1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

New Owner - Recommended maintenence

Discussion in '2nd Gen 4Runners (1990-1995)' started by nicakasper, Oct 11, 2020.

  1. Oct 11, 2020 at 1:41 PM
    #1
    nicakasper

    nicakasper [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2020
    Member:
    #17267
    Messages:
    28
    Vehicle:
    1993 4Runner AT V6
    STOCK
    Hello Everyone,

    I recently purchased a 1993 4runner SR5 3.0/v6 automatic with 205k miles. It appears to be well taken care of aesthetically and mechanically according to the carfax and owner (Timing belt done at 178k, regular oil changes cataloged, A/C system replaced in 2019). The only thing, I could see wrong with it is the shifter lever is a bit loose. I plan on changing all fluids (oil, power steering, coolant, transmission, brake), replacing spark plugs, wires and disrtirbutor, all the filters, hoses and belts. I know the v6's are know for head gasket failures. Assuming the head gasket has not failed (YET), what kind of maintenance would you recommend?

    Thank you for the help.

    4run2.jpg
    4run3.jpg
    4run5.jpg
     
    flyinhoot likes this.
  2. Oct 11, 2020 at 5:53 PM
    #2
    trlhiker

    trlhiker Lazy Bum

    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2019
    Member:
    #11913
    Messages:
    2,267
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    1992 4Runner SR5 V6 4X4
    Wow, that is a clean 93, even has the original radio. Congrats and welcome. I would also add changing the oil in the diffs and transfer case. Lube the drive train. The play in the gear shifter is actually pretty easy to fix. I'll find the post for you on how to do it. Yours doesn't have the 4wd lever but all else should be the same. https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116/loose-auto-shifter-fix-267369/
     
  3. Oct 11, 2020 at 6:07 PM
    #3
    Oldtoyotaguy

    Oldtoyotaguy Paid cash for it

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2018
    Member:
    #7224
    Messages:
    1,599
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 Toyota 4 Runner Offroad
    Welcome from Canada, nicakasper! Wow, you’d never see a vehicle like that up here unless it was in someones collection, haha. Rust never sleeps, to quote Neil Young. I second trlhiker’s comments, above. Basically a full service, fluids flush + all lubricants and filters. Maybe plugs too, at least pull them and see what they’re like. It may never have a head gasket issue, who knows? Hope for the best!
     
    Spare Parts likes this.
  4. Oct 11, 2020 at 7:22 PM
    #4
    JET4

    JET4 New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2018
    Member:
    #8147
    Messages:
    3,599
    Gender:
    Male
    Southeast, Va.
    welcome
     
  5. Oct 12, 2020 at 6:09 AM
    #5
    SlvrSlug

    SlvrSlug Slightly bent.

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2018
    Member:
    #6172
    Messages:
    7,542
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Ramona Ca.
    Vehicle:
    2017 4-Runner SR-5 P. Kings, Built Right uca’s, Durabumps, RSG sliders
    Welcome to the forum.
     
  6. Oct 12, 2020 at 6:15 AM
    #6
    mousemeat

    mousemeat New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2020
    Member:
    #17209
    Messages:
    1,184
    Gender:
    Male
    Memphis, TN.
    Vehicle:
    1997 4 runner limited
    upgraded suspension, large all terrain tires
    welcome to the forum...greetings from Memphis
     
  7. Oct 12, 2020 at 7:50 AM
    #7
    Ironguy

    Ironguy New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2019
    Member:
    #12421
    Messages:
    6,230
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ralph
    Bisbee AZ
    Vehicle:
    2020 Black 4Runner Venture 1967 FJ40 Land Cruiser
    New pine scent hanger, new sun shade
    Welcome from Arizona
     
  8. Oct 12, 2020 at 4:13 PM
    #8
    nicakasper

    nicakasper [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2020
    Member:
    #17267
    Messages:
    28
    Vehicle:
    1993 4Runner AT V6
    STOCK
    @trlhiker and @Oldtoyotaguy
    I was planning on chaging the plugs. Thank you for the advice and the welcome messages. Very happy to be part of the community.
     
    Oldtoyotaguy likes this.
  9. Oct 15, 2020 at 11:29 AM
    #9
    TooManyWrenches

    TooManyWrenches New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2020
    Member:
    #16616
    Messages:
    34
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    Beater 94 4Runner
    From the picture I can tell your brake fluid needs a change - DOT 3 and the harbor freight one man bleeder, under $40 and done in an hour.
    Change the trans fluid.
    Change out all the vacuum lines.
    Change your coolant (needs it every 3-4 years).
    Look at the dist cap and rotor, change if they look beat up on the inside.

    Nice looking rig!
     
  10. Oct 15, 2020 at 11:37 AM
    #10
    nicakasper

    nicakasper [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2020
    Member:
    #17267
    Messages:
    28
    Vehicle:
    1993 4Runner AT V6
    STOCK
    I was planning on flushing the brake fluid, but how can you tell the brake fluid needs a change?
    Also, what about parts like radiator and oxygen sensors?
     
