UnOfficial #BrokeCollegeBum 4Runner Non Sense Thread

[Chewbacca]

First off let me clarify that I have little to no experience with civilian 4x4 vehicles so this is a learning experience for me. With that being said I picked up my first 4runner about a month ago 8-22-13 due to the fact that I wanted something to go out on a trail once in awhile and tow my other car. I am a FT college student so money is ALWAYS an issue. Thankfully i'm somewhat mechanically inclined and have had jobs as a technician. Hopefully I can save some cabbage when doing mods, let the adventure begin.

I come from a "drifting" motorsport background I guess you can call it. But i'm guessing the the fundamentals are still similar. I will post random pictures of both of my projects whenever I work on any of them.
Warning: Possible driftcar pictures in this thread. If you don't like it press the back button.

I will update this thread with little stuff I do to it. I have a tendency of taking a bunch of pictures so those will be included. I am always open to suggestions and helpful tips.

This is the Gem, 97 4Runner sr5 4x4 with 199,xxx miles on it.

Future Plans:

-Timing Belt & Waterpump
- Diff Service
-Transmission Flush (Dealer)

3inch lift
33" tires.


Stock Picture after I go it.

Soon after I got the 4runner the woodgrain was bothering me so I did some research and found out it was removable. I originally posted this in a thread I created.

UPDATE:

So after completing the Woodgrain removal I decided to leave it off. I haven't decided if I want to order the dash kit just yet.

Step 1: (Remove the old Woodgrain) I would suggest getting the woodgrain warmed up, unfortunately I do not own a hairdryer or heat gun so I just parked it outside in the hot valley sun for a couple of hours.

I used a putty knife to get the bigger pieces off. It worked pretty decent overall.

Before Picture.

Another Shot. As you can tell some of the clear coat peeled off during the years revealing the actual wood finish.

Getting to work.

Got most of the residue off but you can tell its going to need some more attention.

This works really good for MOST of the residue. Some of it is really caked on which is a pain in the arse. You might have to use a razor (carefully) or your finger nail to take it off. Be prepared to take some time in this portion of the project.

Removing the trim off the actual dash board is probably the most annoying thing to do. I think its because the dash has a rough finish so the adhesive bonds better than the black panels. Anyway drink a couple of beers and try not to get your wire wheel on this. HAHA

You probably want to pull off the window switch housing to better access the trim and not damage your door panel.

You will probably get hurt in the process

OUchhhhhhhhhh

Switch Done

Radio/Climate Control Trim done!
Still need to go back and get the harder stuff with possible sanding and spraying with primer and interior paint.

Please excuse the picture quality they were taken with my Iphone.

 

[UTEP]

Haha!

I love it! I come from a similar situation, back in school after a decade or so of drifting with the Grateful Dead (1970's-80's) put me kinda behind schedule...

Where ya going to school? What's your major? I'm a graduate student of geology at UTEP.

I dislike the wood trim on my 2000 T4R Limited and didn't even consider how to get it off. How difficult was it? Looks like a mess. Did it really clean up well?

As to your other ideas:

Timing belt quite important and rightfully #1 on your list. Sooner than later!

What's up withe diff? Easy to change fluid. I just did mine for the first time.

Transmission flush...real iffy. Most of the old school mechanics I know are 100% against this. Not sure of the forums consensus but if you'd not having trouble I'd try the "UnOfficial #BrokeCollegeBum" technique; Run a couple of ATF changes. ATF is cheap enough. I drained mine, looked brown but did not smell burnt. Filled and drove 100 miles and did it again. ATF was very very slightly brown. Now it looks good on the dip stick. BTW if you live near a Dollar General here in El Paso they had Valvoline Dexron III for $3.99 qt and Castrol 10-30 for $3.75 among other bargains like Techron...

See ya around,

Warren

 

[snivilous]

Sweet! College student here too, I feel ya.

It looks like the wood trim just sits on top of the normal trim, that's interesting. Nice work!

 

[Chewbacca]

Haha!

I love it! I come from a similar situation, back in school after a decade or so of drifting with the Grateful Dead (1970's-80's) put me kinda behind schedule...

Where ya going to school? What's your major? I'm a graduate student of geology at UTEP.

I dislike the wood trim on my 2000 T4R Limited and didn't even consider how to get it off. How difficult was it? Looks like a mess. Did it really clean up well?

As to your other ideas:

Timing belt quite important and rightfully #1 on your list. Sooner than later!

What's up withe diff? Easy to change fluid. I just did mine for the first time.

Transmission flush...real iffy. Most of the old school mechanics I know are 100% against this. Not sure of the forums consensus but if you'd not having trouble I'd try the "UnOfficial #BrokeCollegeBum" technique; Run a couple of ATF changes. ATF is cheap enough. I drained mine, looked brown but did not smell burnt. Filled and drove 100 miles and did it again. ATF was very very slightly brown. Now it looks good on the dip stick. BTW if you live near a Dollar General here in El Paso they had Valvoline Dexron III for $3.99 qt and Castrol 10-30 for $3.75 among other bargains like Techron...

