My better late than never build thread

[gm350reratliff]

Where did you find that grill for your rig? I love the heritage grills but i cant find anything like them for the '08s

The emblem is from a FJ40 or 45 that I found on ebay and I made the mesh insert following a thread [MENTION=72408]Mytoy4[/MENTION] created here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/126906-mytoy4-satoshi-grille-mod.html

 

[gm350reratliff]

Build looks great!

Would you mind posting a pic of the engine bay. I am thinking about getting that snorkel for mine but curious about your air filter location, brand, etc. I have a V8 so it will be a little different (I think, never looked at a V6 engine bay closely) but at least it will give me an idea of how to start laying everything out in my head.

Also, how do you like the snorkel? Any problems? I am getting ready to install a Pelfreybilt bumper and like you said, I am somewhat concerned about exposing the factory air intake more. That is the main reason for wanting a snorkel (plus, they just look cool) but we also travel down very dusty roads for camping so getting that intake up higher would be nice, too. Not overly concerned for water crossings as we don't go through (hopefully) stuff that deep. For $60 it's worth the piece of mind.

Thanks in advance for any feedback and again, great looking build.

Sorry, just remembered to reply to this tonight.

I’m just running the OEM air filter box and filter. The hydrocarbon filter has been removed. This setup works ok and is watertight but I do have to turn the scoop around if I’m going to be driving in a snowstorm because it will fill the entire snorkel and intake tubing with snow, which then becomes water. It doesn’t do this in rain though.

 

[gm350reratliff]

I finally had the time yesterday (and ambition) to drop the transmission pan, replace the internal wiring harness, and replace the filter and ATF. I’ll admit it, I’m not a role model 4runner owner, I’ve been avoiding this for some time and the evidence was that the old ATF was pretty dark. Even though the fluid was dark, the transmission shifted like it was brand new still. Besides changing the fluid, the other reason for dropping the pan was replacing the internal transmission harness that had begun seeping ATF into the external plug. From there, the ATF can be pushed up to the ECM. In fact, I just R&R’d the complete engine/transmission harness on a friend’s FJ that was completely saturated with ATF and was causing the O2 sensors to fail. Fortunately, my 4runner wasn’t that extreme yet.

Old and new transmission plug. Notice the oil in the old plug? The plug on my friend’s FJ was completely full of ATF and slightly pressurized.

These are what I believe to be the main culprits. The two ATF temperature sensors.

One good benefit of removing these sensors to replace them is that more old ATF is drained from the transmission. Just by dropping the pan, filter, and removing these sensors, almost 7 quarts of old ATF was drained.

Even though the ATF was way past due, there was very little metal buildup on the pan magnets, and just a little bit of brass/clutch material in the filter.

After replacing the harness, I buttoned the transmission up, filled it with fresh ATF and pumped out the rest of the old ATF using the transmission cooling lines then topped it off with more fresh WS.

Maybe it’s the placebo effect but it does seem to shift slightly smoother now even though, I thought it shifted fine before hand.

 

[AuSeeker]

I finally had the time yesterday (and ambition) to drop the transmission pan, replace the internal wiring harness, and replace the filter and ATF. I’ll admit it, I’m not a role model 4runner owner, I’ve been avoiding this for some time and the evidence was that the old ATF was pretty dark. Even though the fluid was dark, the transmission shifted like it was brand new still. Besides changing the fluid, the other reason for dropping the pan was replacing the internal transmission harness that had begun seeping ATF into the external plug. From there, the ATF can be pushed up to the ECM. In fact, I just R&R’d the complete engine/transmission harness on a friend’s FJ that was completely saturated with ATF and was causing the O2 sensors to fail. Fortunately, my 4runner wasn’t that extreme yet.

Old and new transmission plug. Notice the oil in the old plug? The plug on my friend’s FJ was completely full of ATF and slightly pressurized.

These are what I believe to be the main culprits. The two ATF temperature sensors.

One good benefit of removing these sensors to replace them is that more old ATF is drained from the transmission. Just by dropping the pan, filter, and removing these sensors, almost 7 quarts of old ATF was drained.

