POS TOY, my $800 '98 SR5
- Thread starter OneOffStroker
- Start date
shootmymime
New member
threads like this are always fun. we enjoy watching a truck coming along like it is.
OneOffStroker
New member
I haven't been as busy on truck as I wanted to be, but here are some things I've been up to, but not much for pictures.
- I removed the beat up front bumper and tried to straighten the front fenders a little where they wrap under the headlights. I wanted this done so that the little filler pieces would fit. I even bought new clips for them. However, the driver's side is too far gone to straighten much without removing the fender completely. Of course, replacement fenders are like $27 from Rock Auto, so I have to ask myself if it's even worth my time...
- After the bumper was off, I noticed that one fender flares weren't flush to the body either, because of the crashed up fenders, I'm sure. So I took them off. And I took off the running boards. (well, from the driver's side anyway.) I like the look much more without them, so next time I have a few minutes to spare, I'm taking off the rest. I'll probably clean them and put them up for sale.
- I started the timing belt and water pump change. I got the belt off and the tensioner out, but it got dark and I had to stop. It's been either too cold or I've been busy with family stuff, so it has sat like that for a few days. It's cool though, because it gave me time to order and receive some things like Crank and Cam seals. lol
- I also removed the grille and prepped it for paint. I hate chrome, so it's turning Satin Black. I'm also going to use that same paint (Krylon Fusion) for the engine covers and airbag, as well as several of the interior parts, just to freshen them up.
- Finally, I powder coated my valve covers. They have been siting on my workbench for over a week, just waiting to be coated. I finally got my shop converted back to the powder setup (I have to reconvert my garage everytime I switch between powder and fabrication because it's just too small for both.) I went with a color called Desert Red Wrinkle. I think it will bring just the right amount of cool factor to this motor. Tomorrow-ish, I'll finally get the intake plenum coated, but it will be wrinkle black.
A little better contrast
Hopefully I'll get the timing belt installation finished this weekend and the rest of the motor put back together. There are a few small brackets and whatnot that are also getting powder coated, so I have to do that stuff too...
More to come, so stay tuned.
- I removed the beat up front bumper and tried to straighten the front fenders a little where they wrap under the headlights. I wanted this done so that the little filler pieces would fit. I even bought new clips for them. However, the driver's side is too far gone to straighten much without removing the fender completely. Of course, replacement fenders are like $27 from Rock Auto, so I have to ask myself if it's even worth my time...
- After the bumper was off, I noticed that one fender flares weren't flush to the body either, because of the crashed up fenders, I'm sure. So I took them off. And I took off the running boards. (well, from the driver's side anyway.) I like the look much more without them, so next time I have a few minutes to spare, I'm taking off the rest. I'll probably clean them and put them up for sale.
- I started the timing belt and water pump change. I got the belt off and the tensioner out, but it got dark and I had to stop. It's been either too cold or I've been busy with family stuff, so it has sat like that for a few days. It's cool though, because it gave me time to order and receive some things like Crank and Cam seals. lol
- I also removed the grille and prepped it for paint. I hate chrome, so it's turning Satin Black. I'm also going to use that same paint (Krylon Fusion) for the engine covers and airbag, as well as several of the interior parts, just to freshen them up.
- Finally, I powder coated my valve covers. They have been siting on my workbench for over a week, just waiting to be coated. I finally got my shop converted back to the powder setup (I have to reconvert my garage everytime I switch between powder and fabrication because it's just too small for both.) I went with a color called Desert Red Wrinkle. I think it will bring just the right amount of cool factor to this motor. Tomorrow-ish, I'll finally get the intake plenum coated, but it will be wrinkle black.
A little better contrast
Hopefully I'll get the timing belt installation finished this weekend and the rest of the motor put back together. There are a few small brackets and whatnot that are also getting powder coated, so I have to do that stuff too...
More to come, so stay tuned.
OneOffStroker
New member
I spent a few minutes putting in new rear cam seals and freshening up the RTV in the half moons. I also got tired of the plastic wire loom covers shattering each time I even looked at them wrong, so I went ballistic and just tore them off completely. I put on the valve covers with fresh grommets and added some blue lactate to the bolts and torqued them to 52 in-lbs.
