The 3rd Gen All Questions Allowed Thread
- Thread starter da_crew10
- Start date
- Status
JoeT4R
Senior Member
WetOkole or CoverKing are probably good options, $$$ though.
I❤️4runners
New member
Never heard of GSP. When in doubt, you could always go with OEM Tocikos. Toyota Parts Deal dot com or plenty of other websites out there have OEM parts at a fraction of dealership costs. It just depends on what you want to achieve. I've had Gabriels, Bilsteins and Tocikos. The Bilstein 5100's are great for off road performance, but the Tocikos are great for comfort, in my opinion. You can do as much research as you want, but I personally don't think you'll really know what you like vs what you don't like until you've had first hand experience with it.
What are some of your goals? Are you staying stock or trying to lift? Plan to wheel it any? Or is this a daily driver/grocery getter? Do you carry passengers? Little ones, older folks? Just yourself? So many different things to consider. I'm ranting now so I'll stop.
Scotty Kilmer is a big proponent of KYB, I believe, and I think he's a reputable source. So you could give those a shot if you're interested, @I4runners
You're right. I really just need to try something and get a feel for what I like. I'm one of those guys who wants to get everything right the first time but I think I just need quit researching and researching and just buy the dang things. I'm trying to stick as close to stock as possible but nobody sells OEM loaded strut assemblies for '96 4Runners. I can get OEM struts and springs separately but to be honest I don't really want to mess with a spring compressor. I think I'm gonna go with Moog strut assemblies for now. I'm pretty familiar with their stuff.
I don't do much wheeling simply because there aren't any good places around where I live. I don't really do much more than the occasional mud slingin'. I do carry passengers pretty frequently but honestly a couple of guys in a 4Runner don't really care that much about the way it rides. I do really appreciate your advice. This forum is so helpful. I'll keep you posted!
Yeah ran the codes on it. Just random misfire and cyl 3 misfire code on those cold starts. Gonna be baselining it too.
Curious to hear what heavy duty springs folks are rocking!
fatherohenry
Member
Can I get some thoughts on this squeak?
This started a month or so ago, after a ton of rain. It only seems to be coming from front right. It also only seems to occur when it's maybe 45° or colder.
I've read other posts that seem to indicate this could simply be bushing noise but I could use someone else's opinion.
I replaced rack, sway bar, and end link bushings with Energy Suspension about a year and a half ago. 9 months ago I replaced upper and lower control arm bushings with OEM rubber and replaced the front end links after dropping a control arm off the press and bending the attached end link. These were cheap Moog end links with their own bushings. All ball joints and tie rods have been replaced within the last 3,500 miles.
OME 881s & Bilstein 5100s fwiw.
Thanks!
This video is me pushing up on the bumper.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/zfPXbelJWQM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
This started a month or so ago, after a ton of rain. It only seems to be coming from front right. It also only seems to occur when it's maybe 45° or colder.
I've read other posts that seem to indicate this could simply be bushing noise but I could use someone else's opinion.
I replaced rack, sway bar, and end link bushings with Energy Suspension about a year and a half ago. 9 months ago I replaced upper and lower control arm bushings with OEM rubber and replaced the front end links after dropping a control arm off the press and bending the attached end link. These were cheap Moog end links with their own bushings. All ball joints and tie rods have been replaced within the last 3,500 miles.
OME 881s & Bilstein 5100s fwiw.
Thanks!
This video is me pushing up on the bumper.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/zfPXbelJWQM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Last edited:
96RedRunner
Senior Member
Can of silicone spray, control arm bushings strut stem bushing is strut stem nut tight enough.
JoeT4R
Senior Member
I'm going to say this is bushing noise. I just recently replaced my rear shocks and the driver side rear is making a similar noise, but it does it regardless of weather. I can stand on the back of the truck and bounce it and hear it. Not sure why it's making that sound, because everything is tight and everything was installed properly. So I'm curious to hear others' input on this as well.
