SkiRunr - My 3rd Gen Saga
- Thread starter KingPrat
- Start date
KingPrat
New member
Haha they've had 48! Now it's just slight encouragement and more oil!
KingPrat
New member
Big mod last night. Added about 20hp. Thanks [MENTION=165]momo.75[/MENTION] !
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My brother and I also test-hung the fender decals. Will be situated a bit further forward than where I see most of the decals others put on, but I like a little balance to the lines on the fender.
I guess I only took one photo... Doesn't show much.
Hopefully going to finish the end links this weekend and brush/prime/paint the rest of the rear frame area.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/43928550@N05/23701705588/in/dateposted/" title="Untitled"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4472/23701705588_5946386f2f_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Untitled"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
My brother and I also test-hung the fender decals. Will be situated a bit further forward than where I see most of the decals others put on, but I like a little balance to the lines on the fender.
I guess I only took one photo... Doesn't show much.
Hopefully going to finish the end links this weekend and brush/prime/paint the rest of the rear frame area.
KingPrat
New member
Shop bumped my appointment back a week, so now I have some lower stress levels around some of the smaller projects I've been working on.
Finished the rear frame area up this morning. Need to touch up the hitch, but I got the major stuff taken care of. Used my wire brush cup on most of the surfaces, primed, and painted with Rustoleum flat finish. Trying the Rustoleum to keep some costs down, will see how it holds up through this first Winter.
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Looks a bit shiny in this picture, but it was still wet when I took it.
Sway bar end links have been a GIGANTIC pain. Hopefully will have those resolved in the next couple days, torch will be coming out soon. Have the main sway bar bushings on order with the local dealer.
Finished the rear frame area up this morning. Need to touch up the hitch, but I got the major stuff taken care of. Used my wire brush cup on most of the surfaces, primed, and painted with Rustoleum flat finish. Trying the Rustoleum to keep some costs down, will see how it holds up through this first Winter.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/43928550@N05/37600981751/in/dateposted/" title="Untitled"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4500/37600981751_4c1e40cf69_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Untitled"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Looks a bit shiny in this picture, but it was still wet when I took it.
Sway bar end links have been a GIGANTIC pain. Hopefully will have those resolved in the next couple days, torch will be coming out soon. Have the main sway bar bushings on order with the local dealer.
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KingPrat
New member
Took care of those pesky sway bar links.
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My father is FAR more experienced with the torch, so that's him under there. He also likes wrenching and playing around with this stuff, although his preference is cars older than 50...
Nuts didn't stand a chance. Will install the new shiny ones this week.
Thanks. I will be happier when it's on the road and schlepping around some skis! Making progress slowly but surely.
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My father is FAR more experienced with the torch, so that's him under there. He also likes wrenching and playing around with this stuff, although his preference is cars older than 50...
Nuts didn't stand a chance. Will install the new shiny ones this week.
Thanks. I will be happier when it's on the road and schlepping around some skis! Making progress slowly but surely.
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KingPrat
New member
Has been a bit since I've had a moment to get under the 4Runner. Just finished up coaching my non-traditional season this weekend so now have some evenings to get things done.
Reinstalled the end-links tonight. Took some creative thinking on to how to compress the bushings. A vice and some compression with the top nut helped things along.
Nice and shiny.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/43928550@N05/37033895164/in/dateposted/" title="Untitled"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4472/37033895164_bc1e200502_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Untitled"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Reinstalled the end-links tonight. Took some creative thinking on to how to compress the bushings. A vice and some compression with the top nut helped things along.
Nice and shiny.
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KingPrat
New member
One last little project before dropping it off tonight at my mechanic's.
Discovered the side marker light was out in the front, so I went to Advance and found some Sylvania 194 Amber LEDs.
Done and done! Or so I thought.
Already had the driver's side off, which was the one that was out...
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Pass side for comparison
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I do prefer the amber light in there. Think it's sharp.
Then i went to take care of the pass side. "2 minute swap and I'm out."
HA.
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So, the top bracket at some point was broken off. The PO decided it was a good idea, instead of buying a replacement, to GLUE THE DAMN THING IN. You can see the glue lining the top of the light...
:doh:
Anyhoo, the pass side was not done as dinner was imminent, so we made the drop and I will take care of that some time down the line. Good news is that the lift is now open for other members of the family to use... :thumb:
Now the waiting game begins! :banana:
Discovered the side marker light was out in the front, so I went to Advance and found some Sylvania 194 Amber LEDs.
Done and done! Or so I thought.
Already had the driver's side off, which was the one that was out...