Even though the ATF was way past due, there was very little metal buildup on the pan magnets, and just a little bit of brass/clutch material in the filter.

After replacing the harness, I buttoned the transmission up, filled it with fresh ATF and pumped out the rest of the old ATF using the transmission cooling lines then topped it off with more fresh WS.

Maybe it’s the placebo effect but it does seem to shift slightly smoother now even though, I thought it shifted fine before hand.

What was the cost of the trans electrical components/harness/temp.sensors?

 

[gm350reratliff]

What was the cost of the trans electrical components/harness/temp.sensors?

This was all through https://parts.toyotaofcoolsprings.com

Order Content

82125-60650 Wire Transmission $45.77

90080-30075 Drain Plug O-Ring. $2.32

35178-30010 Trans pan O-ring. $2.21. Need 2 of these

35168-60010 Pan Gasket. $16.41

I used about 12 qts of WS ATF as well.

The entire engine/transmission harness I had to replace on my friends fj was about $700.00

 

[Capt Bixler]

Sick build!

 

[gm350reratliff]

Sick build!

Thanks!

 

[FLnative]

Just read through your build and it's full of great inspiration! I want to get my '08 on this level one day. Nice work! Also, I'm very jealous of your Toyota quiver, the 5th gen and Tundra are badass too.

 

[gm350reratliff]

Just read through your build and it's full of great inspiration! I want to get my '08 on this level one day. Nice work! Also, I'm very jealous of your Toyota quiver, the 5th gen and Tundra are badass too.

Thanks! I'm very blessed and have a lot to be thankful for! Each of them is different but they've all been very good vehicles!

 

[gm350reratliff]

Well it’s been a long time since I’ve updated this thread. I still own and drive this 4th gen and it still impresses me. I’m about 600 miles shy of joining the 200k mile club and it still running and driving great.

Sadly, not a lot of huge updates for this 4runner, thanks to a really rough 2020 & 21, but at least there are some new things.

I’m on my second set of Cooper ST Maxx 255/80/17 tires. I had roughly 40k on the last set with about 40-50% tread left when I picked up something on a trail late at night that completely destroyed one of the tires. I was clipping along about 30 mph when it happened and it must’ve got thrown into the weeds where I couldn’t see it but whatever it was made one hell of a racket before it exited the tire. I didn’t want to have just one new random tire so thankfully with the Discount Tire certificates, I only had to purchase three tires and they were able to discount those as well.

I just installed the second set of aftermarket brakes on here. I was originally going to do 5th gen brakes all around but had to stick with a budget this time so I went with Centric rotors and some pads from Rock Auto. It stops smoothly and quietly again! While I was at it, I also replaced the front wheel bearings with some Dorman units. I was hearing some grumbling from the front on turns and so far that is better as well.

We recently replaced the wheels and tires on our 5th gen 4runner so naturally, the old Pro Comp wheels found their way onto the 4th gen. I think they look better on the 4th gen than they ever did on our 5th gen.

I also upgraded the snorkel head to a Sy-Klone pre-cleaner. Yeah I know, kind of crazy to put a $150 pre-cleaner on a $80 snorkel. I’m not sure if the cheap snorkel head is all that different than an ARB head but this one really seemed to pack up with snow and collect more rain than I was expecting. Hopefully, the Sy-Clone eliminates that and should help keep the filter clean a little longer.

 

[gm350reratliff]

Finally replaced the chrome door handles with black handles. I’ve been thinking of doing this for several years now, after installing the black wheels I just had to. I used a thread by [MENTION=76420]lightfreak[/MENTION] as a guide: DIY: Exterior Door Handle Removal

I also detailed it today inside and out since it was pretty filthy. What started as a simple wash and vacuum snowballed into a full detail, buff and wax thanks to my OCD and a can of Red Bull. Should be good for a while now.

 

[gm350reratliff]

I passed a milestone with my 4th gen and completely forgot to update my thread. Not much free time in the last couple years so I've been terrible at keeping my threads updated.

