COB's 4Runner Timeline (Pic Heavy)

[ChildrenOfBodom]

Hey James,

I haven't checked in on this thread in quite a while! Nice to see the expanding garage, you have an amazing collection of vehicles my friend. Im really impressed with your 1st gen, very clean and tastefully done. I don't know how I feel about that for sale sign in the window though..

Bummer on the break in, even though it was a while ago. Nick hit the nail on the head, I would almost never take my truck to the pick a part yard either. Sketchy ass place, that was exactly what I expected to walk out to every time I took my rig there.

Anyway, good to see you are keeping this beauty in tip top shape. Shes gonna be a collectors item one day.

Thanks dude, I have too many projects, but will be nice when everything's done. Also glad to see you're back in the game with another 02. You must love it without those holes in the side panel. I've learned my lesson about those yards, taking nothing but boring vehicles from now on.

ChildrenofBodom: Going way back to your fuel gauge problems. Do you know if those parts are still available and if so where. The best I can do is $220.00 for the circuit board thru my local dealer. I have a '99, SR-5, manual transmission, 4WD. I am original owner and this is my daily drive. Working on mild mods but the fuel gauge is really bothers me. I will try Seafoam but I would really appreciate help with locating the necessary parts. Sender and suction pipe already replaced.

Funny you mention... I just did the repair the second time. I paid the same $220ish you mentioned for the motherboard. My motherboard fried out for some odd reason, which also made my headlights glitch out. The new motherboard returned things to normal. There was a visible burn on the old board.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

My girlfriend got me this cake... lol my turbo truck tastes like strawberries.

New inner tie rod ends - Sankei 555. The old ITRE's were shot. This meant the truck needed an alignment, but then I bought another Supra and this truck sat for a month. The only thing it did between ITRE's and the alignment was jump starting the new Supra on purchase day.

Then the new Supra got all the attention... and then the turbo truck...

Scored a black leather SR5 wheel for free from my friend. My base model wheel has some sun damage.

Gave it a good conditioning

Fixed up the fuel gauge again - the motherboard burnt out causing the headlights to stick on (instead of auto shut off) and the fuel gauge to blink empty. At first the choice was made to put a tiny bit of solder between the burnt contacts, but this only rectified the fuel gauge and not the headlight issue. The headlight issue was traced to the motherboard (as evident by combination meter wiring diagrams).

Cluster and new wheel installed

Fixed stripped out plastic mount on the right headlight, using loctite epoxy. Then put in some new bulbs. I have no pictures of this, but I bought two packages of bulbs and used one for my turbo truck, so these are the same bulbs.

New upper and lower ball joints.

After hammering out the upper ball joints, they upper control arm bushings were very clearly in need of replacement. I switched them for a set of upper control arms removed from an 02 Tacoma with about 60k, bushings like new. The UCA bolts are long so the left airbag sensor and battery had to come out.

The spindles needed to come out to press in the new upper ball joints.

Lower installed

Steering rack guide replacement - takes place of the roller. $52 from Toyota

Alignment report after ball joints and ITRE's.

Soon these will be installed with brand new tires...

 

[shootmymime]

Why did you go with new ball joints instead of getting some UCA?


What did you put on the steering wheel?

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

Why did you go with new ball joints instead of getting some UCA?


What did you put on the steering wheel?

I'm saving money to repaint the Supra I bought. The Total Chaos UCA's are priced at $750 for a set. It only costs $100 for new OEM upper ball joints and I already had a pair of good control arms laying around the house... the price difference made the call for me on that one. Those uniball joints are nice though, but for the cost, I have some other things on the list to do first.

Steering wheel was conditioned with Meguiar's Leather cleaner and conditioner - http://www.meguiars.com/en/professional/products/d18001-leather-cleaner-conditioner/

 

[shootmymime]

I hear Ya dude! I'm in the same boat

 

[4Running Daily]

I'm back in town! Let me know if you need any help!

 

[TheArkMaster]

Well... Hello to my dream car. I love that Supra man! Congrats on the purchase!

 

[A.Wilson013]

Using a leather conditioner on the steering wheel never even crossed my mind... I'll have to do that tomorrow.

Looks good!

