fatherohenry
Member
I clicked that link 4 hours after you posted and they wanted $98. Why $12 stopped me from buying it I'll never know.
What Did You Do To Your 3rd Gen Today?
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I clicked that link 4 hours after you posted and they wanted $98. Why $12 stopped me from buying it I'll never know.
octanejunkie
Elite Member
It was in my cart and one day it was $86 vs $98, so I bought it immediately.
Just looked, I ordered a "used" item, but the box and everything was brand new. It's never been opened let alone used.
Funny how $12 is the make or break of us at times
Edited my post above
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fatherohenry
Member
Another step in the headlight journey.
Started with OEM '96:
My first shot at improvement was a set of TYC but they were awful, specifically the driver side. Wasn't even worth taking a picture.
Then I pulled a set from a '99 at Pick-n-Pull. I somehow didn't notice only the left was OEM. Still, it was an improvement:
But I couldn't get over the fact that the right headlight was TYC after [MENTION=115347]gamefreakgc[/MENTION] pointed it out to me. And after the VCG and TB jobs to fix that oil leak I wanted something I could see the results of, not just the absence of oil!
After a week of TRS not responding to my email or answering their phone I went with the D2S kit from DDM. They answered my email questions in under 2 hours. I realized after the fact that I'd bought the same gear as [MENTION=95183]octanejunkie[/MENTION] and his retrofit writeup helped tremendously (as did all the others here). Aside from the limited shroud selection, the only hiccup was them not including the D2S adapter cables but I had them within 48 hours.
I went simple. Trying to keep it as stock looking as possible. Have to admit, I was relieved to not see any water in there after I washed her.
I wasn't perfectly level and/or perpendicular but it was the best spot I could find. Using the projector aiming post from [MENTION=63060]rickashay[/MENTION] I got 'em close enough to not piss off anyone. I was about 4 inches higher when I started.
They're not perfect. I'll do better next time.
Again, thank you everyone for all the knowledge and experience shared here.
Started with OEM '96:
My first shot at improvement was a set of TYC but they were awful, specifically the driver side. Wasn't even worth taking a picture.
Then I pulled a set from a '99 at Pick-n-Pull. I somehow didn't notice only the left was OEM. Still, it was an improvement:
But I couldn't get over the fact that the right headlight was TYC after [MENTION=115347]gamefreakgc[/MENTION] pointed it out to me. And after the VCG and TB jobs to fix that oil leak I wanted something I could see the results of, not just the absence of oil!
After a week of TRS not responding to my email or answering their phone I went with the D2S kit from DDM. They answered my email questions in under 2 hours. I realized after the fact that I'd bought the same gear as [MENTION=95183]octanejunkie[/MENTION] and his retrofit writeup helped tremendously (as did all the others here). Aside from the limited shroud selection, the only hiccup was them not including the D2S adapter cables but I had them within 48 hours.
I went simple. Trying to keep it as stock looking as possible. Have to admit, I was relieved to not see any water in there after I washed her.
I wasn't perfectly level and/or perpendicular but it was the best spot I could find. Using the projector aiming post from [MENTION=63060]rickashay[/MENTION] I got 'em close enough to not piss off anyone. I was about 4 inches higher when I started.
They're not perfect. I'll do better next time.
Again, thank you everyone for all the knowledge and experience shared here.
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
Those turned out great! Better lighting is always a good thing especially if you find yourself if on dark roads in the middle of nowhere at night like I do from time to time. Deer strikes are no joke.
fatherohenry
Member
Thanks, man. I wouldn’t even have tried this if you hadn’t noticed my mismatched headlights!
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1996 4Runner SR5 | Auto | Unlifted | 248K miles
octanejunkie
Elite Member
Happy to help. I've had good experience with DDM, ballasts good since day 1. I had a bulb failure that took out a DS2 cable. DDM replaced it eventually but I bought a set off Amazon real cheap to get up and running sooner.
Ironically, I am about to pull mine apart to re-paint the reflector bowls to color match my secondary color. Tired of the black. Thinking about painting the shrouds, too.
Agreed [emoji817]
I find my projectors throw a focused beam vs a reflected array, so there's less light scatter. I find mine less illuminating overall on dark roads, especially to both oncoming sides. I often drive with the brights on when traffic conditions allow just to light up more road.
Notwithstanding that, my projectors have remained an awesome mod for me. DDM's gear and service has been good. Recommend.
Devbot
New member
Do keep us posted. I currently have a spare set of LBJs ready to send in but have been waiting on reviews before I commit.
The hell is that doodad in the rear?
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Hoglegs3006
Junior Member
Put some serious miles on ‘Ol Ruby yesterday and today from Kansas City to Denver then from Denver to Capitol Reef.
Everything is going smooth so far. The engine did pretty well over the Rockies considering it’s 22 years old with 210000 miles. Not losing any oil. Coolant temps are staying within spec. Everything feels and sounds fine.
Transmission feels strong and good. Had to hold 2nd gear a few times to get up and over some mountain passes.
Although I’m really glad I was continuously monitoring my ATF temps. Even with the external cooler running in series, it’s so easy to starting pulling just a little in 4th on a long slight incline (but not enough for the truck to shift into 3rd) and then those ATF temps just keep climbing unlit you turn OD OFF!!
I think after this trip I will do the 2LO mod, where I add a toggle switch to interrupt the signal from the front diff ADD switch, allowing me to shift into “4LO” without actually sending power to the front wheels. There were a few VERY steep inclines near Capitol Reef that were paved and dry (high traction) but so steep that low gears would’ve really helped my ATF temps. Near the top of one particularly steep grade, I had to pull over and take an idle break to let things cool back down before creeping my way up the rest of the way.
