Gatorgrl's Grand Gen2 4Runner makeover

Hey now. My Bronco never had anything like these issues at 300k. I hope my TuRD is as trouble free.

 

OP did you drive it off a cliff or are you still working on it?

 

Yes- Are we there yet!

 

Sorry guys, I just got back from a week in South Cali, visiting my son who is currently stationed there. Also needed to take a break from it before he killed it.

Here's what I know about the Runner thus far:
Hubby replaced the A/C compressor and now it works as it should.

Still goes into LIMP mode if its hot outside, doesn't if it's raining or early in the morning, so I am thinking it's somehow temp related so we will likely change ALL of the temp sending units. Also notice the oil pressure drops when it goes into LIMP. We have noticed it will stutter and ride a little rough right before it goes into LIMP.

Check engine light decided to make an appearance while I was gone. Will see if it shows a code now.

I still feel like it is being restricted, like fuel wise. I know it is only a 3.0, but it feels like its not getting enough fuel to run smoothly. Toyota says those fuel pumps are not designed to be removed or serviced so we have to come up with a game plan on how to test or replace that component. Would love to do a fuel flow test to see if we are getting enough, but we will have to modify something to make that happen.

One way or another, we WILL solve this fuckin riddle.

 

glad to hear y’all haven’t given up

 

Well, on a funny side note: We went to 2 of our local pawn shops looking for a replacement wet saw for a tile job we are doing. We were in the Runner and the owner of each pawnshop asked us about selling our Runner.
Now the hubby entertained the ideas while I protested GREATLY and demanded that "My Baby is NOT for Sale!".

Just found it funny that both places asked us about the Runner. That made me feel good.

 

Just make sure it’s not in limp mode when they take it for a test drive

 

Well, looks like we have a lil hurricane headed towards us. I know our Runner is built for this kind of aftermath so we will keep it safe until the storm has passed. Thoughts and prayers to anyone else in Florida looking to be hit by this hurricane.

 

Looks like it might not make landfall. If this high pressure pushes out....

 

Prayers sent to everyone in its path
I’m in S.C. and as usual for this time, keep a close eye on the tropics. They’re just now starting to get fired up

 

Yep, still too early to tell but it's looking like we will just get a lot of rain and wind, hopefully. Planning on moving our bus to a safer location in the morning as it has a lot of tall sickly looking pine trees facing it and I'll be damned if i let another pine tree wreck my bus!


On a side note, I found out how to make the Runner go into limp mode. Only seems to do it when the hubby is driving. apparently it only happens when you are trying to go above 65mph and you punch the gas. I don't usually drive it that hard, cause its a turtle and i drive it as such, he is a bit more aggressive and it limps on him.

 

So if ya keep it under that speed then no limp mode??? I could get around town like that

 

Another interesting restoration but on a Tacoma https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/still-untitled-1989-toyota-pickup-full-restoration.611003/

 

Nice, thanks!

 

Hey Scottalot, how are you fairing over there with Dorian?

 

We’re good, now. Lost power from weds night until 1:00 pm today.
You all good down there?

 

Golden, never felt a thing....luckily. Still can't believe that bastard made it all the way up to Nova Scotia! Insane!

 

That thing is going to hit NewFoundland before its done....

 

OK, back to my Runner. She finally limped on me in traffic yesterday...twice! Yes, it was a hot day and I thought I was gonna get killed trying to pull away from a red light like a herd of turtles.

Went back to Toyota and spoke to one of their long time mechanics and he tells us to replace the Main EFI relay. We did that already, with one of my junkyard finds...so this time we sprang for a new one from Toyota. Should be here tomorrow. Will gladly report if this finally fixes her limping issue.

 

Fingers crossed the new part solves the issue..!

 

Well....do I dare say it?

It's fixed!!!!!!!!!!!!

Replaced the EFI relay and the circuit opening relay above the ECM. Drove the dogs shit out of it today during the hottest part of the day and she just putted along. Even got up to 65 a time or two...NO LIMPING!

 

I guess there is a Toyota god!!! I'm pumped for you It's been a long ride.

 

Sounds like that master tech really knew his stuff
Congratulations and now you can really enjoy the fruits of all your labor

 

I've been watching this thread. I'm constantly impressed by your patience and dedication to this project. I hope the 4runner serves you well on your future adventures!

 

Damn I never thought it would happen. Congrats

 

Yeeeeeeeeehaw..!! Stoked for you..!

And 65..!!

 

You guys are the BEST. This has been a labor of love. Would love to say I have enjoyed every step of the way, but that wouldn't be exactly true.

Now we just have to get its exterior on point...repaint vs wrap. Also need to replace the spark plug wires with the OEM's we've been carrying around and figure out what I want to do about it's sound system.

Had another guy want to trade me for his 96. I just laughed. Then he adds he's having issues with his. "Oh really, you have no idea!" So I tell him he simply needs a new cold start injector and a thermal timer for his "issue". He looked at me like I was speaking Chinese. Guess he knows nothing of his 4Runner.