Schmiddyboy's Build Thread Part 2!

[Schmiddyboy]

Last year, I bought my very first 4Runner, and unfortunately got in a bad accident and had to part with the car after the short amount of time that I had it. Fast forward about 10 months, and I finally got myself another 4Runner on 8/28/16! A 2001 2x4 SR5 3.4 V6 that I picked up for very cheap, with around 222,xxx miles. My plan for this truck is to first make sure everything is running properly, and then eventually work into cleaning it up and adding functional mods. I would love some pointers in the right directions in order to get the best performance out of this truck. I am currently living in Phoenix for school, but in the summer months I live in Southern California. If any of you are in the area, I would be more than happy to meet up in an attempt to gain more insight. I am excited to see where this truck takes me in life!


Future Plans:

• New FRONT and REAR lift.... Coming soon!!!!
• Custom front bumper
• New headlights for better night visibility. (suggestions appreciated)
• New dash, map, and other interior lighting.
• PCV valve/grommet
• Sub/Amp combo
• NGK spark plugs/wires
• New Fuel Filter
• New grill
• Remove silver fender flares

AS IT SITS TODAY:


So for the few weeks that I have owned the car, everything has been great, except for a few things. The previous owner passed the emissions test just a few months before I purchased the car. He also got new brakes all around the car. At 138,000 miles, he also replaced the water pump and timing belt. To start, I am using my old all-weather mats in the truck, which has been great. Also, I got myself a 300mm Flat rear view mirror that has significantly increased my rear visibility. After that, I plasitidipped the emblems and rims. My TRD decals from eBay finally arrived, so I added those, along with a T4R.org decal!

Now for the mechanical issues that I have been facing. The first thing I noticed is that when I drive on the freeway, when I get to speeds of 60mph and up, there is a pretty decent vibrating that happens, so much to the point where I really can't see out of my rear view mirror. First thing I did was get the tires balanced. After that, I took the car to firestone to check for an alignment. To my surprise, the car had almost perfect alignment, but the shaking still has not gone away. I have no idea how to tackle this, so any help ors suggestions on what to do would be greatly appreciated.

Just the other day, I was on my way to go golf, and the CEL, TRAC, and VSC lights all came on. This worried me, so I took it to Autozone for a free code scan. Turns out it threw code P0440, which is a large leak in the EVAP system somewhere. Also, when I get out of the truck after driving it, there is a strong smell of gasoline. So far, these problems have been very annoying, and not what I planned on doing right after buying the truck. My plan is to take it to a mechanic and have them do a smoke test through the EVAP system to find out where the leak is.

Like I said above, before I do any real mods, I'd really just like the truck to run properly and without any shimmies or shakes. If anyone has ANY suggestions or tips, I would greatly appreciate them. Thanks to you all in advanced! Welcome to my life with the 4Runner!


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First picture I took of the truck, and a few others:





Stay tuned for more in the future! :thanks:

 

[Kbuch1]

Vibration sounds as if it could be coming from the drive shaft.
Did the PO do any work to that?

 

[Black798]

x2 on the driveshaft.
For the evap Id suggest looking at the vacuum switching valve. If your going to be upgrading your lights in the future id highly recommend and HID retrofit. Kind of pricey but totally worth it and they're pretty simple to do. As for the lift, depending on what you plan on for offroading Id say 2.5 would be a good height, with the right components you can get some really good flex without making the stock size tires look too small. Im looking forward to seeing where this goes, I like how your taking care of everything mechanical before diving into the mods.

 

[GangsterOfLove]

X3 on the drive shaft. Both of my (2wd) 4Runners needed u-joints at about 180K miles. I'd have a driveline shop do the work so you can have it balanced as well.

For headlights, I just put in some of these bulbs. Not what you want for off road work but a nice upgrade from stock for under $20:

 

[JayRolla]

I never hate on TRD stickers but on a 2x4 I can't help myself! It should say TRD Street-Road!!

