G_STVCKHOUSE
New member
Sorry to read about all of your frustrations with the t4r. Not that it help much, but I'd say get the repairs done.
SkiRunr - My 3rd Gen Saga
- Thread starter KingPrat
- Start date
KingPrat
New member
Haha it has been quite the adventure, but I'm on the up and up I think.
I just ordered the check valve for the brake booster. After Friday night's fiasco I wondered to myself "Why didn't I order this damn thing last week??" :der:
I am caught up on my credit card from the head gasket job (and Christmas...) and now can cross a couple smaller things off the list.
KingPrat
New member
Tailpipe is officially out. Was pulling into the garage yesterday and heard a nice big crunch. Tailpipe was hanging so low it caught on the lip of the garage...
Looks like on top of the hangar rusting out, the pipe itself had rusted out where it connects to the muffler. Hopefully will be able to get that sorted out this week. Have a good exhaust guy in town so shouldn't take too long/be too expensive.
Also got an OBD2 reader and the code was a P0171. Going to pull the MAF tomorrow and clean it up, I reset the code so the light is off. Brake booster check valve will be done tomorrow as well.
Looks like on top of the hangar rusting out, the pipe itself had rusted out where it connects to the muffler. Hopefully will be able to get that sorted out this week. Have a good exhaust guy in town so shouldn't take too long/be too expensive.
Also got an OBD2 reader and the code was a P0171. Going to pull the MAF tomorrow and clean it up, I reset the code so the light is off. Brake booster check valve will be done tomorrow as well.
KingPrat
New member
So from the onset of the idea to buy a winter vehicle, I've had this vision in my mind of what I wanted it to look like. I went up to Hunter Mountain to ski today and it was the first time that I've looked at this thing and said, "Yep. That's it."
Untitled by laxgod202003, on Flickr
Still needs some little things, but I'm starting to get over the headache that this thing has been and enjoying it.
Untitled by laxgod202003, on FlickrStill needs some little things, but I'm starting to get over the headache that this thing has been and enjoying it.
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SammieGirl
New member
Every time I fix mine, I am that much closer to Nirvana. I fall back in love every time. Now, if I could just be that skilled elsewhere!
KingPrat
New member
Some recent doings - ordered all new shocks for the front and rear, and will be getting that taken care of soon. My biggest issue always when I'm in season is that I have no time to do anything fun! So, I don't do much of my own work on my truck... :smow:
I ordered some KYB Gas-a-Just shocks and some MOOG rear springs (I know, I know, the T4R.org 4-letter word) so hopefully that will restore the ride back to where it's acceptable. Tired of hitting my rear bump stops on expansion joints.
I NEED to take care of the starter contacts. Very temperamental and I don't want to worry about being stranded somewhere.
I'm also chasing around a P0171. Hasn't popped up in a while, but need to revisit when it does. Have cleaned MAF but not sure I got it 100%.
P0440 showed up about 50 miles after a recent fill-up, reset the light and tightened the gas cap and has been fine since - 250+ miles.
I'm considering making this truck my year-round vehicle. Have some goals for the end of the year that require saving some money. Spending a pretty penny monthly for the Mazda, which I bought because at my previous job I had to use my personal vehicle for recruiting travel. MPG was king.
Now with the new job, I have a nice cushy recruiting budget and I can rent cars for my travel. Novel idea.
Obvious pros/cons to driving around an 18 year old vehicle with 200k, but the big nut has been spent and would need about another $1000 to get it to 100% on my list. Don't think it's a crazy idea...
I ordered some KYB Gas-a-Just shocks and some MOOG rear springs (I know, I know, the T4R.org 4-letter word) so hopefully that will restore the ride back to where it's acceptable. Tired of hitting my rear bump stops on expansion joints.
I NEED to take care of the starter contacts. Very temperamental and I don't want to worry about being stranded somewhere.
I'm also chasing around a P0171. Hasn't popped up in a while, but need to revisit when it does. Have cleaned MAF but not sure I got it 100%.
P0440 showed up about 50 miles after a recent fill-up, reset the light and tightened the gas cap and has been fine since - 250+ miles.
I'm considering making this truck my year-round vehicle. Have some goals for the end of the year that require saving some money. Spending a pretty penny monthly for the Mazda, which I bought because at my previous job I had to use my personal vehicle for recruiting travel. MPG was king.
Now with the new job, I have a nice cushy recruiting budget and I can rent cars for my travel. Novel idea.
