4ever4running
New member
I definitely like the look of the Contura Vs better than the IIs. I'm think I'm going to steal your idea and just start with 1 switch to see how the vinyl tint works out and go from there. Thanks for the idea!
JWaldz '99 Adventure Build - Dual Locked | Geared | Mid-Travel | 35s | Armored
- Thread starter JWaldz
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JWaldz
Moderator
I've actually been looking into the LED conversion. Apparently you can solder in some 5V led's along as you use resistors. I'm just debating whether it's worth the trouble of disassembling all the switches to do so. Probably a PITA. If I go the easy route I'm ordering a couple different colors of vinyl tint. Wish there were smaller rolls of that stuff. At least it's cheaper than buying all new switches.
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4ever4running
New member
I didn't even think of that, but it does seem like a lot of work...If the vinyl tint doesn't work out, I will either just keep the IIs or sell the IIs and buy the Vs with new bodies.
Also, I just did my timing belt this past weekend and it really isn't too bad. I ordered the exact same kit that you did and ended up swapping everything out except for the 2 camshaft seals and the crankshaft seal. From what I have read, it is not necessary (or recommended) to replace them unless they're leaking. I used this writeup as a guide and it is very thorough and was really helpful: http://www.nwtoys.com/forum/tech-article-submissions/1261-5vz-fe-timing-belt.html. The one thing he doesn't do is swap out the tensioner. I had a buddy helping me and we were able to remove and replace the tensioner without messing with the power steering pump at all. You just need a socket wrench, long extension (12") and a universal flex joint (like this: URREA 3/8 in. Drive Universal Joint-5270 at The Home Depot) and you can reach the back bolt through a small gap by the back passenger corner of the oil pan. It may take a couple tries but it was definitely easier than moving the PS pump out of the way. I hope this helps!
4ever4running
New member
[MENTION=58830]ARKRWLR[/MENTION] No problem man. Allowing a whole day is a good idea. It took us the better part of a day, but that included a 1.5 hour break for lunch and a run to Home Depot to buy a new water pump bolt.
5 gallon jugs?
It is my understanding that our 3rd gens have a coolant capacity of either 8.5 or 9.5 quarts (depending on whether or not you have a rear heater). So I bought 2-1 gallon jugs of Toyota red and 2-1 gallon jugs of distilled water. I ended up using right around 1 gallon of each for a total of about 8 quarts. I'll top everything off after driving around for a while so the air bubbles have a chance to work themselves to the top.
5 gallon jugs?
It is my understanding that our 3rd gens have a coolant capacity of either 8.5 or 9.5 quarts (depending on whether or not you have a rear heater). So I bought 2-1 gallon jugs of Toyota red and 2-1 gallon jugs of distilled water. I ended up using right around 1 gallon of each for a total of about 8 quarts. I'll top everything off after driving around for a while so the air bubbles have a chance to work themselves to the top.
JWaldz
Moderator
Dunno why I said 5 gallon.. I meant 1 gallon! 5 gallon would be a shit ton!! My reason for asking is bc I already have one jug of it. Was debating getting another one. I'll most likely be putting in a brand new radiator too. Either Koyo or OEM.
http://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Toyota-16410-YZZAJ-Radiator-4Runner/dp/B008CLJ66I
http://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Toyota-16410-YZZAJ-Radiator-4Runner/dp/B008CLJ66I
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rideexileex
Senior Member
if you go koyo - let me know your thoughts... I'm hoping it wasn't a complete waste to go the oem route, as an extra 100 bucks still in the wallet would have been nice :/
JWaldz
Moderator
As far as functionality, there is no difference between the Koyo and the OEM. The Koyo still has a built in cooler that could also fail like the OEM one. Honestly, I'd rather have the OEM b/c I've heard negative stories about Koyo and them leaking. Not necessarily with the 4Runner one. Just a piece of mind knowing you're getting genuine Toyota and I'll be keeping an ext. cooler on it from the beginning.
