JVC8790's Daily Duty Cruiser "Build" Thread

[adkfinn]

Also, does anyone have an issue seeing the turn signal lights and or gas gauge? I'm 6'2" and find with my seating position and steering wheel that I have trouble seeing the turn signal indicators.

Same thing for me as well. I also keep the seat all the way up and the steering wheel low enough that I can't see the top of the speedo from my normal fully sitting up position. When my hair gets long it will touch the headliner from time to time (my T4R has a sunroof which I've read costs you a couple inches of headroom also, fyi). I wouldn't call it an 'issue' per se and it isn't the first car that it happens in for me.

 

[JVC8790]

Same thing for me as well. I also keep the seat all the way up and the steering wheel low enough that I can't see the top of the speedo from my normal fully sitting up position. When my hair gets long it will touch the headliner from time to time (my T4R has a sunroof which I've read costs you a couple inches of headroom also, fyi). I wouldn't call it an 'issue' per se and it isn't the first car that it happens in for me.

I was surprised to see that this didn't have a tilting column. That would solve this issue completely. Oh well, at least I'm not alone. I typically run the seat as low as possible, and not too far back but I still have yet to find a spot I can be comfortable and see the turn signal indicators (luckily I haven't left them on by accident yet, fingers crossed)

 

[adkfinn]

I was surprised to see that this didn't have a tilting column. That would solve this issue completely. Oh well, at least I'm not alone. I typically run the seat as low as possible, and not too far back but I still have yet to find a spot I can be comfortable and see the turn signal indicators (luckily I haven't left them on by accident yet, fingers crossed)

Don't they click or make an audible noise? Riding motorcycles has conditioned me to stop watching the gauges and dash nearly as much as I used to. I guess I just got used it?
Also - are you saying that tilting the wheel would get you something different in a meaningful way in addition to the vertical movement available already?

 

[JVC8790]

Don't they click or make an audible noise? Riding motorcycles has conditioned me to stop watching the gauges and dash nearly as much as I used to. I guess I just got used it?
Also - are you saying that tilting the wheel would get you something different in a meaningful way in addition to the vertical movement available already?

It makes a little bit of noise, but when I have the music turned up I don't always hear it.

If the 4Runner had a tilting/height adjustable column (like in some of my other cars) I could tilt it upwards and then the steering wheel wouldn't block my vision of the gas gauge and turn signal indicators.

I just found it weird in a truck like this that it wouldn't have a tilting column, especially in a Limited model.

 

[adkfinn]

It makes a little bit of noise, but when I have the music turned up I don't always hear it.

If the 4Runner had a tilting/height adjustable column (like in some of my other cars) I could tilt it upwards and then the steering wheel wouldn't block my vision of the gas gauge and turn signal indicators.

I just found it weird in a truck like this that it wouldn't have a tilting column, especially in a Limited model.

Gotcha. I haven't adjusted mine in so long that I can't remember what functions it does or doesn't have. I do know I can't see the top of the speedo or the indicators unless I slouch or lean down to look.

 

[JVC8790]

Finally pulled the trigger on some lights I've been looking at for a while. A friend of mine has a bunch of products from Element and loves them so I've been following them on Instagram for a while. Decided to order a set of Amber Cannons to be used either as Ditch Lights, or possibly in the fog lights.

Amber Cannon LED spotlight (pair) — Element LED

I also bought a pair of eBay Foglight housings so that I can either hack up the stock ones, or the aftermarket ones, and try to fit the Amber Cannons into the housings so that it retains the front end look of the 4Runner and how the fogs/corner markers are all "one smooth piece".

I haven't seen many people mount aftermarket fog lights behind the stock lens (for look), so we'll see if this works out as I hoped!

 

[JVC8790]

So I'm having a bit of trouble with doing a Zero Point Calibration. I've got the TSB Instructions and a tool with the correct pin out and a push button.

The issue I'm having is that the directions indicate that the VSC Light needs to be on to start. The VSC Light that I have is off until the car is in motion. Literally, put it in drive, nothing, creep forward 3 inches, light comes on. As soon as you cycle the key out, the light goes off until the car moves again.

Has anyone had a similar issue? My next idea is to pull the battery and see if a re-set solves this issue. It's so obscure that I haven't really seen any reports of the same problem where someone has actually replied on how they fixed it.

Any ideas?