Later in the evening, I finally got the intake plenum powder coated, as well as a couple small brackets and the thermostat housing, in an attempt to keep it from corroding any further.
The pics from tonight:
Tomorrow I'm going to brave the cold and get the Timing Belt completed, and get the intake back on. I should be able to start her up again tomorrow and take it for a test drive to see if it Brunson all 6 cylinders! (Monday at the latest)
Later in the evening, I finally got the intake plenum powder coated, as well as a couple small brackets and the thermostat housing, in an attempt to keep it from corroding any further.
The pics from tonight:
Tomorrow I'm going to brave the cold and get the Timing Belt completed, and get the intake back on. I should be able to start her up again tomorrow and take it for a test drive to see if it Brunson all 6 cylinders! (Monday at the latest)
OneOffStroker
New member
I finally got my timing belt jobber pretty much done. I just need to swing by work tomorrow and check out a monster torque wrench to get the crank bolt to 217ft-lbs. Then install the fan and fan shroud, throttle body (which is now black), tighten belts, and reinstall the intake. I might do the ISR mod tomorrow, since I have all the stuff apart.
Once that's done, I will reinstall my newly blacked-out grille, and find something else worthwhile to do while I have the day off.
Here's some pics of my engine, freshened up, but not quite done.
Once that's done, I will reinstall my newly blacked-out grille, and find something else worthwhile to do while I have the day off.
Here's some pics of my engine, freshened up, but not quite done.
OldManKamps
New member
Wow you made quick work of this, How long has it been?? 10 days?!
I can't even understand how mechanically inclined you have to be to do something like this. So jealous!
thegipper
New member
Curious how hard it was to get the crank bolt off? My brother had to make some special tool and use a 6 foot breaker bar to get mine off. When he re-installed the bolt, he cranked it down good but no where near 200+ ft/lbs. He said it was totally unnecessary since the crank is keyed anyways.
I tend to agree but we have zero engineering degrees combined....
Either way, its been many thousands of miles and the bolt is still there doing its thing.
I tend to agree but we have zero engineering degrees combined....
Either way, its been many thousands of miles and the bolt is still there doing its thing.
op2:OneOffStroker
New member
The bolt was a pain to remove. I had a crank holder tool, but it flexes like mad, and I had a 4-foot cheater pipe on my breaker bar to get it off.
For installation, I cleaned the bolt real good, hit it with Loctite primer, then a decent amount of red Loctite. I didn't get the big wrench from work, so I used my own to get it to 180, which I think will suffice.
OneOffStroker
New member
Well...I got the truck buttoned up, new fuel filter, new air filter, all vacuum lines where they need to be...and dead battery.
I used the wife's car to jump start this POS, and it lived up to its license plate. ****ing thing runs worse now than it did before I tried to care for it. FML.
I'll have to start troubleshooting now. It didn't throw a CEL, so I can't even ask it what the hell is going on.
I'm going to go over the spark plug wires to see that they are indeed on the correct plugs, and then I'm gonna swap back to the old coils. Check timing, and the other non-invasive checks, hopefully I find something. If not, this truck can die in a fire. lol
I used the wife's car to jump start this POS, and it lived up to its license plate. ****ing thing runs worse now than it did before I tried to care for it. FML.
I'll have to start troubleshooting now. It didn't throw a CEL, so I can't even ask it what the hell is going on.
I'm going to go over the spark plug wires to see that they are indeed on the correct plugs, and then I'm gonna swap back to the old coils. Check timing, and the other non-invasive checks, hopefully I find something. If not, this truck can die in a fire. lol
CalBlackSheep
New member
Wow thanks for sharing. Good luck on your troubleshooting! Hopefully it's something minor. Keep us posted.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Tinigunner11
New member
Well that wasn't what I was expecting after seeing those pretty engine pics. Sorry for the crush in you spirit. Try and keep a positive look at it and ask questions! We got your back!:tea:
OneOffStroker
New member
Well, I figured that bad fuel was the culprit because it only had about 1/8 of a tank (of indeterminate age) plus a whole bottle of fuel system cleaner, and a fair amount of Stabile 360 in the tank. I figured that the ratio of additives to old fuel could reasonably be to blame for it running so bad, so I put a few gallons of fresh(er) gas in it that I had left over in the shed for my mower, but still no new gas from the pump a this time. It still started and idled decent, but once I put it into any gear, it just wanted to sputter and die. This kinda made me think it wasn't just fuel, but it certainly will be a factor.
