how long did it take them to do that work?
and is that FLW Hobby Shop service available to anyone?
Kung's Build Thread (pic heavy)
- Thread starter Kung
- Start date
how long did it take them to do that work?
and is that FLW Hobby Shop service available to anyone?
Kung
New member
While the work was done over three days (due 99.9% to timing and availability of parts), the actual work time was only about 3 hours. It's available to anyone with a CAC card.
Their rates are normally like $47.5 an hour - which would have worked out to like $140. STILL dirt cheap for all of that work.
Kung
New member
Sorry about the late response - between college finals (am FINALLY, at the age of 36, getting the degree to support my 15 years of experience), packing for our trip to VA, and other stuff, I just had a brain fart.
No vapor barrier; but not only did I just have some serious drainage work done about 2 years ago that took care of any moisture issues, but I've also got a sump pump, so I'm good.
Yes, I did indeed do the wiring myself - but in all truthfulness, that was easy. I discovered that there was an outlet running into the room at just the right place that happened to be the ONLY thing on a breaker. So I clipped that line where it entered the room, installed a junction box, and then ran wiring to the rest of the outlets I installed. The lighting is on its own breaker.
As far as the ceiling goes, I've not done that yet, but am thinking about it in a year or so (I plan on installing a speaker system down there and would rather wait until that's done).
Thanks. Literally every time I bring it to any dealership or mechanic to have work done, I always come back to find the mechanics crawling all over it. I freak out every time thinking they're going to tell me "Sorry but new engine" or something - LOL) and then discover they're so impressed with its condition that they're going over it with a fine tooth comb. I've gotten several offers on it dwarfing what I paid. 
No vapor barrier; but not only did I just have some serious drainage work done about 2 years ago that took care of any moisture issues, but I've also got a sump pump, so I'm good.
Yes, I did indeed do the wiring myself - but in all truthfulness, that was easy. I discovered that there was an outlet running into the room at just the right place that happened to be the ONLY thing on a breaker. So I clipped that line where it entered the room, installed a junction box, and then ran wiring to the rest of the outlets I installed. The lighting is on its own breaker.
As far as the ceiling goes, I've not done that yet, but am thinking about it in a year or so (I plan on installing a speaker system down there and would rather wait until that's done).
Thanks.
Literally every time I bring it to any dealership or mechanic to have work done, I always come back to find the mechanics crawling all over it. I freak out every time thinking they're going to tell me "Sorry but new engine" or something - LOL) and then discover they're so impressed with its condition that they're going over it with a fine tooth comb. I've gotten several offers on it dwarfing what I paid.
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Kung
New member
BTW...have been asked what 'my plans are for this.'
Bluntly put, when I first bought this, the entire reason I bought it was so that we could have a reliable, good-condition used vehicle that would get us anywhere in the winter time and such. And that'll remain the primary reason.
What I want for my 4Runner is to modify it much as others have done (lift, sound system, functionality, etc.) without sacrificing that reliability. E.g., I could care less about rolling on 35's (well, OK, I'm lying LOL) with a gargantuan lift; I'd rather lift it 3", with parts that will allow it to be comfortable on the road while still being able to handle most stuff off-road.
Bluntly put, when I first bought this, the entire reason I bought it was so that we could have a reliable, good-condition used vehicle that would get us anywhere in the winter time and such. And that'll remain the primary reason.
What I want for my 4Runner is to modify it much as others have done (lift, sound system, functionality, etc.) without sacrificing that reliability. E.g., I could care less about rolling on 35's (well, OK, I'm lying LOL) with a gargantuan lift; I'd rather lift it 3", with parts that will allow it to be comfortable on the road while still being able to handle most stuff off-road.
BrianSD_42
New member
That describes my goals and build so far to a T. I am pretty happy with my 265x75x16 (~ 31.5") and it is fairly zippy since I have kept the weight down.
Kung
New member
Good to know, then; have been following your thread almost since coming to this site - your build is one of my favorites.
While the work was done over three days (due 99.9% to timing and availability of parts), the actual work time was only about 3 hours. It's available to anyone with a CAC card.
Their rates are normally like $47.5 an hour - which would have worked out to like $140. STILL dirt cheap for all of that work.
I'll have to keep that in mind, as my parents live only 20 minutes from FLW
Kung
New member
Well, keep in mind the cheap cost wasn't their standard rate; sometimes they've hooked people up but it's not standard.
