I got me a 4runner - it's a blank canvas, what should I do?

[rossgoldie]

Best exterior upgrade you can do is strip off the running boards. Its fun and its free!:reddance:

 

[funstuie]

Got it home tonight. Pics later.

The driver and passenger seats are manky and the steering wheel is a mess.

Exterior is ok but it's got some long life scars.

 

[funstuie]

So I got 2 keys. One for the door and one for the ignition.

Is there anyway I could get push button fob for central locking? I having to use the key to open the door.

 

[funstuie]

oh and the antenna doesn't go all the way back in. It retracts but around 6 inches sticks out.

 

[seank]

oh and the antenna doesn't go all the way back in. It retracts but around 6 inches sticks out.

I don't know about the two key thing, but it sounds like the ignition was replaced by the PO. Search around for re-coding the remote. FWIW, mine didn't even come with a fob, just means I won't accidentally leave it unlocked is how I see it.

For the antenna, it just needs to be replaced. Not an uncommon problem with any power antenna. If you haven't realized it yet people around here prefer and suggest OEM replacement parts. I'm pretty sure that would be expensive for a whole power antenna unit. If you think you're heading for a more rugged vehicle look into the Taco whip mod, it would give you a static whip antenna and great reception. Just make sure you take it off before hitting any car washes or it could snap off.

 

[3bears]

If you want to stay stock antenna, you might not have to replace the entire unit. Just the antenna with the plastic geared shaft thingy.
I would not go aftermarket on this, I have read too many issues with theose replacement masts .( wrong size, thin, short life)
Just go to amazon and read the negative reviews of the cheap ones. You most likely will have to pull the unit, disassemble and pull out the broken piece of the old mast. Pretty easy.
Or like others have said, go with the Taco whip

 

[funstuie]

Just noticed there is a whole in the passenger headlight! So I need to replace that.

Anyone know good salvage yards in the bay area?

 

[funstuie]

I finally got a good poke around this afternoon - This is the state of the front seats after I took off the disgusting seat covers (which a previous owner had left stuff in the map pockets - mc donalds wrappers, tissue - you know the good stuff):

and this is the steering wheel after I removed the stinking cover that was on there:

I have ordered a full set of Wet Okole seat covers (front and back) but I couldn't sit on that until they arrived so I went to Costco and got their cheap version (on offer at $14). Not the greatest fit but they are new and clean:

I also fitting the WheelSkin I received today:

The fit is not perfect (I think it's because the original leather all just flaked/fell off so there was a little bit more room. Also it doesn't cover the spokes but I figure this will get me through until I can work out a long term replacement. The WheelSkin is relatively easy to fit and stitch.

Few more pics of my discoveries:

Around the fenders is a bit cracked:

Anyone know how I fix that?

Paint is peeling on the roof rack:

This this will buff out?:

There's a hole in my headlight:

 

[funstuie]

So I killed the battery. No idea what I did or how I did it but it would need a jump everytime to start and then wouldn't restart.

So $200 on an Optima Red Top and it's all working again.

 

[rossgoldie]

To hold you off until you change the headlight case, you can drill a hole or two in the bottom of the case to drain the water. This happened to me and it worked great

 

[blairracd]

I would assess that extra tenth of a liter you have.


Kidding..Since you're new to it, lol.
3.4 V6!

 

[quickanddirty]

Lift!

I also live in the bay area... Check out ToyConnection on Comstock, it's a Toyota ONLY junkyard (Candyland for gear heads). They're always busy, but worth the wait and they do awesome work/have EVERY part you could possibly want.

First thing I did was redo my lift:
Rear: OME 891 coils and OME shocks (3" lift)
Front: OME 880s and Bilstein 5100 adjustable lift shocks (2.5" total)

I already had 31" Goodyear Duratrac's, they're pretty bouncy on the road, but good for wheeling.

I haven't built a bumpers yet, so she's stock weight. If you plan to add bumpers, go with the stiffer front coils. She rides like a brick, but after putting the Bilstein 5125's on the rear the first time around, I'll take the stiffness any day! The 5125's were TERRIBLY SOFT, it was dangerously uncomfortable to drive at freeway speeds without hauling ANYTHING.

 

[Charlene]

There's a hole in my headlight:

Hey I actually have a passenger side headlight that is all bubble wrapped and ready to be shipped that someone backed out on my a while back! It's in great condition. I can get some pics if you are interested.

 

[funstuie]

Hey I actually have a passenger side headlight that is all bubble wrapped and ready to be shipped that someone backed out on my a while back! It's in great condition. I can get some pics if you are interested.

Yep interested. Let me know details

 

[Charlene]

Yep interested. Let me know details

Sent you a PM

 

[mtbtim]

Agree with the above list..except #5

that's personal preference, where as other items listed above are more mandatory

I don't mind the look of keeping running boards, I think it looks more finished then seeing the frame.
For me, I left them on, I don't do serious 4 wheeling with this rig, but I bet I do more off road then many, I'm on old logging roads a lot, and drive a lot in snow and mud, ( we even had snow all day 4 days ago and a few inches at that), and the running boards keep my truck cleaner....act as big snow/mud flaps

If I was to get more serious with 4 wheelin, I would lift more than I have, go with sliders,ARB bumper, swing out rear and not worry about how clean my truck looks...or dents or mud

But doing things like lifted or sliders for trucks that rarely leave the city limits or the malls...just for "looks". I don't get it...but that's me

by the way...I am partial owner in a Taco, that's lifted, converted to dana axles, body is ruff, so if I really want to get nasty, I can grab that

You and I think a lot alike. I kept my running boards on and I also probably do more off-roading than most with tricked out lifts, sliders, yada, yada, yada. But, like you, I'm driving on fire roads that aren't too technical, usually to access places to camp, mountain bike and do some volunteer trail work. I don't want to beat the crap out of my truck doing really aggressive stuff because I want it to be dependable for long trips. I'm often 3 states away from home and I don't to break down in BFE.

