Kaizen Auto on Mitchell Island was sucking them all up as they became available and he charges sky high prices. However, AABC auto parts just on the east end of Mitchell Island (they had that big fire on the news a few weeks ago, the day after I went there) is getting 4runners come through, I managed to get some great deals recently. Mint condition full rear axle with locker for $350!!!! Next I want a new gas tank skid plate, mine is all rusted to he!!.
Also there is a wrecker in Langley that apparently has 25 4runners.
I visited Kaizen Auto myself last Spring looking for some rims, and at the time, he had 3 4Runners---- I was able to look at them but they had to do the removal, and his prices were STUPID. He wanted $400 for 2002 LTD 5-stars, they weren't even in that great a condition!
The fun in going to a wrecker, aside from saving $$, is looking for an item and coming away with 4! When you're there, ideas flow, and in the case of my sons' Eclipse, practice--- and discovery of an easier way to do something! Last Spring Michell Island was a bust for me... maybe this Spring when I come down for the car show, I'll have a look at AABC. Are they a "pull your own" place?
Great deal on the rear end. I'd love a locker myself, as it would be nice on the boat launches--- I hate spinning my tire on a sandy ramp, 4x4 works, but the locker would be better....
Please reveal this mythical yard in Langley!! I stay in Langley when I roll into town (family), and I know Langley well(lived in Fort Langley for 8 yrs)---- I would love to score a few items!!!
My trucks big problem is the rust on the undercarriage. I *think* it looks worse than it is, mostly due to some rubberized undercoating that was applied several years ago. It's all cracked, flaking, and curling up; so it looks really nasty under there. That will be my next major project.
I absolutely love these engines though! I do 10,000km oil changes and she doesnt burn a drop, at least no recognizable change on the dip stick. I just rolled over 320k km's
I was shocked to find a 3rd gen in the pick and pull. It was fairly intact as well. Not for long though...there were lots of vultures picking at it the few days I was there and funny enough, I went back a few days ago and it's gone! Lady at the front desk said they crushed it. WTF!?
I haven't had much chance to work on the headlight washer mod. I think Ive decided on stuffing the Mitsubishi reservoir in the passenger side fender. Im going to have to do some dremeling/trimming to the sheet metal on the engine side of the fender to make it fit...and I need a new antenna (tacoma mod). I tried to remove it nicely to make as much room for the reservoir, but of course the crown nut is seized and disintegrates....so I become less gentle.. hah
Might work on it tomorrow.
Rust, a weakness of our 4Runners. I think you said yours was from Ont. I've had some experience with Eastern vehicles. Almost 2 years ago my son bought a Mits Eclipse, it looked in good shape, it had low Km's and it was cheap. It was originally from Ont. I figured it was a good project for him, and I did notice a little rust. The following Spring, we stripped the car down as much as possible, gave him some goggles, air wire wheel and placed it high on jack stands. He (and I) spent the next week cleaning the undercarriage as much as possible (replaced some things that were rusted ie clamps on the fuel lines) then did the 2 stage treatment with POR15. Its messy by it works great. We also did the engine bay. He also got some exposure to body work--- the front bumper cover needed some repair. After that job, we went to the Pick N' Pull in Kelowna and pulled the entire rear suspension off a V6 model with rear disc brakes (his had drum), we rebuilt it all and installed it on his car. He learned alot, and I got a 20T press!
I'm a regular at the Pick N' Pull in Kelowna, and I've been pretty diligent watching for a 3rd gen---- in the 4-5 yrs I've been watching, not one has shown up! This yard usually keeps the vehicles on site for at least 3 mos. and they track larger parts and if parts are coming off a specific model, they'll delay crushing them.... thats a shame about that 4R!
My youngest will be going the College soon, so to restore the 97 Corolla we have, I found a beauty at the Pick N' Pull in Kelowna. It was in way better shape than ours!! I can only guess the tranny went... I stripped that car!! It had the same colour interior--- a few parts-- check! It had newish front struts (I dropped the entire front suspension including the CV's) and good rears--- I came back for those a week later, I also took the entire rear suspension, starter, alt, PS pump with lines, 4 good tires---- check. <$500 total!! Our Corolla now has a new lease on life and will last, at least through his College term! Did I mention I love Pick N' Pull's??
Good luck and post picks of that washer mod, when its done!