Not any huge updates but way back in August of 2021, my 4th gen joined the 200k mile club. May not be a big deal in the grand scheme of things but it's the most miles I've put on a single vehicle. Usually I get bored with them or trade them off due to issues but this 4th gen has been a really great vehicle for us and I still enjoy driving it. I pulled over and took these pics right when it rolled 200k.

A few weeks after rolling 200k miles, I took my 4th gen scouting for elk in and around the Zuni mountains for my upcoming hunt. We may be in the middle of a bad drought but it poured rain for the two days I was out there, lol. Did manage to find a couple small herds. Lots of mud and flooded roads but the 4th gen did great out there.

After getting drenched and cold, I may my way to Pie Town. Excellent pie if anyone is passing through!

I have about 205k miles on my 4th gen now (just occurred to me how few miles I rack up these days). My commute is much shorter these days and I split the miles between it and my Tundra. It's still my preferred off-road rig but we don't have to go far to off-road either.

The rough roads of the city life and the occasional off-road outing have taken a toll on the Bilstein 6112's. The driver side front blew out a week ago but I have some new parts coming in from Dobinsons to get it back on the road soon.:rockon:

 

[gm350reratliff]

After 60k-ish miles, the Bilstein 6112's (well, one of them) have left the chat and the ride has become even more sloppy than it was. The LCA's have also developed a squeak on bumps that's driving me crazy so it's time to replace those as well.

I decided to try something different this time and replaced the Bilsteins with some Dobinsons IMS shocks paired with their C59-352 (732#) coils. I also replaced the worn out OEM LCA's with some Moog arms with new lower ball joints and all new OEM LCA cam bolts. I'm definitely going to keep the OEM LCA's and swap some different bushings into them as time allows just to have as spares in case these China Moogs crap out early.

Also added some Dobinsons adjustable rear swaybar links. I had some other adjustable links with heim joints but they were soooo squeaky. I got tired of lubing them every week. These sealed links should be nice and quiet.

Adding to the sloppy, sagging ride, these KYB top hats and rubber isolators haven't lasted like the OEM ones do.

These 6112's have been slowly leaking for a while but recently started puking oil out. I may look into rebuilding them, if possible.

Dobinsons goodness in place along with new LCA's.

The front end is riding right again! Right at 23" center of hub to fender, just like [MENTION=148378]Crikeymike[/MENTION] said it would. The ride is better all around, slightly stiffer, probably due to the stiffer spring but these should handle this heavy bumper better.

New Dobinsons adjustable rear swaybar links.

Afterwards, I borrowed a buddies alignment rack and dialed it all in. Later that day, my alternator bearings decided they also had enough and seized up. I didn't want this 4Runner down too long so I picked up a reman'd Denso alternator from the local Toyota dealership. Unfortunately, this alternator made more noise than the OEM unit so I installed a reman'd O'Reillys alternator and all new Gates idler pulleys and a new Gates tensioner. Hopefully, the O'Reillys unit holds up for another 200k!! Unfortunately, I was so focused on trying to complete that repair before our Easter dinner, I didn't get any pics.

 

[Crikeymike]

After 60k-ish miles, the Bilstein 6112's (well, one of them) have left the chat and the ride has become even more sloppy than it was. The LCA's have also developed a squeak on bumps that's driving me crazy so it's time to replace those as well.

I decided to try something different this time and replaced the Bilsteins with some Dobinsons IMS shocks paired with their C59-352 (732#) coils. I also replaced the worn out OEM LCA's with some Moog arms with new lower ball joints and all new OEM LCA cam bolts. I'm definitely going to keep the OEM LCA's and swap some different bushings into them as time allows just to have as spares in case these China Moogs crap out early.

Also added some Dobinsons adjustable rear swaybar links. I had some other adjustable links with heim joints but they were soooo squeaky. I got tired of lubing them every week. These sealed links should be nice and quiet.

Adding to the sloppy, sagging ride, these KYB top hats and rubber isolators haven't lasted like the OEM ones do.

These 6112's have been slowly leaking for a while but recently started puking oil out. I may look into rebuilding them, if possible.

Dobinsons goodness in place along with new LCA's.

