Daily Driver 3RZ 4Runner Build
- Thread starter UnderFire
- Start date
UnderFire
New member
Never saw this, but I just dropped in the trans and diff, since I went with the manual hubs there is literally nothing electronic that has to do with the 4WD, the only problem I had was the wire that went into the side of the trans (I think it's a speed sensor, now goes into the transfer case, and it wasn't long enough when it was mounted all factory, it barely reaches if you run it right.
UnderFire
New member
With some of these:
One of these:
And a little bit of this:
Anything is possible.
ound:
UnderFire
New member
As promised, the update.
First thing since the last post, had a rare car audio related local find, never see anything worthwhile, but apparently, this guy had this headunit in his Toyota crawler.
It's a DEH-P600UB, basically, a stripped down version of my headunit of choice, it has all the audio related goodies, 7 band EQ, adjustable HPF and LPF active crossovers, 3 sets of 4V RcA outs, built in direct iPod support, but none of the excess like full LCD screens or bluetooth. Only thing missing is Time Alignment and it might've been my new favorite.
Paid 40$, they usually go in the 130-150$ range.
Also, small but nice find, was out hitting garage sales and came across a guy with some random car parts, mostly stuff you'd find in the original fast and furious movie, but he had a couple 5' Firestiks, I picked them both up for 1$.
And the last real update, as promised, I'm installing the Apexi timer I basically got for free in the turd, because why not. I have it mounted up and partially wired in, I need to figure out which taps I want to use on the ignition wire and O2 sensor.
And that wraps up what I've actually gotten done since my last update, but I've been doing a lot of daydreaming about what I want to do and how.
First things first, I still want onboard air, and a good system, I want to be able to run air tools with ease. The system I'd like to use is the Viair 480C Dual pack, I've already acquired a piece of the onboard air puzzle, and the fittings and line are already laying around the shop as well, just need to nut up and get the Viairs.
My dad brought these to me from a truck they parted out at work, I'll probably only use one, they're pretty big, not sure on the size in gallons.
Here's how I'd like to mount everything up, using rough estimates and measurements, I'm thinking it should fit just right.
The plan is to build an enclosure, approx/size is 22" L, 12" D 14-14.5" W and rivet or weld it into the floor of the cargo area and build a removable hatch on top. Inside would be my spare battery (Freeing up all of my cargo space), and the two compressors, and on the left of that I'd mount the tank, and it should still all fit between the frame rails. Main obstacle would be chopping out the rear cross member/spare tire mount and building a new cross member that fit further back.
Once that was done, I'd run hard mounted air and electric recievers to the front and back like what's used on large service trucks.
With that space freed up, I'd be able to mount my 3rd row seat, I'm thinking of using a set of quick release seats mounts from either a dodge minivan or ford SUV and welding the receivers into the floor, that way it's a quick simple, no tools required removal/reinstall.
Other than that, I still have a stack of misc metal that we picked up like 6 months ago that I need to turn into a rear bumper/swing-out, but that idea's in my dad's head, so I can't really elaborate.
I'm also really tired of the body lift, it's ugly, and it's unwieldy looking, I'd like to ditch it altogether and clearance, but I may have to settle for 1" or so, still better than what I have now, only thing that's kept me from pulling it out and clearancing is the front bumper being made to fit it.
First thing since the last post, had a rare car audio related local find, never see anything worthwhile, but apparently, this guy had this headunit in his Toyota crawler.
It's a DEH-P600UB, basically, a stripped down version of my headunit of choice, it has all the audio related goodies, 7 band EQ, adjustable HPF and LPF active crossovers, 3 sets of 4V RcA outs, built in direct iPod support, but none of the excess like full LCD screens or bluetooth. Only thing missing is Time Alignment and it might've been my new favorite.
Paid 40$, they usually go in the 130-150$ range.
Also, small but nice find, was out hitting garage sales and came across a guy with some random car parts, mostly stuff you'd find in the original fast and furious movie, but he had a couple 5' Firestiks, I picked them both up for 1$.
And the last real update, as promised, I'm installing the Apexi timer I basically got for free in the turd, because why not. I have it mounted up and partially wired in, I need to figure out which taps I want to use on the ignition wire and O2 sensor.
And that wraps up what I've actually gotten done since my last update, but I've been doing a lot of daydreaming about what I want to do and how.
First things first, I still want onboard air, and a good system, I want to be able to run air tools with ease. The system I'd like to use is the Viair 480C Dual pack, I've already acquired a piece of the onboard air puzzle, and the fittings and line are already laying around the shop as well, just need to nut up and get the Viairs.
My dad brought these to me from a truck they parted out at work, I'll probably only use one, they're pretty big, not sure on the size in gallons.
Here's how I'd like to mount everything up, using rough estimates and measurements, I'm thinking it should fit just right.
