Best way to blow $2500 building a '99 Limited?

Thank you. I've heeded your advice and others and am delaying the lift and focusing on maintenance. Boring, but needs to be done if I am going to drive it for another 100k. I also realized I have a multi-mode issue (blinking green and orange light on dash when selecting AWD) so need to figure that out as well as changing fluids etc.

My multi-mode was a little bit sticky when I first got mine 5 years ago. To get it to engage while driving, you often have to accelerate a bit, then let off the gas, and you hear the click when it goes in. If that does not work, I've had to pull over to a complete stop, shift to neutral, then to reverse, move five feet, back to neutral, then drive. It'll usually click in somewhere in that process. I think you will not want to turn while it's flashing as it seems to bind up the drivetrain. Do all those things in a straight line only to get it to go into AWD.

Mine is no longer sticky and goes in and out perfectly every time. I just make sure to engage it once a month and it's good.

If it won't go, that indicates there is an issue. I believe it's usually either a vacuum line or an electronic actuator. I did have a vacuum line replaced on mine and I think that point is when mine became perfect. I had a ton of maintenance done in that outing though. Maybe someone here can link to a troubleshooting thread of the 4wd system. Should turn up in a search on here I bet.
 
Besides all the maintence others have mentioned and some all terrain tires, I would look into upgrading the headlights or adding some sort of auxiliary driving lights. The stock headlights have very poor visibility in any sort of night driving(especially rain).
 
Update:
Have decided to do the OME shocks and springs. But in the interim, I've taken the advice of many on this thread and done some routine maintenance. So far have done the following:
  • PCV valve
  • Drained and refilled front and rear differentials with Amsoil
  • Drained and refilled transfer case with Amsoil
  • Replaced air filter
  • Replaced fuel filter (after 10 days of daily liquid wrench on engine side fuel line nut)
  • Cleaned MAF filter
  • New spark plugs and wires
  • Washed and ceramic waxed

Still to do:
  • Replace radiator
  • Replace lower ball joints
  • Sway bar bushings
  • What else am I missing?

Thanks again to all who suggested maintenance before the fun stuff. Has actually been fun (absent stuck nuts) getting to know the truck a bit better. My OME shocks and springs come in a couple weeks. Hoping it also fixes the scary clunking sound that sometimes occurs at low speed. Mostly pulling out of parking spaces. Then tires. Meanwhile, keeping an eye out for a roof rack on CL.
 
Last edited:
Hoping it also fixes the scary clunking sound that sometimes occurs at low speed. Mostly pulling out of parking spaces. Then tires. Meanwhile, keeping an eye out for a roof rack on CL.

I don't know much but I can tell you this from personal experience: If you have mystery clunks, no matter how ominous they sound, It's always a good idea to check the sway bar end links. if the bushings look suspect at all, get a new set of end links. They are inexpensive and a very good idea to do with a lift anyway. People generally get a set about an inch longer than stock to go along with a +/-2" inch suspension lift. This places the sway bar at a better angle to do its job post-lift. Usually more likely the culprit than the sway bar bushings on the frame, but have a look at those, too. There are many threads here about end links covering options from putting a pair of stock 3rd gen fronts on your rear sway bar and a pair of stock 2nd gen rears on the front.... up to trick adjustable forged-ball sets like these from a T4R.ORG forum member.
 
I ordered the energy suspension bushings 26mm. Are those not going to work if I’m doing the 2” OME lift (less since my ‘99 limited is tall springs already)?
 
I ordered the energy suspension bushings 26mm. Are those not going to work if I’m doing the 2” OME lift (less since my ‘99 limited is tall springs already)?

Do you mean the front sway bar bushing set part number 8.5141? That will be fine for bushings for your front sway bar and front sway bar end links. What [MENTION=373697]Endlessblockades[/MENTION] is talking about is running extended end links with a lift which doesn't have anything to do with the end link bushings.
 
how's it going so far? I got mine 99 limited for 1700 with 140,000 miles. the Dude needed to sell and I needed a car. But so far from what people are suggesting in regards to maintenance that pretty much what I did. Good luck!!
 
Do you mean the front sway bar bushing set part number 8.5141? That will be fine for bushings for your front sway bar and front sway bar end links. What [MENTION=373697]Endlessblockades[/MENTION] is talking about is running extended end links with a lift which doesn't have anything to do with the end link bushings.

Yes that's what I meant. Thank you for clarifying. Will look into the extended end links.
 
Check out Absalom's list of different builds and figure out where you want to go with it and then work your way down the list starting with the maintenance items. If I was more tech savvy, I could post a link. Sorry.
 
Check out Absalom's list of different builds and figure out where you want to go with it and then work your way down the list starting with the maintenance items. If I was more tech savvy, I could post a link. Sorry.

I got you: Absalom's Cookie Cutter 4runner Builds - New and Updated!

I'd add to his list: if you're going with a lift that is 2" or higher than stock ride height, add [MENTION=28464]eimkeith[/MENTION] 's Panhard Correction Kit, and consider longer sway bar end links.
 
Last edited:
Yes that's what I meant. Thank you for clarifying. Will look into the extended end links.

I believe the intent of extended links is to have the swaybar arms as close to parallel to the ground when the vehicle is at rest. I know that to be the case for performance car applications and don't see why it would be different for the T4R. Obviously you also do not want binding or unnecessary forces when the suspension is at full droop/compression. Full droop is more likely than full compression.

I'm running OME 881/890 and ran the MStudt end links for sale on here. Good pieces though the OEM 3rd gen/2nd gen combo discussed is likely cheaper. Two other notes on the lift is the diff drop which is debated on here frequently and extending the rear brake lines/bracket. The shop that installed mine just added an extension to where the center brake line meets the rear axle housing. It essentially just extends the bracket an inch or two higher to not stress the line at full droop.

As to your other maintenance items, I'd want to know if that clunking is a swaybar or something else. I agree that swaybars and their end links make more noise than you'd expect if they're just slightly loose. However, I'd want to know if my LBJ has any play or anything else. For LBJ's, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'd buy them from a dealer to make sure you don't get ripped off. There's been threads here and elsewhere about fake OEM parts becoming more and more prominent. An LBJ could cost you your rig and/or your life.

The radiator replacement is usually done to prevent the pink milkshake from destroying the transmission. Also pretty key but won't kill you.
 
The shop that installed mine just added an extension to where the center brake line meets the rear axle housing. It essentially just extends the bracket an inch or two higher to not stress the line at full droop.


Would you be able to post a photo of the extended brake line bracket? I'd like to make something like that (unless there is something reasonable available from a US fab shop). Thanks!
 
Ordered the LBJs from a Toyota dealer. Should be here soon. OME shocks and springs due to arrive shortly.

Had a failed smog test which took some of my time. Was Cat monitor not ready (all emissions were fine). Had driven about 200 miles since battery disconnect so was surprised monitor wasn't ready. Decided to try Cataclean and followed the instructions. Literally 15 miles later my OBD says Cat monitor is ready. Could just be coincidence, but I'm pretty shocked.
 
The lift kit should be at the bottom of your priority list

You will get the most utility out of the rack/tires etc if you aren't planning on wheeling it in the near term and want it for camping
 

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
278,316
Messages
3,554,124
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Trending content

Back
Top