Going to the junk yard for parts...

[jpless]

In my need to replace my ac condenser and not being able to order it yet due to $, I thought about going to a junk yard to try and find one.

I called a few places and those that could tell me inventory didn't have any 03-09 t4rs but I may venture out to one of the larger ones that couldn't tell me anything. It's about 45 minutes away but could be worth the trip.

In case I do find a t4r, I'm starting to think of other parts I may want to pull while I can.

Any suggestions?

I was thinking I would pull the center console of one if I found it so I could have it spare ( already would like to replace the silver molding since it's scratched).

Also thought about grabbing an hvac unit, cup holder insert, the little compartment under the hvac that pops out, lower grill valence (possible mod attempt).

If anyone has any requests I can try and grab other parts too if I find them and turn em around for cost+shipping+a couple bucks for pulling, depending on the part.

 

[purrfactor]

i would love a replacement gear shift, but prefer a cool TRD one out of a tacoma

 

[jpless]

i'll keep an eye out and let you know. I'll pretty much make a list from this thread before I go and see what I can find. There will be a limit as to what I can get if I do find one, as I said, i'm on a tight budget! I'll do what I can though!

 

[nashman69g]

when I go to junk yards, I always grab light bulbs and fasteners (plastic and metal ones). It's always nice to have extra screws, nuts, bolts, trim fasteners, etc. Also, I like to get wire harnesses, switches, fuses, and relays. I find the yards don't really charge you for the little items. I usually will spend some hours in a yard if I find a vehicle to strip. Bring a decent set of tools. I bring sockets, wrenches, vice grips, pliers (needle and regular), wire cutters, trim remover tool, and if possible an extra hand or two.

 

[jpless]

good call on all the little things nashman. I was thinking about that, anything small that i notice I'll probably grab just in case!

i think im actually going to go next weekend (15th or 16th) since I get paid next week. That'll give me more room to get things for myself and others on here.

 

[Mike07SE]

4 years old and how is your A/C condensor out?

Word of caution, used A/C parts are ticking time bombs. Any moisture, dirt, dust, contamination from an open lined A/C system (especially junk yard if sitting a little while) will cause problems.

 

[jpless]

thanks for the caution! I nicked my condenser while drilling holes to mount my aux tranny cooler. Bought it last July and one of the things I loved was that I didnt have to fix the AC in my 98 at that point. Now I caused the problem for myself with the new one.

 

[dcon]

I've been trying to find a junkyard in my area that has a 4th gen 4wd 4Runner but haven't had much success. If you do find one I need a harmonic dampener for the transfer case plus the 2 bolts. I plan to install it on my 2010 4Runner since Toyota eliminated it due to cost cutting. I'm pretty sure it will fix drive train drone on my 2010 4Runner because that is its sole purpose is to eliminate drone. Toyota is refusing to install the dampener even though the 2010 GX460 still has one, I'm starting to really hate Toyota's cost cutting attitude. Please if you find one I'll be glad to pay you for it.

 

[Tempsho]

What do you figure that dampener is worth from the dealership? Do the 4th and 5th gen 4Runners use the same t-case?

 

[dcon]

What do you figure that dampener is worth from the dealership? Do the 4th and 5th gen 4Runners use the same t-case?

I'm not sure what the stealership will charge for it. Yes, 4th and 5th gen 4Runner, and also the 1st and 2nd gen Lexus GX share the same t-case. Toyota sucks for cutting the dampener out of the 5th gen 4Runner.

 

[jpless]

i'm sure if I find an 03-09 I'll be able to find that part. Like I said above, I'm not planning to charge much beyond cost, just a few bucks to make up gas and time and to pay me back for any sweat and blood I may spill haha. The prices are pretty standard at this place. I don't think I'll get a condenser unless the runner's in excellent condition (per Mike's caution) but they said the part is like $12.50 if I find it!

 

[Mike07SE]

Rockauto.com has a condensor for $102, that doesn't sound bad. However, I can't vouch for the quality of the part. Upside to it though which would make it more expensive and I also just realized why a junk yard condensor really won't work... the drier/accumulator is a part of it unlike most cars. Once this part is exposed to air, it's pretty much useless.

I see you're in the DC area, what junkyard you going to?

 

[810moto]

I'm not sure what the stealership will charge for it. Yes, 4th and 5th gen 4Runner, and also the 1st and 2nd gen Lexus GX share the same t-case. Toyota sucks for cutting the dampener out of the 5th gen 4Runner.

hey DCON....where is a good junk yard with some 4th gens out here in SoCal? I'm in the LBC.
thanks

 

[jpless]

I see you're in the DC area, what junkyard you going to?

Yea I think ive decided against getting the compressor from the yard but I still want to go to check it out.

I'm going to go to Crazy Ray's in Jessup, MD right off of Rt 1.

 

[dcon]

hey DCON....where is a good junk yard with some 4th gens out here in SoCal? I'm in the LBC.
thanks

That's the problem I had, none of the junk/salvage yards from Los Angeles down to San Diego County had a 4th gen 4Runner available to pick parts from. They told me it was rare for them to get a 2003-2009 4Runner in their yards. You want to check with Ecology Auto Parts Inc. from time to time.

 

[810moto]

That's the problem I had, none of the junk/salvage yards from Los Angeles down to San Diego County had a 4th gen 4Runner available to pick parts from. They told me it was rare for them to get a 2003-2009 4Runner in their yards. You want to check with Ecology Auto Parts Inc. from time to time.

good thing for having such a great vehicle...sucks for finding parts.