What did you do with your 4runner today?

Got my Rola rack and lower mounting kit today so hopefully I can install them this weekend. Hope it's not too damn hot.
 
Just finished installing Icon springs I got from Toytec. Some observations for those of you that are considering it but not as confident in your skills as many of the members here are (and thank God they are!):

It was not difficult, not really at all. I did not use the spring compressors I got from Autozone. I used the bottle jack on the axle method. The shock and the sway bar only took a few minutes to remove, and with the bottle jack I really didn't even have to fight it. I did not remove the brake line as it never got tight. Keeping a floor jack under the differential worked well as a pivot point. This was the first time I've done this, though I did the fronts a couple of weeks ago.

I also put on (at least on the rear) 1" wheel spacers I found online. The reason I went with these instead of ST is because I already have wheels that are -12mm offset. But they still were not enough for me. The were just flush. The 1" spacers make it look just right to me. Not enough to give it the "jeep" look, but it does look tougher. And believe, me, I have read every post I could on spacers here. But I do not do any offroading. Occasionally dirt roads at slow speeds.

Tomorrow I will put on the front spacers.

Then I only have two things left to do. One is to put in the Toytec 1/2" top spacer that I forgot to put in when I installed the springs. I know I could just bump up the bottom flange to the next higher setting, but someone here said that it puts more stress on the system than adding a top spacer, and since I already have the spacers, I figure it will not go to waste.

Lastly, I have a new set of Falken 285/70R17 that I am going to put on in place of the 275 KO2s. I may have to do a BMC, put I feel pretty confident about that if it comes to it.

Well, now that I think about it, I do want a new head unit. Something that gives me the bells and whistles but looks reasonably factory. My buddy has a 2012 Tundra and his unit looks pretty sweet, so I may look for one like that. More to follow on this.

I really, REALLY want to stress how much this forum and all of you have helped me, even people that don't know me nor that I have ever contacted. Your threads and discussions are what gave me the confidence and knowledge to be able to tackle these things. You have all saved me a ton of money. so...THANKS!!!!!!

What are the specs on those wheels? Brand, width, offset? Great look and fitment!
 
Did my 80K oil change today with Castrol semi-syn 5w-30, OEM oil filter.

Pulled all skid plates off, washed them with simple green, scrub brush, and pressure washer.

Washed the under carriage of the runner really well in preparation for a serious session with POR-15 rust inhibitor/black paint tomorrow.

Also gave the engine bay a bath.

I'm open to any suggestions from you experienced folks on the POR-15.:lookout:
 
Did my 80K oil change today with Castrol semi-syn 5w-30, OEM oil filter.



Pulled all skid plates off, washed them with simple green, scrub brush, and pressure washer.



Washed the under carriage of the runner really well in preparation for a serious session with POR-15 rust inhibitor/black paint tomorrow.



Also gave the engine bay a bath.



I'm open to any suggestions from you experienced folks on the POR-15.:lookout:



Use the gloves. It will not come off your skin for about a week. I tried everything: paint removal, acetone, etc.; nothing worked. We had family pictures the next day so my wife wasn't happy.


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Freed up a jammed seat belt. What a pain in the butt.

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Yesterday, ran some fun trails in the Prentice Cooper State Forest near Chattanooga on the way home from a road trip. Definitely recommend it.

Today, changed the oil & filter and the air filter then used a few paper towels, some Simple Green, and less than 10 minutes to clean up the engine bay. Posting pic from the new Imgur account I will eventually use to replace all the broken PhotoBucket links in my threads. Really can't overstate my contempt for those lowlifes.

EDIT - deleted my gigantic imgur photo...will replace it when I can with an appropriate size.
 
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Yesterday, ran some fun trails in the Prentice Cooper State Forest near Chattanooga on the way home from a road trip. Definitely recommend it.

Today, changed the oil & filter and the air filter then used a few paper towels, some Simple Green, and less than 10 minutes to clean up the engine bay. Posting pic from the new Imgur account I will eventually use to replace all the broken PhotoBucket links in my threads. Really can't overstate my contempt for those lowlifes.

VVAQ5N7.jpg
Fellow Chatt resident here, any advice for someone thinking about checking out those trails? How rough/difficult were they?