That being said, $47.50 is cheap for an hour's worth of work from people who know what they're doing (these are the same guys who installed my LBJs/OTREs last year, as WELL as my external tranny cooler and replacement radiator - still going strong), and not once yet have I ever brought my vehicle in and paid more than I expected. I've been very pleased with them.
They WILL need to have a government ID/CAC card, however; if not, I'm not sure if they'd be able to use it.
Kung
New member
Last week I had replaced the following:
- valve cover gaskets
- spark plugs
- spark plug wires
- oil
- steering rack guide
Granted, I could have done it myself, but other than parts I paid about $120 for all of the above. The steering is still wobbly, but that's mainly because I've not done the fine tuning adjustments and all. I have noticed that post-installation, the vehicle idles quite a bit more smoothly; will have to see if I've picked up any MPGs.
I'll probably hop on later and post pics of the old steering rack guide, if anyone's interested.
- valve cover gaskets
- spark plugs
- spark plug wires
- oil
- steering rack guide
Granted, I could have done it myself, but other than parts I paid about $120 for all of the above. The steering is still wobbly, but that's mainly because I've not done the fine tuning adjustments and all. I have noticed that post-installation, the vehicle idles quite a bit more smoothly; will have to see if I've picked up any MPGs.
I'll probably hop on later and post pics of the old steering rack guide, if anyone's interested.
BrianSD_42
New member
Kung,
Haven't seen you on here in awhile. Glad to see some updates to this build. Did you install the new rack yet or try the guide fix?
Haven't seen you on here in awhile. Glad to see some updates to this build. Did you install the new rack yet or try the guide fix?
Kung
New member
The guide fix is installed; doesn't seem much different, but then again, I had it installed (they were doing a bunch of other stuff and did that for free). I'll have to revisit this thread once I've got it dialed in.
Kung
New member
Oh - forgot to mention the 'audio mod' coming later this afternoon.
Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. - CDE-147BT
(I'm a huge fan of Alpine's stuff - a bit more expensive than other stuff, but well worth it.)
Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. - CDE-147BT
(I'm a huge fan of Alpine's stuff - a bit more expensive than other stuff, but well worth it.)
Kung
New member
Had enough of my wobbly steering today, and after doing a bit of research, I called Safari LTD. Forget the gentleman I spoke to this morning (I'm sure if I ask, they'll tell me).
In any event, I asked them some generalized questions. They gave me a basic rundown of information on steering racks in general. It seems that most of the newer vehicles have a rack (or gearbox) that's in front of the wheels; doing so allows the wheels to 'pull' at the rack or gearbox, and causes things to wear down much more slowly. However, the 3rd Gen 4Runners have a steering rack that's behind the wheels, meaning it has to 'push' the wheels, which means it'll wear down more quickly.
It's not just the 3rd Gen 4Runners, of course - it's any steering rack or gearbox that's behind the wheels. As far as upgrades, they don't give EXACT specifics beyond the fact that the internals are upgraded, OEM specs are exceeded, etc. (though if you call any company they're not going to tell you each and every , though they did mention that their steering racks are manufactured by a company called Atlantic Engineering, Inc., I believe it was. The $495 for their steering rack includes the ITRE's.
In any event, I do know the total for me was right around $540 (including shipping). For those who have to replace steering racks and DON'T have poly bushings, they have 'em and will sell them to you for $24.95.
It will be here Thursday and I'll have it installed and take pics and all of that once done.
In any event, I asked them some generalized questions. They gave me a basic rundown of information on steering racks in general. It seems that most of the newer vehicles have a rack (or gearbox) that's in front of the wheels; doing so allows the wheels to 'pull' at the rack or gearbox, and causes things to wear down much more slowly. However, the 3rd Gen 4Runners have a steering rack that's behind the wheels, meaning it has to 'push' the wheels, which means it'll wear down more quickly.
It's not just the 3rd Gen 4Runners, of course - it's any steering rack or gearbox that's behind the wheels. As far as upgrades, they don't give EXACT specifics beyond the fact that the internals are upgraded, OEM specs are exceeded, etc. (though if you call any company they're not going to tell you each and every , though they did mention that their steering racks are manufactured by a company called Atlantic Engineering, Inc., I believe it was. The $495 for their steering rack includes the ITRE's.
In any event, I do know the total for me was right around $540 (including shipping). For those who have to replace steering racks and DON'T have poly bushings, they have 'em and will sell them to you for $24.95.