I❤️4runners
New member
Can't recommend any good suspension stuff as I'm currently in the process of replacing mine. However, when it comes to bumpers I recommend that you look at True North Fabrications. They have some awesome coastal bumpers. also look at Yota Mafia. If you're looking at making your own bumper, Austin Niemela has some great bumper templates for sale. Then you just have to buy your steel and cut it out according to his specs. Links below.
Coastal Offroad 3rd Gen 4Runner Top Front Bumper DIY Kit - YotaMafia
96-02 3rd Gen 4Runner
– True North Fabrications
1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner Front Winch Bumper Build Templates – AVR Customs
I❤️4runners
New member
Does ANYBODY know what the dimensions are on OEM 1996 4Runner Tocikos front strut assemblies!? Can't find them anywhere.
JoeT4R
Senior Member
I❤️4runners;3781504 said:
48510-39426 Genuine Toyota Shock Absorber Assembly Front Left
Scroll down to Product Specifications.
fatherohenry
Member
I've been away too long. How soon we forget, eh? I knew I should've just regreased the swaybar bushings before asking questions. All quiet again. Sorry for wasting your time!
Shlop
New member
Is this the radiator out hose that the thermostat is attached to? Trying to figure out if it’s stuck in the on position. When I touch that house after the car is warmed up, it’s cold.
I think the problem with my heat is the thermostat because the in/out heater core hoses both get warm/hot (could probably use a flush but it’s not 100% clogged) and the coolant level in radiator is fine.
So if my thermostat needs replacing, does it make sense to replace radiator while I’m in there? Need a good video reference for changing out thermostat Timmy doesn’t have one.
I think the problem with my heat is the thermostat because the in/out heater core hoses both get warm/hot (could probably use a flush but it’s not 100% clogged) and the coolant level in radiator is fine.
So if my thermostat needs replacing, does it make sense to replace radiator while I’m in there? Need a good video reference for changing out thermostat Timmy doesn’t have one.
Attachments
JoeT4R
Senior Member
Yes, that's the hose that the thermostat is connected to. It goes into the water pump. If you're replacing the radiator, you might as well replace the thermostat because you have to remove it anyways to get residual coolant out. So it makes sense. Get a new OEM thermostat and gasket if you do from Toyota.
Endlessblockades
Senior Member
You just need a 12mm socket and a 6" extension to remove the thermostat housing bolts. I've done it without draining the radiator, trying to save some coolant in the back country, but it's a mess, so remove the cap and drain it from the petcock. Jiggle valve at 6 O'Clock.
I❤️4runners
New member
It's really not hard to do. I did it recently in mine. It's just three bolts, the hose comes off and the thermostat is right behind it; just need to pop it out and put the new one in. I did drain my radiator. I know you can do it without draining it but it makes a crappy mess. At least if you drain the radiator you can catch the coolant in a clean bucket and and then put it back in when you're done.
Found a video on how to replace the thermostat but it's Chinese! lol. At least it gives you a really good visual on what you need to do. Is your truck overheating?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tP1-OGiMyXQ
That hose is attached to the thermostat, but it's the inlet hose for the thermostat. The upper hose shown in the picture is the outlet hose.
If you don't know when the radiator was replaced last I would recommend replacing it and the radiator cap. The transmission cooler in the radiator is known to fail and cause coolant and transmission fluid to mix and that will destroy the transmission unless caught quickly. $200-300 radiator is a lot cheaper than $3000+ transmission.
JoeT4R
Senior Member
+1. Add an external trans cooler while you're at it, they can be had for less than $100 and keep things nice and cool.
DJRodriguez88
New member
When replacing CV axles, is it necessary to use new LBJ bolts after the install?
I just installed new OEM LBJ's last year with new bolts. I can't remember if I used red loctite but if I did i would be pretty sad about having to use a torch so close to a basically brand new rubber boot.
I just installed new OEM LBJ's last year with new bolts. I can't remember if I used red loctite but if I did i would be pretty sad about having to use a torch so close to a basically brand new rubber boot.
96RedRunner
Senior Member
Pull it apart at the BJ stud not the mounting bolts.
DJRodriguez88
New member
yeah i thought the same thing, but 2 youtube how-to's in a row pulled the mounting bolts :shrug:
I'll try the stud first, thanks!
- Status