Obvious pros/cons to driving around an 18 year old vehicle with 200k, but the big nut has been spent and would need about another $1000 to get it to 100% on my list. Don't think it's a crazy idea...
KingPrat
New member
Picked up the 4Runner tonight from my mechanic. Had to swallow a bit of pride when I paid the bill, but such is life when I'm in-season... Overshot my budget by about $100, but looking forward to getting this thing through it's paces now that everything has been installed!
Dealing with another snowstorm here, so the drive home didn't involve anything over 35mph and a lot of deliberate driving. Hopefully some speed and true testing tomorrow.
Measurements with new: Front R and L - 21" Rear R 22" Rear L 21.5"
Gained an inch overall in the front, and nearly 2" in the rear. The D/S lean is quite unnoticeable, and those measurements are with a full tank of gas. We'll see how it settles and how these Moog springs hold up!
Dealing with another snowstorm here, so the drive home didn't involve anything over 35mph and a lot of deliberate driving. Hopefully some speed and true testing tomorrow.
Measurements with new: Front R and L - 21" Rear R 22" Rear L 21.5"
Gained an inch overall in the front, and nearly 2" in the rear. The D/S lean is quite unnoticeable, and those measurements are with a full tank of gas. We'll see how it settles and how these Moog springs hold up!
ameerhyder23
New member
Hey, Just read through your build. I'm glad to see everything is slowly coming along for you.
For shocks, was there a reason you didn't go the 5100 route? I was thinking about the same gas a justs earlier but everyone here swears by the 5100s so I couldn't pull the trigger. How do you like the ride? Do you have any pictures after install?
For shocks, was there a reason you didn't go the 5100 route? I was thinking about the same gas a justs earlier but everyone here swears by the 5100s so I couldn't pull the trigger. How do you like the ride? Do you have any pictures after install?
meeceboy78
New member
man, great job on saving this 4runner, sticking with it and working through its issues. it will serve you well i'm sure. its looking great!
KingPrat
New member
My main motivation for the KYBs was, first and foremost, price. Even at that point, I undershot what the install costs would be and still went over-budget. Bilsteins are over $100 more than what I paid for the KYBs
Second reasoning is that I have zero intention in ever taking this truck north of factory ride height. I have no need for a shock that's designed for heavy-duty off-road use or for adding lift. I hardly ever take the vehicles off-pavement, honestly. I like driving an SUV, especially for 4wd capabilities, but I don't go out and seek great rock-crawling trails.
Third, and honestly most important overall, is that the more I read about 5100s I kept finding more and more comments about "hard" or "harsh" or "stiff" ride. I like a firm ride, but I drive 50 miles a day currently and I don't want my fillings rattling out of my teeth.
I was satisfied with the new shocks/springs today and found a couple spots on my drive that would give me trouble in the past. Vibration, clunking, etc is all gone. The general body sway that was there is now gone, and handling was generally better. Very happy with the final result.
No pictures yet, but we were dealing with a Nor'Easter last night. Soon to come.
KingPrat
New member
A little dirty, and my driveway is slanted a bit, but here's before and after...
Untitled by laxgod202003, on Flickr
Untitled by laxgod202003, on Flickr
Untitled by laxgod202003, on FlickrUntitled by laxgod202003, on Flickr
KingPrat
New member
So in my monthly "what's next" on my list of things to do, I ordered front pads and rotors, and new shoes for the rear brakes.
I also ordered a new gas cap, trying to chase down that P0440 code. I left it alone the last time it came on thinking there would be a piggyback code down the line but nothing new in the last 500 miles. Hoping the cheap fix is the right one, but we will see.
Need to change the oil, but it has been running very well. Averaging a bit over 18mpg and is awesome in the snow. (hopefully we're done with that at this point...)
Anyone want to buy a Mazda?
eep:
I also ordered a new gas cap, trying to chase down that P0440 code. I left it alone the last time it came on thinking there would be a piggyback code down the line but nothing new in the last 500 miles. Hoping the cheap fix is the right one, but we will see.
Need to change the oil, but it has been running very well. Averaging a bit over 18mpg and is awesome in the snow. (hopefully we're done with that at this point...)
Anyone want to buy a Mazda?
eep:
KingPrat
New member
Got the brakes done. Holy cow what a difference. Amazing how well these things stop with some material on the brake pads... :banana:
Gas cap didn't fix the P0440. Onto the next piece of troubleshooting...
