COB's 4Runner Timeline (Pic Heavy)

[phattyduck]

Dang, I hope they release the body mount bushings soon... I need some really bad lol

I'm looking for a review on these mounts. I have a feeling the poly body mounts will tighten things up in a way a like, getting rid of some of the secondary 'jiggle' from the rubber mounts (like over expansion joints, etc.).

They already have a kit that fits the later 3rd gens, but the a-pillar mount was wrong for the earlier 3rd gens.

-Charlie

 

[Unner]

Before I left, they loaded me up with stickers and some polyurethane exhaust hangers. They got the information on my other cars should they need additional R&D (there's not all that much out for the MKIV Supra, so I hope it comes to that!).

Just as I was about to head out, the manager of the company walks out, shakes my hand, and offers me a job.

Now I'm debating if I should quit my job of 9 years. Maybe it's time. Thoughts are appreciated.

That's quit an evening! Is it something you would enjoy more there? More potential to move up there? Do you get "benefits" for how long you've been at your current job or does the new guy get the same benefits? Pay comparison? All things to consider. I don't know what you are going to school for, but Energy Suspension could be a better way to get into whatever area you want to find yourself working in as a career vs the Benz dealership where I think you are currently working.

Also, just another thing about the energy bushings, their catalog shows their rear sway bar bushings fit 86-92 Supras rear sway bar, but that isn't true. The rear sway bar changed size in 91 and they got their information from a 91-92 Supra. The bushings did not fit my 87 and I had to get a universal kit. I think you bought ST sway bars the same time I did so you may no longer have the stock sways, but just a thought if they're looking to expand/correct their catalog. My St sway bars are still sitting in the box 2-3 years later. Not even sure if I will install or just keep the Supra bone stock at this point...

 

[4-Ripcord]

If you will be working with things you are genuinely interested in, I say take it. Assuming its financially comparable.

Great trip photos btw! Looks fun.

 

[amalik]

I'm a firm believer that stuff like that doesn't just happen for you to turn down. But on the less philosophical, more realistic side i'll reiterate. How does it compare to your current gig? Benefits, Compensation, Perks? Hours? Mandatory OT at one and not the other? etc. All things to consider. I remember a while back you were working at a MBZ dealership, I assume that is still true. Going from flat rate to hourly or even salary is an adjustment.



I don't know you from a fly on the wall (besides being youre Secret Santa some years ago), but hell I'd say do it if everything points that way. It's great to have tenure and seniority and the consistency of the same job, but at the same time this, to me, sounds like a great door is opening with a great company.



Just my $.02

COB is not a mechanic at benz iirc.


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[ChildrenOfBodom]

Dang, I hope they release the body mount bushings soon... I need some really bad lol

Part Number: 8.4111, 96-99 ONLY

Add R for red, G for black

Damn! That's awesome man [emoji1360] Beautiful rig BTW. Trail wheels might be my current favorite 3rd gen wheels.
What's your current job? How does compensation and benefits compare? Is it a job you would enjoy?
When it comes to what I do for a living, I make enjoying the job my 1st priority. Sometimes you have to go through certain seasons you don't enjoy to get to where you want, but overall, it's important you like what you do.
I love my job, and- although it's still tough to get up at 3:45-4AM- I don't dread going to work at all. Been a Union Commercial Inside Wireman(Electrician) for 8 years, and I still love what I do every day [emoji1360]

Hey Tyler. I ended up taking the job offer. I appreciate your input! Overall, the environment and compensation is better. It's also good just talking cars all day.

I'm a firm believer that stuff like that doesn't just happen for you to turn down. But on the less philosophical, more realistic side i'll reiterate. How does it compare to your current gig? Benefits, Compensation, Perks? Hours? Mandatory OT at one and not the other? etc. All things to consider. I remember a while back you were working at a MBZ dealership, I assume that is still true. Going from flat rate to hourly or even salary is an adjustment.

I don't know you from a fly on the wall (besides being youre Secret Santa some years ago), but hell I'd say do it if everything points that way. It's great to have tenure and seniority and the consistency of the same job, but at the same time this, to me, sounds like a great door is opening with a great company.

Just my $.02

MBZ dealership is cool in a lot of ways, horrible in others. Mainly, the people.

I took the new job so thank you for your input. I think you're right, it was meant to be taken up.

I'm looking for a review on these mounts. I have a feeling the poly body mounts will tighten things up in a way a like, getting rid of some of the secondary 'jiggle' from the rubber mounts (like over expansion joints, etc.).

They already have a kit that fits the later 3rd gens, but the a-pillar mount was wrong for the earlier 3rd gens.

-Charlie

The new 96-99 body mount bushing part number: 8.4111

I love them so far, but that's only two wheeling trips and a whole lot of sitting my driveway. The body sits firmer on the frame and doesn't have near the frame/body flex as before.

That's quit an evening! Is it something you would enjoy more there? More potential to move up there? Do you get "benefits" for how long you've been at your current job or does the new guy get the same benefits? Pay comparison? All things to consider. I don't know what you are going to school for, but Energy Suspension could be a better way to get into whatever area you want to find yourself working in as a career vs the Benz dealership where I think you are currently working.

