Roman's Runner Build/Progress Thread

[RPS99SHO]

Today I took a road trip to pick up my new wheels.


They were a bit dinged up, so I touched them up a bit.
Before


After (I didn't care about overspray as the old tires are getting tossed)


When I got home I started digging into the driver side footwell to remove the useless Sirius receiver and antenna.


While I was down there, I found this.


I figured since I come this far, might as well rip apart the dash and try to fix the bubbling in the gauges.



I popped the bubbles with a razor, but the faces no longer stick. So, fail.


Next, getting the new wheels and tires mounted.

 

[RPS99SHO]

 

[RPS99SHO]

Went out in the snow to test the tires and see if I could give anyone a tow with my new strap and shackle. I didn't get to tow anyone but I did push a mustang out of a ditch that a pair of girls decided to put there.

 

[repo]

Today I took a road trip to pick up my new wheels.


They were a bit dinged up, so I touched them up a bit.
Before


After (I didn't care about overspray as the old tires are getting tossed)


When I got home I started digging into the driver side footwell to remove the useless Sirius receiver and antenna.


While I was down there, I found this.


I figured since I come this far, might as well rip apart the dash and try to fix the bubbling in the gauges.



I popped the bubbles with a razor, but the faces no longer stick. So, fail.


Next, getting the new wheels and tires mounted.

For my bubble I ended up buying a new gauge cluster from ebay and swapping the backers. The problem is different years have different patterns so you have to be careful finding the right year so it matches the other gauges. You cant simply swap the whole cluster because the mileage is stored in a chip on it. Getting the needles on and off are a pain too. I used a obdii reader to get the needle to the right rpm.

 

[RPS99SHO]

Yesterday my truck developed a stumble/hesitation at moderate load near 2k RPM, so I moved my spark plug and wire change from "soon" to now. I used NGK plugs and wires. This illustration from the FSM was very helpful, but the wires came stickered with the cylinders they connect.

Old plugs. Bosch...

Versus new NGKs.

Those old plugs didn't look good. They also all smelled like gas. And gotdam was the plug on cylinder 6 a pain!

It was a fun experience. Took 2 hours but I also cleaned the TB, PB Blasted the diff and TC fill and drain plugs, along with the fuel filter in preparation for new fluids and filter sometime "soon."

 

[RPS99SHO]

Went wheeling today in my work van.

Dat flex!

Then I did this.

 

[RPS99SHO]

 

[RPS99SHO]

Using the runner in the picture as inspiration, I plan on doing this in the spring. I would love to give credit but I can't remember for the life of me who this rig belongs to.

 

[RPS99SHO]

Before:

After:

Added universal mudflaps since it looks funky with flaps in the rear only.

 

[suppra87]

Your truck looks great, coming along quite nicely. This may be a long shot but I saw a 4runner exactly like yours with grabbers back into a front row parking spot at the Wawa on Bestgate Rd. yesterday around lunch time. Was that you?

 

[RPS99SHO]

Nope wasn't me. Mine was tucked in the garage with me trying to track down my 4wd issue. I do take it into Baltimore city once a week so you may see me at some point. I'll be at Bwi sat to pick up my folks.

 

[suppra87]

Nope wasn't me. Mine was tucked in the garage with me trying to track down my 4wd issue. I do take it into Baltimore city once a week so you may see me at some point. I'll be at Bwi sat to pick up my folks.

Well you've got a clone out here in Annapolis then! Ill be sure to wave if I see you along my journeys. Would be great to get a meet and greet set up for this part of MD.

I am a mechanic in Annapolis if you ever need to use any specialty tools, diagnostic equipment, or a lift, feel free to PM.

 

[RPS99SHO]

Well you've got a clone out here in Annapolis then! Ill be sure to wave if I see you along my journeys. Would be great to get a meet and greet set up for this part of MD.

I am a mechanic in Annapolis if you ever need to use any specialty tools, diagnostic equipment, or a lift, feel free to PM.

Yes! Do you have experience with 4wd issues? With help from Durk I think I have it tracked down to one of the sensors that can only be accessed from under the center console. I would need a socket that is made to remove sensors. One with a cutout on the side that a wire can slip through.

A brake job may also be in the near future. Think I heard some grinding while braking today.

 

[suppra87]

Yes! Do you have experience with 4wd issues? With help from Durk I think I have it tracked down to one of the sensors that can only be accessed from under the center console. I would need a socket that is made to remove sensors. One with a cutout on the side that a wire can slip through.

A brake job may also be in the near future. Think I heard some grinding while braking today.

I can't say that I have dealt with many Toyota 4wd issues but I am confident that I can figure it out for sure. Ill have to read through your thread again for a refresh as to what the problem you're having is. What sensor do you speak of? Size? Ive got exactly the socket you speak of in 22mm for o2 sensors. Also have plenty of china sockets that I could cut a slot into for you.

I work M-F 8-5 as a Audi/VW specialist and do side work either after work of on the weekends.

 

[RPS99SHO]

Funny. I have a 2015 GTI with VW right now. P0302, flashing cel, EPC light on. They diagnosed faulty injector. Replaced it, still no dice. They are calling in VW tech for more help. I have a downpipe on it (stock tune). Here's hoping they don't try and pin it on the dp.

The sensors are 27mm. I'll give you a shout and we can schedule a time to look at it. Thanks for the offer!

 

[suppra87]

No problem. Any knowledge is knowledge worth sharing! Ive got a few 27mm sockets I can cut up if need be. Also P0302 is a cylinder 2 misfire, you probably knew that however. Flashing CEL means its a steady misfire capable of damaging the catalytic converter if left unfixed and VW computers will usually throw on the EPC (electronic power control) light in conjunction with flashing CEL. The FSI injectors do tend to be common issues, Ive replaced many of them. More likely than a faulty injector is a faulty Ignition Coil. Ultra common failure. Id say 90+% of misfiring audis/vws I get are due to a bad ignition coil on that cylinder. If you have the time to diag it yourself you can save some money. Swap coil with another cylinder and see if the misfire moves with the coil (ex: sway coil 2 with coil 3, run engine, pull codes and see if you now get a P0303)

 

[RPS99SHO]

It's under warranty so VW is fixing it. I would guess they had already checked the coil. That was my first suspicion and was surprised when they came back with a failed injector.

 

[suppra87]

Good to hear its being covered under warranty. Pardon my over explanation. I have a difficult time judging how well any one person comprehends the workings of their own car. I am used to having to explain diagnostics to the clueless.

 

[RPS99SHO]

No worries, it's how we learn. I have a pretty thorough basic understanding of most vehicle systems (except electronics. I just recently learned how to test for continuity with a multimeter and power with a test light).

 

[RPS99SHO]

Good to hear its being covered under warranty. Pardon my over explanation. I have a difficult time judging how well any one person comprehends the workings of their own car. I am used to having to explain diagnostics to the clueless.

Wasn't injector or coil. SA told me there may be a problem with a valve seating properly. Top end rebuild?

Also, I may contact you about blocking off a few hours for me so we can rip apart the console to get the 4wd sensors. I'd do it before to save some time, but can't very well drive with the interior ripped apart. Would next Sat 2/27 work for you? I'll of course come armed with a case of your favorite beer or whatever as payment for your time and hacked-up socket. :cheers: