Help fix this old 95 4Runner up as I go along my build

Pick up this 95 4Runner with 3.4 swap for hunting. Plan on fixing and cleaning it up to be as reliable as possible for camping and hunting excursions.

So far I have added a 15,000 warn winch to it. Picked up a full size spare from the pick and pull. Converted park/running corner lights into turn signals as well. Added new flasher under dash to solve hyper flashing. Pulled throttle body and cleaned plus IAC. Has aluminum radiator with electric fan and thermometer controller.

list of things to do:
Fighting a high idle issue, sits at 1200rpm at operating temp.
Need to order timing belt kit.
Got oil filter and oil
Need to get red coolant
Service sunroof and tailgate
Go through vacuum lines
Clean engine bay and interior up


Any suggestions on the high idle? And what else should I do for longevity and reliability?

 

Ordered timing belt kit from aircabinman off eBay and picked up oil and filter. Gonna get red coolant once the kit arrives. Ordered a replacement IAC valve to see if that helps with idle issues. I’ll be double checking vacuum hoses tonight with some carb cleaner and I’ll clean the MAF sensor as well. I have yet to find a obd2 port from the swap so I’ll have to look a bit harder, I may have to add one in so I can read what’s going on with engine management.

 

Sounds like a great project. I saw another poster on a different site had the same problem same engine. I’m seeing that the 3.4 idle is computer controlled. One poster recommended checking the idle air control valve. (IAC).

 

I did pull the IAC and cleaned it but it did not help the idle. I’m hoping the replacement will help but if not I’ll be checking engine temperature sensor for the computer and maybe 02 sensors if that is not it.

 

Welcome! Cool build. Glad to see some old blood getting repurposed, instead of rotting or getting crushed.
3rd gen 4runner and 1st gen Tacoma World guys will be a better source for any 3.4 trouble shooting or maintenance tips.

 

Yeah I thought about it after I posted and I should have just posted under 3rd gen 4Runner.

 

I think I found my issue, there is play on the shaft the butterfly is on. So when I pull on it to the front of the rig it idles down to 900-1000 rpm when warmed up. Debating if the washer trick is the way to go or just find another throttle body.

 

Put a washer on and got a new IAC valve. It’s much better now but I think the throttle body is warn out. Taking it out to do some elk scouting about 4 hours away. I did timing belt and water pump got the kit from aircabinman on eBay, definitely a quality kit. I ended up making my own crankshaft pulley holder for about 15$ from Lowe’s. Also traded in my old craftsman torque wrench for a brand new one. I have to find a obd2 port and wire it in so I can hook a scanner up. I serviced the rear window and cleaned up the sunroof. I’m gonna pick up some vacuum hose and replace most or all the lines.

like a maniac I depined my 4x4 indicator plug on the axle and soldered in new wires as it came broke off at the plug. I’ll be hooking that up this weekend. The 4Runner came with speakers that were half installed and they already cut the door cards. So I’m gonna finish that mess even though I’m not a big audio guy.

 

I also discovered when I attempt to use my key to drop my rear window it runs my rear wiper. So I’m gonna try the bypass mod and see if that helps.

 

Throttle position sensor? They're usually only good for about 90k. Mine will throw a p1020 code every once in awhile and idle high until I clear it.

 

I am going to test it with the multimeter but having the obd2 would be helpful to see values. I assume ome is best to go with.

 

Here’s an update on some of my progress. Picked up Aisin manual locking hubs off eBay for 65$ shipped. I installed them and went very easy, also figured out the rig has wheel spacers. The spacers were “modified” by the last owner so the nuts and automatic hubs would fit. On the bright side this means the hub caps still fit over the manual locking hubs. I then pulled the ADD and locked it into 4x4 with a hose clamp and then removed vacuum lines, svs, and vacuum can. Someday I’ll get around to tracing the wires out and removing them as well. Thinking about getting a spool for the front diff, I could always lock one hub on icey roads for better control and would rock off-road. Trying to maintain the drivability as I am going to be driving 4-8 hours with it when elk hunting.

 

Also got the speakers in but only because they cut the door cards before I got the rig. They installed the speakers and then realized they couldn’t roll the windows down all the way. So I ordered 3/4 inch spacers and they barely cleared, 1 inch spacers may have been better. I also tried the rear wiper bypass to get my key to roll the window up and down with no luck, so I’m down to possibly wire issues or key switch issues and probably the relay ultimately. I have seen guys purchase relays online and solder them in themselves so that’s the road I’ll probably go down.

 

The 1st gen I had wouldn't roll the back window down unless the manual lock on the tail gate was locked. The tail gate latches had to be firmly shut also.
Not sure if this followed into the 2nd gens.....

 

I’ll definitely give that a try, I’m thinking electrical issues or a problem with the switch. It works flawlessly with the center console switch, it would just be nice to be able to use key.

 

Took the 4Runner elk scouting and it did amazing. Carved the canyons up and I some how ended up rock crawling an hour and a half up this super sketchy trail to above 11,000 feet. With the manual hubs unlocked I used 4x4 low so 2wd low and it made it all the way to the top no problem.

 

Went to a pick and pull over the weekend. Have some competition made clear by the two 4runners that were there. Almost all the good parts were already gone including rear 3rd members, ecu gone from both, review mirrors and sunroof control cover and all rear window relays. I did manage to find a 3.4 obd2 port to wire into mine, found a hidden 3.4 throttle body under a backseat. Got a better shape center console lid. Also some interior random screws. Back seats were really nice in the 2nd gen tan leather but mine are pretty good shape. I hate leaving behind good parts.

 

Took the rig out elk scouting again. Somehow I end up rock crawling the 4Runner every time I go out. Did great, even had to lock in the front hubs for 4x4. I heard a noise last time out but wasn’t sure what it was. Unfortunately after this run it was confirmed to be rear wheel bearing as I suspected. So I ordered rear wheel bearing and brake shoes for the drums. I think I’ll be ordering a lower ball joint for the front as well, one is new and one is old.

 

Fixed my wheel bearing and did both rear brakes. I’m getting another Toyota tomorrow so pumped. Have ball joints for driver side to do yet on the 4Runner.

 

Picked up a 97 t100 on Friday. Started getting everything organized on the 4Runner for elk hunting, I leave on Friday. Bled brakes and adjusted rear drum shoes. Everything on the 4Runner seems to be running great other than I still have a high idle but I’ll worry about that after season when I can get the obd2 port hooked up.