What have you done to your 4th Gen 4Runner today?

Ended up driving 600 miles with the 4Runner this weekend. 3/4 of the miles were towing a 3,300 lb boat. All miles on relatively flat, paved state highway and interstate. 1/3 of the miles were at 60mph and slower, 2/3 of the miles were at 75mph and towing.

Overall average fuel economy was 15.3mpg. The average was pulled down from the first report, because of the 75mph towing miles.

4Runner performed very well. What a great vehicle.

 

One new hub cap to replace one stained with brake fluid.

New battery hold down crossbar and studs.

 

Alright so I just bought an 05 4runner with the v8 in and the previous owner had the both catalytic converters taken off. It’s throwing the P0037 code and I’m wondering if there is a simulator that could trick the computer or if I need to replace the O2 sensor. Also, the guy said the transfer case was messed up and wouldn’t allow it to go into lo4, however I can hear the relay working and the actuator working but it won’t engage and causes the center diff lock light to stay on with an annoying beep. If y’all can help in anyway that would be great!

 

Welcome! Looks great.

Google the beeping in low range. Lots of posts, be sure you are following the correct shift procedure to get into 4LO.

 

The only difference I think with my problem is that my 4lo stays on all the time and my center diff lock stays flashing all the time...

 

Vehicle: 2005 4WD 4.0L V6 SR5 with 206,000 miles


Drained and replaced 4qts of transmission fluid today, plus the screen, o-ring and pan gasket. First time I have done that. Took 2 1/2 hours including 2 breaks. I was working slowly. It is about a 1 hour job, working steadily and methodically.

Parts all available via online parts catalog at your local Toyota dealer.

Vehicle should be on a flat and level surface.

Parts:
- 4 qts Toyota WS transmission fluid
- 2 crush washers
- transmission oil pan gasket
- metal screen
- o-ring for metal screen

Tools:
- bottle-type transfer pump (I used an empty windshield wiper fluid bottle to hold the fresh oil)
- 10mm socket
- 14mm socket
- 24mm hex socket
- 6mm hex bit
- 6" socket extension
- ratchet drive
- oil catch pan/tub
- funnel
- paper towels

Procedure:
- check (crack open) that fill plug can be removed
- check (crack open) drain plug and level check plug, retighten temporarily
- check (crack open) each transmission oil pan screw to see that they can be removed
- position oil drain tub
- remove drain plug and level check plug, drain oil into tub
- throw away old crush washers
- install new crush washer on drain plug, install and tighten drain plug
- remove all but 2 (one on each side, opposite each other) of the 20 oil pan screws
- position the catch tub under the transmission, carefully remove by hand the remaining two screws, carefully lower the oil pan and tip the remaining oil into the catch tub *****THIS IS A FULLY ACCESSIBLE OPERATION ON A 1GR-FE 4.0L V6 4WD***** V8 powertrains require partial exhaust removal
- remove pan and drain tub to a convenient place, remove old gasket, clean magnet, wipe out inside of pan, wipe sealing surface, replace magnets
- gently place new gasket in position
- move pan under the transmission
- insert an oil pan screw through the pan and gasket, carefully start the screw by hand, then do the same with one screw opposite the first
- install remaining 18 screws and snug tight
- torque gradually in a diagonal pattern
- position oil tub under fill hole and level check hole
- pump in new oil until it flows out the level check hole
- install new crush washer on level check plug, install and tighten plug
- install and tighten fill plug
- start vehicle, cycle through all gears with foot on brake
- test drive through all gears
- clean tools and dispose of oil and used parts properly

Observations:
- oil pan screws were not tight when I checked them. The vehicle had never seen transmission service. A small amount of oil was moistening the leading and trailing edges of the pan gasket.
- magnets were about as dirty as I expected
- transmission never had problems shifting. It shifts nicely now, but I can not conclusively say it is because of the oil change
- in the future I may decide to due a full 12 quart flush through the cooling tubes

 

Recharged the air conditioning system with about 1 lb of R-134A with an AC PRO tank and gage.

Wow what a difference! The AC blows ice cold now.

The AC PRO canister and gage were easy to use. There are videos on the AC PRO website, and also independent videos to see how this is done. Easy. I have never recharged air conditioning before, so anyone can do this.

 

Cleaned the carpet with a chemical carpet cleaner. The visible stains are gone. Hoping to remove a faint funky smell that is only detectable if the vehicle is sitting in the sun with the windows closed.

 

Cycled the 4WD system into 4LO. I don't think this vehicle has ever been shifted into 4LO.

I did this 2 separate times, and both times were fully functional, including diff lock and running through all of the transmission gears while in 4LO.

 

Previous owner was not on top of its routine maintenance. So spent my day working on my 4Runner. It’s such an amazing feeling when it’s all said and done!

 

Replaced the cabin air filter, see photo.

Replaced the forward dome light bulb.

Broke free the front axle drain plug! Used an air chisel, that was the trick. Maybe also the 2 weeks of penetrating oil having time to do its thing. The old plug is mangled and the hex drive is stripped beyond recovery. Ordered a new one from the local dealer. Hope to get the diff oil changed this weekend.

