The Sciencemobile

[thenightman]

Hello all, after lurking constantly on this forum for the past year, it is finally time to make my own build thread. On 2/11/2017 the Wife and I bought this 169082 mile 2000 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 limited. It has the V6 5VZ-FE 3.4L, auto trans, and the E-locker rear. We looked for about 6 months until we found this one, my main criteria being; 1) fairly low miles. 2) Limited package, so we could use AWD for slippery on road situations. 3) E-locker. It would have been cool to get one with a sport hood too, but who knows that could come later. Here she is the day we bought her:
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This 4runner is going to do the jobs of two other vehicles we have owned, a 1988 Jeep Cherokee 4x4, and a 2000 Chevy Tracker 4x2. It will not be a daily driver, but a camping, weekend, long trip, and recreational four wheeling vehicle. This is the Tracker, our current camping vehicle.
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The Tracker has been very good to us, but after a very windy night in the desert, we realized that we needed a camping vehicle that in a pinch we could sleep inside. Despite the fact that it is about the size of a CJ5, we never really had a problem fitting our gear inside. I built a bike rack for it that bolts into the spare tire mount holes in the tailgate, fitted battery powered led lights on the soft top bow for cargo area lights, put in my folding “sandwich” table on the tailgate, and led under hood lights. One of my favorite mods was the wired in, under seat mounted power inverter. Having three 120v outlets by the center console is very convenient! I really love this car, but it has three issues making it imperfect. 1) It is 2wd! We take it on dirt roads all over, and I am sick of having to turn around out of an abundance of caution when there is a water crossing, loose sand, mud, a steep hill etc. 2) We can’t lay down in the interior if we wanted. 3) The whole soft top thing. Easy to steal out of, no liftgate to shelter the back area from the rain, and heat and noise come right through.
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This is my old Cherokee, my previous wheeler. 4x4, solid axles, lots of fun. It was lifted, had 31s or 32s on it, steel wheels, steel bumpers, rock rails, a rear cargo rack, removable doors, modified swaybars, tube doors, modified panhard, high clearance stout crossmember, and so much other big and little stuff. Too much to list, and since it has been a while I can’t remember it all anyway. I took it to the Sierras a few times, Oceano dunes (Pismo) once, Hollister hills SVRA a handful of times, and Carnegie SVRA (our closest wheeling spot) more times than I can count. It had all the stuff that I wished the Tracker had, 4x4, could sleep inside (and did a few times), and had a hard top with a lift gate.
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The problem? Reliability. It always needed a new something or another. Not just breaking parts off road, although it ate alternators for breakfast and ujoints for lunch, but everything. A relay here, a solenoid there, water pump, PS pump, ignition cylinder, every sensor you can imagine, and wiring issues everywhere! So what do you do when you want a reliable, midsize, four door 4x4? You get a Toyota 4Runner! Besides, my wife kept telling me we needed a 4Runner, and she is always right.

 

[thenightman]

First things first, I Changed the oil, using the larger Ph3600 Filter.
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Things did not all go smoothly though. Before I bought it I hooked my scangauge II up to it and it had no codes, but about 85 miles later it had a P0420. The other thing was, when I asked the previous owner about the smog check (being necessary to transfer ownership in CA)(CA Sucks) he said he had done it “about a month ago”. However when I went to the dmv to register it, they said it had last been smogged in June of 2015… apparently different people have different definitions of “about a month ago” Now I needed to fix the P0420 to register it. I did some research and put in a new magnaflow rear cat.
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Code came back. So I talked with some real mechanics, and put in a rear 02 sensor. Code came back. Then a front 02 sensor. Code came back. Then a bolt in Walker front cat, finally I was able to run the 02 sensor monitor and pass, and thusly passed my smog check and was able to register it.
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I then changed the rear differential, and the tcase fluid.
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Changed some hvac bulbs; the bulb for the left buttons, and the left led screen bulb. Shootmymime’s write up was simply invaluable for this. It made what would have been a frustrating hours long endeavor an easy after work fix, seriously that guy deserves a medal.
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Then I did my first mod, the “blue wire mod” took like 10 minutes, well worth the time, rear locker wasn’t working, plugging the 4wd sensor in the tcase fixed that. Funny how sensors need to be plugged in to work. I also took the running boards off.
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Put in a new PCV valve, because, why not? Managed to break the inner part of the grommet off into the valve cover, fished it out with a bicycle spoke. Also the battery tie down was bent and derelicting its duty, so I performed some percussive maintenance. One of the nuts on the skidplate was stripped so I ground it off and weldered one of the nuts off the running boards on it.
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Rotated the tires, inspected the brakes (going to need replacing before long) and put in some LED dome lights, good lord what a difference!