Thanks for chiming in, man. I took the job and just about everything is better. The people, the job, the money, the perks, etc. Definitely satisfied for the time being.

Also, just another thing about the energy bushings, their catalog shows their rear sway bar bushings fit 86-92 Supras rear sway bar, but that isn't true. The rear sway bar changed size in 91 and they got their information from a 91-92 Supra. The bushings did not fit my 87 and I had to get a universal kit. I think you bought ST sway bars the same time I did so you may no longer have the stock sways, but just a thought if they're looking to expand/correct their catalog. My St sway bars are still sitting in the box 2-3 years later. Not even sure if I will install or just keep the Supra bone stock at this point...

There's a diameter that's listed with the sway bar kits. On that kit, it's necessary to double check that info before purchasing. Lots of sites sell the products but do not all list of the necessary sizing information. The universal kits are definitely the way to go in that regard. Frankly, there is hardly any demand for MK3 parts. Trust that I'm pushing them for it though, there will be more Supra stuff in the future, especially for the MKIV.

If you will be working with things you are genuinely interested in, I say take it. Assuming its financially comparable.

Great trip photos btw! Looks fun.

Thanks Jim. I see both of us are in the new job boat. How's King?

COB is not a mechanic at benz iirc.

Nope. Hate hate hate working on german cars.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

The truck was finally back to good running order when I decided that wasn't any fun, and promptly broke it. The truck did make it back home, albeit with a few hiccups, in reliable Toyota style.

It was obviously a front end issue, so after pulling the drain plug out of the front diff, it was clear that the ring gear lost a few teeth...

Out, the axles and front diff came.

Back to 2WD...

Next is finding a replacement 4.56. This has been proving harder than ever.

Ordered this diff from a dismantler in AZ. A few spin tests later, it was actually a 4.30. Son of a *****... they said it was supposed to be a 4.56 so they refunded me and told me to keep it.

Ordered a second diff from another dismantler, this one coming from Missouri. They said it was a 4.56, and so does the invoice. Spin tested it, another 4.30. The diff even says "430" right on the sticker. It's Saturday, so they're closed, so come Monday, I've got some calls to make.

Thus, the green 3rd gen sits idly by, waiting for a dismantler whose competence exceeds that of a Jiffy Lube.

 

[jstim]

Time warp back to my senior year of high school. I had a friend named Max who was really into cars. He found himself working for Energy Suspension and recently got in touch with me over some R&D.

The Energy R&D guys built every kit for the 3rd gen 4Runner using one of their employee's 2000 4Runner. Turns out, there's a little difference in the body mounts before 2000, thus, they needed a 1999 4Runner to churn out a compatible kit for older 3rd gens.

Guess who showed up with a 99 4Runner?

Before I left, they loaded me up with stickers and some polyurethane exhaust hangers. They got the information on my other cars should they need additional R&D (there's not all that much out for the MKIV Supra, so I hope it comes to that!).

Just as I was about to head out, the manager of the company walks out, shakes my hand, and offers me a job.

Now I'm debating if I should quit my job of 9 years. Maybe it's time. Thoughts are appreciated.

There is so much awesome in this I don't even know what to say. A job at energy suspension would be awesome, if it's right you know?

 

[4-Ripcord]

Thanks Jim. I see both of us are in the new job boat. How's King?

Really glad to see you took the job! I will definitely have to swing by sometime. King is fun though, I have way more design freedom than I did before.

If you are interested, there is a meetup in Costa Mesa tomorrow at 11am, at Gunwhale Ales. Mostly 5th gens, but they are the only guys I have really wheeled with so far. It would be cool to meet you finally!

That sucks on the front diff though, I don't think I have ever seen a 4.56 front diff available anywhere. I hope you can get it sorted soon, if all else fails I am sure you know ECGS can get you one. Fully rebuilt new bearings and seals for like $650ish.

 

[4Running Daily]

The truck was finally back to good running order when I decided that wasn't any fun, and promptly broke it. The truck did make it back home, albeit with a few hiccups, in reliable Toyota style.

ECGS is only $600 for a front clam

 

[octanejunkie]

Sorry you broke your front ring gear

Are aftermarket gears an option for the front diff?

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[1985taylor1925]

COB, congrats on the new job. Thats the way to get a job! Can't beat not having to do interviews and compete for a position.

I remember like a year or so ago I asked you about body mounts. I think you had the Sonoran steel set maybe? Anyway my issue is the jittery feel I get in my truck, and I know a big part of it is movement in my oem original rubber bushings with 250k miles. Still haven't replaced them.

So, do you think these new energy bushings would resolve much of the jitters in my truck? I can tell you that everything in the suspension is tight. Wanted to get your opinion before spending money. Thanks

 

[TXCement17]

Well It took a few weeks to read through this bad boy and COB I would like to add myself to the people that are truly impressed with your work. Congrats on the the accomplishments you have made on the vehicles you have and congrats on the new job.
Hope to see the next 95 pages.

