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Gatorgrl's Grand Gen2 4Runner makeover

Discussion in '2nd Gen 4Runners (1990-1995)' started by Fourtoad, May 3, 2019.

  1. Nov 27, 2019 at 8:48 PM
    #331
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    I still think your running lean. You would think deleting cat, O2’s, EGR, and putting “bigger pipes on it would get the exhaust gases out and run cooler. But it’s the opposite, the computer leans out the mixture.......Exhaust gases actually cool it.....
     
  2. Nov 28, 2019 at 5:56 AM
    #332
    Fourtoad

    Fourtoad [OP] Gatorgrl's Yotas

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    Gatorgrl
    SWFL
    Vehicle:
    1991 V6 5 speed super clean, Black and grey
    Stock with headers and after market wheels.
    We might eventually put bigger exhaust on it but everything is working fine for now. He tells me Toyota engines run hot typically. The exhaust tape seems to be doing its job at keeping the heat off the transfer case and transmission. Will have to take it on a long highway run to confirm.
     
    POOLGUY and PennSilverTaco like this.
  3. Dec 8, 2019 at 5:53 AM
    #333
    Fourtoad

    Fourtoad [OP] Gatorgrl's Yotas

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    SWFL
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    Stock with headers and after market wheels.
    Well, so far....so good! Next item we will do on the Runner is new rotors. She wobbles a bit when decelerating. Had to work on the Rav yesterday and replace the front bumper and pass. side fender, fender flare, wheel well cover, windshield washer bottle and fog light. :rolleyes:
    Someone (not me) decided to take my Rav for a joy ride :burnrubber:, took a corner at 70mph, put 2 wheels in the dirt and hit a large trash can and crumpled my ride. We also replaced the headlight housing as they were pretty foggy. Now it needs to be repainted or wrapped. Barcelona Red with new black body pieces. Not cute.
     
  4. Dec 10, 2019 at 9:03 PM
    #334
    Fourtoad

    Fourtoad [OP] Gatorgrl's Yotas

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    Gatorgrl
    SWFL
    Vehicle:
    1991 V6 5 speed super clean, Black and grey
    Stock with headers and after market wheels.
    Worked on replacing some CV boots and rotors today.
    Here's some pics of todays events:
    A pic of the mess a torn boot left me to clean.
    brokencv.jpg
    Then I had fun cleaning that nasty crap up:

    cleancv.jpg
    A pic of the cleaned out cv joint:

    nakedcv.jpg

    And the completed CV axle:

    newboots.jpg

    Ran out of daylight and will hopefully finish the job tomorrow.
     
    Last edited: Dec 11, 2019
    PennSilverTaco, SlvrSlug and POOLGUY like this.
  5. Dec 11, 2019 at 12:16 PM
    #335
    Fourtoad

    Fourtoad [OP] Gatorgrl's Yotas

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    SWFL
    Vehicle:
    1991 V6 5 speed super clean, Black and grey
    Stock with headers and after market wheels.
    CVaxle in place.jpg

    Here it is back in place, after I painted it of course, to protect it from rusting.
     
  6. Dec 14, 2019 at 4:49 PM
    #336
    Fourtoad

    Fourtoad [OP] Gatorgrl's Yotas

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    SWFL
    Vehicle:
    1991 V6 5 speed super clean, Black and grey
    Stock with headers and after market wheels.
    Ok after ordering 3 sets of rotors for our 4Runner, we FINALLY got the right ones in. (O'reilly's screwed it up twice). So our one day job turned into 6 days. :rolleyes:
    Here are some lessons learned along the way:

    correct rotor number.jpg
    If you have a 1991 4Runner, this is apparently a split year in the rotor production. If you have an earlier in the year produced 4Runner (as we do) then you will need these mentioned above. If it was produced later in 1991, then you need a thicker sized rotor (the one they originally ordered for us). The larger sized ones will NOT fit under the OEM brake calipers.:angrygirl:

    You will also need this to add to your tool collection in order to put the axle nut back on. This took an afternoon to locate a place that had the correct size in stock.
    OTC tool 1901.jpg
    OTC Tool 1901.