The plan is to build an enclosure, approx/size is 22" L, 12" D 14-14.5" W and rivet or weld it into the floor of the cargo area and build a removable hatch on top. Inside would be my spare battery (Freeing up all of my cargo space), and the two compressors, and on the left of that I'd mount the tank, and it should still all fit between the frame rails. Main obstacle would be chopping out the rear cross member/spare tire mount and building a new cross member that fit further back.
Once that was done, I'd run hard mounted air and electric recievers to the front and back like what's used on large service trucks.
With that space freed up, I'd be able to mount my 3rd row seat, I'm thinking of using a set of quick release seats mounts from either a dodge minivan or ford SUV and welding the receivers into the floor, that way it's a quick simple, no tools required removal/reinstall.
Other than that, I still have a stack of misc metal that we picked up like 6 months ago that I need to turn into a rear bumper/swing-out, but that idea's in my dad's head, so I can't really elaborate.
I'm also really tired of the body lift, it's ugly, and it's unwieldy looking, I'd like to ditch it altogether and clearance, but I may have to settle for 1" or so, still better than what I have now, only thing that's kept me from pulling it out and clearancing is the front bumper being made to fit it.
UnderFire
New member
Small updates, mainly stuff I was putting off.
First off, got the wires tapped for the timer, works great.
Secondly, finally pounded the bejesus out of my pinch welds and inner fenders. (This is step numero uno for getting rid of this damn 3" BL.)
Then I wired in my CB to the fuse panel, had put it off when I did the original panel install because I thought the harness was too short, it was actually the perfect length.
And lastly tried to fix my crappy radio reception, I literally get nothing on FM, just fuzz, I figured it was because instead of welding the new mount on I had bolted it, so I put a nice fat weld on and that did absolutely nothing, so I chopped the ground wire in half and ran it straight to my fuse panel which I know has a great ground. Guess what, still nothing, I get one channel (107.9) just like before. WTF is wrong with my FM, I have changed every part, Headunit, Complete antenna assembly, grounding, and literally never had any change or improvement.
Also gave my fender wells a fresh coat of paint for shits and giggles.
First off, got the wires tapped for the timer, works great.
Secondly, finally pounded the bejesus out of my pinch welds and inner fenders. (This is step numero uno for getting rid of this damn 3" BL.)
Then I wired in my CB to the fuse panel, had put it off when I did the original panel install because I thought the harness was too short, it was actually the perfect length.
And lastly tried to fix my crappy radio reception, I literally get nothing on FM, just fuzz, I figured it was because instead of welding the new mount on I had bolted it, so I put a nice fat weld on and that did absolutely nothing, so I chopped the ground wire in half and ran it straight to my fuse panel which I know has a great ground. Guess what, still nothing, I get one channel (107.9) just like before. WTF is wrong with my FM, I have changed every part, Headunit, Complete antenna assembly, grounding, and literally never had any change or improvement.
Also gave my fender wells a fresh coat of paint for shits and giggles.
BrianSD_42
New member
Awesome thread. I can't believe I hadn't gone through it all before.
UnderFire
New member
Thank you. Another update will be coming within the next couple weeks hopefully.
UnderFire
New member
Premature update.
Got bored today and decided to go find some small stuff to do on the turd.
First off, painted up the windshield cowl, it was faded grey/nearly white since I got it, always wanted to paint it up but never had. It's nice and black now.
You can see I also popped the nozzles out of the hood, I don't know why, but it made me feel strange having the nozzles there since they were attached to nothing.
Then I rattle canned another part that I had wanted to since I got the runnner but never had, the door mirrors.
Went from this:
To this:
Actually did this like 3 weeks ago, finally got around to changing out my fuel filter, I actually bought this before I put the lift and whatnot on lol. It's a PITA on the 3RZ, I found the stock one wasn't bolted to anything and was causing a mystery rattle I had since I got the runner too, 2 birds with one stone.
And a big one, finally got the balls to drill into my quarter panel and mounted up one of the rear flare halves, the other side is MIA at the moment and I ran out of daylight, but it fits perfectly and it's gonna look real nice when I paint it up tomorrow.
Oh, and I've been seeing a lot of tuner cars and such with the back of the hood spaced up to make a little gap recently, thought it might look pretty cool on a 3rd gen, so I spaced my hood up a bit, I must say, I do like it.
Just placed a few orders a couple minutes ago, let's just say, there's a relatively large update coming in a couple weeks, hopefully this stuff can hold you over till then.
Got bored today and decided to go find some small stuff to do on the turd.
First off, painted up the windshield cowl, it was faded grey/nearly white since I got it, always wanted to paint it up but never had. It's nice and black now.
You can see I also popped the nozzles out of the hood, I don't know why, but it made me feel strange having the nozzles there since they were attached to nothing.