It will be here Thursday and I'll have it installed and take pics and all of that once done.
BrianSD_42
New member
Kung,
I'm eager to hear about how that rack works out. Hopefully it is awesome.
Once you are done perhaps make a review thread for them with all the details (model price pics etc) - I don't think any members have installed it before. I have a re-manu rack myself. It was at least $450 in parts. About $650 installed by a local shop. But I like the sound of what you ordered.
I'm eager to hear about how that rack works out. Hopefully it is awesome.
Once you are done perhaps make a review thread for them with all the details (model price pics etc) - I don't think any members have installed it before. I have a re-manu rack myself. It was at least $450 in parts. About $650 installed by a local shop. But I like the sound of what you ordered.
Kung
New member
I will absolutely do that. I have the installation set for Saturday, and will take pictures and review it and such here as well as where you suggested.
One thing that got me interested is the fact that Safari LTD is evidently a Toyota dealership shop that specializes in off-roading and the like. As such, over time, they've identified some weaknesses of the 3rd Gen (and other) 4Runners, and are working to improve those things... hence the steering rack improvements. Of course, only installation and time and experience will tell, but so far it sounds good.
One thing that got me interested is the fact that Safari LTD is evidently a Toyota dealership shop that specializes in off-roading and the like. As such, over time, they've identified some weaknesses of the 3rd Gen (and other) 4Runners, and are working to improve those things... hence the steering rack improvements. Of course, only installation and time and experience will tell, but so far it sounds good.
Kung
New member
Yeah, that's what attracted me to it. Granted, it could be no better (or worse) than any others out there; but at the least, the fact that they are pretty heavily involved in both 4WD/offroading activities as well as Toyota service and repair is a good sign.
Can also tell you that they're Johnny on the spot as far as customer service goes. Hugh (that was the name of the gentleman who helped me) had to get info on shipping from the parts manager so he told me the parts manager (Colin) would call me back.
In maybe 15 minutes he'd both called me back, and when he couldn't get a hold of me, he'd sent me an email with my options. He then re-called me back, took my order over the phone, and within about an hour had sent me the UPS tracking number.
Right now my iOS package tracker shows that it's departing Grand Junction, CO, and will be delivered Thursday. That's pretty darn quick. Even if the rack isn't the best I've seen, they've got my respect for customer service; I've long said I'd rather have a cruddy product with excellent customer service than an excellent product with crappy customer service. Here's hoping they're excellent in both areas.
Can also tell you that they're Johnny on the spot as far as customer service goes. Hugh (that was the name of the gentleman who helped me) had to get info on shipping from the parts manager so he told me the parts manager (Colin) would call me back.
In maybe 15 minutes he'd both called me back, and when he couldn't get a hold of me, he'd sent me an email with my options. He then re-called me back, took my order over the phone, and within about an hour had sent me the UPS tracking number.
Right now my iOS package tracker shows that it's departing Grand Junction, CO, and will be delivered Thursday. That's pretty darn quick. Even if the rack isn't the best I've seen, they've got my respect for customer service; I've long said I'd rather have a cruddy product with excellent customer service than an excellent product with crappy customer service. Here's hoping they're excellent in both areas.
Kung
New member
Added information about the steering rack on the second post of this thread - having a new one installed.
Kung
New member
The steering rack has been installed, and yay! It still vibrates!
*facepalm*
I'm playing it up a bit. On the one hand, I keep hearing about how 'smooth' others' steering is once they do the steering rack guide fix, ITREs/OTREs/LBJs, and eventually a steering rack replacement; so there's enough of a vibration there that it bugs me.
On the OTHER hand, it's definitely an improvement over the old one. Half of the time there's no vibration at all. The other half of the time, even when it DOES vibrate/'wobble,' it's about 30% as bad as before.
So I just need to find out what ELSE can contribute to this.
*facepalm*
I'm playing it up a bit. On the one hand, I keep hearing about how 'smooth' others' steering is once they do the steering rack guide fix, ITREs/OTREs/LBJs, and eventually a steering rack replacement; so there's enough of a vibration there that it bugs me.
On the OTHER hand, it's definitely an improvement over the old one. Half of the time there's no vibration at all. The other half of the time, even when it DOES vibrate/'wobble,' it's about 30% as bad as before.
So I just need to find out what ELSE can contribute to this.
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