    And finally we have new pads and rotors on the 4Runner. No more wobble when we
    de-celerate. :bananadance:
    new brakes and rotors.jpg

    Hope this helps save someone some aggravation.

    BTW, the newly resealed power steering pump is still fuckin leaking!!!!!:frustrated:
     
    Last edited: Dec 15, 2019
    POOLGUY and Thatbassguy like this.
  7. Dec 14, 2019 at 6:24 PM
    #337
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    S/E Wisconsin
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    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    This seems like a theme with 4runners. My 2003 had oddball brakes and I would always get the wrong rotors. It turned out that I had the upgraded brakes, but my truck was an SR5.

    Sorry to hear about the power steering pump.:angrygirl:
     
    Fourtoad[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  8. Dec 14, 2019 at 6:30 PM
    #338
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    I think you can fit 15 inch Mickey Thompson deep-dish rims over those rotors?:drool:
     
  9. Dec 23, 2019 at 8:00 AM
    #339
    Fourtoad

    Fourtoad [OP] Gatorgrl's Yotas

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    SWFL
    Vehicle:
    1991 V6 5 speed super clean, Black and grey
    Stock with headers and after market wheels.
    Well, no rest for the wicked. I spent the day yesterday replacing the a/c compressor....AGAIN! :frustrated:
    Yes, this is the second NEW a/c compressor we have put in it in the last 3 months. Thankfully it is a warranty item but the fun of removing and replacing wasn't...lol It appeared the previous new compressor was leaking out of the actual unit, somehow. :notsure: All the lines and o rings were in great shape. I am guessing there was a casting or machining issue? In any event, 7 hrs later, I have another new compressor in and so far.....so good.

    Oh and the back is leaking.:angrygirl: Guess the headliner will have to come down...again so I can see if the drain lines have been
    compromised or disconnected. It rained last night and i have two pretty good puddles in the rear corners of the back cargo bay in the carpet. Gotta get this fixed before it ruins my headliner or I get mold inside.
    Such a love / hate relationship.

    Happy holidays everyone!
     
  10. Dec 23, 2019 at 2:30 PM
    #340
    Charlievee

    Charlievee Not new member.

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    Eibach stage 2, load lifter kit, Maggie w/ OTT tune... Other stuff.
    At this point a complete frame off resto, might have saved you time. At least you don't need to rely on "professionals" to do the work. Be a brand new station wagon when your finished.
     
    Fourtoad[OP] likes this.
  11. Dec 23, 2019 at 5:38 PM
    #341
    Fourtoad

    Fourtoad [OP] Gatorgrl's Yotas

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    SWFL
    Vehicle:
    1991 V6 5 speed super clean, Black and grey
    Stock with headers and after market wheels.
    Believe me when I tell you Charlievee, I could not afford this ride IF I had to pay "professionals" to do all the work I have done to it. The frame and body are the ONLY parts that haven't needed any attention, thankfully.
     
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  12. Dec 23, 2019 at 6:31 PM
    #342
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    Boy, you just can't get a break! I swear your 4runner is one of the most problematic Toyotas I've ever heard of! Luckily, you have the knowledge and patience to deal with it!

    I really hope all of this work pays off so you can really enjoy exploring the country. You guys definitely deserve it!
     
    scottalot and Fourtoad[OP] like this.
  13. Dec 25, 2019 at 1:10 PM
    #343
    Fourtoad

    Fourtoad [OP] Gatorgrl's Yotas

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    Gatorgrl
    SWFL
    Vehicle:
    1991 V6 5 speed super clean, Black and grey
    Stock with headers and after market wheels.
    Funny thing is, we bought this because it IS a Toyota and are known for their "dependability". :rolleyes:

    Right now it's living up to its reputation....of being dependably broken!
     