Fast forward to earlier today, and I was thinking about how one of my plug wires seemed a little longer than it should have been. This triggered a chain reaction of searching for photos and diagrams of plug wire routing, and it became apparent to me that I clearly (and mistakenly) switched #2 and #4 wires while trying to get them routed in the 6,238 looms and clips that are in the engine bay.
After I fixed that SNAFU, she fired right up, but idled at around 1700 RPM. I adjusted the idle screw and it purrs nicely around 700 RPM. It still has some hesitation while accelerating, but remember I mentioned the shitshow that is mixed up in my gas tank? I think after a couple hundred miles, she will be good to go.
Next up...I have to tackle leaky axle seals, oil-soaked brakes drums, broken sway bar links and mounts, and some worn out LBJs. That'll be a good start...
4x4runner2002
New member
Glad to hear it's running now. I drove by on my way to get some duck donuts and it looks good without the running boards and fender flares.
If you ever need an extra set of hands I am down the street.
OneOffStroker
New member
I didn't get much done today. I attended the memorial service for Ryan Owens, the SEAL who was killed overseas about two weeks ago. He truly was a giant amongst men, a great American, and a warrior to the end. I will never be even 1/100th of the man he was. :angel:
After the feels began to subside, I made my way outside and finally got the truck topped off with fresh gas, then proceeded to completely strip the rest of the interior, including the headliner. I will try to shampoo it or something to get the cigarette smell out, but there is only so much that can be done. I'm going to order carpet this weekend so that I can start putting the interior back together and call it done in there for a while.
Engine...Check.
Interior...Almost.
Suspension...Still a nightmare.
I need some sleep. Tomorrow is a new day.
After the feels began to subside, I made my way outside and finally got the truck topped off with fresh gas, then proceeded to completely strip the rest of the interior, including the headliner. I will try to shampoo it or something to get the cigarette smell out, but there is only so much that can be done. I'm going to order carpet this weekend so that I can start putting the interior back together and call it done in there for a while.
Engine...Check.
Interior...Almost.
Suspension...Still a nightmare.
I need some sleep. Tomorrow is a new day.
DeadFlanders
New member
Just one note on cleaning the headliner. I had some water staining on my headliner because of the old sunroof leaking. While I had the headliner out to replace my sunroof I wanted to clean it, but I was worried because so many people on-line said that the cleaners can dissolve the glue and then the headliner will sag. Well, there was one comment on-line that made me feel more comfortable about going forward, and that was a guy that said if your headliner starts sagging and pulling away from a light cleaning, it was probably about to fail anyways. That made sense to me, and also sounded like the same logic about flushing your transmission.. (If you start having transmission failures because you changed the oil, you probably already had issues)
With that thought in mind I went after it with some 409 all purpose cleaner and my steam cleaner. I pretreated the stained areas with the 409, and gently hit them with a brush, and then I used my upholstery attachment on my steam cleaner to rinse and pull the moisture out. Finally I set a fan to blow on it to dry it out right away..
I was very worried the whole time that I was ruining my headliner, but it came out great!
Oh, and I just remember, the other thing that people warned about was that if you got it wet, it would just make MORE water stains.. That also worried me a lot, but I didn't have that problem at all..
With that thought in mind I went after it with some 409 all purpose cleaner and my steam cleaner. I pretreated the stained areas with the 409, and gently hit them with a brush, and then I used my upholstery attachment on my steam cleaner to rinse and pull the moisture out. Finally I set a fan to blow on it to dry it out right away..
I was very worried the whole time that I was ruining my headliner, but it came out great!
Oh, and I just remember, the other thing that people warned about was that if you got it wet, it would just make MORE water stains.. That also worried me a lot, but I didn't have that problem at all..
