What did you do with your 4runner today?
- Thread starter NorthGa4R
- Start date
AuSeeker
Elite Member
installed some foam LCAs and got an alignment...
What????
flipflopnfly
New member
Frankly, I have less trust in independent shops than I have with a dealer. I have a relationship with this dealer since 2000, I wussed out doing the CV boots/axles myself and they reworked the bill to eliminate duplicate labor charges because they were replacing front pads. Plus, they pay for the rental car. $1434 wasn't too awful IMO. They've done timing belt changes and trans flushes for me in other 4.7's, they like me and I like them, a few hundred here and there doesn't bother me.
Atlas415
New member
Toytec springs and LED cluster swap
Did both very recently. Some things to note if you are thinking about doing either, but are unsure and haven't found answers elsewhere....
The no spring compressor method works really well. I read the write-up on this site, then spoke at length to another member here, Sparky, who helped give me the confidence to do it myself and save the $400 the shop was going to charge me. I have not done a job like this, but am comfortable with tools, but was still worried it might be too big a job and over my head. But it really was not that bad. I did not have an impact wrench and the whole job took me probably 5 hours total for both sides. But I was not rushing, either. The second side went faster than the first. And if I had to do it again, I think I could do it in 90 minutes oer side, max. The only hard part was needing a neighbor to align the top of the shock during the reinstall. Plus, I accidentally forgot to install the 1/2" spacer at the top. When I realized this, I decided to leave it off and see how I like the new height without it. I may add it later, after I mount the new 285s in my garage.
As far as the ride quality, I was concerned that the ride might end up too stiff. I don't do a lot of serious offroading, mostly just dirt roads at work. But, just as Sparky had said, the ride was not stiff, more like "tighter". Instantly it took bumps in the road much better and the handling is sportier. It does NOT beat you up or make it feel like a Jeep.
All in all: I would definitely recommend both the springs and doing it yourself.
Next: I had Sparky do the cluster LED swap for me. The cluster and the HVAC controls were not hard to take out at all. Maybe 20 minutes? I boxed them up and sent them with return postage. I had white lights with blue needles and blue indicator warning lights. Sparky had it done in just a few days and mailed it back. It went in even faster than it came out. Every light works perfectly and looks exactly like the ones Sparky posted in this forum.
I highly recommend this mod and will tell you that Sparky does a great job!
If you have any questions, feel free to ask me any questions!
Did both very recently. Some things to note if you are thinking about doing either, but are unsure and haven't found answers elsewhere....
The no spring compressor method works really well. I read the write-up on this site, then spoke at length to another member here, Sparky, who helped give me the confidence to do it myself and save the $400 the shop was going to charge me. I have not done a job like this, but am comfortable with tools, but was still worried it might be too big a job and over my head. But it really was not that bad. I did not have an impact wrench and the whole job took me probably 5 hours total for both sides. But I was not rushing, either. The second side went faster than the first. And if I had to do it again, I think I could do it in 90 minutes oer side, max. The only hard part was needing a neighbor to align the top of the shock during the reinstall. Plus, I accidentally forgot to install the 1/2" spacer at the top. When I realized this, I decided to leave it off and see how I like the new height without it. I may add it later, after I mount the new 285s in my garage.
As far as the ride quality, I was concerned that the ride might end up too stiff. I don't do a lot of serious offroading, mostly just dirt roads at work. But, just as Sparky had said, the ride was not stiff, more like "tighter". Instantly it took bumps in the road much better and the handling is sportier. It does NOT beat you up or make it feel like a Jeep.
All in all: I would definitely recommend both the springs and doing it yourself.
Next: I had Sparky do the cluster LED swap for me. The cluster and the HVAC controls were not hard to take out at all. Maybe 20 minutes? I boxed them up and sent them with return postage. I had white lights with blue needles and blue indicator warning lights. Sparky had it done in just a few days and mailed it back. It went in even faster than it came out. Every light works perfectly and looks exactly like the ones Sparky posted in this forum.