Also, sold my Mazda. Which is awesome. No more payments or full collision on a 2nd vehicle.
Next step, buy a house... :twitch:
Gas cap didn't fix the P0440. Onto the next piece of troubleshooting...
Also, sold my Mazda. Which is awesome. No more payments or full collision on a 2nd vehicle.
Next step, buy a house... :twitch:
KingPrat
New member
More rust fun!
Well, I had tried a few different things to remedy my P0440 code and I finally handed the diagnosis off to my mechanic. "It's usually a cracked hose or something fairly simple, don't worry."
Anyone who has been following this thread knows where THIS is going...
Turns out the gas tank is rusted out. Seeping/not holding pressure I believe around the fuel pump mount. Mechanic says "we need to replace it and we might as well do all the components too." Great.
So after a mild panic attack, I jump on here and on CL and find a guy in CT parting out 2 4Rs - 1 98 and 1 00, both Limiteds.
https://hartford.craigslist.org/pts/d/96-02-toyota-4runner-parts/6651900782.html
Turns out he has a tank.
Drove out and the guy was awesome. Loved 4Rs (has a black 2000 SR5 Sport with 280k) and genuinely wanted to help me out. I got the tank, a 5-star wheel (in AWESOME condition) and the driver-side headlight housing for $100
This is an awesome community, as most enthusiast communities are. And there are still guys hidden around.
Next step - sourcing gaskets, fuel pump and filter, etc etc etc. :crybaby:
Well, I had tried a few different things to remedy my P0440 code and I finally handed the diagnosis off to my mechanic. "It's usually a cracked hose or something fairly simple, don't worry."
Anyone who has been following this thread knows where THIS is going...
Turns out the gas tank is rusted out. Seeping/not holding pressure I believe around the fuel pump mount. Mechanic says "we need to replace it and we might as well do all the components too." Great.
So after a mild panic attack, I jump on here and on CL and find a guy in CT parting out 2 4Rs - 1 98 and 1 00, both Limiteds.
https://hartford.craigslist.org/pts/d/96-02-toyota-4runner-parts/6651900782.html
Turns out he has a tank.
Drove out and the guy was awesome. Loved 4Rs (has a black 2000 SR5 Sport with 280k) and genuinely wanted to help me out. I got the tank, a 5-star wheel (in AWESOME condition) and the driver-side headlight housing for $100
This is an awesome community, as most enthusiast communities are. And there are still guys hidden around.
Next step - sourcing gaskets, fuel pump and filter, etc etc etc. :crybaby:
KingPrat
New member
Took some time today to get into the starter contacts and got the truck up on the lift. Thanks to the thread by [MENTION=26530]CoMarc[/MENTION] and video by [MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION] made this project go smooth. My father helped me out and we had the starter out in about an hour taking our time.
The thing that took the longest? Separating the transmission dipstick. Probably added 20 minutes onto the whole process. How did Tim's pop right out???
Ordered the Victory Lap ND-36SOL and turns out that the long contact included is the mirror image of the one in my starter. Went down to the dealership and ordered the contact kits and spent about $25. I'll use the plunger from the Victory Lap kit, though.
Feels good to finally have time to actually work on this thing. Lot of little things that are easy fixes that I've just been putting off.
My P0440 is still popping up, although less often after the gas tank replacement. Hope that a long battery disconnect will help clear that up. Tired of staring at that light!
The thing that took the longest? Separating the transmission dipstick. Probably added 20 minutes onto the whole process. How did Tim's pop right out???
Ordered the Victory Lap ND-36SOL and turns out that the long contact included is the mirror image of the one in my starter. Went down to the dealership and ordered the contact kits and spent about $25. I'll use the plunger from the Victory Lap kit, though.
Feels good to finally have time to actually work on this thing. Lot of little things that are easy fixes that I've just been putting off.
My P0440 is still popping up, although less often after the gas tank replacement. Hope that a long battery disconnect will help clear that up. Tired of staring at that light!
KingPrat
New member
Not sure I'm winning just yet, still feel like I'm catching up! But I've made a lot of progress, and hoping once the starter is addressed I'll be smooth sailing for a bit.
My mechanic tested and retested the entire system and all checked out OK after the tank replacement. It has never thrown another code other than the 0440 so still guessing a bit as to what it may be. Like I said, hopefully it pans out and the computer relearns the new tank. We shall see I guess.