 

[thenightman]

This 4runner is super friendly, making new friends wherever it goes.
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Really like this picture.
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I have a scangauge II that we used in the tracker, and now lives in the 4runner. I had been using rubber bands to mount the scangauge to the top of the open ashtray, and obviously that is not a good solution. There isn’t really a good place to mount a scangauge in these that I could figure out that doesn’t block something else. So I made this little test piece.
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Tacking with my eyes closed, or as I call it, “guess welding”
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Ended up turning the bend 90 degrees so the wire went down instead, added a few tacks, cleaned it up a bit and painted it. Then the signal wire was routed through the inside of all that dash business and out a little notch in the trim piece.
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Note my extraordinary ability to drill the hole for the steel wire for the mount directly below my carefully planned mark (the black sharpie line to the left.)
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I drilled a small hole to the left of the left vent in the center of the dash, and actually used hot glue to mount it inside the trim piece.
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I put the bit of Velcro on my mount, plugged the scangauge in, and now it is up out of the way.
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As always, if I did it a second time I could do it cleaner. I really like having it up there out of the way with no wires hanging about. Makes me want to do the same thing with the GPS power cord!

 

[thenightman]

Late april 2017, finally took it camping, and got a little dirt under the tires. Did 26 miles of easy to moderate fire roads/ trails. There were some parts a ways in that did require use of 4low, but did not need the locker. I had found a dirt road on google maps that, on the internet, looked like it went from HWY 101 through to HWY 1 at Morro bay. It did not, there was a gate, but I had a great time finding that out. It was very senic, and I had a blast actually going over stuff that required four wheel drive again. We have had the tracker on dirt roads in a few different states, but never anything tough.
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We camped at morrow bay state park, not exactly roughing it, but great times with family. So easy to pack when you have this much space! I feel spoiled with all the space now compared to the little tracker.
This trip was kind of a test run of the 4runner. We have a trip planned for this summer where we will go a bit farther, and be gone a bit longer.

 

[the walrus]

Looks great. Nice to see you are out enjoying it.

Justin

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

Looks good. Welcome to the show. One of your climate control LCD bulbs is out. The one on the right. I replace those bulbs at the same time because they are on the same amount of time (all the time) Shame because you had it out. An just an FYI, only the 99-02 Limiteds came with the Auto Climate control.

 

[thegipper]

Welcome!

Very nice looking 4runner you got there.

Here are a few maintenance items I suggest you do to make sure your rig lasts for many years:

New radiator, unless it was recently replaced (search pink milk shake)
Extended rear differential breather mod ($20 mod that helps reduce the chance of axle seal failure)
Lower ball joints (if they haven't been replaced within 100k miles, OEM ONLY)

Other than the other general fluids (tranny, brake etc), you should be good to go.

 

[thenightman]

Thanks for the comments, advice, and input guy! This will be a BS, Hijacking, and derailing friendly thread! Feel free to chime in and call me an idiot, share a related story, or make any suggestion.

Looks great. Nice to see you are out enjoying it.

Justin

Thanks! Yeah it is nice to be back tinkering with a 4x4 again. This 4runner is allowing me to combine my love of long camping trips and my love of fourwheeling. It's how many parts you have bolted on the vehicle that makes it cool, it's how you use it right? Though I have been drooling over lots of the well equipped rigs on this site!

Looks good. Welcome to the show. One of your climate control LCD bulbs is out. The one on the right. I replace those bulbs at the same time because they are on the same amount of time (all the time) Shame because you had it out. An just an FYI, only the 99-02 Limiteds came with the Auto Climate control.

Well, you are right! When we got the car there was no visible light on the led screen, and thinking it only took one bulb, I bought one. Only after finding shootmymime's thread and taking it apart did I realize my error. I told my wife how I messed it up, and pointed it out, she said she can see it fine and she wouldn't bother. She is the boss!
P.S. what roof rack is that? That is a cool rack!

Welcome!

Very nice looking 4runner you got there.

Here are a few maintenance items I suggest you do to make sure your rig lasts for many years:

New radiator, unless it was recently replaced (search pink milk shake)
Extended rear differential breather mod ($20 mod that helps reduce the chance of axle seal failure)
Lower ball joints (if they haven't been replaced within 100k miles, OEM ONLY)

Other than the other general fluids (tranny, brake etc), you should be good to go.

