Phattyduck's '99 4WD swap
- Thread starter phattyduck
- Start date
phattyduck
Elite Member
Answering soon.
As for my 4Runner... I'm in the middle of a timing belt + valve cover gasket + intake mods session. It'll take a bit of time to get it all done. I also got SR5 skinny flares on, will update with pics at some point...
-Charlie
phattyduck
Elite Member
First proof that I can't get an oil change right...
Another skid plate covering oil slick... ugh.
Next, lubed up the rear driveshaft. I had been getting some sticking of the slip yoke, not bad enough for a clunk, but bad enough that the wife noticed it. I used Ford XG8 grease on the slip yoke and it is much better. I'll probably have to do another round of cleaning and greasing later.
Next up, skinny flares! Cleaned them up really well, scrubbed with a Mr. Clean magic eraser on all the exterior surfaces too. Both rear mud flaps were coming apart a bit, so I reinforced them with a little bit of aluminum angle and rivets. One of the running board pieces also needed a little repair on one of the mounting studs too. Since my 4Runner was flare-free from the factory, I had to drill the mounting locations on the rear fender lip. Everything else is pretty straightforward as long as you have all the clips, etc. I still need to take pictures of it all finished, and I still need to clean up the rest of the black plastic on the truck, then hit it all with the heat gun to bring it back to black semi-permanently.
That pretty much covers the last couple months. Once the maintenance stuff is done, it'll be time for the rear axle seals, then steering rack and suspension.
-Charlie
Another skid plate covering oil slick... ugh.
Next, lubed up the rear driveshaft. I had been getting some sticking of the slip yoke, not bad enough for a clunk, but bad enough that the wife noticed it. I used Ford XG8 grease on the slip yoke and it is much better. I'll probably have to do another round of cleaning and greasing later.
Next up, skinny flares! Cleaned them up really well, scrubbed with a Mr. Clean magic eraser on all the exterior surfaces too. Both rear mud flaps were coming apart a bit, so I reinforced them with a little bit of aluminum angle and rivets. One of the running board pieces also needed a little repair on one of the mounting studs too. Since my 4Runner was flare-free from the factory, I had to drill the mounting locations on the rear fender lip. Everything else is pretty straightforward as long as you have all the clips, etc. I still need to take pictures of it all finished, and I still need to clean up the rest of the black plastic on the truck, then hit it all with the heat gun to bring it back to black semi-permanently.
That pretty much covers the last couple months. Once the maintenance stuff is done, it'll be time for the rear axle seals, then steering rack and suspension.
-Charlie
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phattyduck
Elite Member
Big round of maintenance time!
Timing belt, tensioner, pulleys, water pump, thermostat, valve cover gaskets, radiator and radiator hoses. I also did the deck plate mod and Airaid ISR while I was in there.
Starting off, making room:
Looks decent under there, no major leaks under the cover. Based on what I see and the records I got from my Dad and Sister, the last time the belt was done was at 84k miles, the truck has 272k on it now... So, fun times.
Looks like there was issues replacing the tensioner previously. One wrong bolt was on there:
I just took my time and removed the AC compressor and bracket. I don't have any 1/4" extensions to get up in there...
New water pump and thermostat in place, jiggle valve at 6 o'clock!
I got cam and crank seals, just in case. I only did the cam seals as the crank seal wasn't leaking. The cam seals are easy if the valve cover is off...
Valve covers off! It looked way better than expected under there. Remember, 272k miles! Half-moons reseals, rear plugs replaced, new gaskets, new cam seals. Should be good for a while.
Old spark plugs out. They all look pretty even for wear and ready to be replaced:
Modified intake back in place:
And pretty much all done. Just waiting on about 1 gallon of distilled water and the battery.
Everything is good. Temps right at 186-188*F, no leaks as far as I can tell. Engine running good as ever.
-Charlie
Timing belt, tensioner, pulleys, water pump, thermostat, valve cover gaskets, radiator and radiator hoses. I also did the deck plate mod and Airaid ISR while I was in there.