 

[PWD4R]

I never hate on TRD stickers but on a 2x4 I can't help myself! It should say TRD Street-Road!!

Yeah the "off-road" kind of made me chuckle. Of course, I don't care if someone owns a 2 or 4 wheel drive as that doesn't determine "status" and if you're happy then that's all that matters but I just wouldn't put off road stuff on it IMO. But again that's MY opinion. My opinion shouldn't change how anyone does anything


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[Schmiddyboy]

Vibration sounds as if it could be coming from the drive shaft.
Did the PO do any work to that?

Previous owner never mentioned anything about working on the driveshaft, but I will get it checked out soon!

x2 on the driveshaft.
For the evap Id suggest looking at the vacuum switching valve. If your going to be upgrading your lights in the future id highly recommend and HID retrofit. Kind of pricey but totally worth it and they're pretty simple to do. As for the lift, depending on what you plan on for offroading Id say 2.5 would be a good height, with the right components you can get some really good flex without making the stock size tires look too small. Im looking forward to seeing where this goes, I like how your taking care of everything mechanical before diving into the mods.

I will be sure to check out the vacuum switching valve, thanks for the pointer. I definitely would do a retrofit, but I am on a college budget, so until I go home and work a little bit and get some spendable cash, I am just trying to focus on stuff that I truly need. Thanks for the comment!

X3 on the drive shaft. Both of my (2wd) 4Runners needed u-joints at about 180K miles. I'd have a driveline shop do the work so you can have it balanced as well.

For headlights, I just put in some of these bulbs. Not what you want for off road work but a nice upgrade from stock for under $20:

I was thinking about the u-joints when it originally started shaking, but I really wasn't too sure. Thanks for the help though, I will check on the driveshaft and u-joints and see where that takes me. Thanks for the link, also!

 

[phattyduck]

The driveshaft for the 2WD models is an inner and outer tube separated by rubber. It may just be the u-joints, but much more likely it is the rubber breaking down and the shaft is not fixable.

Any reputable driveline shop can make a complete new driveshaft to guarantee the vibes go away. 4 bolts/nuts and a front slip-yoke means the replacement is very easy to do.

I did this on my 2WD which started having problems around 210k miles when my father had it years ago and he was never able to solve it (other than no longer driving it on the freeway...).

-Charlie

 

[Schmiddyboy]

The driveshaft for the 2WD models is an inner and outer tube separated by rubber. It may just be the u-joints, but much more likely it is the rubber breaking down and the shaft is not fixable.

Any reputable driveline shop can make a complete new driveshaft to guarantee the vibes go away. 4 bolts/nuts and a front slip-yoke means the replacement is very easy to do.

I did this on my 2WD which started having problems around 210k miles when my father had it years ago and he was never able to solve it (other than no longer driving it on the freeway...).

-Charlie

Hey Charlie, thanks for the insight, I really appreciate it. Do you remember how much that ended up costing? Along with the heavy vibrations, my car also feels like it sways a little bit if I hit a small bump in the road or something. Thanks in advanced!

 

[phattyduck]

Hey Charlie, thanks for the insight, I really appreciate it. Do you remember how much that ended up costing? Along with the heavy vibrations, my car also feels like it sways a little bit if I hit a small bump in the road or something. Thanks in advanced!

It was about $400 for a 100% new driveshaft. It'll actually be for sale in a few weeks to a month after I finish the 4WD swap....

As for the other issues, get the driveshaft fixed first. You may need new swaybar end links, bushings, tie rods (inner, outer or both), shocks, ball joints, etc. to get the ride right. Not all of those things, just one or a couple on that list will be your main problem.

The swaying might also just be getting used to driving a truck... I know it is part of the deal for me, as I usually drive lowered cars...

-Charlie

 

[ComradeVlad]

I just recently got rid of my P0440. This what I have done to try an fix it.

Replaced Gas Cap - No Results
Replaced VSV - No Results

Smoke Test - Fill Over Valve
Replaced Fill Over Valve - Fixed

I had a strong smell of gasoline on the driver side, before the replacing Fill Over Valve. After replacing it, no more smell and no more code.


