What did you do with your 4runner today?

[hgill]

New Dimpled Leather Steering Wheel + added Phone Controls

-I had been wanting to upgrade my steering wheel for a while now and finally got around to it.
-I wanted to maintain an OEM feel. Since I was going to upgrade the steering wheel, I decided to also add phone controls.


Steering wheel purchase:
2006-2009 Toyota 4Runner Steering Wheel Black Dimpled Leather New 451000W210B0 | eBay

Phone control button + cable:
OEM Part Source | Genuine Toyota, Honda, Ford, BMW, MINI, GM, Mopar and VW Parts and Accessories | OEM Parts

Notes:
- I am not mechanically inclined at all, but been wanting to learn to do more of the work myself. If I can do this on my own, then anyone that can use a screw driver and wrench can as well. Only a total of about 5 screws & bolt combined to remove.
- I already had a Kenwood DDX73BT aftermarket stereo & the phone controls are working without any issues. The head unit is getting replaced this coming weekend with one that is robot and fruit compatible.

Install help:
Steering Wheel Swap on 4th Gen 4Runner
DIY Bluetooth/Voice Command steering wheel button install (pics)........for REAL - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum
2018 Tacomas steering wheel on 4th gen 4runner. - YouTube

Conclusion:
- Very happy with the new steering wheel. Feels great in the hand and feels much more premium.
- Glad I added the phone controls. Much easier to answer / end phone calls.

 

[Bluesky 07]

Swapped in UCAs and coilovers from a 2020 Tacoma TRD Offroad to complete my latest suspension setup (installed 4Runner 4600s on the rear a couple of weeks ago).



Notes:
- Installing coilovers is (obviously) much easier with the UCA removed.
- Tacoma UCAs are plug and play on 4th Gen 4Runners.
- Steering is noticeably tighter with much less drift.
- Battery removal is not necessary to install the driver's side UCA. The clearance issue when sliding the long bolt forward comes down to fractions of an inch and involves 1) the bracket holding the cabling that goes to the positive side of the battery and 2) the tray itself. Just remove the 10mm bolt holding the bracket and swing it out of the way as shown in the pic below. Then undo the battery hold-downs and lift the battery & tray just a smidge and it will clear.



- The FSM calls for a new castle nut and clip to attach the UCA to the knuckle. I debated this, figuring the old ones would almost certainly be fine. Found out I could get new nuts & clips for $6 total at Cobb County Toyota and decided it was a good investment considering the consequences of a failure, however unlikely it might be.



- These LED lights are very handy. Note it hanging from the fender in the wheel well shot above. There's a magnet in the swingout hook so it can be attached in many places where good light is needed.



Finally, a question: the driver's side suspension droops noticeably more than the passenger side when the truck is jacked up from the center. This is true whether jacking the front center point or the pumpkin. It was the same with the stock X-REAS, my first suspension setup, and the current one.

Is this a manifestation of the driver's side lean? Something else? Interesting in whether others have seen this and whether it's a concern. TIA.

 

[Inv4drZm]

Finally, a question: the driver's side suspension droops noticeably more than the passenger side when the truck is jacked up from the center. This is true whether jacking the front center point or the pumpkin. It was the same with the stock X-REAS, my first suspension setup, and the current one.

Is this a manifestation of the driver's side lean? Something else? Interesting in whether others have seen this and whether it's a concern. TIA.

I would measure from the wheel wells to the top of the tires for a more accurate gauge of wheel travel.

I wouldn't worry about it mine does the same thing I'm guessing due to the jack never being perfectly centered with the weight distribution of the truck, aka the driver's side lean.

 

[gimlithepirate]

I changed my oil (without taking my RCI skidplates off!). However, I also forgot to check that I got the old gasket off with the old oil filter... Ended up double gasketing the oil filter and spraing 2.5 qts of oil all over my garage :rip:

Got it cleaned up eventually and took the runner to get a bath.

 

[JuniorPigeon]

Installed Rad Rubber Design body lift splash guards since mine were starting to deteriorate. Seem super durable and came with all new snap clips plus some extras. Install was a breeze besides having to remove my reservoir brackets unexpectedly.

Cut up my bumper more too for clearance with the 35s, almost there lol.

 

[phatcheeks]

Welded on my PCK. Panhard is pretty much 180 degrees now. Truck feels a lot more planted and corners more flat now. Even with no front sway bar. Feels like I have a thicker rear sway bar but might just end up removing it. Have yet to take it off-road, hopefully in a week or two.

Not the prettiest welds (flux core) but it holds.

 

[TLar25]

Welded on my PCK. Panhard is pretty much 180 degrees now. Truck feels a lot more planted and corners more flat now. Even with no front sway bar. Feels like I have a thicker rear sway bar but might just end up removing it. Have yet to take it off-road, hopefully in a week or two.



Not the prettiest welds (flux core) but it holds.

Looks good. Which bump stops are you running?

Sent from my KB2007 using Tapatalk

 

[phatcheeks]

Looks good. Which bump stops are you running?

Sent from my KB2007 using Tapatalk

Thanks. They are Durobumps

 

[extrarich]

Dropped her off at Mule Expedition Outfitters for an ARB rear locker install and a much needed body mount chop.

Some cool cars in their parking lot as usual.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[montijo505]

Welded on my PCK. Panhard is pretty much 180 degrees now. Truck feels a lot more planted and corners more flat now. Even with no front sway bar. Feels like I have a thicker rear sway bar but might just end up removing it. Have yet to take it off-road, hopefully in a week or two.



Not the prettiest welds (flux core) but it holds.

Same process for mine probably over a year ago and zero issues. Glad you jumped in, I know you were second guessing doing it yourself for a while.

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[phatcheeks]

Same process for mine probably over a year ago and zero issues. Glad you jumped in, I know you were second guessing doing it yourself for a while.

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Thanks man. Yeah I was a little hesitant with my welder and skills, but I found a deal on a used Hobart 140 and picked it up and practiced with it. After couple weeks and some youtube I was a lot more comfortable and decided to do it.
I got some BAMF sliders coming and will be welding those too.

 

[hinmo24t]

Dropped her off at Mule Expedition Outfitters for an ARB rear locker install and a much needed body mount chop.

Some cool cars in their parking lot as usual.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

looks nice. what did that cost you if you dont mind me asking, parts and labor? $3500ish?

 

[extrarich]

looks nice. what did that cost you if you dont mind me asking, parts and labor? $3500ish?

A lot less than that. PM’d you the specifics.

 

[MikeinNH67]

Replaced the passenger side front wheel bearing today plus the rusted dust shield. No more noise except for tire hum. I went with the BECK/ARNLEY 0516444 from Rockauto as it has a Koyo bearing in it and comes with seals for under $80. Worth having someone press them onto your hub than buying the China made assembly in my opinion. I have a press so wasn't too hard to do.

 

[Wild Thing]

While waitin' on the arrival of bolt extraction tools, spiffied up fog light bezels that looked faded compared to the recently installed, similarly-painted grille.

Think I might've hurt my back on this one.
:lmao:

 

[montijo505]

Thanks man. Yeah I was a little hesitant with my welder and skills, but I found a deal on a used Hobart 140 and picked it up and practiced with it. After couple weeks and some youtube I was a lot more comfortable and decided to do it.

I got some BAMF sliders coming and will be welding those too.

Yeah I scored a cheap Lincoln SP125 Plus on Craigslist locally, couldn't beat it for the price!

Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk

 

[cwilliams563]

Airlift 1000 install

Received my Airlift 1000 air bag kit. Finally bought a tire deflator and a big tire plug kit for my soft side case.

Installed the Airlift tonight and put the Scrhader valves underneath on the outside of my aftermarket HD tow bar. Need to to order the Pneumadyne air valve to run them together or separate with the flip of a switch. Went with 8-1/2” bags, 2” longer than recommended for stock since it’s lifted.

 

[MikeinNH67]

Received my Airlift 1000 air bag kit. Finally bought a tire deflator and a big tire plug kit for my soft side case.

Installed the Airlift tonight and put the Scrhader valves underneath on the outside of my aftermarket HD tow bar. Need to to order the Pneumadyne air valve to run them together or separate with the flip of a switch. Went with 8-1/2” bags, 2” longer than recommended for stock since it’s lifted.

I've had good luck with Airlift airbags. The last car I had them on I put the schrader valves behind the fuel door for easy access and less grime on them.

 

[phatcheeks]

Replaced my steel winch cable with a synthetic rope and upgraded the fairlead. Shed about 22lbs.

Also relocated my windshield fluid reservoir to the engine bay.

 

[KeepingMy_ShirtOn]

Found out that i got scammed on my 4th gen purchase. Anyone know how many replies it takes to finally make a thread? I have no 4WD and the actuator is leaking all over. Hard to find prices on getting this fixed (not going to dealer) or if i should just sell it.