Headed West in my 2001 4Runner

[Unner]

Just make sure she is maintained well and you should be good to go. Highway driving is easier on cars than stop and go definitly.

My best advice would be make sure you have enough money for fuel. At 20mpg and $3/gal you're looking at nearly $1000.

I wouldn't worry too much really- you've driven it nearly 80,000 miles without issue.

When do you plan on leaving? You've got a helping hand here in Washington.

Wow, are you guys still paying $3 a gallon up there? Down here I just got gas yesterday for $2.11, that's for 87 though and I assume with the supercharger you have to run premium.

 

[A.Wilson013]

Wow, are you guys still paying $3 a gallon up there? Down here I just got gas yesterday for $2.11, that's for 87 though and I assume with the supercharger you have to run premium.

Yep. Paid $3.19 for premium this afternoon.

We took a trip out to Idaho a couple weeks ago and premium was $2.11 at one spot...

 

[hour]

Minor clarification - All odb2 blue tooth scanners are compatible with all fones, its the application you choose to use that needs to be compatible with your fone. Spend the $5 and buy the app, the free versions don't have all the features usually. Fun & Luck!

Apple phones are not compatible with all blue tooth code readers, or any that I've seen. I have three ELM327 modules from different companies, different form factors too so they're likely not all from the same factory in China or wherever. My old 4S, work 5C, and 6 are not compatible with any of them. All 6 of my Android phones and 5 tablets are fine (I develop iOS/android apps for a living, not a drug dealer)

Pro tip to OP: Buy a cheap ELM327 module from Amazon, $12-25. Whichever one you like the stars/reviews on the most. You should be able to find one with free shipping too via Amazon Prime (if you're a member) or add a few other items for your trip to your cart and get free shipping. I like my iSaddle a lot.

Buy a cheap pre-paid/no contract android 'burner' phone from Best Buy. My verizon (LG Optimus Exceed 2) required some code be punched in, found on youtube, to bypass the initial activation nag. My Boost Mobile (ZTE Speed) and Sprint (LG Tribute) phones simply required me to sign up online using bogus information, and then they give you the option to pay later but still get a code. This removes the hands-free activation prompts and you never have to think about it again.

TL;DR - consider a permanent installation of a cheapo phone with a cheapo bluetooth adapter using Torque free/paid. All can be had for under $50 depending on how fancy of a phone you want.

Anyway, you're hitting every state surrounding CO!? Head here if you have the time, and if you need to do an oil change or something I'll be around. Sounds like an awesome trip. Attempt to isolate/resolve any annoying rattles inside and out of the truck before you load her up with gear and sit in it for 100 hours

 

[HDouglas316]

Apple phones are not compatible with all blue tooth code readers, or any that I've seen. I have three ELM327 modules from different companies, different form factors too so they're likely not all from the same factory in China or wherever. My old 4S, work 5C, and 6 are not compatible with any of them. All 6 of my Android phones and 5 tablets are fine (I develop iOS/android apps for a living, not a drug dealer)

Pro tip to OP: Buy a cheap ELM327 module from Amazon, $12-25. Whichever one you like the stars/reviews on the most. You should be able to find one with free shipping too via Amazon Prime (if you're a member) or add a few other items for your trip to your cart and get free shipping. I like my iSaddle a lot.

Buy a cheap pre-paid/no contract android 'burner' phone from Best Buy. My verizon (LG Optimus Exceed 2) required some code be punched in, found on youtube, to bypass the initial activation nag. My Boost Mobile (ZTE Speed) and Sprint (LG Tribute) phones simply required me to sign up online using bogus information, and then they give you the option to pay later but still get a code. This removes the hands-free activation prompts and you never have to think about it again.

TL;DR - consider a permanent installation of a cheapo phone with a cheapo bluetooth adapter using Torque free/paid. All can be had for under $50 depending on how fancy of a phone you want.

Anyway, you're hitting every state surrounding CO!? Head here if you have the time, and if you need to do an oil change or something I'll be around. Sounds like an awesome trip. Attempt to isolate/resolve any annoying rattles inside and out of the truck before you load her up with gear and sit in it for 100 hours

Thanks for that advice. I found "ieGeek® WIFI Wireless OBD2 Auto Scanner Adapter Scan Tool for iPhone iPad iPod" on Amazon for $16, and it is supposedly compatible with iPhone 5s after I buy the $5 dollar app. Any thoughts?

Also, we will definitely be coming through CO on our way back to TN

 

[jgue467]

Apple phones are not compatible with all blue tooth code readers, or any that I've seen.

LOL - leave it to apple to fxck that up!

 

[jgue467]

...
Also, we will definitely be coming through CO on our way back to TN

Go for the ultimate freeway stress test on i70 west to east!

 

[hour]

Thanks for that advice. I found "ieGeek® WIFI Wireless OBD2 Auto Scanner Adapter Scan Tool for iPhone iPad iPod" on Amazon for $16, and it is supposedly compatible with iPhone 5s after I buy the $5 dollar app. Any thoughts?

Also, we will definitely be coming through CO on our way back to TN

I would say that looks good based on reviews, if you don't mind your primary phone running diagnostic software go for it.