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[Black798]

I definitely would do a retrofit, but I am on a college budget, so until I go home and work a little bit and get some spendable cash,

I totally get the budget thing being in my senior year of highschool and only being able to work for the summer and the odd jobs I find throughout the year. To give you an idea I think I am into my retrofit for around 500. I got all the parts at the retrofit source except for the new light housings since mine is a 98 and the only complaint I have is that I wish I would have gone with 55 watt ballasts over the 35s I have.

 

[Schmiddyboy]

It was about $400 for a 100% new driveshaft. It'll actually be for sale in a few weeks to a month after I finish the 4WD swap....

As for the other issues, get the driveshaft fixed first. You may need new swaybar end links, bushings, tie rods (inner, outer or both), shocks, ball joints, etc. to get the ride right. Not all of those things, just one or a couple on that list will be your main problem.

The swaying might also just be getting used to driving a truck... I know it is part of the deal for me, as I usually drive lowered cars...

-Charlie

Well if my problem is still around and it turns out to be the driveshaft and your swap is a success (hoping it is), I might hit you up for your old one! I will take the truck to the mechanic next week and have them give the truck a full run down. And I work valet, so I am used to driving all different kinds of cars and trucks, and this swaying is pretty trippy, especially on the freeway.

I just recently got rid of my P0440. This what I have done to try an fix it.

Replaced Gas Cap - No Results
Replaced VSV - No Results

Smoke Test - Fill Over Valve
Replaced Fill Over Valve - Fixed

I had a strong smell of gasoline on the driver side, before the replacing Fill Over Valve. After replacing it, no more smell and no more code.


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This is exactly what is happening to me, hopefully I can get it right the first time, unlike the many unfortunate folks out there! Thanks a ton.

I totally get the budget thing being in my senior year of highschool and only being able to work for the summer and the odd jobs I find throughout the year. To give you an idea I think I am into my retrofit for around 500. I got all the parts at the retrofit source except for the new light housings since mine is a 98 and the only complaint I have is that I wish I would have gone with 55 watt ballasts over the 35s I have.

Yeah the highschool/college budget is quite difficult. I am balancing my senior year as a biology major (it never gets easier), playing college lacrosse, and working all at the same time, so trying to find time to work on the rig and/or pay for parts is pretty brutal. Definitely gonna look back on this info when I get around to doing a retrofit, which is something I would love to eventually do. Thanks for the insight, man!

 

[phattyduck]

Well if my problem is still around and it turns out to be the driveshaft and your swap is a success (hoping it is), I might hit you up for your old one! I will take the truck to the mechanic next week and have them give the truck a full run down. And I work valet, so I am used to driving all different kinds of cars and trucks, and this swaying is pretty trippy, especially on the freeway.

My 2wd prop shaft is sitting safely in my garage, now with no home on my truck... let me know if you are interested in it.

-Charlie

 

[Schmiddyboy]

So it's been quite a while since I have posted anything here! Since my last post, not too much has happened with the runner, as life has been pretty busy! The truck is up to 234,xxx miles now is running great. I quickly addressed the vibrating problem... turns out it was the driveshaft. I replaced the two-piece with a one-piece and the problem went away immediately. There was also a big crack in the transmission mount, so I replaced that as well! Along with the frequent oil changes, I haven't done anything to the truck, but.......



Bilstein 5100 struts and OME 881 coils

Stay tuned!! :cheers:

 

[Schmiddyboy]

So since my last post, I have done quite a bit to the truck in a short amount of time! First and foremost, [MENTION=85535]TRDteen[/MENTION] helped me (basically did it) install my new front lift!! I ended up going with Bilstein 5100 struts and OME 881 coils! The reason for doing this is because my whole front end suspension was basically blown out, squeaking over every little bump in the road. This fixed it right away, and made the ride significantly smoother! Next up is the back to get rid of the bro lean, which will happen in the next month or so (OME 90004 struts and possibly 906 coils)! :cheers:

Pictures of before, install, and after:


Old vs. New!