  11. Oct 15, 2020 at 12:16 PM
    #11
    TooManyWrenches

    TooManyWrenches New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2020
    Member:
    #16616
    Messages:
    34
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    Beater 94 4Runner
    Fluid is dark. It gets darker as it ages and picks up water. New brake fluid is clear.
    I'm not a Toyota specialist so what I know about the 02 sensor is it only reads ahead of the cat to adjust mixture. A failing sensor might not even throw a code. At the age of your truck, an new sensor and cat would n't be a bad idea, but is probably not necessary. I would only replace them out of serious necessity.
    Radiators are not known to fail like some Nissan/Honda strawberry milkshake makers. I would only replace it if its leaking. Ebay has full aluminum ones for $125.
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #11
    Ironguy likes this.
  12. Oct 15, 2020 at 2:41 PM
    #12
    atgparker

    atgparker Cal Poly, ETME 1988

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2018
    Member:
    #6296
    Messages:
    328
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Andrew
    Mission Viejo, CA
    Vehicle:
    1991 White 4Runner 3.0 L
    Rebuilt Engine MLS and ARP on the heads, DT Header, 2-1/2" CARB compliant Flow-Master CAT with 2.0" Bosal CAT back Dayco 1-1/4" Spacers, SkyJacker M-Series Monotube Shocks, Ball Joint Spacers. 95-9006 K&N Air Cleaner, G-Plus Alum Radiator, ZIrgo 16" Fan, Derale Temp switch/relay
    If you do the spark Plugs I would do the ignition wires as well but only use the Toyota OEM or Denso unless you have a record of there being replaced less than 50K miles ago. If you have a DVM you can take an OHM reading and see how much resistance the existing wire/s is/are producing as they get progressively less conductive with age.
    Also only use a Denso 02 if you go there.
    Like I mentioned in an other thread the Russel 639560 Speed Bleeders are a keen addition for one man brake bleeding. You need 6 of them as the brake biasing valve has a bleed port and makes for 5 brake related bleed ports.
    Give the PS front wheel a good push/pull tug at 3 and 9 o'clock and watch the idler arm to see if the end of the arm is moving up and down with respect to the housing that is frame mounted. If this 4Runner has been a pavement-queen all its life it will probably be OK but if has been off road then the plastic sleeves may have started to crack and are/or will disintegrate which is to say that you need to pay attention to this part if you off road it in the near future.
     
  13. Oct 22, 2020 at 10:26 AM
    #13
    nicakasper

    nicakasper [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2020
    Member:
    #17267
    Messages:
    28
    Vehicle:
    1993 4Runner AT V6
    STOCK
    So I changed the oil, coolant, radiator hoses, and thermostat. This weekend I want to change my transmission and rear differential fluids and grease the driveshaft. Regarding the drive shaft, there seems to be only one place that needs to lubricated which is nearest to the transmission because the other end that attaches to the rear differential does not have any fittings. What grease should I use? What weight of differential fluid do y'all recommend? Thanks again.
     
  14. Oct 23, 2020 at 3:42 PM
    #14
    trlhiker

    trlhiker Lazy Bum

    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2019
    Member:
    #11913
    Messages:
    2,267
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    1992 4Runner SR5 V6 4X4
    I just did a drain and fill on mine and used 80W90. There should be a grease fitting on both ends. You seem to be missing one.
     
  15. Oct 23, 2020 at 4:22 PM
    #15
    nicakasper

    nicakasper [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2020
    Member:
    #17267
    Messages:
    28
    Vehicle:
    1993 4Runner AT V6
    STOCK
    Does this mean that it never had one or it may have broken/fallen off?
     
  16. Oct 24, 2020 at 8:20 AM
    #16
    SlvrSlug

    SlvrSlug Slightly bent.

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2018
    Member:
    #6172
    Messages:
    7,542
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Ramona Ca.
    Vehicle:
    2017 4-Runner SR-5 P. Kings, Built Right uca’s, Durabumps, RSG sliders
  17. Oct 24, 2020 at 4:21 PM
    #17
    trlhiker

    trlhiker Lazy Bum

    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2019
    Member:
    #11913
    Messages:
    2,267
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    1992 4Runner SR5 V6 4X4
    Probably never had one. If I remember right, I had the dealer install all of mine the first time it had to be lubed. You might want to clean the area and see if there is a spot for one.
     
  18. Nov 18, 2020 at 12:11 PM
    #18
    nicakasper

    nicakasper [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2020
    Member:
    #17267
    Messages:
    28
    Vehicle:
    1993 4Runner AT V6
    STOCK
    Hello again everyone,
    I recently noticed a fluid leak but I'm not sure where it may be coming from. I noticed the passenger side idle arm is covered and the area near the front "hook", so maybe something above it. I attached a couple of pictures, one from under the car and another from the wheel well. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

    IMG_3241.jpg
    IMG_3242.jpg
     
  19. Nov 18, 2020 at 1:36 PM
    #19
    trlhiker

    trlhiker Lazy Bum

    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2019
    Member:
    #11913
    Messages:
    2,267
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    1992 4Runner SR5 V6 4X4
    Probably your power steering reservoir. A leak there is very common.
     
