New owner, noob questions inside (pics)

[twa318]

First, a quick introduction:

Started with this '99 SR5 six years ago

Fell in love with the 3rd gen and it was quickly apparent that it was the best vehicle I had ever owned. I drove it with no issues until the day before Thanksgiving a few years ago this happened:

The 4Runner was parked in front my apartment and a flatbed drove by with an unsecured load, spilling drywall and lumber into the side of my truck. I was out of state at the time but luckily a neighbor stepped in and got the cops involved. The truck was totaled out by insurance, I bought it back for $1000, replaced the rear window and daily drove it for years. Its still going strong today.

As much as I loved driving the 3rd gen, it did look a bit too much like hell to be a daily ride, so I started searching for a 4th gen. After searching for quite some time I was fortunate to find a 2007 Sport 2wd in superb mechanical condition and jumped on it:

I really enjoy it so far as it improves on the 3rd gen in every way, but I have a few questions that I couldn't find the answers to searching the forums.

1) Climate controls:

Are the HI LO OFF and AC controls all supposed to illuminate on the console? As you can see from the photo, only the center control illuminates, and ones on the left and right do not, however if you press the button the little orange light does come on as pictured

Is is unusual or typical that the small orange lights comes on but the controls do not illuminate? I watched this youtube video on how to replace (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QORvFsG3yZk) and see the part # is 90010-09015, will that fix this?

2) Any advice for repairing these paint chips?

I've repaired small paint chips before with the paint pen but these are quite a bit larger.

3) Passenger side window issues

The passenger side window is problematic. It rolls down fine but is temperamental rolling up. If you press the very bottom of the switch it will roll up, but it takes a certain touch and is not reliable. The drivers side window controls will not operate the passenger side window at all. Any thoughts?

4) Remove tint?

The tint looks great on the truck and whoever installed it did a great job, I'm certain it's why the interior leather is in such good shape. However the front is a dark 25% and its tough to see at night. I live in a heavily populated area with lots of pedestrian traffic and the lack of night vision concerns me. I've been researching Llumar Air series, the Air 80 looks like it blocks harmful rays while still allowing for greater night vision.

Any input is appreciated.

 

[knowhutimean]

First, a quick introduction:



Started with this '99 SR5 six years ago

Fell in love with the 3rd gen and it was quickly apparent that it was the best vehicle I had ever owned. I drove it with no issues until the day before Thanksgiving a few years ago this happened:

The 4Runner was parked in front my apartment and a flatbed drove by with an unsecured load, spilling drywall and lumber into the side of my truck. I was out of state at the time but luckily a neighbor stepped in and got the cops involved. The truck was totaled out by insurance, I bought it back for $1000, replaced the rear window and daily drove it for years. Its still going strong today.



As much as I loved driving the 3rd gen, it did look a bit too much like hell to be a daily ride, so I started searching for a 4th gen. After searching for quite some time I was fortunate to find a 2007 Sport 2wd in superb mechanical condition and jumped on it:

I really enjoy it so far as it improves on the 3rd gen in every way, but I have a few questions that I couldn't find the answers to searching the forums.



1) Climate controls:



Are the HI LO OFF and AC controls all supposed to illuminate on the console? As you can see from the photo, only the center control illuminates, and ones on the left and right do not, however if you press the button the little orange light does come on as pictured

Is is unusual or typical that the small orange lights comes on but the controls do not illuminate? I watched this youtube video on how to replace (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QORvFsG3yZk) and see the part # is 90010-09015, will that fix this?



2) Any advice for repairing these paint chips?

I've repaired small paint chips before with the paint pen but these are quite a bit larger.



3) Passenger side window issues



The passenger side window is problematic. It rolls down fine but is temperamental rolling up. If you press the very bottom of the switch it will roll up, but it takes a certain touch and is not reliable. The drivers side window controls will not operate the passenger side window at all. Any thoughts?



4) Remove tint?



http://i.imgur.com/aeNgsSB.jpg[/imh]



The tint looks great on the truck and whoever installed it did a great job, I'm certain it's why the interior leather is in such good shape. However the front is a dark 25% and its tough to see at night. I live in a heavily populated area with lots of pedestrian traffic and the lack of night vision concerns me. I've been researching Llumar Air series, the Air 80 looks like it blocks harmful rays while still allowing for greater night vision.



Any input is appreciated.[/QUOTE]



Yes they are supposed to light up.yes that's the right part number


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[snowboardwcu]

its a shame youre that far away, i would love to trade you my non-tinted driver/passenger glass for your nicely tinted.

yes, lights should light up.

paint chips? where? thats nothing. move along.

congrats on joining the club. one of us. one of us....

 

[The Yin]

hahaha, I just have to laugh because the AC control lights where the first thing I replaced on my 2005 when I got it a few years ago. And now I'm so far down this T4R rabbit hole that I can't even remember what the sky looks like.

Welcome to the crew.