Video of compressing the coil!


All installed!


BEFORE:


AFTER (the bro lean is real):



This was so awesome to learn how to do, and I am so incredibly thankful for the help that [MENTION=85535]TRDteen[/MENTION] gave me! I will be sure to document the rear lift that occurs in the future!

Being the awesome family they are, [MENTION=85535]TRDteen[/MENTION]'s dad hooked it up with a sweet license plate frame that I promptly painted black and slapped on!


After all that was accomplished, I went and got an alignment and all was well! Days after completing this task, I took my truck to get my dreaded CEL fixed... She was throwing the codes P0440, P0441, and P0442. After doing a full diagnostics test and smoke test, it turns out that my charcoal canister had gone bad and that I needed a new gas cap, so after the parts were replaced, the truck ran from CA to AZ with no CEL to be seen! Now, a few days ago, my CEL along with TRAC and VSC light came back on. I went to autozone to get a free OBD-II reading, and sure enough it was the same P0440 code, so the mechanic is going to get a call here in the next few days.

All is going well, and I hope everyone is enjoying the weather shifting towards the fall season (AZ was 108 today haha). More to come, stay tuned!
Extra sauce with the homies:

 

[Chris86]

The bro lean is prime! Well done so far man. Keep us posted on the progress. You are off to a good start. Clean looking T4R as well.

Cheers

 

[Schmiddyboy]

The bro lean is prime! Well done so far man. Keep us posted on the progress. You are off to a good start. Clean looking T4R as well.

Cheers

Thanks for the kind words! I will continue to assess the required maintenance items as life rolls along! I also plan on painting my front and rear bumpers to get rid of the chrome! Possibly removing the chrome flares too, but I might paint them black first to see how it would look before removing. I also would like to take the plastidip off of my rims and paint them black as well, so if anyone has any tips on doing the wheels/bumpers, I would greatly appreciate it!

EDIT: Just purchased a Borla 40664 muffler, so I will have that installed some time next week!

 

[Schmiddyboy]

So this morning I headed to my local muffler shop (Muffler Masters in Glendale, AZ) and got my new Borla Pro XS 40664 muffler that I had ordered from Amazon installed! The guy who did it was great, and did it in about 25 minutes charging only $50. Overall, I am very pleased with how it sounds! Very quiet at idle, but a nice, low rumble when accelerating. There is a bit of drone around 1800-2000 RPM's, but I was expecting that and I am okay with that! Here is a quick video I posted to YouTube as a reference:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/75j7dUErCMY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Loving the sound! Windows have been down since installing it! Next up are brakes (possibly TBU) and the rear lift!

 

[Schmiddyboy]

5/20 UPDATE

What's up, fam. It's been some time since I've posted, but a lot has happened in the last couple of weeks, and I am stoked to share it with you guys! First, I fixed my CEL and all the codes she was throwing, no more bright orange light!! Next, I painted my front and rear bumpers black with plastidip, and it looks waaaaay better without the chrome. Now that I know I like the look, I will most likely strip the plastidip and devote a day to actually sand/prime/paint them!

Next, I found a great deal on craigslist and picked up some slightly used BFG All Terrain's (285/75/R16) that came with some Eagle Alloy rims! [MENTION=85535]TRDteen[/MENTION] and I then proceeded to installed my rear lift (906 coils and 90004 nitrochargers).

During Installation:


HOW SHE LOOKS NOW!:guitar3:


I am VERY pleased with how things are turning out, and I am even more GRATEFUL for [MENTION=85535]TRDteen[/MENTION] for yet again helping me and sharing his wealth of 4Runner knowledge with me. YOU'RE THE MAN!!!

Nowwwww, I just need to fix this little rubbing issue of mine that I have going on with these 33's! That's all for now, thanks again to everyone that has helped me get this rig to where it is now! Cheers! :cheers: