Introduction - TRD Supercharger on a '98 3.4L T4R Just purchased

[pabrinton]

Hey guys,

I'd like to introduce myself to the Forum - I've been watching for quite some time and have a HUGE wish list thanks to all you that have gone before me.

I'm relatively new to 4Runners. I had a 1st gen 4 banger with a solid front axle I sold years ago but since then been driving Volvo's <br>

It's time to go back to my roots!

I've had some luck lately picking up wrecked 3rd Gen runners for $2,000 or less.

My first was a '98 SR5 120,000 in PRISTINE condition.

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I fixed it up for about $3,500 total invested and it was PERFECT! Well 2 weeks after finishing it the Wife was hit from behind, pushing her into the next guy setting off the Airbags and everything.<br>

I'm still in the process of collecting money from insurance - hoping to have a decent payout to fund the next project and then some.

I picked up my next one for $1,700 last week - a '98 4X4 Limited V6 with 150K on the clock - budget to fix should be right around $3K
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I'd like to give it some juice, and supercharging it seems to be the best / quickest way to get the job done. I've been looking around for a while on Craigslist and eBay - it seems they can be acquired around $750 -$1500

My concern is that with buying a used TRD Supercharger is that it will need to be rebuilt - which tends to be about the price of the original.

Here is one locally that happens to be listed on EBAY - Includes all the goodies too!!

What should I be looking for in the new upgrade as far as mileage, 2nd gen vs. 3rd Gen, etc.

I'm at work now and of course should be ACTUALLY doing something productive but I'm sure all of you know how that is!

 

[kball]

Welcome to the forum! Sad about that first 98, very sad.

 

[pabrinton]

Well its been a short while since updating this thread - I'm hoping to make this a build thread of sorts.

It's easy to spend a ton without even realizing it.

My Wife coaxed me in to giving her the '98 Limited - not hard to do as I found an '01 Sport (Highlander??) with lower miles.

I will paint the white fender with pro eqipment, but out of curiousity I ordered a premixed rattle can which will be used on the front bumper flare, I'm curious as to the quality of the paint. $25 for a 12.5 oz can + $20 for the clear. I will post the followup next week on that!

It's not easy doing auto work in the 110+ weather here in beautiful PHX!

I picked up a set of 5th Gen SR5 Rims and tires of CL for $500 - LOVE them on these 3rd Gens!

Before

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After

Combine that with a detailing and buffing the paint, Phoenix sun DESTROYS paint so I will have to pay close attention to keeping this in good condition

After getting the tires on I picked up a Viper 5701 Remote Start off Amazon for $150

This installation is not for the faint of heart - I think Bigfishallday did an install recently - I'll agree with him and say you need a detailed working knowledge of 12v electrical systems, know how to use a multimeter and soldering iron, and most of all be a perfectionist or it will look like SH.

The previous owner had a POS system installed before me, it took me well over 30 hours to get remove the old system and get this thing working. I've got a heavy background in home automation installation, and a long childhood working on cars (though not professionally) and this is one of the trickiest mods I've done.

Old Harness when removed

Part of the process - if you want specific details like wiring diagrams, locations, etc you can PM me

Thats about as far as I've come on the current runner, this one won't see much action on the trail, it will be a city driver... the wife has named this one "Luna" - not my thing but its her car - whatever. Since its new to me I'll be doing some preventative maintenance this weekend. Sway Bar Bushings, LBJ's, Plugs and Wires, TB was done 20k ago, Fuel Filter, Transmission Cooler, Etc.

My own project will be an Imperial Jade (My Favorite) '01 4Runner - I think its a Sport but I havn't seen it yet in person. Its sitting in my folks back yard in Colorado until next week. I picked it up for a little over $3K in Denver at another salvage auction - clear title - 130,000 - I'll have $5,500 invested

 

[jsukey]

Something else to think about if you do plan on supercharging is getting the transmission valve body redone. They say that the added power from the supercharger is too much for the transmission in its current state. Some people have mentioned that you can do it yourself, but a lot of people are relying on IPT Transmissions to do it for them. I heard they have a pretty quick turnaround.

 

[Dous]

Something else to think about if you do plan on supercharging is getting the transmission valve body redone. They say that the added power from the supercharger is too much for the transmission in its current state. Some people have mentioned that you can do it yourself, but a lot of people are relying on IPT Transmissions to do it for them. I heard they have a pretty quick turnaround.

I have the IPT valve body, and I shimmed the accumulator springs. It's definately something that needs to be done.

After 5-6 hard pulls 1st gear started slipping at WOT. After the trans mod it was crisp and still is

I was able to do it in a single afternoon too...but unless you have the money I wouldn't even do the upgraded valve body. I was merely shim the accumulator springs, that's what made the biggest difference.

 

[pabrinton]

Good heads up and definitely valuable information!

 

[jsukey]

Sounds like you are on the right track! Here's a 2nd Gen Supercharger that I found on Craigslist that you may be able to do something with. http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/pts/3150122459.html $800 negotiable doesn't seem too bad, although it looks as if the nosecone may have been leaking so you may have to do a rebuild on it. $300 from Magnuson. That will definitely help you in the negotiating phase. BigFishAllDay helped me out when I was thinking about it...here's what is missing from the build if you bought that supercharger:

1. Dynamic Tensioner & Hardware (you can get this separately, online for $275-300)
2. Longer Alternator Belt, which drives the S/C (about $20 @ any Toyota Dealer)
3. 1-Way Check Valve (this is IMPORTANT to have, prob have to buy from Toyota Dealer)
4. Hardware to bolt the S/C to the intake manifold
5. TRD "O" Shaped Throttle Body Gasket (about $15 @ any Toyota Dealership

Because it is lacking parts...that will also help again in your negotiating! Best of luck with the build! Looking forward to seeing it on the road/forum. Take pics!!!

 

[jsukey]

I forgot that there weren't any pics on his ad. He sent them to me and told me that the SC had around 140,000 on it but the front pulley seemed tight.