Ripcord's 2002 4Runner Sport Ed.

[ALBPM]

What was the cost for all the parts to do the 231 mm brake upgrade??

Thanks!

Brakes + Taxes - Core refunds = $378.41
Worth every penny.

Mine was $343.43 after the core refunds. That also included large bottle of brake Fluid, a can of brake cleaner and an extra pack of springs and clips.

AutoZone was a bit less than NAPA plus - I got teh "Bling"

I still need to shorten the SS adjustable Panhard bar a bit. My driver's side tire sticks out ~7/8" from the fender and the Passenger's side only sticks out 1/8". Nice thing is I can fine tune it to get the frame and axle centered.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Ok, so lately my Autometer transmission temp gauge has been really freaking me out. It is constantly reading between 225 and 250+ degrees during normal driving!

I have yet to get the dash warning light, and the transmission seems to be running as it should. So that leads me to believe that the gauge is what is messing up..
And yes I know for sure that the warning light works because when I went to the lake a few weeks back I got stuck in the sand for a few minutes and really got that sucker warmed up, at which time the light came on.


To figure this out, I just ordered a Scangauge II from amazon which should be here Tuesday. Until then I am using the company delivery van.. Its an old a$$ chevy astro van that is somehow really fun to drive!

With the scangauge being able to display tranny temps directly from the transmission through the trucks computer, I hope to see that it is actually running at normal temperature. If that fails and I find out my transmission is really running hot.. well lets just hold out hope that doesn't happen!



What a great excuse to finally get a Scangauge!! And did you guys see its new features? I forget what its called, but it can time you on tracks and does really accurate 0-60 times and stuff. Not my cup of tea but cool nonetheless.

=============================================


Also, small update on the Tundra 231 brakes, I got them bedded in a while ago and they absolutely rock now!

Before I was scared to brake because of how bad the rotors were warped, I avoided the highway at all costs. When braking I actually thought my truck was going to break apart! It is so butter smooth now. The pedal is a small bit mushy, but I can deal with that seeing as how I can again feel safe using that pedal..


Its been so long since I have had properly functioning brakes, but I venture to say that these are quite a bit better at slowing me down versus stock.

 

[ALBPM]

That Bed-In process works wonders!!!

You might check your connections on the fittings again for the gauge.

 

[4-Ripcord]

That Bed-In process works wonders!!!

You might check your connections on the fittings again for the gauge.

Yeah I'm gonna tear it down tomorrow. I have a few things to install while I'm at it..

 

[ALBPM]

So what's next on your Beast..
I finally got a floor jack and I got the larger 6 ton stands from harbor Freight.

Holler if you need more stands for any up coming projects.

 

[4-Ripcord]

So what's next on your Beast..
I finally got a floor jack and I got the larger 6 ton stands from harbor Freight.

Holler if you need more stands for any up coming projects.

Well I am still really wanting to take you up on your offer, but I still need a while for funds. (And keep that on the down low until it is for sure, haha)
So if that happens, that will be it for this year.



If not that.. Custom steel bumper.

 

[brian2sun]

Glad you like the Tundras. I finally got to test mine off road yesterday and today and it's a huge difference. Good brakes on the trail allowed me to hold a steep line and stop, crawl, stop, crawl.. when I would normally have to keep moving forward because my old brakes wouldn't hold it back from rolling back down. Tundras are a must mod for off roading!

 

[4-Ripcord]

Glad you like the Tundras. I finally got to test mine off road yesterday and today and it's a huge difference. Good brakes on the trail allowed me to hold a steep line and stop, crawl, stop, crawl.. when I would normally have to keep moving forward because my old brakes wouldn't hold it back from rolling back down. Tundras are a must mod for off roading!

Especially with all the extra weight you have, I can't imagine what it must have been like with the stock brakes. I have yet to try them offroad.

 

[ALBPM]

Well I am still really wanting to take you up on your offer, but I still need a while for funds. (And keep that on the down low until it is for sure, haha)
So if that happens, that will be it for this year.



If not that.. Custom steel bumper.

I'm still kicking the idea of that thing around to.....Darn it...LOL!!

A good front bumper would be a great addition as well for the wheeling you do.

 

[BigFishAllDay]

Congrats on the Tundra Brakes dude... you lit a fire under my ass about that mod now too. My '97 is going to need new brakes soon, and my '01 has brand new stock brakes....So I got to thinking.... Take the brakes off the '01 and put them on the '97, then do the Tundra Brake Upgrade on the '01... bada bing, bada boom. Two brake jobs for the price of One, and the '01 gets the upgraded set.