I highly recommend this mod and will tell you that Sparky does a great job!
If you have any questions, feel free to ask me any questions!
kcdehart
New member
That's good. If you're comfortable with it and willing to pay em that's not a bad thing. The shop that did mine is owned by a friend of mine (though I don't get cut much of a break on price. I like supporting him so don't mind paying full).
I have had horrible experiences with dealers and independent shops alike (breaking things, majorly overfilled oil, overcharging for simple jobs). I don't particularly trust any of them unless personally recommended to me. My friend's shop is a 30 minute drive, but 100% worth it since I know he'll do a good job and won't try to screw me over. His labor rate is also 1/2 that of the dealer's and ~$10/hr less than anyone else around.
I used to not trust anyone but myself with my vehicles, but life has gotten busier and I've gotten to the point where I'd rather just have someone else who has the tools/resources fix it in a day than me screw with it for a week. I've also gone from a Frankenstein twin turbo Mitsubishi to a stock Toyota, so things are a bit simpler for the shop
It was pretty complicated telling them what parts from what model year car had to be used for things.
S p a r k y
New member
Thanks for the kind words, very happy to help you out! Have done a few local and yours was the first being shipped in! Great experience!
Now let's see that dash all bright white and blue!
:worthless
If anyone else is interested, hit me up with a PM
Testing! Odo is perfectly blue, cell pic doesn't show that
Attachments
Last edited:
Man, I really want to do that LED gauge job. but I'm trash with a soldering iron and the 4r is my only vehicle, so that'll have to wait.
S p a r k y
New member
It will drive just fine with the cluster and hvac out! Just make sure you have gas! You would be out 7 days with no cluster or hvac!
Bigrupp
New member
Dang. I don't know.
New pads and new OEM boots- less than $100. Couple hours in the garage- fun.
Saving $1300 for real mods- priceless.
Sent from The Far Side
TripleTS_T4R
New member
Drive Train Oil Change and Lube
Well it was time to do the drive train differential oil change and drive shaft(s)4x4 lube. From front to rear this will take roughly 6qts. Also greased those drive shaft links as well. A great little workout and worth money savings doing yourself.
Nevermind the rust, it is surface rust that I have was aware of when I bought it (a car from the Northeast). surface rust only. I have plans of handling this metal cancer before during this Fall '17. I will post that progress as well.
(PS there is another 1QT i just didn't have it in the picture.
Well it was time to do the drive train differential oil change and drive shaft(s)4x4 lube. From front to rear this will take roughly 6qts. Also greased those drive shaft links as well. A great little workout and worth money savings doing yourself.
Nevermind the rust, it is surface rust that I have was aware of when I bought it (a car from the Northeast). surface rust only. I have plans of handling this metal cancer before during this Fall '17. I will post that progress as well.
(PS there is another 1QT i just didn't have it in the picture.
Attachments
Last edited:
derekdevasia
New member
Wow! Those wheels looks awesome with your black paint.
Atlas415
New member
I really recommend this mod. It gives the 4R a much more updated feel. To me, the orange lights made the 4R feel so dated, and it was hard to ignore it because I had to see it every time I drove it, but the white and blue lights are so crisp, they make it feel like a higher-end and newer car.
Thanks again Sparky!
PS: Once I get a moment, I'll take and post a picture of the HVAC cluster!
Thanks again Sparky!
PS: Once I get a moment, I'll take and post a picture of the HVAC cluster!
Marfy
New member
Thanks! I was a little nervous about how they'd look installed. I'm happy with the look!
S p a r k y
New member
flipflopnfly
New member
Good point, but keep in mind the $1434 wasn't just a reboot/pads, included 16-qt trans flush, alignment, four rotors resurfaced, balance tires, reman'd OEM axle assembly (CVJ brand, NCV69170) as well as front pads. $200 labor discount for the duplicate labor charges because they try to bill per job, they pay for the rental car. All considered it wasn't too awful.
Similar threads