 

[TheUltimateBohab]

Man you have almost the exact same build I want except for a little bit less lighting with a bull bar and running boards. I read through the first 3 pages and yeah that rocks!! So how are the less expensive Amazon lights holding up? It would be preferable to save some money some of the websites I was looking at those light bars are hundreds of dollars I don't have money like that.... I seen some guys on here say vled is a really good website for the interior lights. Price there seemed a little high considering I got every single light aside from headlights for my Avalon back in the day off of JDM toy in a kit for $40. but you get what you pay for....

 

[JVC8790]

Man you have almost the exact same build I want except for a little bit less lighting with a bull bar and running boards. I read through the first 3 pages and yeah that rocks!! So how are the less expensive Amazon lights holding up? It would be preferable to save some money some of the websites I was looking at those light bars are hundreds of dollars I don't have money like that.... I seen some guys on here say vled is a really good website for the interior lights. Price there seemed a little high considering I got every single light aside from headlights for my Avalon back in the day off of JDM toy in a kit for $40. but you get what you pay for....

They seem to be doing fine! I really don't use them since it would be stupid to run them while driving around on the streets.

That being said, I cant say the light output is the same as a higher end unit, but between not buying lights, and buying cheap ones, these have done just fine!

For the interior lights, I've had pretty good luck with them. The one that I modified into the rear most housing for the trunk already burned out (or maybe a bad connection, I haven't looked).

 

[JVC8790]

Still haven't had a moment to disconnect the battery and see if that helps my VSC issue, but in the meantime, a few new developments!

My Element LED Package arrived, along with a package from eBay with aftermarket new foglight housings!

Comparison of lens diameter. My idea is to cut the back of the foglight housing off, remove the projector, then make brackets to flush mount these fog lights in the center of the opening for the reflector housing.

I also made a stop by Harbor Freight and picked up a 4" Drop Hitch and ball so I can tow my friends Jet Ski Trailer this weekend since he's lending his Envoy to a friend to go buy a boat.

The 4" Drop seems just about right, I think a 3" might have been better but wasn't an option at HF. The trailer (on my slightly uneven driveway) sits slightly nose down, but I'd say that's better than sitting raked too far back. I didn't test the trailer lights yet so I'll do that this evening before going out on Sunday.

Anyone have any ideas on this VSC issue beyond the usual ZPC process?

 

[JVC8790]

Started a separate thread for my Foglight Retrofit, but heres a few pics.

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-...it-element-led-amber-cannons.html#post3322742

Untitled by John Van Cleave, on Flickr

Untitled by John Van Cleave, on Flickr

Also got it detailed last weekend. My friend went through 4 bottles of degreaser, 2 bottles of Car Pro Iron-X and it took him about 6 hours total. It is SOOO much shinier and looks like a new truck in comparison to the flat worn out white from before.

Untitled by John Van Cleave, on Flickr

Untitled by John Van Cleave, on Flickr

He also quick polished the headlights while he was working on it so those look great.

Untitled by John Van Cleave, on Flickr

Still some scuffs and scrapes on it, but we loaded up and went Kayaking/Jet Skiing last weekend.

Untitled by John Van Cleave, on Flickr

And, in its natural habitat, flexing on a curb. haha

Untitled by John Van Cleave, on Flickr

Untitled by John Van Cleave, on Flickr

Minor update, tried to disconnect the battery to solve the VSC issue, didn't work. Time to get the codes read by a Toyota tech friend (and former owner of this 4Runner).

 

[JVC8790]

Got a couple of goodies in the mail yesterday from Sidetracked Offroad! They have a clearance sale in their vendor section here on the forums and picked up some great deals on lights I didn't know I needed! haha

Amber surface mounted flood lights to modify into the rear bumper reflectors, or somewhere else if there is a better suggestion! I figured these would be nice for backing up a trailer or use as scene lights if parked or working on something behind the car.

Spots for my ditch light brackets that I have sitting around! Still not sure if I'll like the ditch light bracket look once mounted up, but a friend of mine with an Xterra said he'd buy them from me if I decide not to use them.

 

[JVC8790]

Hoping the heat holds off a little bit this upcoming weekend, I've got a list of stuff to get done!

- Finish and Install LED Fog Lights
- Test Mount Ditch Lights
- Install new backup camera (camera on the truck doesn't work, stock or maybe aftermarket?)
- Install new Steering Wheel Control Module
- Install new Bluetooth Microphone for aftermarket headunit (old mic doesn't work)


I've also got a bunch of sound deadening material from previous projects so any time I have panels off for these I'll be tossing down some extra insulation.