 

[FeralCat]

4x4 conversion

Hey COB,

Amazing job with the 4runner!

I'm doing the same thing to my 4runner and since you are the master of all that is 4runners. I have a few questions :

I have a very loved 1997 2.7 AT 2WD that I want to convert to 4wd.

A. Do you know if the 4wd AT torque converter from a V6 will bolt up to my 2.7 flywheel? My understanding is all I have to do is use my 2wd AT bellhousing? Everything else is bolt in except for the transfer case support.

B. If I opt for a 5spd do I have to cut the input shaft? If so how much and what part do I cut?
Can I reuse all the wiring as long as I get a 5spd ECU?

Thanks!!!

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

I'm back in town! Let me know if you need any help!

I need to figure some stuff out, I'll let you know if I can use your help! Thanks!

Well... Hello to my dream car. I love that Supra man! Congrats on the purchase!

It's quite the car to drive! Toyota really hit the nail on the head. Thank you!

Using a leather conditioner on the steering wheel never even crossed my mind... I'll have to do that tomorrow.

Looks good!

There's a few things we learn in the course of outdoor vehicle storage... The sun hates steering wheels. The sun also hates leather. I hope it gives the leather steering wheel the power to survive.

BTW, the sun also hates paint. My beloved IJM paint has gone bad! I feel like it's going bald! Do I get a Whitson rack now? Bald dudes look better with hats.

Hey COB,

Amazing job with the 4runner!

I'm doing the same thing to my 4runner and since you are the master of all that is 4runners. I have a few questions :

I have a very loved 1997 2.7 AT 2WD that I want to convert to 4wd.

A. Do you know if the 4wd AT torque converter from a V6 will bolt up to my 2.7 flywheel? My understanding is all I have to do is use my 2wd AT bellhousing? Everything else is bolt in except for the transfer case support.

B. If I opt for a 5spd do I have to cut the input shaft? If so how much and what part do I cut?
Can I reuse all the wiring as long as I get a 5spd ECU?

Thanks!!!

LOL the master of 4Runners, that's a good one!

Well, I'm sorry, I don't know a thing about the automatic transmissions. Get rid of it, you won't regret it!

The input shaft does not have to be cut if you choose a W series transmission which came from a 2.7L. If you choose to use an R series transmission (from a V6), you'll need to change bell housings. Subsequently, the bell housing which adapts the V6 transmission to the 4 cylinder engine is shorter than the V6 bell housing, meaning you'll have to make the necessary length adjustments. I'm sorry as I do not recall the exact difference there was between the housings.

Yes, use a 5spd ECU from the same year 4 cylinder 4wd and it will be compatible with your existing wiring. You will need to add some extra wires for the clutch pedal switch functions to function properly. Take an automatic for example, in order to start, the engine must receive signal from the neutral safety switch, which is why the truck only starts in P or N. Depressing the clutch pedal switch will essentially become the equivalent of being in P or N. Of course you can wire the neutral safety remain engaged, or add a clutch start cancel switch, whatever you want.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

New tires are in. BF Goodrich Mud Terrain KM2 Load D. Wheel locks should be here tomorrow. I loved the old wheel setup, but it's time for a change.

M/T's this time around, this day has been a long time coming. Now that the turbo truck is in full functioning order, the Supra's joined the ranks, there's no reason to daily drive this truck anymore. The Toyota collection is strong.

Not visible are the four new Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3's in the back, for the 2005 Mercedes C230. I've been doing random stuff to that car lately too. I was recently rear ended by an inattentive driver, RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE.

This bike rider was a dick head - if I knew who he was, I'd tell him to go **** himself. The lady who hit me though, she was nice, just made a mistake I guess.

The rear bumper was trashed, crash barrier, and some under-bumper metal.

The frame was tweaked a bit - the rear left passenger door came into contact with the body of the car at one point - resulting in a frame adjustment. Here it is on the rack being disassembled, the whole rear subframe was removed.

FUN FACT! My green 99 4Runner wore the same green #4 hat when it was worked on here.

New metal just after paint. While it was being painted, I had them take care of the hood to remove a slight rust spot and some rock chips.