So, thanks for that. I'll prob have few questions for you once I get around to doing it. I'm hoping the 231's will clear those procomp 8069's.

RE your trans. temps... WHOA!!! Mine never gets above 215 and we have the exact same setup... my temps on the guage vs the scangauge are always within 5 degrees. Once you get the SG2, you'll be able to tell right away if you have a real issue of if the gauge is whack.

PS..... What's all this secrecy about re the next mod?

 

[4-Ripcord]

I'm still kicking the idea of that thing around to.....Darn it...LOL!!
I got a transmission cooler dropped off by Fedex today.

A good front bumper would be a great addition as well for the wheeling you do.

Nice, trans coolers are always a good thing. Just hope your ARB doesn't get in the way when trying to install.

Congrats on the Tundra Brakes dude... you lit a fire under my ass about that mod now too. My '97 is going to need new brakes soon, and my '01 has brand new stock brakes....So I got to thinking.... Take the brakes off the '01 and put them on the '97, then do the Tundra Brake Upgrade on the '01... bada bing, bada boom. Two brake jobs for the price of One, and the '01 gets the upgraded set.

So, thanks for that. I'll prob have few questions for you once I get around to doing it. I'm hoping the 231's will clear those procomp 8069's.

RE your trans. temps... WHOA!!! Mine never gets above 215 and we have the exact same setup... my temps on the guage vs the scangauge are always within 5 degrees. Once you get the SG2, you'll be able to tell right away if you have a real issue of if the gauge is whack.

PS..... What's all this secrecy about re the next mod?

1) That brake swap sounds like it was meant to be! The only modification I had to do was on the dust shield. The 231 calipers wrap around the rotor a lot more than the stock calipers, and the dust shield is in the way. I just used a pair of sheers to trim it, see the attached image at the bottom (see the piece of metal on the ground, thats it).

Also, we could just toss one of your wheels on mine to check fitment, I am confident the wheels will clear it though.

2) I just took the console apart to look at the connections on the back of the gauge, there was one small thing I fixed. It appeared that a small section of the sender wire had become rubbed down to the wire on the bottom of the console.. which is metal. So maybe it was getting interference from that somehow. Well I fixed it and I'm gonna go for a little drive, so we will see.

3) Page 1, top O' the list. It was the one big difference between our two trucks at time of purchase.. but shhh.




We should all get together and wrench fellas, Bigfish has some brakes, ALBPM has a trans cooler, and I want to take pictures.

 

[ALBPM]

We should all get together and wrench fellas, Bigfish has some brakes, ALBPM has a trans cooler, and I want to take pictures.

Sounds good and I'll bring something better to cut the dust shields with..

My ARB should not be a problem it sits further away than the stock bumper. So there is more room to work.

 

[BigFishAllDay]

RE the "secret mod"... WOW! That's awesome man. If you could maybe work with me so I can get involved on that install, I'd really appreciate it. Being that I didn't get to be involved when mine was put on, I'd like to see the process.

Thanks for the offer on the test fit for the brakes. Lets try and meet up sometime this week if you can, because I'm ready to go on the brakes. I'm off monday-weds. Also, if you guys want to try and do some wrenching one of those days, I'm game... or 7/25 thru 7/31 works too, I'm off all week.

 

[ALBPM]

I've only got the weekends off...so 7/30-7/31 works for me.

 

[4-Ripcord]

RE the "secret mod"... WOW! That's awesome man. If you could maybe work with me so I can get involved on that install, I'd really appreciate it. Being that I didn't get to be involved when mine was put on, I'd like to see the process.

Thanks for the offer on the test fit for the brakes. Lets try and meet up sometime this week if you can, because I'm ready to go on the brakes. I'm off monday-weds. Also, if you guys want to try and do some wrenching one of those days, I'm game... or 7/25 thru 7/31 works too, I'm off all week.

Well its if he decides he doesnt want his, and it will be another couple weeks before I have the $. But if it works out, your help would be most appreciated!

I have saturdays and mondays off, so either of those days will always be open for me for a quick test fit.

I've only got the weekends off...so 7/30-7/31 works for me.

How about saturday the 30th then? We can meet at my place, seems about in the middle of north tramway and the south valley.. sorta of, haha.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Tacoma Whip Antenna & Combine F+R Antennas

|July 16, 2011|

Today just seemed like the perfect day to tear my fender off..