JWaldz
Moderator
I'm not good with the whole editing thing. So I just added random music to the videos. They may be boring, but regardless, watch them in HD! Mainly just some steep hill climbs and couple rock climbing sections.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3LPuFpKfFds" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/B0q187qkChc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
No music in this one, just raw tire spinning and me being stuck on a ledge lol
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rRq9Vcevs5E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3LPuFpKfFds" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/B0q187qkChc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
No music in this one, just raw tire spinning and me being stuck on a ledge lol
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rRq9Vcevs5E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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4ever4running
New member
Haha someone had a case of the Mondays. 5 gallons would be pretty aggressive!
I would recommend just picking up another gallon. I only ended up using 1 gallon so I have one left over, but it's always good to have extra coolant IMO.
P.S. Sweet videos!
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4Running Daily
New member
Time for 37's
JWaldz
Moderator
Yesterday I left work early to go get some exhaust work done. After telling them I had an 18" and wanted a 24" they said, "That's no 18", it's a 14". To my amazement they were right. I thought I measured it back in the day, I guess I measured from end to end instead of only the muffler body itself. Anyways, after showing me the 24" and how big it really is in person I decided on the 18". I love the sound, it's perfect. Not loud at all, great pitch on the interestate, and sounds stock at idle. It's a good amount quieter than the 14" which I life. I also had them cut the tip back so now the exhaust dumps just over the frame. Finally, no more rattle against the frame lol! Funny thought, the 14" weighed about 4 times it's normal weight b/c the insulation soaked up all the water and hardened. It was freaking rock solid lol.
After the exhaust work, I headed to the dealership to get my oil drained as I don't have the room in my garage at the moment. It was still a thousand miles before my routined change but I wanted to make sure there was no water in the oil. Thankfully I have a couple tech buddies in the indoor shop that will hook me up when I'm there. They knew my recent "incident" so they went ahead and also gave me a fuel treatment flush to make sure no water was in the fuel components. After getting it all hooked up and ready to go, my truck wouldn't crank over. Unfortunately, my replacement starter shit out on me right then and there. Go figure. So I ended up buying a nice new shiny one
I can't say I've ever seen a brand new one before. It was like seeing a nice set of tata's, I just couldn't quit looking at it and holding it lol. So, got the starter replaced and fuel treatment flushed through and she purrs like a kitten. After work I plan on draining both diffs and calling it a done deal. Only thing left after that is putting my cargo boxes back in and seeing if my passenger side sub still works (since it was halfway submerged). I'm waiting on carpeting supplies before I do so.
After the exhaust work, I headed to the dealership to get my oil drained as I don't have the room in my garage at the moment. It was still a thousand miles before my routined change but I wanted to make sure there was no water in the oil. Thankfully I have a couple tech buddies in the indoor shop that will hook me up when I'm there. They knew my recent "incident" so they went ahead and also gave me a fuel treatment flush to make sure no water was in the fuel components. After getting it all hooked up and ready to go, my truck wouldn't crank over. Unfortunately, my replacement starter shit out on me right then and there. Go figure. So I ended up buying a nice new shiny one
I can't say I've ever seen a brand new one before. It was like seeing a nice set of tata's, I just couldn't quit looking at it and holding it lol. So, got the starter replaced and fuel treatment flushed through and she purrs like a kitten. After work I plan on draining both diffs and calling it a done deal. Only thing left after that is putting my cargo boxes back in and seeing if my passenger side sub still works (since it was halfway submerged). I'm waiting on carpeting supplies before I do so.
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crazydubman
New member
Glad to hear that everything is about back to what it was before. Hopefully there won't be anymore incidences for a while. :lookout:
JWaldz
Moderator
I guess it served it's $40 dollar purpose. It saved me from having to be towed and that would have costed a fortune! So, I can't be too mad about it. My buddies at the dealership really helped me out though yesterday. I got the new one for a really awesome price.
SCRunner12
New member
Did you end up replacing your rear u-joints at some point (I thought you did)? Did you follow any particular write up if you did?
