Gotta Start Somewhere

Swapping out the blown X-REAS. Was gonna do a more drastic upgrade, but found a few deals I can't turn down, and will indulge 'down the road'.

Sourced:

Front OEM coilovers, 20K - $90.00 to my door
Rear OEM springs, couple years old - $50.00 to my door

Need rear shocks.
 
The front coilovers arrived, side specific. I could not make out the published part numbers on them to differentiate, stickers obliterated. They are published as driver side is SR4131, passenger SR4130.

However, there are yellow plastic wrap-around stickers on each, attached to the springs about mid-way, both still easily legible, undamaged. RW 1023 and RW 1022.

So I called/emailed KYB and learned over the phone and in email response, the higher number sequence is driver, lower is passenger. Thus:

SR4131 = RW 1023 = Driver
SR4130 = RW 1022 = Passenger

J0pzCy1.jpg
 
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With the currently blown X-REAS, height values, measured in inches, ground to edge of fender, middle of the wheel:

LF - 32 7/8, RF - 33
LR - 35 5/8, RR - 35 7/8

3" of rake! The rear springs must still be in decent shape...? Will be interesting to see if that is maintained.
 
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Gang's all here...Intended to upgrade rear bushings, end links, etc, and source the parts myself, but can't figure out which/what is needed and I'm not gonna dick around with ordering/sending back, so I guess will just let the shop do the minimum, unfortunately.

These springs look new, so I am sure they are fresh. Even with the X-REAS blown, there is still 3" of conventional rake, am thinking that I really didn't need to replace the rear springs, even with 120K on them.

As long as I don't end up with greater than the 3", I'll be happy.

qAFunDM.jpg
 
Well, now this is nice. The installer replaced worn sway bar links, both sides, plus the right outer tie-rod. The tie rod was loose, probably responsible for the steering wheel shake at high speeds.

He said good thing the left front alignment was dead on, otherwise would have needed new bolts, they were so rusty. Otherwise, said the frame was solid, no major rust damage. He wants the chance to put new billies on there at some point.

The Runner rides much better than even before the x-reas failed, not even a close comparison. (I still think this could be partly explained by the odo being turned back by somebody, probably the used car dealer who sold it to me.)

For the guys who say they like the x-reas ride, when upgraded you are in for a big surprise. This stock suspension aint too shabby.
 
O'Reilly's 55 bucks

300 hours, less than the cheaper ones, doesn't seem like a lot to me, on the package they estimate typical is 100 per year. I guess the next 3 years will tell whether the improved brightness is worth it.

Will say, sometimes night-time driving is a b*tch, especially in the rain.

ryo4yFKm.jpg
 
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No discernible damage to the existing bulb (on the left), however, the new one in the same socket does work.

Before removing the socket, I had to clean up some battery acid blooming on the brace so I didn't get any of the substance on my jacket. I noticed some white remnants around the socket, also, (you can see it in the pic), hope none of that got in there to bugger up the fitting, etc. If the new one goes fast, that will mean there's another issue with that socket. Passenger side seems fine.

MmoLhhhh.jpg
 
So, after switching out the xreas, which was pretty bad, with stock parts, ended up with an overall lift of about an inch...plus, a slight decrease in rake, kinda happy about that.

Before:

32 7/8_______33

35 5/8_______35 7/8

After:

34__________34 1/8

35 7/8_______36 3/8
 
The Battery

I'm so ashamed, got stuck with a AAA battery...:ohwell:

I called a shop that had an interstate ready to go. Problem was, I went to start the vehicle and the battery already failed bad enough, and it was nothing but clicks.

I had to call AAA for a tow, but they sent out a guy with a van instead. I would have had to send him away, then wait another 2 hrs for a tow truck, then tow to the shop. Just didn't seem to make sense to do that, when I have a guy sitting in the driveway with a battery ready to go...crud.

UMCSb0a.jpg
 
What's missing...???

F4seoqWl.jpg


Recent routine maintenance and the advisor mentioned the running boards weren't attached at the front any more. Of course, I knew that and think when I pulled out the X-REAS, the installer used the wrong lift and popped the bolts. The running boards always seemed to be in the way, so for no charge had them yanked off. Barely notice the difference.
 
>>>> ATTENTION! <<<<

Upgraded to 2019 SR5 base model, 87,000+ miles. Further details, mods to follow.

First dumb thing I did was while driving today the yellow triangular exclamation light was occasionally flashing, beeping, while a red light flashed for just a fraction of a second. Tailgate was not closed all the way.

But, I have an excuse. My '04 Sport had the motor that latched the tailgate all the way. I think within about a year or so I should get used to it...?

:embarassed:
 
>>>> ATTENTION! <<<<

Upgraded to 2019 SR5 base model, 87,000+ miles. Further details, mods to follow...

Most Gen. 4 owners will upgrade to 5 at some point. Wire harness on mine is getting brittle so life span is finite. I'm on the fence about old vs. new. Both run the same frame and nearly the same 1GR-FE. However, I've read the 5 weighs more than the 4. I've seen weight difference as high as 700 pounds which is hard to believe.
 
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Most Gen. 4 owners will upgrade to 5 at some point. Wire harness on mine is getting brittle so life span is finite. I'm on the fence about old vs. new. Both run the same frame and nearly the same 1GE-FE. However, I've read the 5 weighs more than the 4. I've seen weight difference as high as 700 pounds which is hard to believe.
I had to, the frame rust advanced too much. The SR5 has fewer conveniences than the '04, and I miss them. I'm fine with the increased weight, because I like the ride of as heavy vehicle. If I lived in SOCAL, Runner paradise, I might prefer a Gen 4.
 
I almost got a Gen5 but I just didn't like it as much and wanted a car my wife would be ok driving. I don't like the window switch placement and some other things including handling. I still have the rusty framed Gen4 but not sure for how much longer. My new to me current driver is an 18 Honda Pilot which she does like to drive. She never liked the 4runners, too hard to climb into. I'll kinda miss 4x4 low but I rarely used it. Always seems to be trade offs.

Good luck with the Gen5.
 
I almost got a Gen5 but I just didn't like it as much and wanted a car my wife would be ok driving. I don't like the window switch placement and some other things including handling. I still have the rusty framed Gen4 but not sure for how much longer. My new to me current driver is an 18 Honda Pilot which she does like to drive. She never liked the 4runners, too hard to climb into. I'll kinda miss 4x4 low but I rarely used it. Always seems to be trade offs.

Good luck with the Gen5.
^^^^ Thanks. Always the trade offs. And there are plenty of changes that I don't like, either, and I agree about the window buttons. Yes, it is harder to get in, but easy to get out of, at least for me. On good tires, with the stock suspension, the handling and ride is as smooth as any luxury car or sedan.

Another positive, there is a huge cottage industry of Gen 5 aftermarket mods, so much to choose from.
 

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