What did you do with your 4runner today?

Finally got around to doing the 06-09 grille and headlight conversion. Took a lot longer than I was anticipating, but so worth it. Looks like a completely different vehicle now!

Before:
E9kMHE7.jpg


New versus old headlight:
vw8UhOK.jpg


New versus old grille:
Mysi2tM.jpg


And the final result!
xXjM6ak.jpg
 
Slowly replacing pretty much all the brake lines. Today I was finally able to route the two rear lines that run from the master cylinder to the center of the vehicle to a union. My tip for that is you will have to disconnect the two fuel lines in the engine bay in order to slide these two lines back on top of the fuel lines that run the same path. Then you also have to remove those two plastic brackets that holds the fuel lines in order to slide the brake lines around. The retainer pins broke on mine, so I just ended up adding a zip tie to each to hold it onto the rusty bracket it was mounted to.

Edit - I did not have to do anything with the EVAP line that's also running the same path as the two fuel lines and brake lines, popping off the plastic brackets holding these lines gave enough room to maneuver the brake lines under. I also already had the front driver side brake line (the one with the loops) running to the master cylinder removed prior (replacing). I am not sure if you have to remove this, but it may make it a lot easier and I'm guessing that's also corroded if you end up replacing the other lines.
 
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New boot goofin'

I got new tires this weekend- KO2 in 255/75r17, C-rated. Previously I was on 265/70r17 KO2s that were E-rated, which was always a mistake. The difference was noticeable within the first minute. Little breaks in the road were eaten up compared to the firm E's. The lower rolling resistance is noticeable from the decreased effort in acceleration as well as when letting off the gas and coasting. I actually need to adjust my braking style a little bit! Ironically, the added 'freedom' of the new tires has really highlighted the need for an alignment. Gotta get my PCK installed first!

I also replaced my existing aftermarket speakers for some new ones- JL audio C650. They sound a bit clearer though not as loud. I had some trouble figuring out the wiring, and I'm still not sure I did it properly, but I have sound so it's gotta be almost there. Next steps are deciding on a new head unit and then adding dynamat to various areas.
 
Leveling kit installed. Before and after pictures below. New tires going on tomorrow and wanted to get this done before that. Leveling kit is Icon Vehicle Dynamics, new tires will be Cooper AT3 4S in 265/70/17. Now I’m debating on removing the side steps because they look like they have a Carolina squat. I will update this post after new tires are on.

Added photo after the tires were mounted. I LOVE the new look. Zero rubbing.

Found a torn CV boot and tie rod end boot. :-( I’m gonna have to get back into it this weekend.

Also, it was a nightmare trying to find the greasable tie rod ends. The only company I know that makes them is Moog, but they make two versions (serviceable and sealed) with the same part number. Talk about a headache locating them or trying to explain to the parts counter what you want.
 

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Finally got around to doing the 06-09 grille and headlight conversion. Took a lot longer than I was anticipating, but so worth it. Looks like a completely different vehicle now!

Before:
E9kMHE7.jpg


New versus old headlight:
vw8UhOK.jpg


New versus old grille:
Mysi2tM.jpg


And the final result!
xXjM6ak.jpg

really looks nice, so you didnt need to change the hood for the headlight assy swap?
 
really looks nice, so you didnt need to change the hood for the headlight assy swap?

No, didn't need to change the hood. The 06-09 grille bolts right up to the hood, and the 06-09 headlights have the same geometry and mounting points.

The filler trim below the headlights needed to be changed and the bumper needed to be trimmed to get the grille to fit. Other than that, it's a pretty easy swap.
 
Properly greased the rear slip yoke today. The design of that thing really doesn't coat the splines at all. Had to weld the cap back on the yoke since it blew off when I was trying to force the grease into the splines. Once welded and painted, I separated the 2 sections, globbed a bunch of thick grease in both ends of the slip yoke and re-assembled without the grease fitting installed so grease could purge itself out and bobs your uncle.

Really the best way to properly grease the slip yoke is to have another grease fitting on the other end of the splines so you have an in-port and an exit-port and splines in between. Pretty much the only way to know for sure its getting greased properly. Otherwise you are only filling a cavity near the top with grease and hoping it works its way down into the splined area.

Now I have ZERO clunks from the rear driveshaft. Hopefully my choice in grease will last a while :frog:
 
Properly greased the rear slip yoke today. The design of that thing really doesn't coat the splines at all. Had to weld the cap back on the yoke since it blew off when I was trying to force the grease into the splines. Once welded and painted, I separated the 2 sections, globbed a bunch of thick grease in both ends of the slip yoke and re-assembled without the grease fitting installed so grease could purge itself out and bobs your uncle.

Really the best way to properly grease the slip yoke is to have another grease fitting on the other end of the splines so you have an in-port and an exit-port and splines in between. Pretty much the only way to know for sure its getting greased properly. Otherwise you are only filling a cavity near the top with grease and hoping it works its way down into the splined area.

Now I have ZERO clunks from the rear driveshaft. Hopefully my choice in grease will last a while :frog:

and bobs your uncle? LMAO
 

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