 

[b.moore2011]

Sweeeet

 

[puttster]

I know I'm a few years late but I just read your manual swap, and holy shit great job man! I nearly passed out when I saw this:

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

There is so much awesome in this I don't even know what to say. A job at energy suspension would be awesome, if it's right you know?

Turns out it was right, haha. The job has been great. Expense paid trips are a nice plus. Beats the hell out of the corporate Mercedes-Benz dealership BS. Funny thing is, a week after I stopped working there regularly (I am still employed by them), the dealer cleaned house and fired most of the upper management - heard it's much better since, less corruption.

Really glad to see you took the job! I will definitely have to swing by sometime. King is fun though, I have way more design freedom than I did before.

If you are interested, there is a meetup in Costa Mesa tomorrow at 11am, at Gunwhale Ales. Mostly 5th gens, but they are the only guys I have really wheeled with so far. It would be cool to meet you finally!

That sucks on the front diff though, I don't think I have ever seen a 4.56 front diff available anywhere. I hope you can get it sorted soon, if all else fails I am sure you know ECGS can get you one. Fully rebuilt new bearings and seals for like $650ish.

The gunwhale ales thing was a bust, missed you by minutes.

I checked out KING at SEMA. "Where's Jim?!" Couldn't find you there.

Nevermind the whole murder/accident thing... DAMN.

Was it never meant to be? Lol

ECGS is only $600 for a front clam

$600 for an open front diff? Lame, I'll spend more on the diffs when fun things happen. Don't care much for anything fancy now, because Supra. Can't help that...

Sorry you broke your front ring gear

Are aftermarket gears an option for the front diff?

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Yes, they are, but I'm looking for a cheap fix. At that point, I may as well regear the rear locker axle I've got and do a front/rear regear.

COB, congrats on the new job. Thats the way to get a job! Can't beat not having to do interviews and compete for a position.

I remember like a year or so ago I asked you about body mounts. I think you had the Sonoran steel set maybe? Anyway my issue is the jittery feel I get in my truck, and I know a big part of it is movement in my oem original rubber bushings with 250k miles. Still haven't replaced them.

So, do you think these new energy bushings would resolve much of the jitters in my truck? I can tell you that everything in the suspension is tight. Wanted to get your opinion before spending money. Thanks

This is kind of a while off, but I can say that these body mounts have significantly reduced the amount of movement between the body and frame. It has been a great help in handling considering how battered the old mounts were. The truck feels more planted and more precise. I would recommend the change.

The Polyurethane, even in the lighter density, is a lot sturdier than new rubber mounts.

Well It took a few weeks to read through this bad boy and COB I would like to add myself to the people that are truly impressed with your work. Congrats on the the accomplishments you have made on the vehicles you have and congrats on the new job.
Hope to see the next 95 pages.

Thank you for the kind words, sir. It's a long thread, I commend you! It has been almost 10 years since this truck became part of me, it has been solely responsible for the mod bug I still am a slave to If this thread makes it another 95 pages, it'll be a pleasure!

Did I ever finish the photobucket changeover? I've gotta check on that...

Sweeeet

Awesooome duuude!

I know I'm a few years late but I just read your manual swap, and holy shit great job man! I nearly passed out when I saw this:View attachment 271514

LOL wiring is so time consuming. That loom was a good week of my life at a point.

Thanks man, I learned so much from that swap, it was my first. Now about to perform swap #4 on a 1994 Supra turbo. Manual transmissions for the win!

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

This was a while ago, but I neglected to update the thread.

Diff #3 was the one, 4.56 from a Tacoma. Got two 4.30 diffs for sale, lol.

The NAPA axles have definitely seen some shit, and have been binding at full droop. Lifetime warranty for the win.

The CV seal was a little beat up where it met the diff, a little RTV fixed that right up.

Energy Suspension tie rod boots, 9.13101R

Energy Suspension bump stops for the rear, 8.9104R

Let's go test this ***** out...

 

[octanejunkie]

Nice update to this thread. How fitting, a job at Energy :thumb:

I might be interested in one of those 4.3 front diffs

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[theking11863]

Finally had a chance to catch up. Glad to see she's back up and running! What's gonna be the next addition?

 

[alanflies]

Awesome...Love the pic of the Supra peeking from behind that classic 2dr and the 3rd just hovering...

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

Nice update to this thread. How fitting, a job at Energy :thumb:

I might be interested in one of those 4.3 front diffs

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Hey octanejunkie, thank you. I've got both diffs if you still want one.

Finally had a chance to catch up. Glad to see she's back up and running! What's gonna be the next addition?

hey dude, nice to hear from you. Next up is more polyurethane bushings, a 4xinnovations R150F trans mount, and a new set of OEM motor mounts. After that will probably be exhaust.

Awesome...Love the pic of the Supra peeking from behind that classic 2dr and the 3rd just hovering...

Hey man, thank you. It was an every day sight for a while, but the MKIV took the garage over lol. Love your Lexus and 4Runner builds btw! That AC condenser works like a dream.