In other news, does anyone have a good solution for a trunk organizer? I've got a handful of things and the fabric Harbor Freight trunk organizers don't cut it anymore. I'm looking into something more like a cargo box/tool box to keep things like a tool kit, air compressor, ratchet straps, gloves etc.

 

[T4Rmiller]

Hoping the heat holds off a little bit this upcoming weekend, I've got a list of stuff to get done!



In other news, does anyone have a good solution for a trunk organizer? I've got a handful of things and the fabric Harbor Freight trunk organizers don't cut it anymore. I'm looking into something more like a cargo box/tool box to keep things like a tool kit, air compressor, ratchet straps, gloves etc.

I use the black and yellow storage totes from Menards for almost everything.
they are cheap, durable, stackable and the lids snap on very securely. great value for what you pay for them.

 

[hinmo24t]

Brute totes!!

 

[JVC8790]

I use the black and yellow storage totes from Menards for almost everything.
they are cheap, durable, stackable and the lids snap on very securely. great value for what you pay for them.

I've got a bunch of the regular black totes in my garage from Menards for storage at the moment. They're alright but I know a lot of people that have the black and yellow ones for their stuff. I'll swing by this weekend and look at their totes a bit more in depth. I'm just sick of moving stuff around the trunk to "organize" it when I need to haul something (or the dog).

 

[JVC8790]

Found a great option to organize my trunk! Plano Sportsmans Trunk 56qt from Menards/Home Depot. Was about $15 and fits everything except the tool box I have. The tool box would fit on an angle, but then wouldn't fit everything else.

Also parked next to another 4Runner this past weekend, good comparison of height/size!

 

[JVC8790]

Nothing too wild this past weekend.

Pumped a bit more grease into my driveshaft, seems to have solved the clunk. The firs time I greased them I don't think I put enough in, just a few pumps in the U joints and 5-6 pumps in the slip yoke. I went back over them all and pumped the U joints til the just started to seep and then put about 25-30 pumps into the slip yoke. I recall reading not to fill that one too much or it can cause vibration but I think I got it about right!

Also did the constant 12v mod. I installed the smokers kit a few weeks ago that I bought a few months ago and didn't realize that the 12v constant mod wouldn't keep the cigarette lighter outlet hot all the time, just the accessory power outlet. This is actually better in my opinion since I use the lighter outlet most the time so I don't have to leave the flip door open and then I know I can use the accessory power when needed to have constant while the truck is off.

Also popped the kayak racks off in advance of my roadtrip this upcoming weekend!

 

[JVC8790]

Went to do the TPMS bypass the other night and it looks like someone had tried to do it before.

The correct wires had shielding stripped back and were just taped together. Needless to say, this didn't work long term. I yanked the tape off, and put on a modified wire tap as the write up suggests and the light went off for good! Alright!!

Untitled by John Van Cleave, on Flickr

 

[JVC8790]

Not a whole lot to report here, took the 4Runner on a little roadtrip up to Chicago to then ride along with family up to our annual fishing trip in Canada.

Hit some rain on the way home but the 4Runner did great! That's where it gets interesting.

The day after I got home, I was on my way to grab some chinese food on my way home. At a stop light, I heard a beeping noise that stopped a few second later. Turned the corner and a block down the street the ABS/Brake lights came on. I did a quick search and many people mentioned it could be low brake fluid. A few blocks down the street the airbag light came on along with some other light (I don't recall).

I thought this was pretty weird and figured it might be battery related due to low voltage. I turned it off and it wouldn't re-start. Then it did restart so I grabbed my food and took it home.

Disconnected the battery while it idled in my driveway and the truck immediately died.

Charged up the battery and dropped the truck off at a friends shop 15 minutes away for him to put in an alternator. That's where these pictures come in.

As a midwest truck, my buddy noted some heavy corrosion on the PS line and a small coolant leak (the PS line has been ordered and will get replaced within the next week)

He was able to get the alternator out and only broke one bolt which he said is more of a pilot bolt to line up the other 2 bolts on the Alternator so he wasn't too concerned about extracting/tapping it and neither am I.

Here's the old alternator...

The positive post on the alternator RUSTED OFF. When he went to unbolt the connection the post just crumbled, so needless to say, the alternator wasn't charging. Also to note, there is a crack in the case, at 164k I believe this is probably original and it's definitely gotten its use.

New alternator in and everything is happy again! Glad to have my daily back as driving my Volvo for a few days wasn't what I wanted to do!