 

Nice 4 runner. Looks like my blue one. Paint is great from Toyota.

Had to replace 3 starters in 14 years and 150,000 miles. Dealer here in Bahamas wanted $900 for starter back in 2007, so I went with aftermarket for $80 - which lasted as long as the OEM's one.

I bought a spare for the next time it dies in my driveway, and keep it in the box. One in the car/4runner now has a lifetime warrantee (Quqlity Built - Autopartswarehouse) so I kept the box and receipt, and if it fails... well. We'll see if they will replace it. Called Autopartswarehouse and they said they would replace it any time.

Rebuilding these starters is not the way to go IMO. Had one done by a good shop and it lasted 1 years. Ain't worth the hassle. An AM remanufactured starter will last at least 4 years.

Your hood assembly pictures remind me of mine. Original OEM fail after only a few years. Tired of having the hood fall on my head, so I use a broom handle to keep it up. Definitely wouldn't trust the cheap AM for 2 of these.

 

Fixed an inoperative rear passenger door courtesy lamp, the one below the armrest. I noticed it was not working, and expected a burned out bulb. I pried the fixture out of the door trim and was surprised to see the electrical harness was not connected! It may have been forgotten by a repair shop when an exterior trim piece was replaced.

All four door courtesy lamps now functional! And both dome lamps and both map lights.

 

Probably won't cool for long on a compressor with 200,000 miles. recharging may only last 1 week! JMO.

 

Changed the front axle oil. The drain plug didn’t give up without a fight.

The fluid was muddy and the drain plug magnet had a fair bit of fuzz on it. Surprising because the vehicle has never been taken off road and is rarely used in 4WD. 206,000 miles.

 

I still need to do mine. I attempted to a few months ago. Gave it all I got using some PB blaster, a high quality hex and even a breaker bar and cheater bar and that little bastard would not budge. I don’t have any pneumatic tools nor a welder so my other option is have the dealer or other shop do it.

Had to use one of those angulated/toothed sockets to remove the transfer case and rear diff plugs.

 

Greased all propshaft u-joints and slip yokes.

 

Only thing I'll say is use 6-pt sockets when you remove the plugs. And MAYBE low-strength thread locker on the pan bolts.

 

That 36ft/lb torque rec on the drain plug, I think that is excessive. Especially for a 10mm Allen.

 

Congrats on this. Solid beat down on that damn hex plug and well deserved. Ive been servicing mine with a pump via the fill port in my Taco. My 4runner ceded to my breaker bar.

 

My thoughts exactly, Benny123!

 

Degreased the engine to get a closer look at some weeping oil. Possibly passenger side cam cover.

Replaced the plastic shell on a key fob. Now I have two key fobs with replacement shells. First one was done 5 years ago and is in like new condition. The originals from 2005 had either broken or severely worn plastic loops where the metal ring fastens to the plastic shell.

Key fob shells ordered from remotesremotes.com

 

I bought one. Became apparent I was going to ruin my wife's daily ride so got one I could beat on.

 

Looks super clean, congrats!

 

I disabled the TPMS, no more flashing light.

 

Removed the side steps

 

Instant lift.

 

Not a "TODAY" but over the last couple weeks. Once again - thanks to all for stickies, posts, jabs. I wouldn't have thought about 20% of the things I have done to this FarmTuRD.

So - let's go down the list:


New GearShift - Hickory Axe Handle. Sanded to naturally wear and stain.



Added a 4.8A Double USB charger with cover- using the posts here, I didn't kill myself. - Bonus, now I have a digital Voltmeter, besides IDIOT dash light.


I PlastiDipped the back emblems.
And - I added the necessary stickers. I am now running about 380hp at the wheels.

I LIKE them so far - and this is mental prep for the next step... *drum roll*

UGGGGH makes you wanna cry - 44,400 miles, and this is the condition of paint.



Pits - beyond the primer... *sad face*


Top of roof isn't much better.. clearcoat is all worn down.


And THIS BLACK Trim - SUCCCCCCCCKS. I have tried every Restorer available, including a SHARPIE. How can i REPAIR this fading ?


Mom had an Oops moment.. This and the other Fender trims are about to go for a PlastiDip as well.


Credit to : http://team4runner.com/fotornrs-4runner-build/ for an AWESOME FlatDarkEarth wrap.

THIS is the color I want...

So - after I get the VITALS (90K checkup and all new fluids and hoses and belts) because EVERYTHING is TWELVE YEARS OLD....

These are my next steps...

So - Feedback is appreciated on:

If I want to try and FIX the paint myself - is this stage too far gone?
If I screw it up (more) here is my next Go To.... just need a budget.

vinyl wrap estimated cost - can I do any of the prep work myself ?

Thanks everyone.

 

One option for the black trim is to replace it with OEM Toyota parts.

 

Just got back from Edisto and I have to say I was surprised at how well the 4runner did pulling the camper and all the gear piled in the back. I believe I could increase gas mileage though if I replace the entire exhaust system that the PO cut out above the rear cat.. Another item on the list now is an actual lift instead of a spacer in the front, I’m leaning more toward the medium duty OME front and rear