Then I rattle canned another part that I had wanted to since I got the runnner but never had, the door mirrors.
Went from this:
To this:
Actually did this like 3 weeks ago, finally got around to changing out my fuel filter, I actually bought this before I put the lift and whatnot on lol. It's a PITA on the 3RZ, I found the stock one wasn't bolted to anything and was causing a mystery rattle I had since I got the runner too, 2 birds with one stone.
And a big one, finally got the balls to drill into my quarter panel and mounted up one of the rear flare halves, the other side is MIA at the moment and I ran out of daylight, but it fits perfectly and it's gonna look real nice when I paint it up tomorrow.
Oh, and I've been seeing a lot of tuner cars and such with the back of the hood spaced up to make a little gap recently, thought it might look pretty cool on a 3rd gen, so I spaced my hood up a bit, I must say, I do like it.
Just placed a few orders a couple minutes ago, let's just say, there's a relatively large update coming in a couple weeks, hopefully this stuff can hold you over till then.
Mc1337sauce
New member
I like where this is going. :thumb:
Let me know how you like the radiator, I've been looking at all-aluminium ones off and on for a while...of course, only after I replaced my original with a new OEM Toyota one. Is that overflow tank a one-off?
Let me know how you like the radiator, I've been looking at all-aluminium ones off and on for a while...of course, only after I replaced my original with a new OEM Toyota one. Is that overflow tank a one-off?
UnderFire
New member
I bought the radiator after a short chat with rockdawg84, he's running one in "smokey" which is his 3.4 powered 3rd gen running like 12 pounds of boost with a 2.0" pulley on the TRD S/C. He said he has never overheated with it, and he isn't even running a shroud. Consider it sold lol.
I'm hoping the upgrades I do now will help save me money when the time comes that I'm finally ready to turbo the 4Runner.
And nope, it's not one-off, I found it on ebay after a few days of searching, I wanted something square (the round ones look goofy to me) that I could fit into the stock location, and this should work perfectly. A bit more than a factory replacement, but mine's totally shot and the bling factor got me lol.
Universal Fabricated Aluminum Coolant Expansion Catch Tank w Billet Cap | eBay
Scramble
New member
Sucks man, mine went at 143,000.
UnderFire
New member
Yea, my 4Runner has kind of a mysterious past so I was prepared for it to happen. No idea how many miles the thing actually has on it, about 156K on the ODO right now, but carfax builds all the way up from 76,008 in 2002 to 231,540 in October 2011, and then it moved to Oregon in March 2012 and the ODO drops back down to 137K, then it says no evidence of odometer tampering or rollback found, so who knows. :wtf:
She'll be good as new if not better in no time though. It's like my dad said when I broke the news, I wanted a project. :shrug:
UnderFire
New member
Today's parts came in.
The little unassuming bag of small metal parts is a balancing shaft delete kit from LCEngineering, and I finally decided on filters for my LightForces, these had to come all the way from Australia. I chose the Yellow combo filters.
Lookin good.
But not running so good, can you tell which cylinder has had coolant in it?
The little unassuming bag of small metal parts is a balancing shaft delete kit from LCEngineering, and I finally decided on filters for my LightForces, these had to come all the way from Australia. I chose the Yellow combo filters.
Lookin good.
But not running so good, can you tell which cylinder has had coolant in it?
UnderFire
New member
Last night I prepped the runner to be torn apart, while I was there, I re-ran my wiring for the switch panel and headlights that I had installed before the fuse panel went in under the hood so that they are both ran neatly into the fuse panel, only thing left is running the power supply for my seats over to the panel and my wiring will be all neat and tidy under the hood and throughout the rest of the car as well.
Just got done tearing into the engine, happy to report that the engine is completely 100% free of sludge, and is in excellent condition inside. Because of this I can save the timing parts and water pump that I already bought for when I go to build the engine I want to build for the turbo set-up. We're not seeing exactly where the headgasket was blown, it could be because I only drove ~10-20miles on it once it really went, but hopefully it doesn't end up being a cracked head, cylinder #1 was extremely clean and slightly rusty, as expected. The other 3 look like they were running well.
I've also decided to keep the balance shaft delete kit for the new motor too, since the front cover won't be coming off for any other reason.
Just got done tearing into the engine, happy to report that the engine is completely 100% free of sludge, and is in excellent condition inside. Because of this I can save the timing parts and water pump that I already bought for when I go to build the engine I want to build for the turbo set-up. We're not seeing exactly where the headgasket was blown, it could be because I only drove ~10-20miles on it once it really went, but hopefully it doesn't end up being a cracked head, cylinder #1 was extremely clean and slightly rusty, as expected. The other 3 look like they were running well.
I've also decided to keep the balance shaft delete kit for the new motor too, since the front cover won't be coming off for any other reason.