  14. Dec 26, 2019 at 7:28 AM
    #344
    scottalot

    scottalot Stockalot

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    To be determined
    At least you can count on one thing with it.... buying parts and turning wrenches :rofl:
     
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  15. Dec 26, 2019 at 7:34 AM
    #345
    PennSilverTaco

    PennSilverTaco Encyclopedia of useless information...

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    Maybe you should convert it to a 3.4L?
     
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  16. Dec 26, 2019 at 7:38 AM
    #346
    scottalot

    scottalot Stockalot

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    To be determined
    I was thinking roiling tool cart :anonymous:
     
  17. Dec 26, 2019 at 7:39 AM
    #347
    PennSilverTaco

    PennSilverTaco Encyclopedia of useless information...

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    ?

    I honestly think the 3.slow is the most temperamental ending ever used in a Toyota vehicle; My mom's 1990 Camry LE had a 2.5L V6 that produced 155hp! They should have adapted that for use in the pickups and T4Rs!
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  18. Dec 26, 2019 at 1:48 PM
    #348
    Fourtoad

    Fourtoad [OP] Gatorgrl's Yotas

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    SWFL
    Vehicle:
    1991 V6 5 speed super clean, Black and grey
    Stock with headers and after market wheels.
    The current issue is not mechanical or structural in nature. Engine swap won't fix it. Frame off restoration won't fix it. At this point I am sure both of the rear drain lines to the sunroof have become disconnected and are not functioning as they should. Our solution is to just tape off the fuckin sunroof, so no water goes in that needed to be drained. :rolleyes:
     
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  19. Dec 26, 2019 at 1:55 PM
    #349
    Fourtoad

    Fourtoad [OP] Gatorgrl's Yotas

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    SWFL
    Vehicle:
    1991 V6 5 speed super clean, Black and grey
    Stock with headers and after market wheels.
    Nope, if we are dreaming here, I would gladly use my 3.5 V-6 that is in my Rav4, as the engine swap. That thing would be beastly with a 5 speed manual trans. Its just a crying shame they NEVER produced them that way in this country. 290hp would be a blast!:burnrubber:

    But the engine is automatic and sits in the vehicle transverse and it's all wheel drive. Not possible to put it in the Runner. :(
     
  20. Dec 26, 2019 at 4:14 PM
    #350
    PennSilverTaco

    PennSilverTaco Encyclopedia of useless information...

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    A RAV4 V6 has almost 300hp?!?!
     
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  21. Dec 26, 2019 at 5:33 PM
    #351
    Fourtoad

    Fourtoad [OP] Gatorgrl's Yotas

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    SWFL
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    1991 V6 5 speed super clean, Black and grey
    Stock with headers and after market wheels.
    Mine does and it's 4x4. She's a lil beast...but sadly an automatic.
     
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  22. Dec 26, 2019 at 6:10 PM
    #352
    PennSilverTaco

    PennSilverTaco Encyclopedia of useless information...

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    I don't think you've been able to get a stick shift RAV4 stateside since 2001 (last year for the First Gen)...
     
  23. Dec 27, 2019 at 4:59 AM
    #353
    POOLGUY

    POOLGUY New Member

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    What year is your rav4? 290hp would be awesome to have.
     
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  24. Dec 27, 2019 at 6:32 AM
    #354
    Fourtoad

    Fourtoad [OP] Gatorgrl's Yotas

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    SWFL
    Vehicle:
    1991 V6 5 speed super clean, Black and grey
    Stock with headers and after market wheels.
    It's a 2006, it was one of the first V6 ones. I bought it straight off the truck. I had ordered one in a 4 banger, because thats all they had at the time to choose from. Well on Feb. 2006, delivery day, I went down and we took it for a test drive. I was sickened :pout: with how slow it was and had nowhere to go once you reached 60mph. I would punch the gas and nothing would happen. The sales guy could see my disappointment and after talking he said they had this other one the company had sent on the truck as a test for the market, it was 4x4 and had a V6, oh and it was red, not may fav color. "Ok, lets take it for a spin then". :burnrubber: Night and day difference! I didn't order one with 4x4 but was glad as shit I now had it. That lil beast is planted on the ground and runs like a scalded cat, even though she is now over 220,000.
    Rain can't touch this car. I have yet to try it on ice, but in rain, you cannot make it slide. I love my Rav to death, just wish she had a manual transmission, so I could tow it.
     