I hate to say it, but I haven't done any of those yet, and in a week we leave for a 3500 mile trip. I have been working 11 hour days, which I greatly enjoy, but that puts me way behind on maintenance. I might be able to do the diff breather mod before we go, seems like a 30 minute job I can cram into a few hours

Based on what I have learned so far delving into this vehicle, maintenance was rarely done on it, and if it was done it was done poorly. I have no idea when the radiator, waterpump, LBJs, or timing chain was done last. I will try to get them all done this year. I was thinking new waterpump when we do the timing chain, and radiator at the same time. I am kind of dreading them all. The 4runner seems resistant to progress.

 

[Mark_BC]

This will be a BS, Hijacking, and derailing friendly thread! Feel free to chime in and call me an idiot, share a related story, or make any suggestion.

Hehe when I saw your first post I was going to post up #2 but I thought I'd let you have the honours of the first few threads before hijacking.

I used to have a 88 Cherokee too I think, somewhere around that time. It was fun when it worked... which became rarer and rarer as time went by. Eventually I was lucky to give it away.

 

[theesotericone]

It's how many parts you have bolted on the vehicle that makes it cool, it's how you use it right? Though I have been drooling over lots of the well equipped rigs on this site!

It's actually how you use it that dictates how many parts you need to bolt onto it. They're cool either way. lol

 

[thegipper]

If you can pull it off, I would at least replace the LBJ's before your trip if possible.

If the radiator fails internally, it could destroy your tranny. If your LBJ's fail, it could lead to a very, very bad accident. They can break with little or no warning. I'm not trying to freak you out before your trip but it's just the reality of these rigs.

The breather mod is definitely something you should do but I would do the LBJ's/Radiator before you do the breather mod.

Also, since you'll be driving a ton of miles, make sure the tranny fluid is in good condition.

 

[Rock_Rat]

Agree with the above ^^^^ Replace LBJ's (OEM only) before you leave. Four bolts per side, a pickle fork, and torque wrench - done. A couple hour job at most.

 

[MyFirstRunner]

Agree with the above ^^^^ Replace LBJ's (OEM only) before you leave. Four bolts per side, a pickle fork, and torque wrench - done. A couple hour job at most.

I second that...I'm learning auto mechanics as I go with my 4Runner and the LBJ's (I also did ITRE's, OTRE's) took me about 4 hours and the radiator took about 3. Lot's of great videos and information on here about those jobs.

 

[JZiggy]

For balljoint removal, this Gearwrench tool rocks. No hammering, just a mild application of torque (plus a huge increase of leverage due to the design) and POW, separation!

 

[thegipper]

After completely and utterly destroying my tie rod end last time I needed to remove it, I think I'll buy that tool.

Shit, I even broke a fork off of a pickle fork by hitting it so hard to get the damn tie rod to separate.

It gets good reviews too, thanks for the post.

 

[hounddogman]

So easy to pack when you have this much space! I feel spoiled with all the space now compared to the little tracker.
[/QUOTE]

Very nice pictures . Soon you'll probably taking that extra space for granted and wondering how you did it with a small vehicle before. I can't figure out how I can live out of a backpack for 4 days but take the family out overnight and the 4Runner is piled to ceiling and the roof rack is full .

 

[thenightman]

Hehe when I saw your first post I was going to post up #2 but I thought I'd let you have the honours of the first few threads before hijacking.

I used to have a 88 Cherokee too I think, somewhere around that time. It was fun when it worked... which became rarer and rarer as time went by. Eventually I was lucky to give it away.

This accurately describes my tenure as a jeep owner as well. Post up a picture of it. It was a fun car.

It's actually how you use it that dictates how many parts you need to bolt onto it. They're cool either way. lol

I have a feeling this 4runner will end up with a plethora of cool parts. The budget for mods isn't huge, but I am a fan of building things. Also, the bishop area is a fun area, my wife and I keep coming back to the Alamaba Hills, an incredible spot to explore.

If you can pull it off, I would at least replace the LBJ's before your trip if possible.

If the radiator fails internally, it could destroy your tranny. If your LBJ's fail, it could lead to a very, very bad accident. They can break with little or no warning. I'm not trying to freak you out before your trip but it's just the reality of these rigs.

The breather mod is definitely something you should do but I would do the LBJ's/Radiator before you do the breather mod.

Also, since you'll be driving a ton of miles, make sure the tranny fluid is in good condition.

Triggered.

