Quick info, 96 4runner, 3.4, automatic, 254,000 miles. Previous owner installed a k&n intake, which appears to have had modifications, as there is a Brass fitting threaded into one spot on the tube, that wasn't a port originally. Other then that, the engine appears to be OE
So when I bought my 4runner, I always kept track of my fuel mileage out of habit burnt into me by my parents. When I first got it, it had spacers for bothering the suspension lift, I believe 2.5 inches, and another 2 inch body lift, with 285/75-16 Toyo MTs, in a 10 ply. Really heavy tires, but I'm not too heavy on the throttle and averaged between 15 and 17.5 miles per gallon, depending on how much highway driving was on the tank.
A few months ago, about 4,000 miles ago, I put new tires on it. I bought the truck from a coworker's brother, which it was my coworkers before that. So he told me he lifted it to go to 315s, so in my shopping, purchased 315/75-16 cooper STT pros. By weight, my tire weight increased from 67, to 69 pounds per tire. Not a lot worth mentioning. Considering I went taller and wider.
I knew the previous owner put plugs in it recently, but my coworker said he wasn't smart enough to make sure he got the right ones, so I put the correct dual prong spark plugs in.
Withing the first 100 miles of new tires, I replaced the front shocks, which appeared stock, with 5100s, removed spacers, installed spring perch on top notch to make sure my lift was equivalent. The tires rubbed the UCA, so then I put 1.25" wheel spacers on all 4 corners, and have left the suspension.
I noted the following tank was 13.5 miles per gallon. I knew it would drop, and 13.5 didn't seem too bad considering the increase in tire size. I averaged that same 13.5 for the next 3,000 miles.
2 months ago I rear ended another driver, no injuries but I hit him hard enough that it cracked an end tank on the radiator, I replaced the radiator, and at the same time replaced the thermostat. After this incident I noted that the heat worked better, so I likely had a thermostat that wasn't opening entirely. I figured my mileage may go up, considering the engine hasn't been at the correct temperature. I also cleaned the MAF, at the same time. And ran my first bottle of b12 injector cleaner through this truck.
Since this incident, my fuel mileage has been slowly dropping. The last 2 tanks were considerable. The tank prior was only 12.3, and this morning I filled up and got 11.3.
I've checked the tire pressure, and it is good. I noted a slight amount of play in the tie rod on the driver side when I checked the tire pressure, about 3 weeks ago, and I have noticed a slight miss at idle. And now I'm scratching my head a little.
I was hoping someone hear might have a few strong leads on what to try next. While I'm not as worried about the cost of fuel, but it is an obvious factor, I'm more worried that something is failing in the truck. The last thing I need is to get stuck somewhere, or not see a serious failure on it's way.
So when I bought my 4runner, I always kept track of my fuel mileage out of habit burnt into me by my parents. When I first got it, it had spacers for bothering the suspension lift, I believe 2.5 inches, and another 2 inch body lift, with 285/75-16 Toyo MTs, in a 10 ply. Really heavy tires, but I'm not too heavy on the throttle and averaged between 15 and 17.5 miles per gallon, depending on how much highway driving was on the tank.
A few months ago, about 4,000 miles ago, I put new tires on it. I bought the truck from a coworker's brother, which it was my coworkers before that. So he told me he lifted it to go to 315s, so in my shopping, purchased 315/75-16 cooper STT pros. By weight, my tire weight increased from 67, to 69 pounds per tire. Not a lot worth mentioning. Considering I went taller and wider.
I knew the previous owner put plugs in it recently, but my coworker said he wasn't smart enough to make sure he got the right ones, so I put the correct dual prong spark plugs in.
Withing the first 100 miles of new tires, I replaced the front shocks, which appeared stock, with 5100s, removed spacers, installed spring perch on top notch to make sure my lift was equivalent. The tires rubbed the UCA, so then I put 1.25" wheel spacers on all 4 corners, and have left the suspension.
I noted the following tank was 13.5 miles per gallon. I knew it would drop, and 13.5 didn't seem too bad considering the increase in tire size. I averaged that same 13.5 for the next 3,000 miles.
2 months ago I rear ended another driver, no injuries but I hit him hard enough that it cracked an end tank on the radiator, I replaced the radiator, and at the same time replaced the thermostat. After this incident I noted that the heat worked better, so I likely had a thermostat that wasn't opening entirely. I figured my mileage may go up, considering the engine hasn't been at the correct temperature. I also cleaned the MAF, at the same time. And ran my first bottle of b12 injector cleaner through this truck.
Since this incident, my fuel mileage has been slowly dropping. The last 2 tanks were considerable. The tank prior was only 12.3, and this morning I filled up and got 11.3.
I've checked the tire pressure, and it is good. I noted a slight amount of play in the tie rod on the driver side when I checked the tire pressure, about 3 weeks ago, and I have noticed a slight miss at idle. And now I'm scratching my head a little.
I was hoping someone hear might have a few strong leads on what to try next. While I'm not as worried about the cost of fuel, but it is an obvious factor, I'm more worried that something is failing in the truck. The last thing I need is to get stuck somewhere, or not see a serious failure on it's way.