OneOffStroker
New member
Thanks for the info! I was actually talking to my wife a few minutes ago about cleaning the headliner later today, and how we should go about it. I will definitely proceed with less trepidation than we were planning, knowing that it will turn out OK. I just need to get new clips for the rear, because all of mine shattered while removing them, but I'm sure everyone's did that.
DeadFlanders
New member
Yup, broke all mine trying to get them out. Luckily Toyota isnt too crazy with what they charge for those.. My wife had an acura and i remember them wanting almost 5 dollars a piece for the little plastic clips that jold the plasric fender well liner in!!
OneOffStroker
New member
I've been too busy working on Skye to bother posting here, so I got stuffed back on page 13!! lol
Anyway, I have done a ton of stuff, but have really only photographed a few things, so here it is:
I didn't get much of a total before/after of the DISGUSTING headliner, but you can see how dingy it is on the left in the photo, and how much better it is on the right. The front seat positions were so gross. It's almost as if the previous owners exclusively smoked in the 4Runner. Like, they wanted a cigarette, so they ran to the truck, rolled up the windows and smoked a whole pack at a time. Gross.
I took out my busted up ignition housing. I figured out how to get the tapered bolts off, and a '96 T4R is sitting in the Pick-n-Pull, so I took the housing out of it (beats taking the whole column) and swapped into my truck. Now i have a functioning steering wheel lock and light ring!
old:
New:
The tapered bolts:
I used a small chisel to gain some purchase and this allowed me to break them loose, then some needle nose pliers to twist them the rest of the way out.
I got the rear seats out of the '96 as well, so I stripped them to wash the covers. With that complete, I needed to put the covers back on, so I ordered some hog ring pliers and got to work.
I made some speaker adapters front and rear. This sucked, because both sets of speakers I have are odd sizes, even though they are 5.25 and 6.5. Rear are CT Sounds Tropo and front are Polk MM6501 components. I'm not running the crossover or tweeter up front now, because I couldn't find a good spot to mount the crossover yet.
I also got my new carpet in the mail, and installed it. That was a serious job. New carpets from ACC come oversize with no cutouts, so I had to locate every hole and trim all the excess. I ordered the heavy carpet with mass backing, so it was that much harder to install and cut. but daaaammmnnnnn it looks good now!
I'll try to get some pics of the carpet and interior reinstalled and do a before/after.
Stay tuned.
Anyway, I have done a ton of stuff, but have really only photographed a few things, so here it is:
I didn't get much of a total before/after of the DISGUSTING headliner, but you can see how dingy it is on the left in the photo, and how much better it is on the right. The front seat positions were so gross. It's almost as if the previous owners exclusively smoked in the 4Runner. Like, they wanted a cigarette, so they ran to the truck, rolled up the windows and smoked a whole pack at a time. Gross.
I took out my busted up ignition housing. I figured out how to get the tapered bolts off, and a '96 T4R is sitting in the Pick-n-Pull, so I took the housing out of it (beats taking the whole column) and swapped into my truck. Now i have a functioning steering wheel lock and light ring!
old:
New:
The tapered bolts:
I used a small chisel to gain some purchase and this allowed me to break them loose, then some needle nose pliers to twist them the rest of the way out.
I got the rear seats out of the '96 as well, so I stripped them to wash the covers. With that complete, I needed to put the covers back on, so I ordered some hog ring pliers and got to work.
I made some speaker adapters front and rear. This sucked, because both sets of speakers I have are odd sizes, even though they are 5.25 and 6.5. Rear are CT Sounds Tropo and front are Polk MM6501 components. I'm not running the crossover or tweeter up front now, because I couldn't find a good spot to mount the crossover yet.
I also got my new carpet in the mail, and installed it. That was a serious job. New carpets from ACC come oversize with no cutouts, so I had to locate every hole and trim all the excess. I ordered the heavy carpet with mass backing, so it was that much harder to install and cut. but daaaammmnnnnn it looks good now!
I'll try to get some pics of the carpet and interior reinstalled and do a before/after.
Stay tuned.