Here are some photos
Saw this nice blue taco (along with maybe a total ten 3rd gen 4Runners in passing)
Staying in a “tiny house” before setting out off the beaten path for some easy/moderate trails, mountain biking, and primitive camping.
I want to thank this forum. Without all of your collective knowledge and willingness to share, this truck could have NEVER made this journey!!!
Nice rig! Very clean and I love the color.
Not exactly today, but this week I wrecked my 2002. Might be fixable, but I have decided to move on to a 5th gen. I have not posted on this forum much, but have used what you all have posted so many times. Thanks for everything.
someone can fix that, but insurance is going to total it.
Hoglegs3006
Junior Member
Those lights looks great! Was that a Amazon purchase or what? I have been looking around for a set of off-road lights but it's a tough choice.
2001 Limited 285K
Member
Averted catastrophe.
Strong smell of gas on a quick trip out for two Mickey Ds cheeseburgers (no, pickles, no buns). Pulled off the road into an empty "Just Tires" parking lot.
I suspected that my spare fuel containers in the back were leaking. Opened the rear hatch and found .... nothing. No gas smell. Returned to the front. Saw gasoline spilling out from under the hood on the drivers side. WTF?
Cut the engine. Popped the hood. The fire blanket on the hood is soaked in gasoline and dripping all over the place. JFC. I ripped the blanket off the hood and cut the engine off.
Went back to the front. Turns out that I had a ruptured fuel line. (See pics.) Gasoline everywhere but no fire, luckily. I called a tow truck and had it towed to my local stealer where I left the key in the drop box and a note: "Ruptured Fuel Line, DON'T DRIVE!"
Moral of the story, I guess, is to check your fuel lines as part of your routine maintenance if you have higher mileage. I'm at 297,600 miles.
This could have been 1,000 times worse. I could have lost the vehicle to fire or been stranded in the middle of nowhere. As it turns out, I was less than 1/2 a mile from the dealership. So $95 for the tow. Probably going to run a few hundred $$ for the fix but so what?
Note: The gas smell had been present here and there for a few days. I suspected the gas cans in the back so never checked under the hood. That was a major mistake. Could have been worse. Story of my life, I guess.
Note to self: procure a fire extinguisher.
Strong smell of gas on a quick trip out for two Mickey Ds cheeseburgers (no, pickles, no buns). Pulled off the road into an empty "Just Tires" parking lot.
I suspected that my spare fuel containers in the back were leaking. Opened the rear hatch and found .... nothing. No gas smell. Returned to the front. Saw gasoline spilling out from under the hood on the drivers side. WTF?
Cut the engine. Popped the hood. The fire blanket on the hood is soaked in gasoline and dripping all over the place. JFC. I ripped the blanket off the hood and cut the engine off.
Went back to the front. Turns out that I had a ruptured fuel line. (See pics.) Gasoline everywhere but no fire, luckily. I called a tow truck and had it towed to my local stealer where I left the key in the drop box and a note: "Ruptured Fuel Line, DON'T DRIVE!"
Moral of the story, I guess, is to check your fuel lines as part of your routine maintenance if you have higher mileage. I'm at 297,600 miles.
This could have been 1,000 times worse. I could have lost the vehicle to fire or been stranded in the middle of nowhere. As it turns out, I was less than 1/2 a mile from the dealership. So $95 for the tow. Probably going to run a few hundred $$ for the fix but so what?
Note: The gas smell had been present here and there for a few days. I suspected the gas cans in the back so never checked under the hood. That was a major mistake. Could have been worse. Story of my life, I guess.
Note to self: procure a fire extinguisher.
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Hoglegs3006
Junior Member
I couple days ago I replaced both of the o2 sensors on my 99 limited. Up steam and down stream . Holy cow those nuts were hard to get off. I soaked them with PB blaster for a few days and ended up using a torch to heat them up and a box end extractor wrench to break them free. Talk about a pain in the butt. I went with denso sensors from rockauto.com
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Hoglegs3006
Junior Member
That could have been very bad. Just curious but any ideas on where you would mount your fire extinguisher inside? I have thought of doing this but never got around to it, I should probably do it soon before wild fire season starts. Better safe then sorry.
I switched to liability only coverage several years ago, so I will probably sell it as is. Unless people think I could get it repaired for less than I could sell it for once repaired?
2001 Limited 285K
Member
Anti rock bar. Products > Antirock Sway Bars Think of it as an off-road specific sway bar. Mostly used by rock crawlers.
Last couple weeks have been fun! Passenger side upper ball joint said it was done, got it back on the road. Had access to a shop for a few days and had already ordered bushings for all the control arms so I decided to tackle those first, easy enough... Until one of the eccentric cam sleeves is seized to the inner bushing. Tried about everything, had to cut both ends off to get the LCA free. Bottle jack and some heat works great.... After you get it out lol. Oh yeah, the driver side upper ball joint *
. Thankfully had the part and must of the tools I needed so an hour later I was rolling straight. And last, but definitely not least, the UCA bushings fought very hard
. Thankfully had the part and must of the tools I needed so an hour later I was rolling straight. And last, but definitely not least, the UCA bushings fought very hardAttachments
96RedRunner
Senior Member
That has been in the back of my mind last couple years, run torsion bar through frame tube that goes side to side 45" bar looks promising.
octanejunkie
Elite Member
Found this Kiddie Halotron version cheaper and with free shipping
Kidde Halotron Fire Extinguisher with 2.5 lb. Capacity and 9 sec. Discharge Time - PROPLUS2.5HM | Fire Protection Equipment | TotalRestroom.com
These are a bit cheaper and easier to stow
StaySafe 5-in-1 Fire Extinguisher, Best Extinguisher for Home, Car, Work, Camping, RVs, Boat - extinguishes 5 types of fires in seconds - - Amazon.com
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