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Ran about a third of Corral Hollow trail, got stuck in a snow drift :redbrick: and spent couple hours digging out. But it was a lot of fun and worth it for the views.
 

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Moved 850 miles to the sunny state of Arkansas. Trip went well. Got about 17 MPG while cruising at 80-85. Now it's time for the diff and tc, tranny fluid, and drive train maintenance.


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Today, I did some more minor mods and maintenance:
  • sprayed Deoxit on battery terminals
  • installed Lev-o-gage clinometers
  • installed HooToo WiFi travel router as off-the-grid media and storage server
  • installed HIR fog lights and high beams (in the hope of avoiding the need for a light bar)
  • reattached loose moulding inside front bumper just above fog lights
  • performed JA's independent fog light mod
  • performed JA's full-time 12V/115V mod
Still missing are the rear diff breather extension and maybe a 1" front spacer lift.
Last Thursday, I performed further minor mods and maintenance:
  • replace rusted license plate light screws
  • replace about 10 missing or defective clips on plastic liner around radiator
  • inspect cabin air filter -> bad...ordered replacement immediately
  • double-check why "secret" upper glove compartment door doesn't latch -> worn, will try to insert some kind of plastic spacer before replacing the whole part 55046-35020 for about $75
  • couldn't resist changing Alpine HU splash screen to TRD Off Road with mountains
  • replace visor vanity lights with LEDs
Today, my trusted mechanic took care of the remaining items:
  • regrease drive shaft
  • lubricate spare tire winch
  • rear diff breather extension
  • assess frame and suspension rust -> decent, sprayed with lithium, planning further steps
  • inspect XREAS suspension for leaks -> good
  • inspect front stabilizer links and bushings -> tight
I'm still debating whether to lift the front a tiny bit...
 
Had the 'ole girl inspected today. Failed for my HID fog lights (kinda expected that) and for this terribly dangerous wiper blade.

51JBh9ml.jpg


"They both need to be replaced to pass, but this one was the ripped one"

Hilariously enough, they ignored my LED low beams, nonworking parking brake and very obvious exhaust leak...
 
I always replace the wiper blades before inspection. The dealer always tries to get you on that, I've had them tell me I needed new wiper blades (only 54 bucks and they'll install them) I showed them the receipt for the wiper blades I had purchased myself just the day before and asked them to show me why they failed. They apologized and I didn't pay a cent for my state inspection
 
Had the 'ole girl inspected today. Failed for my HID fog lights (kinda expected that) and for this terribly dangerous wiper blade.

51JBh9ml.jpg


"They both need to be replaced to pass, but this one was the ripped one"

Hilariously enough, they ignored my LED low beams, nonworking parking brake and very obvious exhaust leak...

Maybe wanting a quick commission on wiper blade sales ;) Gosh, you never know with shops.

Good luck.
 
Maybe wanting a quick commission on wiper blade sales ;) Gosh, you never know with shops.

Good luck.
Yeaaa that's what I'm figuring.

I told him I'd grab it this evening to fix these things and he goes:

"That means we'll put a rejection sticker on it. Is that ok?" (trying to scare me with the rejection sticker)

My reply:

"Yep! Sounds good!" (in the most cheerful voice possible, just to let him know I couldn't care less about the rejection for a wiper)

No way in helll I'd pay them $100 or whatever they'd want to replace the bulbs and wipers when I have bulbs sitting at home already and can pick up cheap wipers on the way home from work.

I'm tempted to just change everything in their parking lot cuz it should take < 5 minutes :D

derekdevasia said:
I always replace the wiper blades before inspection. The dealer always tries to get you on that, I've had them tell me I needed new wiper blades (only 54 bucks and they'll install them) I showed them the receipt for the wiper blades I had purchased myself just the day before and asked them to show me why they failed. They apologized and I didn't pay a cent for my state inspection

That's actually a great idea. This is technically my first 'real' inspection I've done on my own, so I was a bit worried about what would actually pass (all of the ones on my 3000GT were done in....questionable....ways because that car was 100% not road-legal. And that was my only car till I got this 4 Runner last year.)

Also, are you in Harrisonburg for school? Or are you from there? I grew up in the area
 
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