New owner, needing advice

[liamoli]

G'day T4R owners,

I'm 19 about a year ago got my first T4R, its a 1987 4wd 2 door wagon.

I've just started getting into camping and hiking, I take her out a fair bit.

My plan is to mod her put in a new engine or something, fix up everything to make her louder, slightly faster(I'm no lead foot), and more 4wd capable.

My problem is I have no idea about mechanics, I am willing to learn, and i'm looking for advice on how to go about learning the mechanics of a diesel.
I'm also looking for advice on how to go about modding her.

Thanks hope someone can answer these questions, I will be adding photos up soon, and once I start, the progress of her modding

 

[jirehn]

Welcome most in this forum Glad to have you here.Welcome aboard!

 

[DC runner]

Your truck has the diesel engine. NICE! Well, you are in luck. Diesel engines tend to be longer lasting and somewhat easier to work on. They also tend to allow for more playing with mapping to increase power.

As an American, I have 0 experience with the 4runner diesel. We were not granted that in our market. Louder is easier, as for as swapping engines. I would say stick with yours.

To give you an idea. Diesel engines are more effiecnt at energy conversion into power. In order from least to greatest - Gas (horrid, even today). Diesel. Electric from battery. Electric motors provide instant torque. This is why all trains are usually diesel electric. The engine turns a generator to produce electricity to deliver to the wheels.

Anyway. You are lucky. Young and a good time to start.

 

[emelianenkov]

Beautiful thing about 4Runners, even stock they're incredibly capable! If you treat your machine right, it'll be a treat for you for many more years to come.

Good luck with your modding and welcome to the community of some of the best trucks made!

 

[liamoli]

G'day DC Runner,

Thanks for replying, I have so many questions, bear with me.

I love diesel engines they last forever if you treat them right.

So you say I should keep the same engine, Is it possible to work on it and fine tune everything to make it go a bit faster??(Just a bit haha). What do I do to make it louder
I also want to change the paint(right now its yellow and black, I want it Jet black and yellow, haha just reverse the colours really) would I be able to do that my self or am I best of going to a sprayers.

And finally what would be the best way to learn Diesel Mechanics, e.g are there books, courses, etc. I want to try and do most of it myself so I have the sense of achievement.

I have more questions but I'll start of with these

Hopefully you can answer them for me.

Thanks cya