Should I get the transmission fluid changed? Brake fluid? Any other fluids?

Anything I can do for improved power with addons like the TrueFlow cold air intake?

Is there anything YOU recommend that I did not list?

What should I replace the running boards with? They are loose and rattle.

 

[T4RBoarder]

Has the timing belt been done before, they typically are done at 90k, if it hasnt then I would recommend getting it done.

 

[Mr. Dabadina]

LIFT - OME, PP, sonoran steel, or spacers....do a search on here to find what best suits you.
CAI- if appearance is what your after then go for it, if performance, then its not worth it IMO. Just get a true flo air filter and do the deck plate mod.
Rear Axle seals- if you want to go for it. Mine are fine w/150,000 on them. I think inside of the rear tires will tell you if you need to replace.
Timing belt- Highly recommended evey 90,000 miles. Have heard some last 160,000 miles...its a gamble and is your decision. Your ride and your money.
Spark plugs and wires- OEM is the best option.
Fluids- if you haven't changed them yet, change them all.
Power gain- Anything short of a super charger ($$$$) is not worth it. A CAI is not worth the money to HP gain. Search deckplate mod and it will give you as much if not more HP then a CAI for only $20-$30. As suggested earlier, deckplate mod and true flo air filter.
Running Boards- Toss'em. If you wheel then get some sliders. Do a search for sliders and find the company you want to go with.

Above is my opinion. those that might not like it... so be it.

 

[hkspwrsche]

Re: Beginner with list of changes wanted - please help with your opinions (1999 4Runner)

OK, I now have the bug. I want to upgrade some things and enhance others. Here's what I want to do - PLEASE help me with info if you have ANY info on ANY of these things. It will help enormously and save lots of $

1999 4Runner, 4Cyl., 2.7L, auto-trans, 125K miles

I have just installed new Bembo rotors and very good ceramic pads
Using synthetic oil
stock tires

What I want to do:

2" lift kit if I can keep the same smooth ride - what kind should I get?

True Flow Air Intake System ($220?) - will this help or make no difference at all?

Should I replace the rear axl seals? I hear it's about time after 100k miles

I understand I do NOT need to replace the timing chain at this point?

Should I use OEM plugs and cables for the next tune-up? Is there something better out there?

Should I get the transmission fluid changed? Brake fluid? Any other fluids?

Anything I can do for improved power with addons like the TrueFlow cold air intake?

Is there anything YOU recommend that I did not list?

What should I replace the running boards with? They are loose and rattle.

Should I get the transmission fluid changed? Brake fluid? Any other fluids? Use factory or factory recommended fluids.
Yes!!

Just use good quality stuff on the tune up. You could upgrade to magnecore wires or something.

What about gearing for power increase? what's the RPM range on the highway at 65mph? Intake.. You could take the air filter out and run it around the block and see if you feel the difference. Doubt youd notice much.

 

[pat161]

Well you didn't seem to say if it is 4wd or not, perhaps I just missed it, I'll assume it is. The 2.7 is a phenominal motor, I owned 3 before I got an 02 w/ the 3.4, while I love the power I still miss my 2.7. With the auto you are definitely lacking a bit on power, even w/ the 4.56 gears, which manuals get as well. The cold air intake is a huge waste of moeny, do a search on the deck plate mod and save money, basically people put a hole in the air box to allow more air in and they use a boat deckplate to cover it if needed. Add an amsoil or K&N drop in filter and you will feel a difference. Timing chain is a non maintenance item and the 2.7 is a non interference motor, if it breaks you are stuck, but the engine is fine. The chain on the 2.7 will last a long time, probably 200k or more, unlike the 22re Toyota added metal chain guides, this was what used to wear out and the chain would rub the motor. Rule of thumb, if the chain starts making grinding noise replace it. Do not change the axle seals until they leak, who knows you may get 150k out of yours, they don't automatically die at 100k. If you don't have records then yes, change out the front and rear diffs, transfer case and tranny fluid. Flush the brake fluid when you do a brake job. OEM plugs are fine, cables are a non item as the 2.7 uses a direct ignition system with a coil pack sitting on each plug, IIRC your 99 should have this setup, 98 still ran coils to a ignition pack. So you do not have plug wires, just the plugs. You will pull the air intake tube to get at the plugs, on the passenger side there are two bolts under the tube, feel around for them. Have you tried tightening the running boards, if so either lose them completely or add some tube steps, either one offers a little protection in parking lots. Lifts are going to change your ride no matter what, if you want to keep it stock then just do that. The 2.7 will run forever, but like most Toyota motors it does not respond well to bolt on items. If you really want more power look into a super charger, IIRC Alpine used to offer one, I think there is a turbo kit as well. Oh and you could change out the fuel filter, Toyota says it is a lifetime item, but on your 2.7 this is the one itme that is hard to access. Its mounted on the drivers side of the engine block under the intake, good luck, I looked at mine on my 00 and around 100k and decided to just leave it alone.

 

[jmfranc]

I'm sorry. It's just 2wd. I think I might go for the deckplate mod and true flo air filter + Amsoil 2-Stage Hi-Flow Air Filter.

Also, what does the timing chain sound like when it's clicking? Does it click faster with increased RPM/acceleration?

 

[4BangerRunner]

True Flow Air Intake System ($220?) - will this help or make no difference at all? Yes - horsepower and mpg increase....

Should I replace the rear axl seals? I hear it's about time after 100k miles - YES!! I have 134k on my 99, and just had to replace the drive shaft and rear seals, after previously having the u-joints replaced ....preventive maintenance will save the day!!

I understand I do NOT need to replace the timing chain at this point? There is no timing chain on the 2.7 4 cylinder - so just drive on!!

Should I use OEM plugs and cables for the next tune-up? Is there something better out there? I used OEM - the originals made it this far - 9 years later obviously there have been improvements made even in OEM, so that's what I used...and would recommend

Should I get the transmission fluid changed? Brake fluid? Any other fluids? The factory/dealers will tell you NOT to have the transmission serviced if you've got over 100k on the vehicle ...unless you know for a fact that it's been serviced regularly ....they will do what's called a "drain and fill" ..for about $40 ....if you have that done every 30,000 miles, your tranny will last as long as the vehicle.. Keep an eye on the brake fluid - the Toyota folks tell me that in the winter, there can be variances that will affect braking (apparently much like pressure changes in tires from hot to cold...)

Anything I can do for improved power with addons like the TrueFlow cold air intake? Yes - as I mentioned above, increased horsepower and mpg.....

We have 4 4Runners in the family...and mine has the fewest miles! My oldest son is driving a 97 with 200k, my youngest son has a 98 with 167k, my wife has a 98 with 145k....and mine is the only 4 cylinder....and we all get about the same gas mileage - all in the 20-23 mpg range...