Starting off, making room:
Looks decent under there, no major leaks under the cover. Based on what I see and the records I got from my Dad and Sister, the last time the belt was done was at 84k miles, the truck has 272k on it now... So, fun times.
Looks like there was issues replacing the tensioner previously. One wrong bolt was on there:
I just took my time and removed the AC compressor and bracket. I don't have any 1/4" extensions to get up in there...
New water pump and thermostat in place, jiggle valve at 6 o'clock!
I got cam and crank seals, just in case. I only did the cam seals as the crank seal wasn't leaking. The cam seals are easy if the valve cover is off...
Valve covers off! It looked way better than expected under there. Remember, 272k miles! Half-moons reseals, rear plugs replaced, new gaskets, new cam seals. Should be good for a while.
Old spark plugs out. They all look pretty even for wear and ready to be replaced:
Modified intake back in place:
And pretty much all done. Just waiting on about 1 gallon of distilled water and the battery.
Everything is good. Temps right at 186-188*F, no leaks as far as I can tell. Engine running good as ever.
-Charlie
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Nate_GB
Member
Just a note about the rear axle bearings, seals and retainers... The new axle seals will be the updated part from Toyota. The way the new seal is designed it doesn't sit far enough onto the bearing retainer to make a good seal. When I did mine, I found that installing the retainer (the one that the seal rides on) not as far towards the axle flange as it was originally was necessary to make a good seal. I ended up installing the retainer so that about 2.6 mm of the machined axle surface was showing versus the 4.6 mm of machined axle surface that was showing when I pulled my old bearings and retainers off. Hopefully my explanation is understandable. If not, let me know and I'll gladly draw up a little diagram to explain.
Great job on the swap too!
Great job on the swap too!
cbr900boy
New member
First proof that I can't get an oil change right...
Another skid plate covering oil slick... ugh.
Next, lubed up the rear driveshaft. I had been getting some sticking of the slip yoke, not bad enough for a clunk, but bad enough that the wife noticed it. I used Ford XG8 grease on the slip yoke and it is much better. I'll probably have to do another round of cleaning and greasing later.
Next up, skinny flares! Cleaned them up really well, scrubbed with a Mr. Clean magic eraser on all the exterior surfaces too. Both rear mud flaps were coming apart a bit, so I reinforced them with a little bit of aluminum angle and rivets. One of the running board pieces also needed a little repair on one of the mounting studs too. Since my 4Runner was flare-free from the factory, I had to drill the mounting locations on the rear fender lip. Everything else is pretty straightforward as long as you have all the clips, etc. I still need to take pictures of it all finished, and I still need to clean up the rest of the black plastic on the truck, then hit it all with the heat gun to bring it back to black semi-permanently.
That pretty much covers the last couple months. Once the maintenance stuff is done, it'll be time for the rear axle seals, then steering rack and suspension.
-Charlie
Nice, i just completed the bearings and axle seals on both my 01 and 98. PITA but saved a shit load of money on labor.
phattyduck
Elite Member
I've read the big thread on it all the way through a few times. I know it'll be a bit of a challenge to get it right... I have already ordered ALL of the OEM parts necessary, so I'm at least good on that.
I haven't checked it recently, hopefully I can get to it before gear oil makes it to the drums/shoes.
-Charlie
phattyduck
Elite Member
Well, here we are nearly 4 months later. I got the rest of the skinny black flares installed. Sorry no pics... it just looks stock!
I did the axle seals with mtbtim and they seem to be holding up (I have about 3-4k miles on them at this point, just checked through the ABS hole this weekend during an oil change).
I officially re-badged the 4Runner to '99 4WD spec:
The truck passed 275k miles:
And I finally figured out how to do a (nearly) spill free oil change! A form-a-funnel, stuck up between the axle and a-arm, right up to the bottom of the filter. It got 90% of the oil that would otherwise end up on the skid plate.
