Return Fuel Line Design Flaw

[Sgt. Russ]

Just picked up my first 4runner, 1998 SR5, Basically all stock. Just taking it easy in the forest, a branch got jammed up into the fuel lines above the crossmember and pulled off the return line (I'm assuming since its just a low pressure hose with a cheesy clamp) off, creating a really cool stream of fuel dumping right into the ground. Gonna Fab up a aluminum plate for a guard and bolt it to the cross-member bolts, left side.

Anyone else have issues with this? Coming from having two Rubicons, I was a little disappointed in the venerability of these lines.

 

[ARC]

Should have kept the Jeep. Toyota's are junk. Unreliable and don't hold up well.

 

[MStudt]

Anyone else have issues with this? Coming from having two Rubicons, I was a little disappointed in the venerability of these lines.

Stop waving at other Toyota's and pay attention to the trail. Remember, it's only a Jeep thing not a Toyota thing.

Plus you most likely would have ripped off the entire gas tank on your Rubi! Selling my old YJ and switching to a 4runner was the best thing I ever did. ound:

 

[ConstantFix]

Asses aside, ive yet to have trouble with said problem, (slap on water?) But you fixed the problem by fabbing up your own shield so cudos to you! Keep an eye out mate, good luck.

Cheers

 

[Sgt. Russ]

well there weren't any other Toyota's around. Just a really random thing to happen. And the Jeeps were bullet proof, years of hard core wheeling, then drive to work 300 miles away with no issues. Just have to drive smart. I just wanted the interior space and Toyota's are great vehicles. Always wanted a 4Runner, so pretty happy with the vehicle so far.

 

[Justin727]

well there weren't any other Toyota's around. Just a really random thing to happen. And the Jeeps were bullet proof, years of hard core wheeling, then drive to work 300 miles away with no issues. Just have to drive smart. I just wanted the interior space and Toyota's are great vehicles. Always wanted a 4Runner, so pretty happy with the vehicle so far.

Never had a problem with what you've mentioned SGT. But I have loved my 4Runner much more so then any Jeep I've owned in the past.

If you fab up something post pics as I would love to see sir!

 

[Sgt. Russ]

Never had a problem with what you've mentioned SGT. But I have loved my 4Runner much more so then any Jeep I've owned in the past.

If you fab up something post pics as I would love to see sir!

Will do

 

[Sgt. Russ]

Wanted to mention, I was on my private property. No trails. Therefore branches kinda run wild...

Here's what I came up with for the first proto-type. If I had more material here it would be better.

This is more of a deflector than an ultimate-guard...

Lemme know what you all think

 

[CallMeAnEngineer]

You're entirely right.

 

[Brian1973]

Nice job!

 

[slapdappy]

actually, there is supposed to be a plastic shield there. prob find replacement at junkyard for couple of $.

 

[thor999]

I was just about to say the same thing! Yes definitely a plastic cover there, mine rode around in the backseat for a month while I was spraying Kroil on something repeatedly... but, I think mine was brittle and I broke off part of the outer perimeter when reinstalling, so I would definitely be interested in a fabbed metal option! (Unless the Savage or BudBuilt kits cover this, do they?)

 

[Neil_R]

Seems like most older 4Rs with many owners are lacking this plate. Mine's was gone when the previous owner bought it. I'm the third owner.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

My truck was 2WD before, didn't have one.

My donor 4x4 2000 SR5 also didn't have one.

Girlfriends 2WD 99 Limited doesn't have one.

Where the hell did they go? lol I never had an issue but now I'm curious

 

[TNRunner99]

I took that plastic piece off because it hung down too far. I think aftermarket belly skids cover to the second cross member where they mount so they would cover the lines adding another solution.

 

[TheDurk]

My truck was 2WD before, didn't have one.

My donor 4x4 2000 SR5 also didn't have one.

Girlfriends 2WD 99 Limited doesn't have one.

Where the hell did they go? lol I never had an issue but now I'm curious

I am original owner and sole wrench of my '99 SR5. I swear it NEVER had one, and I know my truck like I know my (well, just use your imagination.)

 

[slapdappy]

Appears to me it protects fuel lines and filter from objects like your stick. It is plastic and unlikely to withstand repeated offroad confrontations with rocks and branches and such.
Maybe a more robust lightweight metal version is needed. My ignorance assumes a thin steel sheet, 2 or 3 bends, 3 bolt holes, done.

 

[Sgt. Russ]

That's good to know, this is my first Toyota so I really have no idea what "should" have been there. It seems that this is the way it came, there are no marks from anything being there before. I'm the second owner, the first owner was a nice lady, just drove it, no off road.

I'll definitely be looking for that guard though, Looks like it gives the coverage that I feel should be there, Thank you for posting that Pic!

 

[Sgt. Russ]

I can't tell for sure in the picture of the plastic cover, but does it extend from the first cross member back to the second? I do have some small probably 8 mm threaded holes in the frame, but all rusty, never had anything installed.

I think the posts about an aftermarket skid plate that cover everything might be the way to go. I appreciate all of the feedback.

 

[busmup808]

I just looked myself and there isn't anything on my truck as well. Lol