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

Today I had my leaky front differential seal replaced and an ECGS clamshell bearing installed. For anyone here in north Georgia, I used Baker Automotive Off-Road Specialists in Cumming. Here’s my Google review: “Easy process from first contact to driving away after. Great communication, fair and accurate estimate, nice waiting area with fast wifi, and work completed on time. Highly recommend.”

I usually do my own work but too many moving parts in my life right now, especially when that diff seal can be tough to seat properly.

 

Early this morning, I learned a lesson about the pitfalls of being overzealous about "preventative" maintenance. I replaced my coils in December 2023 at around 250K miles with a set from 1A Auto. On my way to work - thankfully, only 10 minutes from the house on an hour-long drive - the truck started running very rough. CEL light began flashing (bad news when it flashes) and the usual suspects (traction control, et al.) lit up on the right side as well. I thought it might be the dreaded "rumble strip" transmission issue b/c that's exactly how it felt - like running 40 mph down a washboard road.

Babied it home and interestingly, shifting from D to 4 helped immensely. At the house, got code P0305 (iirc) for cylinder 5 misfire. Fortunately, I kept my OEM coils. Swapped one in, cleared the code, took a test drive, all is good. I plan to change the oil since I was just about due anyway and some posts warned that the oil could be contaminated with fuel b/c of "cylinder wash" caused by the misfire.

I've used several different 1A Auto parts with no issues, though I know their pricing gives rise to doubts over quality. To their credit, I filled out a form online and within minutes, I had a no-cost warranty replacement confirmation. Bottom line - I should have ridden with OEM until they needed replacing. Wish I'd thought to check Rock Auto as they have the Denso part for a little over half of Toyota's price. Live and learn.

EDIT: 1A Auto shipped the warranty replacement the same day.

 

Had my first fill-up after replacing my O2 sensors. I feel like i got a good 15 more miles to the tank than i normally do. Not much, but something.

 

Ordered some new tires.
285/70R17 Falken Rubitrek.

 

Ordered new HVAC Controls bulbs with the Toyota 25% off sale going on...

 

Just about to turn over 270K. Changed the oil & filter, cleaned the engine and cabin filters, and rotated the tires. Love this truck.

 

We completed a list of things over the last few days:
1. Stage 2 Ironman suspension upgrade
2. Replaced driver side cv axle
3. Replaced serpentine belt
4. Installed 285/70R17 Falken Rubitreks
5. Alignment

 

Nice! How much of a lift and any trimming required for the 285s?

 

One of the top 4th gens I’ve seen, headlights and grille looks great too.

 

Ended up being right at 3”. No trimming at all with current wheels but if we had different wheels on it, especially any with negative offset I’m sure cutting would be involved.

 

Thank you sir!

 

Within the last week:

• new 255/80r17 Falken Wildpeak AT4s
• Method 707s in bahia blue
• driver front wheel bearing went bad - felt the standard grumble of that side and then did the 'shake' test with wheel on when its off the ground. replaced with Koyo bearing assembly
• replaced failed driver UCA Delta Joint zerk after the ball bearing spring failed in the zerk

 

Looks good! For the Ironman was it the Nitro or FC kit? Also what springs did you end up going with for both the front and rear? Are you running wheel spacers? V6 or V8?

 

nice work, all around. 255/80’s are rad
Pics?

 

Thanks

It’s the nitro-gas version.
Went with the medium springs (toyo56b) for both front and rear.
No spacers.
V6

 

That's a grand plus just in the wheels, right? I ask this respectfully, and not just of you: do people who run these nice wheels also drive trails? I guess I'm lucky, I love the look of my $200 FB Marketplace Sequoia takeoffs and the peace of mind of not worrying about picking up a little rock rash is priceless. Pic from a video taken at Windrock Park, TN, during Venture Unknown's Winter Wonderland at Windrock event (highly, highly recommended).

 

Awesome thanks! Anymore pics? I have a v8 so wondering if I should go with heavy 2.5 compared to medium spring rate you’re running

 

I don't know... that may be too harsh if you don't have added weight from steel bumpers/skids etc. I'd reach out to them, they are quick to respond to email.

 

Added:
2.5-3 inch lift with OME coils and shocks
TRD Pro wheels with 265/70 R17 Toyo OP AT III

before:
after

 

AK? BC? Yukon? Looks like a wonderous place to call home!

And the updated lift looks great!

 

Took mine to Sand Hollow UT for Matt's Offroad Games.

The Chute in the background. And no, I did not attempt. Its insane.






You dont see this everyday:

 

Some more photos:

 

Hell yeah!! I saw you there!! Your runner looked great as you treked ip top to see the end of the course!! I kicked myself for bringing my tundra in-lieu of the 4runner!

 

Hell yeah! You had a front row seat for the exit. We had debated on walking down to where you were, but chose to stay up top. The wheeling in Sand Hollow is amazing.

 

I was blown away at the wheelin...literally ALL levels of wheeling! How much did you have yo air down? I was hearing 20psi was fine...did you go thru the tunnel, too? SO COOL!!

 

I aired down to 15psi. That sand was very soft. And we did go through the tunnel a couple of times. We ran West Rim trail yesterday. Absolutely amazing.

 

Bravo!! I saw too many rigs stuck as soon as they exited the tunnel that day! Nice work on the west rim trail! That looks like a worthy "have to do it" trail!!

 

Alaska is home for me and thank you!

 

I grew up in Palmer and graduated from Colony HS, myself. Nice shots and great updates to your suspension setup!!

 

Crud I actually dont have new pics yet. I will after work

So I bought it with American Racing Baja wheels already on which have been fine... but theyve been fine. And when I went clowning around Moab I didnt trust the tires to stay on the bead when aired down. Tires neither, but those Duratracs were the first to go. Then moved to Maryland the first time with those wheels and I didnt trust the tires to stay on the bead in MD and VA when wheeling. Its not that Im doing such crazy stuff, but I'd rather never worry about the question anymore and trust my gear, and I have the means to doso Plus I have boy on the way and thought itd be fun to do something for him!