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/43928550@N05/37074010884/in/dateposted/" title="Untitled"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4454/37074010884_a4dc1f5563_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Untitled"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Pass side for comparison
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/43928550@N05/37751775352/in/photostream/" title="Untitled"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4476/37751775352_20aacdc695_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Untitled"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I do prefer the amber light in there. Think it's sharp.
Then i went to take care of the pass side. "2 minute swap and I'm out."
HA.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/43928550@N05/23930608548/in/photostream/" title="Untitled"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4493/23930608548_fb241a0008_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Untitled"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
So, the top bracket at some point was broken off. The PO decided it was a good idea, instead of buying a replacement, to GLUE THE DAMN THING IN. You can see the glue lining the top of the light...
:doh:
Anyhoo, the pass side was not done as dinner was imminent, so we made the drop and I will take care of that some time down the line. Good news is that the lift is now open for other members of the family to use... :thumb:
Now the waiting game begins! :banana:
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jbrentd
New member
Sorry to hear about the troubles you're having with you 4Runner. Hopefully, she'll be a good reliable truck for you soon.
I was in the same boat with a Dodge Challenger we bought for my son earlier this year. We put a whole 200 miles on it when the head gaskets blew. It overheated and my older son (who was driving it at the time) learned an expensive lesson (to me) about paying attention to the warning lights. :crybaby: My "good deal" on that car quickly did a 180, but I've been happy since we got it back (knock on wood).
I was in the same boat with a Dodge Challenger we bought for my son earlier this year. We put a whole 200 miles on it when the head gaskets blew. It overheated and my older son (who was driving it at the time) learned an expensive lesson (to me) about paying attention to the warning lights. :crybaby: My "good deal" on that car quickly did a 180, but I've been happy since we got it back (knock on wood).
KingPrat
New member
Well, got the call Friday afternoon that the truck was finally done. Of course, I was on a business trip to Baltimore, so I paid the bill over the phone and my brother picked it up for me.
I threw my new plates on it tonight and reprogrammed the remotes so they both worked. Driving it to work tomorrow!
:guitar3:
I threw my new plates on it tonight and reprogrammed the remotes so they both worked. Driving it to work tomorrow!
:guitar3:
KingPrat
New member
Had a good bit of snow on Tuesday and took the truck up the hill for the first time. Impressed with how sure-footed it was in 4wd. Only took an extra 10 minutes to get to Hunter. Unfortunately no pictures, I was driving and my bro isn't a big picture guy. Oh well.
Of course, my roof-top box didn't work (needs new clamps) but that's a project for another day.
I also tore into the dash to do an LED swap. Climate controls were easy, only down side is that the face plate has some discoloration to it. Where the bulbs sit is a brownish-yellow but outside of that it is a nice white. My assumption is burn-in from the original incandescent bulbs.
The light for the key surround was a PIA. The LED I had bought wouldn't fit in. I could get it to fire briefly but not seat. Now it just doesn't work.
I also couldn't get the light out in the ash tray or power outlet. Ash tray bulb was well seated and now doesn't work either.
The instrument panel was the typical 2000s SUV. Pull off panels, unscrew, unplug, etc. The first time I tested the bulbs I forgot to plug the dimmer switch back in, so no lights came on. :doh:
I assumed I had just installed them all backwards. Tore apart, flipped them all, reassembled. No lights again...
Once I plugged the dimmer back in things went a bit smoother... :lmao:
Just ordered a pair of Neo Wedge LEDs for the ETC and window switches and should be good to go.
Enjoying the truck so far. Drives on rails on the highway, great being back up in a commanding viewpoint.
Of course, my roof-top box didn't work (needs new clamps) but that's a project for another day.
I also tore into the dash to do an LED swap. Climate controls were easy, only down side is that the face plate has some discoloration to it. Where the bulbs sit is a brownish-yellow but outside of that it is a nice white. My assumption is burn-in from the original incandescent bulbs.
The light for the key surround was a PIA. The LED I had bought wouldn't fit in. I could get it to fire briefly but not seat. Now it just doesn't work.
I also couldn't get the light out in the ash tray or power outlet. Ash tray bulb was well seated and now doesn't work either.
The instrument panel was the typical 2000s SUV. Pull off panels, unscrew, unplug, etc. The first time I tested the bulbs I forgot to plug the dimmer switch back in, so no lights came on. :doh:
I assumed I had just installed them all backwards. Tore apart, flipped them all, reassembled. No lights again...
Once I plugged the dimmer back in things went a bit smoother... :lmao:
Just ordered a pair of Neo Wedge LEDs for the ETC and window switches and should be good to go.