Ok, I am splurging, and spending some of my "build that AR lower fund" on a Radiator, thermostat, and LBJs. I just saw the the title of another thread about being stuck on a long trip in Kansas. Kansas! That put chills down my spine.

 

[thenightman]

Agree with the above ^^^^ Replace LBJ's (OEM only) before you leave. Four bolts per side, a pickle fork, and torque wrench - done. A couple hour job at most.

Went with OEM ball joints. Twice as much as the others! Worth it though if they are higher quality, "a cheap helmet for a cheap head" and so forth. I got a Denso radiator. I read that koyo is the OEM brand, but isn't Denso also a OEM supplier? A significant factor in the decision was that I can get the radiator here by friday, hopefully.

I second that...I'm learning auto mechanics as I go with my 4Runner and the LBJ's (I also did ITRE's, OTRE's) took me about 4 hours and the radiator took about 3. Lot's of great videos and information on here about those jobs.

Great! I will be able to do it in 8 and 6 probably...

For balljoint removal, this Gearwrench tool rocks. No hammering, just a mild application of torque (plus a huge increase of leverage due to the design) and POW, separation!

After completely and utterly destroying my tie rod end last time I needed to remove it, I think I'll buy that tool.

Shit, I even broke a fork off of a pickle fork by hitting it so hard to get the damn tie rod to separate.

It gets good reviews too, thanks for the post.

Bought the tool. I love buying tools. I will try and win this one for The Gipper

Very nice pictures . Soon you'll probably taking that extra space for granted and wondering how you did it with a small vehicle before. I can't figure out how I can live out of a backpack for 4 days but take the family out overnight and the 4Runner is piled to ceiling and the roof rack is full .

The better half is already talking about how she can bring so much more stuff. I told her that since there is enough room inside, I can mount the hi-lift to the underside of the sleeping/storage platform. She said no, make a roof rack mount for it, she is going to use all that inside space.

 

[thenightman]

On the way home from camping I noticed a progressively worse clunking sound. Upon inspection I found this.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/34545498453/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20170429_195425482"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4289/34545498453_43c8799914_b.jpg" width="576" height="1024" alt="IMG_20170429_195425482"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Seems I replaced my grease with muddy water in my joyful romps through the deep puddles I found while on the trail. I got a new halfshaft, surprisingly cheap, and went to switch it out. Having done them on my car, I was not too concerned, but I ended up having quite the time with the axle nut. Having sprayed it town the day before with penetrant, my 120v dewalt electric impact could not budge it. Then I put a nice curve in my breaker bar with a two and a half foot cheater on it. Now having A good excuse to buy a bigger breaker bar, I ended up with a roughly two and a half foot breaker bar. I put a four and a half foot cheater bar over it, stood on the end of it, and bounced up and down. Nothing happened. So using a propane torch and a thermometer gun, I heated the nut up to a little over 250F, and tried my bouncing maneuver again. Finally, Results! Well, not good ones, just a broken breaker bar.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/38032720@N06/34512606734/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_20170506_150450802"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4261/34512606734_9699d96834_b.jpg" width="1024" height="576" alt="IMG_20170506_150450802"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Thoroughly defeated, I shamefully took the 4runner to the local shop to have it done. :yield: Upon picking it up, it seemed fine. Then we went out to dinner. By the time we got to the restaurant it was making a scraping sound. By the time we got home it was a horrific scraping sound. I suspected it was the dust cover rubbing on the rotor, and crawled underneath it to look and saw a busted tie rod boot. Since they now owed me a new tie rod end, I took it back to the shop where they fixed both the mistakes on their dime. I have had good luck with that shop before, but it is under new ownership now. I won’t be going back.

 

[thenightman]

Road trip trouble.

I didn't have time to post leading up to leaving for our road trip, but we left yesterday, with a fresh radiator, and new lower ball joints. Yesterday while climbing up hwy 50 at 95 degrees my transfer case started doing this thing where it seemed to slip into neutral. My transmission would get up to 230 and I would pull over to let it cool, and sometimes it would freely rev like the tcase or transmission was in neutral. Then twice I when i put it in park, while stationary, It would do the loud noise an auto normally makes when you try to put it in park while moving. Since I had no possible forward motion, we got towed to a shop. The tech said he doesn't think it's the transmission, he thinks it's a transfer case issue. I found a loose connector on one of the motors at the back of the tcase, it had some dirt in it, I cleaned it out, plugged it back in. The tech seemed to think that might have something to do with it. Anyone have any ideas on this weird issue? It seems to be back to normal.