Couple Questions on my 98 4runner

[masphx]

Hi,

Bought my new 1998 5speed 4x4 4runner two weeks ago. Since then put just under 1000 miles on her.

Just some questions on some things...

-Tacoma Whip Mod. Can someone link me to the best guild to converting broken power antenna to the whip antenna. If I need parts should I get then at the dealership?

-Suspension. Truck has 169,000 miles on her and all suspension components look original. I'm sure shocks on other things should be replaced since the truck seems pretty 'bouncy' and rocks when I come to a stop. PLMK what parts I should replace and is it a DIY job or better handled by a mechanic (I'm simi-handy around cars but never done a suspension job)? Just looking for a basic replacement of suspension here. Not really looking to lift the truck at this time. How much should these parts cost?

-Noise - With windows down and engine engaged with the 5speed transmission truck makes a 'light metal' sound for a split second around the 2500 rpm spot. I have revved the engine while not engaged with the transmission and no sound. This sound does not always happen. I would say about 40% of the time. If I get close or stick around the 2500 rpm zone the sound will stick around a little bit longer. My question is what could this sound be and should I be concerned? Should I check for anything? I know this is a sound question and I'm even having a problem describing the sound. I might youtube this and post the link here if that helps.

-5speed - while going slow in 1st gear should it be easy to 'slip' the transmission out of 1st and into neutral w/o pushing on the clutch? This happened one time while I was resting my hand on the stick.

-Paint- Color of truck is white and paint is mostly original from 1998. I think the truck sat outside in Dewey, AZ for awhile and paint is faded. It's even chalky in some spots. Can I do anything to restore the paint a little? Does not have to be perfect since it is white but would like to stop anymore damage from happening to the paint. Would a simple wax job help or will the fading and chalking continue?

-roof rack- Already have the OEM rack but think a aftermarket one would look better. What is the 'best' rack to get in your opinion. Please inclued costs and pictures if you could

-fuel filter- is this an easy DIY job? Costs and where I should get the part if so?

I know, its a lot of questions so thanks for the read and reply. It's cool to reply even if you only have one answer.

Thanks,

Mason

Here is a picture of the 4runner. Running boards have been removed...

 

[cj80cruiser]

I want to do the whip mod myself one day but I haven't researched it out for all the parts needed.

Do you have any pics of the truck? You may be able to sand and reapply some clear coat to the faded sections.

 

[SlowYourRoll]

5speed - its normal to be able to slip out of gear without clutch in. in reality, you could shift all the way up to 5th without putting in the clutch, just as long as your shifting at the right rpm. not sure the explanation behind this.

roof rack - I'm about to install a thule tracker rack on my '99. It has the square load bars which I like better than round. Got mine used, but new will be about $300.

Welcome!

 

[4-Ripcord]

Hi,

Bought my new 1998 5speed 4x4 4runner two weeks ago. Since then put just under 1000 miles on her.

Just some questions on some things...

-Tacoma Whip Mod. Can someone link me to the best guild to converting broken power antenna to the whip antenna. If I need parts should I get then at the dealership?
Check in my build thread (link is in sig) I did a pretty extensive write-up with links and part numbers and such.

-Suspension. Truck has 169,000 miles on her and all suspension components look original. I'm sure shocks on other things should be replaced since the truck seems pretty 'bouncy' and rocks when I come to a stop. PLMK what parts I should replace and is it a DIY job or better handled by a mechanic (I'm simi-handy around cars but never done a suspension job)? Just looking for a basic replacement of suspension here. Not really looking to lift the truck at this time. How much should these parts cost?
Take a look at the Sonoran Steel 3.0 system

-Noise - With windows down and engine engaged with the 5speed transmission truck makes a 'light metal' sound for a split second around the 2500 rpm spot. I have revved the engine while not engaged with the transmission and no sound. This sound does not always happen. I would say about 40% of the time. If I get close or stick around the 2500 rpm zone the sound will stick around a little bit longer. My question is what could this sound be and should I be concerned? Should I check for anything? I know this is a sound question and I'm even having a problem describing the sound. I might youtube this and post the link here if that helps.
Where about does the sound come from? Idk, its too late to trouble shoot.


-roof rack- Already have the OEM rack but think a aftermarket one would look better. What is the 'best' rack to get in your opinion. Please inclued costs and pictures if you could
Yakima all the way!
They come up in the classifieds kinda often, search in there.


-fuel filter- is this an easy DIY job? Costs and where I should get the part if so?
Yes it easy.
5VZ V6 4runner fuel filter write up with pics

Answers in bold.

 

[Hepar]

The "best" rack can be subjective. What do you plan on using it for the most? I use mine to haul surfboards, skis/snowboards and occasionally some crashpads (if there's an overflow), so a good set of bars is what I went with. I chose the Thule ones because I too prefer the square over the round. That being said, if I needed a roof rack to haul stuff, then I would have gone with the Gobi. Expensive as h*ll, but it's got the best design in my opinion.

 

[masphx]

Thanks for all the replies guys.

So...

-Tacoma Whip Mod -Thanks for the link. I will dig into this one pretty soon.

-Suspension. This one is kind of pricey. Will replace in a few months but still need to reseach so more info please

-5speed- Thanks for the info. One concern laid to rest.

-Noise - I will need to get you guys more info on the noise.

-Paint- would like some more info or tips please

-roof rack- Would like to be able to carry more stuff if need and use as a ski/snow board transporter when needed. Any rack that can do both?

-fuel filter- Thanks for the link. It does look easy. Where should I order the parts for this and the taco whip mod?

Thanks again,

Mason

 

[4-Ripcord]

Get the cheaper OEM parts from the dealer. For more expensive OEM parts, use a toyota parts wholesaler website. But for the cheaper stuff, the shipping will even out the cost anyways so the dealer is just quicker.


This thread has the OEM part numbers for the springs http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/88831-rear-coil-advice-2002-sr5-sport-4wd.html. Its the same springs Sonoran Steel puts in the 3.0 kit. You can either get OEM replacement shocks or go with aftermarket like Bilstien or something.

With the rack, kind of obvious. If you want to carry boards you need to be able to mount a board carrier. If you want to carry cargo, get a cargo basket (such as Yakima Loadwarrior). Some cargo baskets have the ability to mount a snowboard carrier on top of them, but that's a lot of money all added up and height becomes a concern.

Do you really think you will carry so much cargo that the interior space is not enough? If so get a cargo basket. If not just get a board carrier for about 100 and call it a day. The stock crossbars like you have are fine for mounting a carrier.