And yes, ultimate stress test- i70 hah. Good call on swinging back through CO

 

[HDouglas316]

I would say that looks good based on reviews, if you don't mind your primary phone running diagnostic software go for it.

I know you mentioned running the software through an alternate phone, what is the reasoning behind that?

 

[bootown]

Thanks for the advice. I've checked most of those things, and had the truck inspected by a local Toyota mechanic when I had the U-joints replaced. He seemed to think everything looked good. I'll look into doing a trans cooler bypass.

1 - If your lower ball joints are original, it doesn't matter what any mechanic says about them...replace them. I have a friend who owns a shop and he replaced $4k (owners employer paid for it) in parts for his friends 4Runner. His words "just about everything except the LBJ's". He checked them too. A few days later one failed at 70mph.
2 - Bypass your radiator's transmission cooler or replace the radiator.
Other than fluids, those are the only two things I would personally do. Have fun and post up about spots you liked visiting!

 

[Fochps]

I'm here in PHX, AZ if you run into any trouble at all...!

 

[hour]

I know you mentioned running the software through an alternate phone, what is the reasoning behind that?

I wouldn't suggest it if it weren't so cheap to do. I also don't use bluetooth often and it sucks battery life, so it's nice to have a permanent install that sleeps/airplane modes when ignition is turned off / power is cut instead of turning on/off on my personal phone every time I run in to the store. Saves the hassle of plugging it in/disconnecting all the time. Can find a good permanent install spot and snake a USB cable there (right angle cable even) and then connect to hardwire USB port - which is what I did.

And checking texts when idling/at stop lights without having to suspend the diag app... or taking a call (if you don't have hands free phone capability through your head unit or something) is easier if you don't have to yank your phone out of a holder and possibly disconnect power if you did any sort of wire concealment.

 

[HDouglas316]

I wouldn't suggest it if it weren't so cheap to do. I also don't use bluetooth often and it sucks battery life, so it's nice to have a permanent install that sleeps/airplane modes when ignition is turned off / power is cut instead of turning on/off on my personal phone every time I run in to the store. Saves the hassle of plugging it in/disconnecting all the time. Can find a good permanent install spot and snake a USB cable there (right angle cable even) and then connect to hardwire USB port - which is what I did.

And checking texts when idling/at stop lights without having to suspend the diag app... or taking a call (if you don't have hands free phone capability through your head unit or something) is easier if you don't have to yank your phone out of a holder and possibly disconnect power if you did any sort of wire concealment.

That makes sense. I'm new to this so none of that even crossed my mind. I will probably end up buying a cheap phone, so I can keep using my personal phone as normal. Otherwise I think my iPhone will live on 5% battery.

Your way of doing things seems much more practical.

Thanks again for all your help. It's much appreciated.

 

[HDouglas316]

help

So i ran into a problem with the ODB-II tool. It won't seem to work on my 2001 4Runner. Each time I try the device will connect, but it continuously shows a message "Detecting Supported PIDs". This is as far as I can get; no diagnostics, readings, or really anything at all.

I tried it out on a 2003 Xterra and it works fine.

Any suggestions/ troubleshooting tips?

 

[hour]

Is this torque with android? I've never seen that message on any clean install of torque on multiple phones.

 

[psraff]

People are already posting support on your trip. I had a buddy from Australia, travel the US years ago. He met up with many people on that forum and they all helped make his trip something he'll never forget. I would try to plan basic stages and post them on this forum (even this thread) People will speak up and say to stop here or there and I bet many would PM you offering their phone numbers in case you need help. I have family still in Montana where I grew up. Glacier Park is breath taking.

 

[tothpl]

I would offer to join you, but unfortunately I got into a decent fender bender last weekend.
Ive been slowly planning a cross country trip over the past few months to take place in late summer, very similar to yours. Im not too far away from you either, in VA.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

Just know that if you do have any issues in norcal, I'll be around to help!

X2 on the transmission cooler

Yep. Best thing you can do is have some 4Runner brothers on the site along the way. We look out for each other. ;-)

Must read for you - pop over on the 5th gen forum and read CJ's "Last Hurrah" thread.

 

[tothpl]

Forgot to add my recommendations! I have family in southern Oregon, and definitely recommend heading through there to the coast.

Also, I was looking to do my trip on the Trans American Trail. its big with the motorcycle adventure riders. it starts in NC (I think) and ends in WA. the majority of it being dirt/off road.

 

[HDouglas316]

Is this torque with android? I've never seen that message on any clean install of torque on multiple phones.

No. I have the Dash Command app for iPhone.

 

[HDouglas316]

People are already posting support on your trip. I had a buddy from Australia, travel the US years ago. He met up with many people on that forum and they all helped make his trip something he'll never forget. I would try to plan basic stages and post them on this forum (even this thread) People will speak up and say to stop here or there and I bet many would PM you offering their phone numbers in case you need help. I have family still in Montana where I grew up. Glacier Park is breath taking.

I'll definitely post a tenative schedule on here soon. We're leaving from Nashville, TN on June 3rd..... returning about a 5-6 weeks later.