What & Why:
The stock power antennas on the 3rd gen 4runners are known to fail, in many ways. With mine, the gears had become shredded and the motor made a horrible noise anytime it tried to raise/lower the antenna.. which is every time you insert/remove the key!
The "Tacoma Whip Mod" replaces the stock 4runner power antenna with an OEM whip antenna from a Tacoma. No more failing motor to deal with and better reception. Seemed like a double plus to me!

The combine antennas mod is necessary for aftermarket stereos. The 4runner actually uses TWO antennas. One in the front, and another in the rear passenger cargo glass. While the OEM stereo has a port for each of these, aftermarket stereos DO NOT! They only have a port for the front antenna. To fix this you need a Y-Splitter to combine them.The rear antenna plug is smaller, so an adapter is also needed.


Parts:
OEM Tacoma Antenna Assembly: 86300-35090 - $36.94 from dealer
(above comes with a silver antenna also.)
OEM Black Tacoma Antenna: 86309-AA040 - $27.38 from dealer
-I didn't buy the extra Black antenna, I just painted the silver one black to save 30 bucks.
Y-adapter: Amazon.com: METRA Ltd 40-UV43 Motorola Antenna Y-adapter: Electronics
Size adapter: Amazon.com: Scosche Mda-B Micro/Delco Antenna Adapter Tip: Electronics



Tools:
Every bolt involved in this is a 10mm, so..
-10mm socket with ratchet.
-10mm ratcheting wrench (couldn't have done this mod without this tool)
-flashlight
-Phillips screwdriver

Resource threads:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/75575-taco-whip-mod.html
The "Taco" Whip Antenna Mod
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/62658-front-fender-removal.html
Guide on How to Combine Both Front & Rear Antennas into One on an Aftermarket Stereo - YotaTech Forums


Time:
It really depends on how much of a fight the fender puts up. Took me 2.5 hours.



Here are the locations of the bolts, remember they are ALL 10mm.
The three under the corner light are an absolute pain in the A$$ to reach. Those are where you need the ratcheting wrench.

Fender off:

Removed intake "snorkel". Kept the elbow in place.

New antenna in: Old antenna dangling by the antenna cable.

To feed the new antenna cable through, I cut the old one and taped the new one to it. Then just pull from radio side and the new cable will follow it through. (there are 4 clips behind the dash that must be undone first)

New antenna assembly in:

Done:

 

[ALBPM]

That was ambitious!!! Lots of work to replace the old power antenna.... I just got in far enough to disconnect the power cable on mine when it died.

 

[BigFishAllDay]

I've only got the weekends off...so 7/30-7/31 works for me.

I have saturdays and mondays off, so either of those days will always be open for me for a quick test fit.

How about saturday the 30th then? We can meet at my place, seems about in the middle of north tramway and the south valley.. sorta of, haha.

Sounds good to me, let's plan on the 30th tentatively. I don't have else planned right now, but life might make me an offer I can't refuse.

Ripcord, RE the test fit, I'll be coming off a graveyard shift on Monday morning, but I should be up and moving before noon. What does Monday look like for you?

BTW, you're a machine when it comes to cranking out the mods lately. Nice work man. I don't listen to the radio very much, and I think the truck looks a bit sleeker w/the antenna down, so I'm keeping the stocker.

I do need to add that 2-1 connector though, to make use of both antennas... I'm pretty sure the one in the rear window is idle right now.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Sounds good to me, let's plan on the 30th tentatively. I don't have else planned right now, but life might make me an offer I can't refuse.

Ripcord, RE the test fit, I'll be coming off a graveyard shift on Monday morning, but I should be up and moving before noon. What does Monday look like for you?

BTW, you're a machine when it comes to cranking out the mods lately. Nice work man. I don't listen to the radio very much, and I think the truck looks a bit sleeker w/the antenna down, so I'm keeping the stocker.

I do need to add that 2-1 connector though, to make use of both antennas... I'm pretty sure the one in the rear window is idle right now.

30th it is then. Ill be in contact a few days before to give directions and go over any details.

As of now, this monday is wide open. Even if I do get called in to work, ill be done by 1:30 in the afternoon. If not, any time all day works.

And thanks, summer is always my big spending season! During school I barely work enough to cover basic expenses, and what little I have left over goes to snowboarding.

 

[mistaj0hnny]

Sweet 4runner. How much was the roof rack setup and exactly what parts did you get? Is that a 44" fairing? I really want to get something similar to your setup in time for snowboarding season