Here is a page on replacing the lights: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/43130-replacement-instrument-light-bulb.html

Also, not sure where, but many times you can find touch up paint in small spray cans.
Edit: something like this (Just grabbed this from a google search, I've no idea of the quality. Only for example, not a recommendation)

 

[ZebRuaj]

1) Don't be like me and replace a few HVAC buttons through the stealership, then get caught with the LED bug and rebuy new bulbs. The LED replacements are way cheaper, specially if you go the Bay of E's route.

2) Lots of videos on Youtube if you want to fix paint chips correctly.

3) Either electrical or bad actuators. Either way, both suck. I feel for you. You could start with removing the door trims and plugging in a multimeter to start your diagnosis.

4) Get a heat gun, razor blade scraper, and goo gone. Can remove tint with some patience.

 

[Three50Bowtie]

Nice Looking 4th Gen!

I just did the A/C bulbs on mine...bought them on Ebay and followed the youtube instructions. 10 minutes later all of them worked!

 

[twa318]

hahaha, I just have to laugh because the AC control lights where the first thing I replaced on my 2005 when I got it a few years ago. And now I'm so far down this T4R rabbit hole that I can't even remember what the sky looks like.

Welcome to the crew.

Here is a page on replacing the lights: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/43130-replacement-instrument-light-bulb.html

Also, not sure where, but many times you can find touch up paint in small spray cans.
Edit: something like this (Just grabbed this from a google search, I've no idea of the quality. Only for example, not a recommendation)

I'm already on my way down the rabbit hole, I've been lurking on the FJ forums looking to pickup springs for the blistein/FJ upgrade. The XREAS is currently functioning fine but I don't like the way it feels and want to be prepared for when it's time to replace.

I've already done the simple maintenance items such as cabin filter, engine air filter, coolant and power steering flush, although I did have the dealership flush the transmission with their machine. I debadged all around and was amazed at how something so small can really improve the overall asethics of the truck.

I already picked up the duplicolor spray paint to match the natural white as I was planning on sanding and painting the chrome grill white but after reading a few posts I'm thinking I might go with white plasti dip on the grill instead. I'll lookup the YouTube videos on how to repair paint chips with the spray paint and let you know what I think.

Another question: Is the engine braking aggressive in these trucks or do I have a frozen caliper? One of the first things I noticed is that when I let off the gas the truck feels like its engine braking. The feel is much different from my 3rd gen which would coast along basically at speed until you hit the brakes. The 4th gen doesn't pull at all and my MPGs are great so I didn't know it was just a characteristic of the generation.

 

[parboy]

1 Bulbs are easy on the controls. 10-15 min job. there are good write ups on how to do it here

2 back window may be a switch?

3 so you have some options on the bumper. most credible shops will not
re-spray plastic and will say "if you want it done right , buy a new bumper and then paint. That being said, quite a few shops will re-spray that area and offer bumper spray deals but they are as is no guarantee. 3rd option . A nice steel ARB plate bumper.

Welcome to 4th gen

 

[ZebRuaj]

Another question: Is the engine braking aggressive in these trucks or do I have a frozen caliper? One of the first things I noticed is that when I let off the gas the truck feels like its engine braking. The feel is much different from my 3rd gen which would coast along basically at speed until you hit the brakes. The 4th gen doesn't pull at all and my MPGs are great so I didn't know it was just a characteristic of the generation.

Take it for a drive. If it's any of the front, it should pull. Or run your hand over each rim after the drive. Frozen caliper should throw out quite a bit of heat compared to the non frozen calipers.

 

[kevinmai712]

I removed front tint on the window before, what I did I used a iron and have the steamer setting on blast. Just heat up the tint with the iron and steamer and it will slowly start to peel off.

 

[03v8raleigh]

I'm already on my way down the rabbit hole, I've been lurking on the FJ forums looking to pickup springs for the blistein/FJ upgrade. The XREAS is currently functioning fine but I don't like the way it feels and want to be prepared for when it's time to replace.

I've already done the simple maintenance items such as cabin filter, engine air filter, coolant and power steering flush, although I did have the dealership flush the transmission with their machine. I debadged all around and was amazed at how something so small can really improve the overall asethics of the truck.

I already picked up the duplicolor spray paint to match the natural white as I was planning on sanding and painting the chrome grill white but after reading a few posts I'm thinking I might go with white plasti dip on the grill instead. I'll lookup the YouTube videos on how to repair paint chips with the spray paint and let you know what I think.

Another question: Is the engine braking aggressive in these trucks or do I have a frozen caliper? One of the first things I noticed is that when I let off the gas the truck feels like its engine braking. The feel is much different from my 3rd gen which would coast along basically at speed until you hit the brakes. The 4th gen doesn't pull at all and my MPGs are great so I didn't know it was just a characteristic of the generation.

I have a set of 4 FJ coils that I've been meaning to sell. located in Raleigh

 

[CXS]

I removed front tint on the window before, what I did I used a iron and have the steamer setting on blast. Just heat up the tint with the iron and steamer and it will slowly start to peel off.