See ya around,

Warren

It's really a small world. I just moved back from EP a little over a year and a half ago. I was working on Ft. Bliss and attending EPCC with the intention to transfer to UTEP.

Currently going to a local community college majoring in Criminal Justice with the intention to transfer to a 4yr.

Unfortunately I believe the 99 4runner has the plastic wood grain which is not removable (I think I read this somewhere but not 100% sure).

I popped the timing cover off and the belt is still in good condition. The water pump was changed about 50k ago so I assume they did the belt too.

I called a local Toyota Dealership and they said a transmission service would be around $200 with filter that sounds fair. I didn't know there were disadvantages to getting the transmission service.

Thanks for the reply:tongue:

Sweet! College student here too, I feel ya.

It looks like the wood trim just sits on top of the normal trim, that's interesting. Nice work!

Yes, it sure was because it saved me money. I almost bought a dash kit because it bothered me so much!

 

[UTEP]

I called a local Toyota Dealership and they said a transmission service would be around $200 with filter that sounds fair. I didn't know there were disadvantages to getting the transmission service.

Cool!

Draining and filter a huge plus but flushing may not be so good. Mechanics I know with 30+ years have all said avoid it unless you get a "strawberry milkshake". Not sure why but I've always avoided aggressive flushes of engines and trannies.

I may be wrong but just suggest it's something not to rush into without a little research. I always thought is was just running some fresh ATF through the system but maybe they use come chemicals....I'm gonna do a search..

So you bailed out of EP? I feel like that every day Just kidding. I came from Tucson and SoCal and there's was more of what I like there. I hope the 4x4 helps me find more cool stuff in the vicinity.

Warren

 

[UTEP]

This thread seems to sum it up well:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/112123-transmission-flush.html

HTH

Warren

 

[Chewbacca]

Cool!

Draining and filter a huge plus but flushing may not be so good. Mechanics I know with 30+ years have all said avoid it unless you get a "strawberry milkshake". Not sure why but I've always avoided aggressive flushes of engines and trannies.

I may be wrong but just suggest it's something not to rush into without a little research. I always thought is was just running some fresh ATF through the system but maybe they use come chemicals....I'm gonna do a search..

So you bailed out of EP? I feel like that every day Just kidding. I came from Tucson and SoCal and there's was more of what I like there. I hope the 4x4 helps me find more cool stuff in the vicinity.

Warren

I have heard the same thing about disturbing the tranny with higher mileage with a "powerflush". I just want the old fluid out with a new filter. I am really picky when it comes to maintenance.

Yeah I sure did. I was only there working for the Gov. then I realized it wasn't what I wanted to do as a career and came home to go to school. Ep was cool but the car scene is shit. I did make some great friends though.

Thanks for the link very informative.

 

[Chewbacca]

Update 9/23/13
Did a little work this weekend. Decided to pick this up when I saw it at Pepboys for 25 bucks. Came with everything you see in the picture.

First time pulling my skid plate off and needless to say I need to clean/paint it.

The kit included these zip tie things you stick through the radiator and ac condenser then attach a locking cap.

Some test fits

The lines were pretty simple to distinguish. But were a freaking paint to take off and put back on. Ended up boiling the end of the line in hot water to make it softer, this helped in the installation. If you need to figure out which line is which it is shown in the "TRD Transmission Cooler" install thread.

I was orginally gonna run the lines right under the radiator until I forgot that I have to attach the skid plate. By that time it was already to late and had locked in the zip tie cap :wow2:

So I just got some extra line and ran it like this. Just had to add a bit more fluid. Overall pretty straightforward mod and now I don't have to worry about "strawberry milkshakes".

Also resprayed my wheels black. I usually don't do stuff the quick way but my jack is designed for lowered cars and well the 4runner is taller so I wasn't able to take the wheels off without purchasing a new jack. This will do for now but I wanna go back and strip them down. Also spray them metallic black with like 5 coats of clear. Might look yummy. Yes I coverd the caliper and rotor prior to painting this.

 

[blizz86]

Update 9/23/13
Did a little work this weekend. Decided to pick this up when I saw it at Pepboys for 25 bucks. Came with everything you see in the picture.

First time pulling my skid plate off and needless to say I need to clean/paint it.

The kit included these zip tie things you stick through the radiator and ac condenser then attach a locking cap.

Some test fits

The lines were pretty simple to distinguish. But were a freaking paint to take off and put back on. Ended up boiling the end of the line in hot water to make it softer, this helped in the installation. If you need to figure out which line is which it is shown in the "TRD Transmission Cooler" install thread.

I was orginally gonna run the lines right under the radiator until I forgot that I have to attach the skid plate. By that time it was already to late and had locked in the zip tie cap :wow2:

So I just got some extra line and ran it like this. Just had to add a bit more fluid. Overall pretty straightforward mod and now I don't have to worry about "strawberry milkshakes".