I would like to build a dedicated off-road truck one day though to do more aggressive wheeling.

 

[mtbtim]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I am going to book it in with a local mechanic to go through it with a fine tooth comb and change/replace everything. Going forward I intend to do my own maintenance but I want to get it to a good starting point.

I have ordered a steering wheel cover and a set of wet okele seat covers justo get the inside acceptable.

I can hold back on mods for a bit till I work out what I want/need.

Ok, here's the best advice I think I can give you. If you're at all mechanically inclined, have some faith in yourself and try to do the needed maintenance and repairs yourself. If you don't already own a decent set of tools, you may have to invest some money but it's a great investment. I think the best money I've spent to date is buying the 2 volume FSM set online. I've have used it countless times to research repairs. Yes you can use the online FSM version that's available, but I find that very hard to use when I'm trying to look something up. Nothing in my opinion replaces having the book right in front of me.

If you've always taken your vehicles to a mechanic, start out simple and work your way up to more technical repairs. Start with fluid changes. Change the oil, differential fluids, transmission fluid and transfer case fluids. Replace the air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs and wires. Clean the MAF sensor and throttle body.

There is a vast amount of information available to you to do these things yourself. There's write-ups, and better yet, YouTube videos like [MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] and I have been doing together. You'd be amazed how much you can do yourself if you just have a little faith in your ability. The benefits of doing your own work are many. First, you're going to save yourself big time money. Second, you're going to challenge yourself and learn a lot. Third, you're going to get a serious sense of accomplishment when you tackle the jobs yourself. Fourth, you are going to be able to share your knowledge with other people and help them out which is also very satisfying.

I say ditch the mechanic and take up the challenge!!

 

[fblainen11]

Ok, here's the best advice I think I can give you. If you're at all mechanically inclined, have some faith in yourself and try to do the needed maintenance and repairs yourself. If you don't already own a decent set of tools, you many have to invest some money but it's a great investment. I think the best money I've spent to date is buying the 2 volume FSM set online. I've have used it countless times to research repairs. Yes you can use the online FSM version that's available, but I find that very hard to use when I'm trying to look something up. Nothing in my opinion replaces having the book right in front of me.

If you've always taken your vehicles to a mechanic, start out simple and work your way up to more technical repairs. Start with fluid changes. Change the oil, differential fluids, transmission fluid and transfer case fluids. Replace the air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs and wires. Clean the MAF sensor and throttle body.

There is a vast amount of information available to you to do these things yourself. There's write-ups, and better yet, YouTube videos like [MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] and I have been doing together. You'd be amazed how much you can do yourself if you just have a little faith in your ability. The benefits of doing your own work are many. First, you're going to save yourself big time money. Second, you're going to challenge yourself and learn a lot. Third, you're going to get a serious sense of accomplishment when you tackle the jobs yourself. Fourth, you are going to be able to share your knowledge with other people and help them out which is also very satisfying.

I say ditch the mechanic and take up the challenge!!

I had basically 0 experience working on vehicles 4 years ago. I started wanting to do my own work to save money. I've done brakes, TB, WP, valve covers, radios and amps, AC compressor, and tons of other things I won't list. Haven't brought my vehicle to a mechanic in a long time. And the best part is my wife is more than happy to let me buy $30-80 tools when I'm saving tons on labor. Definitely worth it!

 

[funstuie]

Ok, here's the best advice I think I can give you. If you're at all mechanically inclined, have some faith in yourself and try to do the needed maintenance and repairs yourself. If you don't already own a decent set of tools, you may have to invest some money but it's a great investment. I think the best money I've spent to date is buying the 2 volume FSM set online. I've have used it countless times to research repairs. Yes you can use the online FSM version that's available, but I find that very hard to use when I'm trying to look something up. Nothing in my opinion replaces having the book right in front of me.

If you've always taken your vehicles to a mechanic, start out simple and work your way up to more technical repairs. Start with fluid changes. Change the oil, differential fluids, transmission fluid and transfer case fluids. Replace the air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs and wires. Clean the MAF sensor and throttle body.

There is a vast amount of information available to you to do these things yourself. There's write-ups, and better yet, YouTube videos like [MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] and I have been doing together. You'd be amazed how much you can do yourself if you just have a little faith in your ability. The benefits of doing your own work are many. First, you're going to save yourself big time money. Second, you're going to challenge yourself and learn a lot. Third, you're going to get a serious sense of accomplishment when you tackle the jobs yourself. Fourth, you are going to be able to share your knowledge with other people and help them out which is also very satisfying.

I say ditch the mechanic and take up the challenge!!

Thanks dude. I am not overly mechanically inclined but I like to do all my own work. Biggest issue right now is my job. I take off tomorrow for 12 days and then I am back for a couple of days and then off again. Also I rent and can't mess up the driveway with oil and shit.

So I didn't lot of research and found a top rated mechanic and called the guy. He was really cool on the phone. So I dropped the truck off tonight and he's going to work on it while I am away. Going to use oem parts and get it tip top.

Going forward I will be doing my own services and upgrades. I own a decent set of tools (although metric as I brought them with me from europe) and like getting my hands dirty.

 

[fblainen11]

Metric? Lucky.