txbonds 97 4runner limited project

[txbonds]

They respond to about 3/4 of the dimmer rotation but once they get to the last 1/4 turn the go off. So they dim a little.


I should note that my oem bulbs were so dim that they were almost pointless. I couldn't see that they were even on until it was completely night and then they were just not bright enough. I really like how these turned out even though the install was a pain.

 

[txbonds]

Can those LEDs be dimmed or are they just on/off ?

Because I'm considering re-doing my dash lights but I'd like to keep that ability.

If you do, some tips that are probably obvious now but caused me great frustration..........

The LEDs are polar specific, so if the bulb doesn't work at first, take it out and turn it around and reinsert. On the ones for the instruments, they go into a twist in holder, so you have two polar axis to align properly to get bulbs to work. Can be a pain.

Secondly, before you totally loose it on why they are not working, make sure you plug the dimmer back in as it is necessary in the circuit for some dash and instrument lights to work. Doh!

 

[txbonds]

No truck or wheeling but did have some fun helping Dad put a new drain pipe under a road today

 

[txbonds]

Gave the tow hitch on the CBI hybrid and the 4runner in general a work out by hauling my boat 120 miles one way today. Used my trailer wiring kit that I got on amazon and it worked like a charm even though I need to go back and put it in properly. Also need to get a draw bar with about 1 to 2" more drop. The back sagged a good bit but my front is still sitting high without skid plates and the rest of my bumper bolted on.

On another note I'm up to almost 2k miles on it in the past year.






.

 

[sschaefer3]

Air Bags do wonders for towing with a rear coil spring setup. Nice and soft no trailer and then supports the trailer when attached.

A lower receiver will also help. Bags are all about towing.

 

[txbonds]

Little cleaning to make room for boat

 

[alexb]

I think we need a video tour of your garage. Maybe MTV "Cribs" style.

Major garage envy going on right now.

 

[txbonds]

Thanks man. It's only a 2 car garage. If I had taken a picture of the other side you would see the mound of stuff I shuffled from one side to the other. LOL.


Looking at the pictures it makes me wish I had epoxied the floor before I had so much stuff in there.

 

[txbonds]

With all the crazy rain we've been seeing this week, I found a few leaks in the runner.


First up was a drop just above the rear passenger door that was running down the inside of the sheet metal to the front of the wheel well and puddling on the floor next to the door.

Turned out to be a clogged drain line and a pool of water in the drip tray. A long piece of weed eater line cleared it but I think I'll put new lines in now that the headliner is down again.

Stretched the headliner out to dry

Other light drip is coming from the passenger side rear roof rail plug. Will have to wait for a dry day to pull and seal this plug.

And something else showed up today. I'm shocked at how heavy they actually are. LOL

And our other toy

 

[txbonds]

Not runner related but I used the runner to go get newest addition to the family today

 

[txbonds]

Working on sunroof drain tubing today I discovered that my truck had two different sized tubes in use even though the parts diagram shows the same part number for all 4 drain tubes. I went with what was there size wise though.

This is what size was on the rear two tubes

And this is what size was on the front two tubes

Before putting on the new tubes, wanted to make sure the opening was clear. Used a brush to clean it out.

For the rear tubing, I was able to pull the new tube through while pulling out the old tube by using a 1/2" to 1/2" barb connector

Once pulled through, put the factory clamp back on the tubing before pushing onto the drain tray fitting

Here you can see how the tubing routes through the interior wall on the drivers side rear and second is the passenger side rear

Open end of drain tube on drivers side ends in the cabin vent, so water drains through the vent itself to outside

Tubing on rear passenger side goes through wall to under truck just below the storage pocket

 

[txbonds]

The front was a little more challenging. I ended up routing a string down the old tube to help pull the new tube through as a barb connector couldn't make the turns through the front pillar

Got the string through the tube using a piece of weed eater string. Pushed it through, and then folded over a 10" piece and poked it back into tube making a loop. Smooshed it closed and then tied the string to the loop. Worked like a charm.

To make the new tube go through easier, cut a wedge shape in the end and then tie the string to the bottom of the wedge like this.

Then pull the new hose through by pulling the old hose and string with one hand and pushing the new hose with the other hand. Takes a little work and wiggling but it will go through with this sized hose. The larger rear hose will not go through :bash:

On both sides at the floor you have to unbolt the electric control box that you find there and pull it out of the way. Also there is a piece of foam that needs to be pulled out. Once out you can see the tubing in there and the small hole it passes through to drain water out of the lower fender.

Here is inside the drivers side front with the new tubing in place

And here is the nasty green algae tubing that came out

Lastly is just a shot of the runner while out getting the tubing this morning.

Now, the rear wiper tubing is up next for replacement and then some water testing before I put the headliner back up.



.

 

[txbonds]

Looking at it more, the rear tube while not leaking can still twist on the drain tray fitting whereas the front ones are tight enough not to twist.

I'm wondering if someone replaced the rear ones along the way on mine and just put in the wrong larger size? I'm also wondering if I should go back and replace the two rear ones with the smaller 3/8" ID tubing like the front. hmmmmmm.........



.

 

[txbonds]

Studied it some more and it looks like the clamps and grommets are sized for the larger 1/2" so I'm really befuddled on why there are different sizes but only one part code for all 4.


Moved on to the washer tubing. Got a good portion out of my 20' piece run so that I'm close to putting the roof liner back up again.

New tubing specs

New tubing with old in background

Old tubing. Replacing to prevent any future cracks and leaks

New tubing routed from rear ceiling. The second picture shows my trailer wiring harness temp run as well. Need to get it installed correctly.

Passing beside rear passenger seatbelt. Using factory clips

Passing beside front seat belt using factory clip

Along under carpet and trim using factory clips

New tied into old on passenger floor kick panel

Amount left from 20' roll

 

[Dirtco]

Damn dude, your going to have a new 4Runner when your done! Great work on everything!

 

[cdrewferd]

The attention to detail with your 4Runner is amazing. You'll get some long life out of it now.

On a side note, any updates on your clunk when turning up hill?

 

[txbonds]

Damn dude, your going to have a new 4Runner when your done! Great work on everything!

Thanks man. Your truck and trailer builds have been very inspirational to watch. Appreciate your comments.

The attention to detail with your 4Runner is amazing. You'll get some long life out of it now.

On a side note, any updates on your clunk when turning up hill?

Thanks. Nothing new yet but I'll be looking into it a bit further today hopefully. I need to pull front wheels and check torque on a few bolts and nuts I couldn't reach with them on.

I'm also having some issues with my reman steering rack where it doesn't want to turn when the truck is sitting, and when backing my boat in the other day it was making a squealing sound. Need to check for any trapped air and possibly check the flare nuts on the connection line to make sure they are tight and not pulling in air.

Will report back later today if I find anything though.

 

[txbonds]

Took the puppy with me and met my wife for lunch today.

On my way back to the runner I thought to myself, "Man, that's a good looking truck!" LOL.

Thought I would share

 

[TXRick]

Awesome info and just in time. I was in the carwash the other day and mine started leaking...but only on the girlfriends side, so I've got some time

 

[txbonds]

Awesome info and just in time. I was in the carwash the other day and mine started leaking...but only on the girlfriends side, so I've got some time

LOL.

I think I've decided to buy a can of that "as seen on tv" sealant spray stuff to spray the bottom of the little clips that were leaking over the rear cargo area. Figured that would be better than taking the screw out of the roof rail to get to it up there a over roof.