The front end is riding right again! Right at 23" center of hub to fender, just like [MENTION=148378]Crikeymike[/MENTION] said it would. The ride is better all around, slightly stiffer, probably due to the stiffer spring but these should handle this heavy bumper better.

New Dobinsons adjustable rear swaybar links.

Afterwards, I borrowed a buddies alignment rack and dialed it all in. Later that day, my alternator bearings decided they also had enough and seized up. I didn't want this 4Runner down too long so I picked up a reman'd Denso alternator from the local Toyota dealership. Unfortunately, this alternator made more noise than the OEM unit so I installed a reman'd O'Reillys alternator and all new Gates idler pulleys and a new Gates tensioner. Hopefully, the O'Reillys unit holds up for another 200k!! Unfortunately, I was so focused on trying to complete that repair before our Easter dinner, I didn't get any pics.

Looks great man!!

Wow, those old strut mounts were really cracked!! I'm surprised.

Yeah, heim joints just aren't the greatest idea on some vehicles. The ball joint ends in the Dobinsons sway bar links are basically the same as stock, and stock ones last forever so these should too!!

Crazy also about the alternator!! Did you get any crap returning the Toyota one?

 

[gm350reratliff]

Looks great man!!

Wow, those old strut mounts were really cracked!! I'm surprised.

Yeah, heim joints just aren't the greatest idea on some vehicles. The ball joint ends in the Dobinsons sway bar links are basically the same as stock, and stock ones last forever so these should too!!

Crazy also about the alternator!! Did you get any crap returning the Toyota one?

Yeah, the strut mounts were good for quite a while but started deteriorating at a quick pace this past year. I usually don't run heims on the street due to the noise but those worked for a while. Nice to have it quiet again!

The alternator situation was strange. The last place I figured I would get a defective alternator is at Toyota. I was told they no longer offer that alternator new, only remanufactured is offered now, even through Toyota. It was a Denso reman, in a sealed box, no evidence of a prior install but definitely defective. I had no trouble returning it. They offered to order another one but I declined.

 

[Unner]

Nice truck, black 4runners always look good.

How have those Rokmen control arms and bushings held up for you over the years? Looks like you've got a decent amount of miles on them. I'm looking at getting them for my 3rd gen as well.

 

[gm350reratliff]

Nice truck, black 4runners always look good.

How have those Rokmen control arms and bushings held up for you over the years? Looks like you've got a decent amount of miles on them. I'm looking at getting them for my 3rd gen as well.

Thanks for the compliment!

The Rokmen arms have held up great. They’ve been on for several years and probably over 60k miles. They each have some scrapes on the bottom side from getting dragged over rocks and such but really no need to worry about bending them, they are stout! The bushings still look good and have remained quiet. I need to get a set for my 5th gen!

 

[Unner]

Thanks for the compliment!

The Rokmen arms have held up great. They’ve been on for several years and probably over 60k miles. They each have some scrapes on the bottom side from getting dragged over rocks and such but really no need to worry about bending them, they are stout! The bushings still look good and have remained quiet. I need to get a set for my 5th gen!

That's awesome. Longevity and reliability is huge for me and one of my concerns when going with aftermarket parts. Glad to hear they hold up well, and they seem to have the best price, at least as far as options for 3rd gens go. I've got nearly 300k on the original ones so I figure I'm due to change them out and might as well upgrade.

 

[gm350reratliff]

No real fun updates but just had to deal with the failing master cylinder. What started as me noticing the MC pump running more than I remember, to running even more than that along with a squealing sound that ranged from slight chirp to howling like a banshee. I parked it when it reached that level. No dash lights and never fully lost the brakes but didn't want to take the chance, especially now that my daughter is driving it, and will probably fully take it over. I will say that this is the most expensive, needed repair I've had to do on any of my Toyotas, and hopefully the last!

So, I ordered a new, complete MC hydraulic unit from Sparks Parts in SC. I read some threads on here about the replacement and of course had the FSM as reference. I've done several other MC replacements over the years on various vehicles and this 4th gen was really as easy or even easier than some of the others. I had my teenagers help me bleed the brakes and then we finished it off with a ZPC. Total time took about 4 hours.

Out with the old:

In with the new: