DangerDanJD
New member
Purchased my 1st 4Runner back in November and have been working on her since so I thought I would start a thread. My rig is a 1995 3.0 with 4wd, automatic, 4.6 gear ratio. Originally came with 225/75/15. When picked her up, she had a bald set of 285's on some 16 wheels from a 3rd gen. Interior was in great shape, couple small cracks in the dash and one small tear in driver's seat. AC blew cold, all power windows working. It did have a check engine light that was attributed to a leaky valve cover gasket at my PPI. I purchased her with around 165,000 miles for $900. Here she is recently after purchase.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/142264377@N03/28169228932/in/dateposted-public/" title="3CC5CCB6-DBB0-4F82-BF43-50ECDE0EDA68"><img src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8727/28169228932_58afe06d0a_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="3CC5CCB6-DBB0-4F82-BF43-50ECDE0EDA68"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
She looks pretty good from the pic. You can't tell but about half the panels have zero clear coat and the hood has hail damage. Truck had a severe case of rear sag.
The first thing I did was replaced the tires with a new set of 285 Yokahama Geolanders, added a Vortex Rola roof rack with extension and gave her an oil change. I realized later that she was missing the front skid plate, more to come on that later. Next pick is with new tires and the rack (before I put on the extension)
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41120628@N04/22525921134/in/dateposted-public/" title="1995 4Runner SR5"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/752/22525921134_dff63fdb00_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="1995 4Runner SR5"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Up next was a fix to the dreaded rear sag. I went with new Moog Springs and Skyjacker shocks all the way around. No more rear sag and greatly improved ride. Prior to the upgrade, she drove move like a boat. After the upgrade, she drives like a more maneuverable boat!
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/142264377@N03/27991832060/in/dateposted-public/" title="0BCD7F3E-B7D0-472C-A063-6796D4337AB4"><img src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7480/27991832060_454607506b_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="0BCD7F3E-B7D0-472C-A063-6796D4337AB4"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Then things went downhill. Actually more like dead at the bottom of a hill about 1/2 mile from the nearest road. After using a friend's truck to pull mine to the closest road, I got her loaded up on a flatbed and towed to my mechanic. Engine problems are over my head. It appeared to be a blown head gasket and when the motor was pulled, it was clear the heads had been worked on in the past. So, instead of trying to rebuild it again, I decided to go with a reman'd engine.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/142264377@N03/28238849506/in/dateposted-public/" title="D6E2FE16-BD3E-4830-B50C-063D42EBAB81"><img src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8804/28238849506_6c6b83091a_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="D6E2FE16-BD3E-4830-B50C-063D42EBAB81"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I seriously looked into upgrading to a 3.4 but there were not any local shops that were experienced and it looked like it was going to cost me more than I wanted to spend, complicated a bit by the fact that I wanted to keep the automatic so the wife could drive it. I decided to try for a slight upgrade and ordered a super stock "upgraded" 3.0 from Oregon Engine Builders. John was good to deal with and the new motor shipped and arrived quickly from Oregon all the way to East Tennessee.
We had some issued during the install, lots of issues with a code 52 check engine light resulting in almost now power. We tried pretty much everything, first replaced the wiring harness, then replaced the knock sensor, then replaced the ECU (anyone need a ECU, I have an extra), with no success. Finally, we tried a straight from the Toyota dealer OEM check engine sensor and solved the issue.
I'm about 1000 miles into the new engine and it does have noticeably more power than before, but I can't comment on whether it puts out more power than a new 3.0. I"m quite satisfied with it and the service from Oregon Engine Builders. She still a 3.slow. As part of the install, the distributor, wires and plugs as well as any other parts needing love, were are replaced.
I next upgraded the sound system. I went the budget route, Front: Blaupunkt GTx 402's 4 inch ($30)l Rear: Memphis Audio 15-SRX64 6.5 inch ($40); Headunit: Pioneer MVH-X380BT ($70). I now have bluetooth and handsfree calling. It works very well for the price.
Most recently I added a light bar, Aresonal Offroad 42 inch curved bar with slag factor mounts. The mounts are a little pricey but work great. I also plasti-dipped the wheel, not convinced I will keep it. Here she is as she sits now, taken this afternoon in the Great Smokey Mountain National Park, just a 45 minute drive from my place.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/142264377@N03/27991832110/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_0546"><img src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8886/27991832110_473f48be51_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_0546"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Have a skid plate on the way and considering removing the running boards. More to come.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/142264377@N03/28169228932/in/dateposted-public/" title="3CC5CCB6-DBB0-4F82-BF43-50ECDE0EDA68"><img src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8727/28169228932_58afe06d0a_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="3CC5CCB6-DBB0-4F82-BF43-50ECDE0EDA68"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
She looks pretty good from the pic. You can't tell but about half the panels have zero clear coat and the hood has hail damage. Truck had a severe case of rear sag.
The first thing I did was replaced the tires with a new set of 285 Yokahama Geolanders, added a Vortex Rola roof rack with extension and gave her an oil change. I realized later that she was missing the front skid plate, more to come on that later. Next pick is with new tires and the rack (before I put on the extension)
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41120628@N04/22525921134/in/dateposted-public/" title="1995 4Runner SR5"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/752/22525921134_dff63fdb00_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="1995 4Runner SR5"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Up next was a fix to the dreaded rear sag. I went with new Moog Springs and Skyjacker shocks all the way around. No more rear sag and greatly improved ride. Prior to the upgrade, she drove move like a boat. After the upgrade, she drives like a more maneuverable boat!
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/142264377@N03/27991832060/in/dateposted-public/" title="0BCD7F3E-B7D0-472C-A063-6796D4337AB4"><img src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7480/27991832060_454607506b_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="0BCD7F3E-B7D0-472C-A063-6796D4337AB4"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Then things went downhill. Actually more like dead at the bottom of a hill about 1/2 mile from the nearest road. After using a friend's truck to pull mine to the closest road, I got her loaded up on a flatbed and towed to my mechanic. Engine problems are over my head. It appeared to be a blown head gasket and when the motor was pulled, it was clear the heads had been worked on in the past. So, instead of trying to rebuild it again, I decided to go with a reman'd engine.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/142264377@N03/28238849506/in/dateposted-public/" title="D6E2FE16-BD3E-4830-B50C-063D42EBAB81"><img src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8804/28238849506_6c6b83091a_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="D6E2FE16-BD3E-4830-B50C-063D42EBAB81"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I seriously looked into upgrading to a 3.4 but there were not any local shops that were experienced and it looked like it was going to cost me more than I wanted to spend, complicated a bit by the fact that I wanted to keep the automatic so the wife could drive it. I decided to try for a slight upgrade and ordered a super stock "upgraded" 3.0 from Oregon Engine Builders. John was good to deal with and the new motor shipped and arrived quickly from Oregon all the way to East Tennessee.
We had some issued during the install, lots of issues with a code 52 check engine light resulting in almost now power. We tried pretty much everything, first replaced the wiring harness, then replaced the knock sensor, then replaced the ECU (anyone need a ECU, I have an extra), with no success. Finally, we tried a straight from the Toyota dealer OEM check engine sensor and solved the issue.
I'm about 1000 miles into the new engine and it does have noticeably more power than before, but I can't comment on whether it puts out more power than a new 3.0. I"m quite satisfied with it and the service from Oregon Engine Builders. She still a 3.slow. As part of the install, the distributor, wires and plugs as well as any other parts needing love, were are replaced.
I next upgraded the sound system. I went the budget route, Front: Blaupunkt GTx 402's 4 inch ($30)l Rear: Memphis Audio 15-SRX64 6.5 inch ($40); Headunit: Pioneer MVH-X380BT ($70). I now have bluetooth and handsfree calling. It works very well for the price.
Most recently I added a light bar, Aresonal Offroad 42 inch curved bar with slag factor mounts. The mounts are a little pricey but work great. I also plasti-dipped the wheel, not convinced I will keep it. Here she is as she sits now, taken this afternoon in the Great Smokey Mountain National Park, just a 45 minute drive from my place.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/142264377@N03/27991832110/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_0546"><img src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8886/27991832110_473f48be51_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_0546"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Have a skid plate on the way and considering removing the running boards. More to come.