I also found one of my rear shocks (older Bilstein 4600's) is leaking and the front tires are showing a bit of feathering after 5k miles... so that moves the suspension work up the list. The plan: 4Runner 5100's all around, OME 906 springs in the rear. I'll either use the 2WD '99 springs or the 4WD '97 springs in the front - not sure on which ones yet.
-Charlie
I did the axle seals with mtbtim and they seem to be holding up (I have about 3-4k miles on them at this point, just checked through the ABS hole this weekend during an oil change).
I officially re-badged the 4Runner to '99 4WD spec:
The truck passed 275k miles:
And I finally figured out how to do a (nearly) spill free oil change! A form-a-funnel, stuck up between the axle and a-arm, right up to the bottom of the filter. It got 90% of the oil that would otherwise end up on the skid plate.
I also found one of my rear shocks (older Bilstein 4600's) is leaking and the front tires are showing a bit of feathering after 5k miles... so that moves the suspension work up the list. The plan: 4Runner 5100's all around, OME 906 springs in the rear. I'll either use the 2WD '99 springs or the 4WD '97 springs in the front - not sure on which ones yet.
-Charlie
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octanejunkie
Elite Member
Following!
phattyduck
Elite Member
Phew... photos updated to all Imgur links!
I extended the rear breather up near the fuel filler recently. No pics, sorry. I routed the breather to the frame with the brake line, then over and up behind the plastic cover. I didn't bring it all the way up to the fuel filler door - I don't like that look. Its already at mid-door height at this point anyway and totally protected where it is.
-Charlie
I extended the rear breather up near the fuel filler recently. No pics, sorry. I routed the breather to the frame with the brake line, then over and up behind the plastic cover. I didn't bring it all the way up to the fuel filler door - I don't like that look. Its already at mid-door height at this point anyway and totally protected where it is.
-Charlie
phattyduck
Elite Member
A couple weeks back, I got an '02 Sport front 'skidplate' to spruce up the front end until I can get a real bumper.
Of course, as luck would have it, just yesterday, a woman backed into me in a parking lot. I was as far out of the way as possible (I had already backed all the way up to a block wall), and she STILL somehow managed to back into me. This was after we were nice enough not to tow her car after she parked in one of our office private spaces in my assigned spot. She even refused to say she had even hit the truck!
Luckily, the skid plate wasn't damaged. It also looks like the front impact bar saved everything behind the bumper cover. We shall see what the insurance payout is. Maybe a new plate bumper will come sooner than originally planned!
-Charlie
Of course, as luck would have it, just yesterday, a woman backed into me in a parking lot. I was as far out of the way as possible (I had already backed all the way up to a block wall), and she STILL somehow managed to back into me. This was after we were nice enough not to tow her car after she parked in one of our office private spaces in my assigned spot. She even refused to say she had even hit the truck!
Luckily, the skid plate wasn't damaged. It also looks like the front impact bar saved everything behind the bumper cover. We shall see what the insurance payout is. Maybe a new plate bumper will come sooner than originally planned!
-Charlie
phattyduck
Elite Member
Sounds good... I'll probably be taking it off soon. I got a good deal on full set of Shrockworks skids recently... And it'll look better on a factory Sport Edition anyway.
-Charlie
Sounds good... I'll probably be taking it off soon. I got a good deal on full set of Shrockworks skids recently... And it'll look better on a factory Sport Edition anyway.
-Charlie
Sounds good- you just let me know when. Would love to check your 4WD conversion out in person as well!
phattyduck
Elite Member
Took the yearly trip up to the family cabin in Northern California:
Shrockworks front bumper ordered on the recent group buy... we shall see how many months it takes to get here...
I got a full set of Shrockworks skids for a good price... cleaned them up, got all new 3/8" stainless hardware (instead of the 5/16" zinc plated stuff) and cleaned/painted all the scrapes. Install was fairly straightforward, but I did have to do a bit of extra grinding and drilling to get everything to fit. The larger hardware has less play. The engine/trans section should be fairly easy to remove for any more involved maintenance:
And yes, it is funny that I still have the running boards on there... And stock suspension. That will all be changing in time. You take your deals when you can get them!