Enjoying the truck so far. Drives on rails on the highway, great being back up in a commanding viewpoint.
KingPrat
New member
Today's project - adding on the new TRD rear fender decals. I went back and forth with where to place them and think I got it right on.
Did the passenger side first, and unfortunately was a little hasty and got some folds in where the "Off Road" is. It looks fine from 5 feet, but up close there are some definite imperfections.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/43928550@N05/39061083552/in/dateposted/" title="Untitled"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4545/39061083552_b58f12f564_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Untitled"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Process for D/S
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And finished D/S product
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I also disabled my DRLs and tried to aim the headlights a bit better. D/S vertical adjustment was a pain, but I think I made some progress. Hopefully I got it close and can start to be able to see at night!
Did the passenger side first, and unfortunately was a little hasty and got some folds in where the "Off Road" is. It looks fine from 5 feet, but up close there are some definite imperfections.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/43928550@N05/39061083552/in/dateposted/" title="Untitled"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4545/39061083552_b58f12f564_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Untitled"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Process for D/S
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And finished D/S product
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/43928550@N05/39061083282/in/photostream/" title="Untitled"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4598/39061083282_5e22f8b93a_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Untitled"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I also disabled my DRLs and tried to aim the headlights a bit better. D/S vertical adjustment was a pain, but I think I made some progress. Hopefully I got it close and can start to be able to see at night!
calimobber
Member
Nice work! do you lose the dimmer option with led lights or do they still dim? thats been my worry.
KingPrat
New member
They still dim, I have mine set just above where the LEDs will shut off and it's bright, but not obnoxious. Very happy with the outcome.
KingPrat
New member
So after about a month of driving, I have been impressed with the SkiRunr so far. 4wd works great - just got done with Bomb Cyclone Grayson and never even blinked going up the mountain. I've gotten in 8 days of skiing in about a month!
I'm averaging about 17mpg which is fine. Highway is closer to 19.
Tracks very straight on the highway. No complaints there. [MENTION=95183]octanejunkie[/MENTION] was right that the rear shocks would be pretty noticeable...
I also installed a bluetooth capable JVC head unit which has been great. The old Sony one in there was severely outdated. I also got the LED backlighting complete. Very happy with the results
Untitled by laxgod202003, on Flickr
Untitled by laxgod202003, on Flickr
Here's the current list of things that have gone awry over the last few weeks...
Rear exhaust hangar let go - tailpipe is resting/rattling on the rear axle.
Intermittent starting issues - probably starter contacts
Threw an engine code this morning - assuming O2 sensors, ordered an OBD reader today
With the temps being below 10 and an unheated shop, I'm waiting until we get a little reprieve until I throw it up on the lift. Going to coat hangar the exhaust for now, and get parts to tackle some of the bigger stuff after the Spring.
I do see some 40s coming up in the next week or so.
Oddly enough, the gas gauge is now WORKING. And fairly accurately from what I can tell. No idea how or why, but I'm not complaining about that one...
I do feel like I'm catching up fairly well to the deferred maintenance stuff. This summer will be brakes and shocks. Hopefully that will push me toward an uneventful season next year.
I'm averaging about 17mpg which is fine. Highway is closer to 19.
Tracks very straight on the highway. No complaints there. [MENTION=95183]octanejunkie[/MENTION] was right that the rear shocks would be pretty noticeable...
I also installed a bluetooth capable JVC head unit which has been great. The old Sony one in there was severely outdated. I also got the LED backlighting complete. Very happy with the results
Untitled by laxgod202003, on FlickrUntitled by laxgod202003, on FlickrHere's the current list of things that have gone awry over the last few weeks...
Rear exhaust hangar let go - tailpipe is resting/rattling on the rear axle.
Intermittent starting issues - probably starter contacts
Threw an engine code this morning - assuming O2 sensors, ordered an OBD reader today
With the temps being below 10 and an unheated shop, I'm waiting until we get a little reprieve until I throw it up on the lift. Going to coat hangar the exhaust for now, and get parts to tackle some of the bigger stuff after the Spring.
I do see some 40s coming up in the next week or so.
Oddly enough, the gas gauge is now WORKING. And fairly accurately from what I can tell. No idea how or why, but I'm not complaining about that one...
I do feel like I'm catching up fairly well to the deferred maintenance stuff. This summer will be brakes and shocks. Hopefully that will push me toward an uneventful season next year.
2ndhandyotaman
Member
Nice to see so much progress on your 'runner. I'm in the same boat as you- waiting for those 40° days next week to get a few repairs knocked off of the list so that I can take mine in for the State Inspection.
