What did you do with your 4runner today?

[Zero0575]

Broke 7...SEVEN of the 18 valve cover bolts while removing to do cam seals/valve seals. Spent 2 days sorting that out. Welded nuts to them, which didnt work but did help me break them off more flush to the head. After welding failed for every single one, got a right angle drill attachment and drilled/tapped. Every. Single. One. I hate rust. But now that that's done, the project continues.

 

[Hi-desertT4R]

After backing into my trash can and knocking it over last week I decided to upgrade my reverse light situation. Added some Lasfit L-T15 LED lamps. PN#X002OBXJJ3.

 

[rdruss]

After backing into my trash can and knocking it over last week I decided to upgrade my reverse light situation. Added some Lasfit L-T15 LED lamps. PN#X002OBXJJ3.

Yeah, I put LED backups in a few years back, what a difference!!

 

[Hi-desertT4R]

Replaced the rear brakes with a Powerstop kit, flushed the entire system with Lucas synthetic Dot 3 and rotated the tires.

 

[Hi-desertT4R]

Replaced the rear upper control arms with a set of adjustable Freedom Offroad. Seem pretty good. We’ll see how they do.

 

[momo.75]

Replaced the rear upper control arms with a set of adjustable Freedom Offroad. Seem pretty good. We’ll see how they do.

mmmm.....beefy! They look better for sure.

 

[Zero0575]

Put the engine back together after tearing down for valve stem seals and cam seals. First startup was a scary moment, as I've never torn down any car that far. Happy to report startup went great, she runs great, and is no longer blowing smoke on cold start!!!

 

[rdruss]

Put the engine back together after tearing down for valve stem seals and cam seals. First startup was a scary moment, as I've never torn down any car that far. Happy to report startup went great, she runs great, and is no longer blowing smoke on cold start!!!

Yeah, that's a deep dive! Glad to hear it went well. Did you leave the heads on and if so, how keep valves in place as seal changed?

 

[Zero0575]

Yeah, that's a deep dive! Glad to hear it went well. Did you leave the heads on and if so, how keep valves in place as seal changed?

Yep, heads stayed on! I put the piston for the cylinder i was working on to TDC and used this Lisle tool with my air compressor to pressurize the cylinder and keep the valves from dropping. Had to buy a bigger air compressor as my 8gal wasn't enough for the job, but still saved thousands doing it myself.

 

[maxdef]

After doing a hub/bearing swap, I noticed my Dobinsons IMS lower shock mount bushings were stretched. The only thing I can think of is I somehow mistakenly torqued them while suspended and not at ride height. The replacements are 20/ea on ExitOffoad, but shipping those little things is another $18- not a great deal in the end. Can I use OEM toyota bushings instead?

It also appears my UCA bushings, also Dobinsons (UCA59-002K), are creaking and I have a tear on at least one so those need to be swapped. I don't see any replacements on their site so does anyone know what bushings will work in them?

 

[Monty87ls]

Changed the front brake line and union i broke when swapping out o2 sensor.. changed pads and rotors all aroind along with new sway bar links.

Discovered some more cancer and trying to figure out my next move. Worried how much this is gonna cost!

 

[Boort]

Spend over and hour and 45 mins waiting in like for Emissions test so I could pay for my plates.
This was my 3rd or 4th trip to get this done and every time the line was out into the street. ARGH!!!!!
Waste of a Sat morning.

 

[RobStoration]

I hunted down the clunk in the front left. The upper swaybar nut was loose after I did JBA UCA and SuperPro LCAs. There could have been worse things to miss.

 

[dfontes]

After doing a hub/bearing swap, I noticed my Dobinsons IMS lower shock mount bushings were stretched. The only thing I can think of is I somehow mistakenly torqued them while suspended and not at ride height. The replacements are 20/ea on ExitOffoad, but shipping those little things is another $18- not a great deal in the end. Can I use OEM toyota bushings instead?

It also appears my UCA bushings, also Dobinsons (UCA59-002K), are creaking and I have a tear on at least one so those need to be swapped. I don't see any replacements on their site so does anyone know what bushings will work in them?

I know the ball joint on the UCA can be replaced, I'd imagine the bushings should be replaceable as well. Otherwise that would be kind of pointless.

How many miles do you have on your Dobinsons parts?

 

[maxdef]

I know the ball joint on the UCA can be replaced, I'd imagine the bushings should be replaceable as well. Otherwise that would be kind of pointless.

How many miles do you have on your Dobinsons parts?

The UCAs have about 17k miles on them, and the shocks have about 10k miles.

 

[JMF54]

Suspension Questions

I have a 2007 4R, Sport Edition, with 128,000 miles. Use it as my daily driver and it doesn't get off-road very often. I find the ride to be bouncy, even though I replaced the XREAS about 52,000 miles ago. Now I'm thinking of removing this very expensive (and not worthwhile imho) system and replacing it with something else. I have read a lot about Bilstein B4600s and B5100s, and Eibach Sport shocks but have become overwhelmed and am not sure which way to go or if I can even consider these options (given references to "raising" the vehicle). Any advice for a newbie to this forum??? All input is greatly appreciated!

 

[rdruss]

I have a 2007 4R, Sport Edition, with 128,000 miles. Use it as my daily driver and it doesn't get off-road very often. I find the ride to be bouncy, even though I replaced the XREAS about 52,000 miles ago. Now I'm thinking of removing this very expensive (and not worthwhile imho) system and replacing it with something else. I have read a lot about Bilstein B4600s and B5100s, and Eibach Sport shocks but have become overwhelmed and am not sure which way to go or if I can even consider these options (given references to "raising" the vehicle). Any advice for a newbie to this forum??? All input is greatly appreciated!

I removed my xreas system several years ago and replaced it with 4600s and FJ springs and that provided a firm and controlled ride, however, it is a little harsh over rough road surfaces. Last year I replaced the dampers with Dobinson IMS and the ride is noticeably better. The 5100s would be very comparable to the 4600 but the fronts do give the ability to level it out. I can't speak for the Eibach.

 

[Runnin on E]

I stole the second battery and isolator from my FJ and put it in the T4R. I made a new windshield washer bracket and bought 2 new washer bottles last year in anticipation of the battery move. She's TIGHT!

 

[JMF54]

I called Summit Racing, who I believe are suspension specialists, about replacing shocks in my 07 T4R, 8 cylinder, and was told that they have "nothing" for the front end, they only have rear end items. Is there some sort of height issue that will affect other front end components (stabilizer bars, UCA, etc)? Anybody know of a company that does sell front end struts which will fit my ride? I will be reaching out directly to Bilstein, Eibach, and others to see what they have to say because I really want to tear out the XREAS to find happiness!

 

[Runnin on E]

Hey new guy, you might want to start your own thread for suspension questions. This particular thread is for projects already performed on T4Rs. If you use the search function there are a lot of threads on suspension issues.