It now has a mild trunk lid spoiler, new brakes, replacement door handles, and now some much needed new tires. Also polished it up and cleaned up the yellowing headlights. 64k on the ODO, just a bit more than my 94 Supra turbo.

 

[4Running Daily]

If you can fit 4 tires next to each other in the back of your 4Runner, you didn't buy big enough tires

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

If you can fit 4 tires next to each other in the back of your 4Runner, you didn't buy big enough tires

The whole scene is pushing 35's now, while I'm sure they're awesome, are a bit more than I need. It's going to be awesome to finally hit some dirt again, it's been 3 months (since KOH)

One day maybe. Needs more power.

 

[4Running Daily]

The whole scene is pushing 35's now, while I'm sure they're awesome, are a bit more than I need. It's going to be awesome to finally hit some dirt again, it's been 3 months (since KOH)

One day maybe. Needs more power.

I need more power... haha

 

[T4R2014]

Wow, that damage was worse than it looked. Why was the bike rider such a d!ck?

 

[FeralCat]

LOL the master of 4Runners, that's a good one!

Well, I'm sorry, I don't know a thing about the automatic transmissions. Get rid of it, you won't regret it!

The input shaft does not have to be cut if you choose a W series transmission which came from a 2.7L. If you choose to use an R series transmission (from a V6), you'll need to change bell housings. Subsequently, the bell housing which adapts the V6 transmission to the 4 cylinder engine is shorter than the V6 bell housing, meaning you'll have to make the necessary length adjustments. I'm sorry as I do not recall the exact difference there was between the housings.

Yes, use a 5spd ECU from the same year 4 cylinder 4wd and it will be compatible with your existing wiring. You will need to add some extra wires for the clutch pedal switch functions to function properly. Take an automatic for example, in order to start, the engine must receive signal from the neutral safety switch, which is why the truck only starts in P or N. Depressing the clutch pedal switch will essentially become the equivalent of being in P or N. Of course you can wire the neutral safety remain engaged, or add a clutch start cancel switch, whatever you want.

Thanks!

I think a W59 is probably the best option. I checked the Toyota parts catalog and it seems like the 2.7L Tacoma is the same transmission and transfer case as my 4runner. So its seems like a Tacoma trans and transfer case will bolt it into my 2.7 4runner?
Kris

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

Wow, that damage was worse than it looked. Why was the bike rider such a d!ck?

He was being a jerk about our placement on the side of the road. This was 15 seconds after getting rear ended, I'm not moving until I assure I have proof (photographs) of who hit me. That person could have easily left if I had made the right turn, then I'd have been really screwed. He was one of those pricks who yells out the rules of the road at people. Youtube is full of these *******s.

Thanks!

I think a W59 is probably the best option. I checked the Toyota parts catalog and it seems like the 2.7L Tacoma is the same transmission and transfer case as my 4runner. So its seems like a Tacoma trans and transfer case will bolt it into my 2.7 4runner?
Kris

Can't go wrong with a W59, should bolt right up. Best of luck with your swap!

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

17x7.5 4Runner wheels

285/70/17 BFG KM2

Mounted

Before

After

 

[T4R2014]

He was being a jerk about our placement on the side of the road. This was 15 seconds after getting rear ended, I'm not moving until I assure I have proof (photographs) of who hit me. That person could have easily left if I had made the right turn, then I'd have been really screwed. He was one of those pricks who yells out the rules of the road at people. Youtube is full of these *******s.

You have some restraint. I would have told him to F off really quick.

Back on topic.

I had my doubts with those wheels, but now that I see them installed they look great! I'm more of a form over function guy, but I always liked the look of the KM2s on your 4Runner better than the A/Ts. The new A/Ts have a really cool sidewall design though.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

You have some restraint. I would have told him to F off really quick.

Back on topic.

I had my doubts with those wheels, but now that I see them installed they look great! I'm more of a form over function guy, but I always liked the look of the KM2s on your 4Runner better than the A/Ts. The new A/Ts have a really cool sidewall design though.

Same here, I didn't know how they would look. The old rims have seen better days, all four have significant rock rash and need a repaint at the least.

The new A/T's are cool, but I too find the KM2 to be a better fit. BFG better not come out with a KM3 before I get the KM2's broken in... I'll have a sad