I just used a steamer myself, almost peeled off in single pieces. Nice to see at night!

 

[CXS]

I removed front tint on the window before, what I did I used a iron and have the steamer setting on blast. Just heat up the tint with the iron and steamer and it will slowly start to peel off.

I used a steamer myself, almost peeled off in single pieces. Nice to see at night!

 

[twa318]

Take it for a drive. If it's any of the front, it should pull. Or run your hand over each rim after the drive. Frozen caliper should throw out quite a bit of heat compared to the non frozen calipers.

Averaging 19.7 mpg over the last three fill ups 70/30 hwy/city

391 miles, 20.01 gallons
401 miles, 20.19 gallons
399 miles 20.11 gallons

V6 @ 183k miles.

I was thinking I may have a stuck caliper due to the way the truck agressivly engine brakes but mpg numbers look good. Also shot both rims with my laser temperature gun after a long drive and the temp numbers were close to being exactly the same.

 

[Montego Murph]

I just did my CC bulbs too.

These bulbs worked great: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L8BR76A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You can carefully transfer over the little green bulb covers to the new ones. I advise you redo all the bulbs though as 1)some more will blow when you reinstall, and 2) the old ones will be noticeably dimmer and drive you crazy.

Great looking truck -- enjoy!

 

[Roadtripr]

Tint removal, can be done as described but watch out for the glue residue it leaves behind.
This crap can stay around for years in your seals.

The 4th gen will engine brake going down hills. Not sure how compared to a 3rd gen as i had a 99 manual.

Overall I agree. 4th gen is better in everyway except clearance from factory (but I changed that)

 

[twa318]

I had new tires put on, Sumitomo Tour LTX 265/65R17. After installing the tech told me my alignment specs were good and I didn't need an alignment. From looking at the forums it appears I'm within spec but I'm having an issue.

I drove a 650 mile road trip this weekend and the 4Runner was very twitchy on the highway at speeds above 70 mph. It was almost like white knuckle driving as the slightest gust of wind or imperfection in the road would make it float/drift.

My caster looks good, so I'm wondering if the poor highway handling could be a function or worn out xreas? If so I'm going to have to rip that out sooner then expected as it was really sketchy to drive at highway speeds.

Attached is the align report, let me know what you think.

 

[knowhutimean]

I had new tires put on, Sumitomo Tour LTX 265/65R17. After installing the tech told me my alignment specs were good and I didn't need an alignment. From looking at the forums it appears I'm within spec but I'm having an issue.

I drove a 650 mile road trip this weekend and the 4Runner was very twitchy on the highway at speeds above 70 mph. It was almost like white knuckle driving as the slightest gust of wind or imperfection in the road would make it float/drift.

My caster looks good, so I'm wondering if the poor highway handling could be a function or worn out xreas? If so I'm going to have to rip that out sooner then expected as it was really sketchy to drive at highway speeds.

Attached is the align report, let me know what you think.

It would not be surprising for the xreas to be going/gone after 10 years. No time like the present for a suspension upgrade

 

[austinl]

I had new tires put on, Sumitomo Tour LTX 265/65R17. After installing the tech told me my alignment specs were good and I didn't need an alignment. From looking at the forums it appears I'm within spec but I'm having an issue.

I drove a 650 mile road trip this weekend and the 4Runner was very twitchy on the highway at speeds above 70 mph. It was almost like white knuckle driving as the slightest gust of wind or imperfection in the road would make it float/drift.

My caster looks good, so I'm wondering if the poor highway handling could be a function or worn out xreas? If so I'm going to have to rip that out sooner then expected as it was really sketchy to drive at highway speeds.

Attached is the align report, let me know what you think.

I've noticed the same exact issue with my 06 2wd. Anytime I'm on a highway, it almost feels like I'm trying to drive through slick sand at 70mph+. Any little bump or gust of wind will make it drift.

 

[twa318]

I've noticed the same exact issue with my 06 2wd. Anytime I'm on a highway, it almost feels like I'm trying to drive through slick sand at 70mph+. Any little bump or gust of wind will make it drift.

I'm assuming you have xreas?

My research on the forums seems to indicate this is a typical symptom of worn out xreas. In addition to the twitchy highway handling I also experience a see sawing motion sometimes when rolling down the road.

Another forum member suggested airing down the front tires to 4 Psi less than the rear tires to improve the twitching highway handling. I haven't had the opportunity to try this yet but I will before my next road trip in a few weeks and will report back the results.

In the meantime I'm saving up for a decent suspension replacement kit. I was set on blisten 5100 and FJ springs as cost is important to me, however I think I'm going to save up for a little while longer and go with the slee lowlift kit that includes:


2 x OME883 Front Coil Springs
2 x 90021 OME Front Struts
2 x 60004 OME Rear Shocks
2 x OME895E Rear Coil Springs


Edit: For anyone searching in the future, I solved the handling issue. After the new tires were installed the tech aired them up to 40 psi! Dropped them down to 32psi as recommended by the owners manual and the handling has greatly improved