Also got a set of Addco swaybars. Got the front installed so far. I will be building disconnects for the front for off roading.
In the near future, I'll be installing my Field Monitor. It uses a temp sensor at the front of the truck. Even though it is a different part number than the Limited outside temp sensor (I have an SR5, so that plug is unused), it turns out with shaving one bit off the connector you can plug it in to the stock plug. I had a theory that this would work, since I have an SR5. That means no running wires up into the cab, I can tap into them in the driver's footwell. Nice!
-Charlie
Shrockworks front bumper ordered on the recent group buy... we shall see how many months it takes to get here...
I got a full set of Shrockworks skids for a good price... cleaned them up, got all new 3/8" stainless hardware (instead of the 5/16" zinc plated stuff) and cleaned/painted all the scrapes. Install was fairly straightforward, but I did have to do a bit of extra grinding and drilling to get everything to fit. The larger hardware has less play. The engine/trans section should be fairly easy to remove for any more involved maintenance:
And yes, it is funny that I still have the running boards on there... And stock suspension. That will all be changing in time. You take your deals when you can get them!
Also got a set of Addco swaybars. Got the front installed so far. I will be building disconnects for the front for off roading.
In the near future, I'll be installing my Field Monitor. It uses a temp sensor at the front of the truck. Even though it is a different part number than the Limited outside temp sensor (I have an SR5, so that plug is unused), it turns out with shaving one bit off the connector you can plug it in to the stock plug. I had a theory that this would work, since I have an SR5. That means no running wires up into the cab, I can tap into them in the driver's footwell. Nice!
-Charlie
Where did you get the flares from? Have a Chromed SR5 and I hate the look of the chrome strip, like the black flares better.
phattyduck
Elite Member
Found them used on here. Junkyards or forums will be your best bet. They don't come up too often though, or are incomplete sets. I got lucky and found a (nearly) complete set with all the hardware.
-Charlie
Road Bull
Senior Member
A couple weeks back, I got an '02 Sport front 'skidplate' to spruce up the front end until I can get a real bumper.
Of course, as luck would have it, just yesterday, a woman backed into me in a parking lot. I was as far out of the way as possible (I had already backed all the way up to a block wall), and she STILL somehow managed to back into me. This was after we were nice enough not to tow her car after she parked in one of our office private spaces in my assigned spot. She even refused to say she had even hit the truck!
Luckily, the skid plate wasn't damaged. It also looks like the front impact bar saved everything behind the bumper cover. We shall see what the insurance payout is. Maybe a new plate bumper will come sooner than originally planned!
-Charlie
Getting a serious eff-off bumper was high on my priority list when I got my 4runner. That same situation, she could lie to herself, but it is hard to deny hitting your bumper when your bumper gets a scratch and their trunk, or bumper caves in. Hahahaha. I live in a place where people seem to park by Braille. They back up until they hit something and they keep doing that until they get where they want to or away from where they want to. I figured a real bumper would make all that more interesting. It's another great reason for rock sliders. People slinging their doors open like they're the only people on this planet tend to annoy me.
Nice clean 4runner you got there.
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phattyduck
Elite Member
Ultra-minor update time!
Time for another oil change and tire rotation:
I got the SEM paint that I read matches the interior. It is close! SEM Color Coat Castella 15223. This is for the Field Monitor I will be installing soon.
Slightly lighter:
With flash:
Without flash:
Compared to other interior parts:
I'm looking forward to having it installed.
-Charlie
Time for another oil change and tire rotation:
I got the SEM paint that I read matches the interior. It is close! SEM Color Coat Castella 15223. This is for the Field Monitor I will be installing soon.
Slightly lighter:
With flash:
Without flash:
Compared to other interior parts:
I'm looking forward to having it installed.
-Charlie