Also resprayed my wheels black. I usually don't do stuff the quick way but my jack is designed for lowered cars and well the 4runner is taller so I wasn't able to take the wheels off without purchasing a new jack. This will do for now but I wanna go back and strip them down. Also spray them metallic black with like 5 coats of clear. Might look yummy. Yes I coverd the caliper and rotor prior to painting this.

So you painted your wheels while they were on the truck? Not concerned about overspray on your brakes?

 

[Chewbacca]

So you painted your wheels while they were on the truck? Not concerned about overspray on your brakes?

I mentioned I covered the caliper and rotor prior to painting. :hello:

 

[blizz86]

I mentioned I covered the caliper and rotor prior to painting. :hello:

Ahh didnt see. Nice work. So for your tranny cooler you ended up completely bypassing the rad?

 

[Chewbacca]

Ahh didnt see. Nice work. So for your tranny cooler you ended up completely bypassing the rad?

Yes sir, I don't know what the point would be not to bypass it.


Just made a quick edit on the Tranny Cooler Install
Forgot to add music though:/ So play some in the background.

Subscribe for more 4runner related videos in the near future.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hheA-xzKUkI

I don't know how to embed videos can someone help me out please?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hheA-xzKUkI

 

[Chewbacca]

Went up to Bald MT. with my a couple of buddys.
My 4runner is still 100% stock and made it all the way up with low tread on the tires. Pictures coming soon.

Bald MT SnowRun | V8 Jeep, 4runner, Samurai 4x4| HD - YouTube

 

[CenCalifoothill15]

Looks you guys had a good ol' time, nice looking group of rigs, That Suzuki is sick!

I'll be going up there really soon, I'll put the word out.

BTW- you need to teach me some of your video editing skills... good stuff

 

[Chewbacca]

Looks you guys had a good ol' time, nice looking group of rigs, That Suzuki is sick!

I'll be going up there really soon, I'll put the word out.

BTW- you need to teach me some of your video editing skills... good stuff

It was fun. A little scary at times but cool overall.

Cool let me know and I'll see if I can make it.

As far as the editing goes, it takes forever because im not that good. But I use adobe premier CS6.

Pictures:

http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k477/jesseridefit/8E344BA9-A4F3-4936-BA15-19839B783CD7.jpg

 

[T4R2014]

Your 4Runner looks good. I love the look of a near-stock 96-98. I like the Nissan Titan floor mats.

 

[Chewbacca]

Your 4Runner looks good. I love the look of a near-stock 96-98. I like the Nissan Titan floor mats.

Thanks, I do plan to lift it soon. Just been caught up with my other projects.:llama::llama:

 

[Chewbacca]

These pictures are from a random wheeling trip my roommate invited me to go with. My stock 3rd gen would probably not make it so I didn't bother to take it, but I did take my nikon camera. These are a few pictures and one video where a Rig flips on its side.
Trail: Jose Basin
Rigs: Samurai, Wrangler, 83 Toyota.
Camera: Nikon D3200 with variable lenses.

This little thing is a beast. Plus it gets all the ladies....:banana::banana:

My buddys Jeep equipped with a "Cloon" I think its called.

About to headout on the Trail.

The Crew

Mild flex haha

The view

This place can get sketchy when it's wet.

This stick is called the Analizer. Beware.

Crazy

Read the axle. He really doesn't haha

Here's a crappy Iphone video of the rig flipping over. A better video will be available soon.
Subscribe to the youtube channel for more 4runner and offroad videos.

Samurai 4x4 flips like a boss_HD - YouTube

Samurai 4x4 flips like a boss_HD - YouTube

Can someone embed please.

 

[Chewbacca]

Installed some new wheels on my side project. Don't mind the crawlers in the background.

 

[Chewbacca]

Okay so it's been a while since I did anything to the 4runner so I finally installed my rough country 3inch lift.

Getting a bit thirsty.

Ended up taking the struts to a shop to get them swapped over since I didn't have coil spring compressors. Not to mention how much using those things suck.

Saw this along the way. (Funny thing is I already broke the autozone replacement shown here)

Snack time.

Shortly after wrapping up the front end my jack I was using was not tall enough to get the rear axle to droop. After my roommate and I trying to use a HI-Lift jack to get it to work we called it quits. Next morning I got a hold of a bigger jack and got to work.

Getting the rear done.

New shocks and springs in! The old shocks were a pain in the ass to remove.

Some goodies.

Comparison.

Sexy

Dat flex doe

Not bad?

Testing her out.

With my coworkers MINT 4runner.

During this river adventure our 4runners experienced heavy scratches from trees and bushes. Now I need a cut and buff :/

My sway bar end link ended up cracking in half and bending towards my CV axle and tearing the boot. Long story short I still drove home 55 miles away.
Although the front sits about 2inches lower is this a result of the end link being broken?

The stance is bothering me.