Gatorgrl's Grand Gen2 4Runner makeover

You can also try Graham automotive in Calara, AL. 205-668-3441. They specialize in toyota suv and truck parts. They are good used parts. I got a replacement rear end for my '08 Tacoma a have had no problems from it.

 

Thanks. Will give them a look. I am just amazed it is this broken. Toyota are typically bullet proof. This thing doesn't make enough power to hurt itself like this. A friend said the PO must have been drag racing it, I just laughed...hard. This is a 3.slow, not a dragster, by any imagination.

 

Is it just the ring and pinion you need to replace?

 

Yes and a re-build kit. Deciding now if we want to rebuild it or just order a new one from East Coast supply.

 

Sounds like the labor would be the same either way and the only time you'd save would be where you can source one first from. Would the money savings be that substantial? $200-225 seems pretty reasonable for a new ring and pinion. The rebuild kit I am assuming only comes new anyway right? For all the work you've done, and I understand wanting to get original parts when available, but when it comes to drivetrain components of a near 30 year old rig I'd think new would give you some peace of mind. Any of those rebuilt components could fail on you the same way as you have no way of knowing history of that part. Maybe I'm over thinking it, but there could be any number of micro stress cracks/fractures in the teeth of those used components that could very easily missed by the human eye. It would truly suck to go through all that work only to have the same thing happen again on a test ride. Personally I'd want a new part considering the stress and force the drivetrain components get put through just in normal daily drivng...especially if it involves gears, teeth, Spacley Sprokects or Cogswell Cogs.

I do wish you well though and hope you get on the road sooner than later!

 

Ok, you misunderstood what I meant by re-build. All components will be new regardless. Just deciding if we want to buy a completely assembled rear end or buy the components separately and re-build it ourselves with new. Would love to change the gear ratios but then we would have to do the front as well. Just want this damned ride finished once and for all.

 

OK, in a last ditch effort, I called Toyota and they can no longer get a rear end for my Runner. She did give me a few other people to try and they all came up empty as well.

The search continues......

 

Well I am very good at misunderstanding.

Everything I saw was the just the parts to rebuild it yourself. Hope you luck out and find what you want.

 

No worries, it happens. I'm used to it. lol

 

Ive been following since your first post. Good stuff! Not sure what parts you need for your rear end, but there are a bunch Yota heads here in Florida. "Florida Toyota Truck Parts (For Sale or Trade)" .
I see axles for sale occasionally. You could do an ISO post. There is a guy named Hank F. King in your area who has had a bunch of parts up for sale in the past. I hope someone can help.
I'm also an original member of a group named Florida 4runners, we would be glad to have you! Love the build! Good Luck!

 

Thanks Scott. I actually have parts on order and they should be here Tuesday, but of course my mechanic hubby is in NY for a week or two so I am keeping busy exchanging all the exterior lights to LED and setting up the wiring to the extra brake light for it to be a toad vehicle, again waiting on parts to come in.

 

That’s good, least you’re keeping busy and have parts happening. Can’t wait to hear the happiness this thing brings ya once it’s done. I feel like completion is on the horizon

 

BTW, I joined your FB group...Dana Andolini on FB. My alias.

 

Oh I do too, but the hubby is losing the faith. I keep telling him we are just one fix away from it being good as new, then something else breaks and he is ready to give up. Remember, we still have to replace all the tires yet. The money pit continues.

 

I get his irritation but the silver lining is all the work that’s already been done and done so correctly.. I feel like y’all are just a gnats arse away from getting years of good miles out of that rig

 

Just rotten timing is all. We bought the Runner BECAUSE it is Toyota and we didn't need another project at this point.....SURPRISE!

You see I retired recently and we planned on taking our bus along with our new to us toad (Runner) on the road for a year or so. I had it all timed right so he had a month to work on PMing the bus, changing the fluids, checking the belts and hoses, checking the air tanks, bags and brakes, etc. And he needed to visit his dad before I retired.....well NONE of that happened because the Runner took a big steaming shit on us. The entire month was spent rehabbing her and she still isn't finished! He finally said screw it and drove to NY to visit his dad, mid project. The bus still sits waiting so patiently for it's maintenance and moment to shine. I can do a lot more than the average bear sure, but I am limited when it comes to a 32,000lb bus and it's systems.

 

Sorry for your troubles but at least you will be retired and have plenty of years to focus on travel. Here’s to hoping all the projects finish up soon and you all can get on the road


Also, that’s a crazy big old bus. Where in the world ya find that? Looks really clean !!

 

I am retired as of last week. That's my prized 1983 Bluebird Wanderlodge 35ft. She is actually our second Bluebird. The first one was deep in the renovation process when hurricane Irma dropped a frigging pine tree on her and broke shit that wasn't originally broken. It crushed me. We then found this one in Indiana and brought her home. She has been waiting for my retirement date too and now it's here and we still wait.

 

That’s a bummer about the last bus, was a bust lol
Never worked on a bus or anything else that size. Hubby must be a multitalented individual.

 

He is amazing...just have to keep him on task and motivated.

 

That’s an awesome ride.

 

Well here's to your lengthy retirement! Hopefully you'll be looking back on all of this as a distant memory from a nice scenic spot in the mountains somewhere. Hats off to you and the Hubby! Your bus looks great by the way!

 

Thats a true classic!

 

Thanks guys. I do love my bus.
Managed to solve a lil issue I was having concerning the bus and the Runner. We intend on bringing our 2 mountain bikes with us on this journey but I didn't want to travel with them on the back of the Runner for fear they would cover the brake lights and if we get hit from behind, they would be the first to go.
Here is my solution:


A double hitch receiver that will attach to the bus and allow us to carry the bike rack in the top receiver and tow the Runner in the bottom receiver. Problem solved, courtesy of AmazonPrime!

 

Will you be able to turn without pinching the bikes?

 

Should be able to. Will only know for sure once we hook it all up and give it a try. The big Blue Ox tow package we have should put the Runner far enough back that it won't cause an issue with the bikes. If it is an issue, then I'll just add an extender.

 

Adding extenders sound like a real personal issue......

 

Hey, a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do.