  25. Dec 27, 2019 at 6:34 AM
    #355
    Fourtoad

    Fourtoad [OP] Gatorgrl's Yotas

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    SWFL
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    1991 V6 5 speed super clean, Black and grey
    Stock with headers and after market wheels.
    Oh and Toyota lists it as 269hp....whateve....feels like more.

    3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6
     
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  26. Dec 27, 2019 at 7:34 AM
    #356
    PennSilverTaco

    PennSilverTaco Encyclopedia of useless information...

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    One thing I didn’t like about the 2006-2008 RAV4s was the lack of an AUX input; My cousin has a 2009 base 4WD RAV4 and my aunt has a 2009 Limited 4WD; Both of these have an AUX input.

    My aunt’s has the factory JBL stereo system, which includes a subwoofer, and it still sounds incredible. My cousin’s has the basic system, and he refuses to use the AUX input in his because he fried his iPod the last time he used it and had to buy a new one; He is too cheap to put a new head unit in his RAV4 and uses one of those Bluetooth speakers when he wants to listen to his iPod.

    Unfortunately, my aunt’s and my cousin’s RAV4s both have the 4-cylinder engines; I’ve driven both of them and find them to have adequate power, but I’ve never driven a V6 RAV4 and have a feeling I would be blown away based on what you are describing. My aunt’s Limited has over 130K miles, but my cousin’s base model only has like 72K models.

    I don’t know if you knew this, but it is in fact possible to get a 3rd Gen V6 base model RAV4!
     
    Fourtoad[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  27. Dec 27, 2019 at 7:06 PM
    #357
    Fourtoad

    Fourtoad [OP] Gatorgrl's Yotas

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    SWFL
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    1991 V6 5 speed super clean, Black and grey
    Stock with headers and after market wheels.
    Yes, I have the JBL system and it is crazy! I do have the AUX, it's in the center armrest along with a headphone jack and 12v port.
     
    PennSilverTaco likes this.
  28. Dec 27, 2019 at 7:27 PM
    #358
    PennSilverTaco

    PennSilverTaco Encyclopedia of useless information...

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    I guess it was an option...
     
  29. Dec 27, 2019 at 7:29 PM
    #359
    PennSilverTaco

    PennSilverTaco Encyclopedia of useless information...

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    Does yours have a backup camera? My aunt’s does have a backup camera, but it’s this dinky thing in the rear view mirror; My cousin’s does not have a backup camera.
     
  30. Dec 28, 2019 at 5:06 AM
    #360
    bthp223

    bthp223 New Member

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    One hell of a ride Fourtoad ! Thank you for sharing this epic journey with us, it’s really nice to see someone follow through with their trials and tribulations. I can almost guarantee 98% that nobody would have stuck with this 4 runner project like you and the husband have. Very impressive !

    I have a 90 that’s completely stock with the 3VZE coming up on 190,000 miles and I’ve bookmarked your thread because you’ve shared some great information with us.

    I sure hope you can get what’s left sorted and she brings you many years of good memories and you can look back and laugh at all of this. I know I’m a bit late to the party but I’d highly recommend with the cutting out, stalling I’d go straight for the fuel pump ( Toyota Factory Part ) and the fuel filter that attaches to the frame located about where the end of the tranny is passenger side and I’d go with the replacement from Napa Auto parts, it’s an exact fit. My truck was getting sluggish and cutting out.

    Sure enough 173,000 miles on the original filter, instantly restored my performance if you can call it that...LOL. And one thing I try to do is replace everything with “Aisin” brand stuff.
     
    Thatbassguy and Fourtoad[OP] like this.

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