  20. Nov 19, 2020 at 6:55 AM
    #20
    nicakasper

    nicakasper [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2020
    Member:
    #17267
    Messages:
    28
    Vehicle:
    1993 4Runner AT V6
    STOCK
    Dang, I thought I got lucky buying a 27-year-old car without any leaks. I'll take look around.
     
  21. Nov 20, 2020 at 10:59 AM
    #21
    nicakasper

    nicakasper [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2020
    Member:
    #17267
    Messages:
    28
    Vehicle:
    1993 4Runner AT V6
    STOCK
    So I took another look and found the leak is not coming from the PS pump or reservoir. It does appear to be coming from this "thing" right below the battery. Im not sure what it does but it does look like the "hose" it's meant to drain. Any ideas?

    IMG_3250.jpg
    IMG_3253.jpg
     
  22. Nov 20, 2020 at 11:27 AM
    #22
    flyinhoot

    flyinhoot When in doubt, Throttle out.

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2020
    Member:
    #13871
    Messages:
    718
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Adam
    Nor Cal
    Vehicle:
    2020 TRD Pro 4Runner "Trudy"
    Monochrome everything. LED reverse lights.
    Also, a normal part of 4 runner MX includes installing a 3 inch lift and 31 inch tires. Youll wanna get on that ASAP.
     
    stewtopia likes this.
  23. Nov 20, 2020 at 5:04 PM
    #23
    trlhiker

    trlhiker Lazy Bum

    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2019
    Member:
    #11913
    Messages:
    2,267
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    1992 4Runner SR5 V6 4X4
    Some 4Runners came with 31's as standard. With a 3" lift you should be able to fit 33's.
     
  24. Nov 20, 2020 at 5:08 PM
    #24
    flyinhoot

    flyinhoot When in doubt, Throttle out.

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2020
    Member:
    #13871
    Messages:
    718
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Adam
    Nor Cal
    Vehicle:
    2020 TRD Pro 4Runner "Trudy"
    Monochrome everything. LED reverse lights.
    even better!
     
  25. Nov 21, 2020 at 6:12 AM
    #25
    Dark Knight

    Dark Knight Get off my lawn

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2016
    Member:
    #2681
    Messages:
    1,096
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeff
  26. Nov 21, 2020 at 10:40 AM
    #26
    nicakasper

    nicakasper [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2020
    Member:
    #17267
    Messages:
    28
    Vehicle:
    1993 4Runner AT V6
    STOCK
    After doing some googling and it appears its the brake ABS actuator/modulator. Any one what this thing does?
     
  27. Nov 21, 2020 at 10:50 AM
    #27
    trlhiker

    trlhiker Lazy Bum

    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2019
    Member:
    #11913
    Messages:
    2,267
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    1992 4Runner SR5 V6 4X4
    If it is like the my 92, you have ABS only on the rear brakes. It modulates the pressure when you brake hard. You will feel the pulsing when it happens. It basically keeps your vehicle straight under hard braking.
     
  28. Nov 21, 2020 at 10:56 AM
    #28
    nicakasper

    nicakasper [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2020
    Member:
    #17267
    Messages:
    28
    Vehicle:
    1993 4Runner AT V6
    STOCK
    I do feel some pulsing while driving, I thought it was the front brake pads or rotors but after taking the wheel off everything looks good. I think I'm going to disconnect the ABS following this thread: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116/abs-question-2nd-gen-213993/
     
  29. Nov 23, 2020 at 6:13 AM
    #29
    nicakasper

    nicakasper [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2020
    Member:
    #17267
    Messages:
    28
    Vehicle:
    1993 4Runner AT V6
    STOCK
    So I disconnected all the ABS system things including the rear speed sensor, ABS ECU (under the dash), the ABS sensor under the hood and the modulator/actuator. The rear ABS lights are off and it appears the ABS modulator is not leaking anymore. However, my aftermarket radio does not turn on. I disconnected the battery while I was unplugging the ABS ecu and when i plugged it back it activated the horn. I turn on the car and the played around with this switch (see pictures) which appears to be connected to some sort of "security sensor" under the hood. The previous owner didnt know what or how it works. I know that it turns on the small light but not sure of its purpose.
    I checked all the fuses inside the car and under the hood and they are normal. I planned on taking the radio out and checking the fuse or perhaps connecting the old radio to see if it has to do with some sort of anti-theft system?
    Any thoughts?

    IMG_3231.jpg
    IMG_3240.jpg
    IMG_3244.jpg
     
  30. Nov 23, 2020 at 11:32 AM
    #30
    flyinhoot

    flyinhoot When in doubt, Throttle out.

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2020
    Member:
    #13871
    Messages:
    718
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Adam
    Nor Cal
    Vehicle:
    2020 TRD Pro 4Runner "Trudy"
    Monochrome everything. LED reverse lights.
    ugh. aftermarket alarms installed by who knows are the worst. Can cause lots of electrical bugaboos because they splice into wires from where ever is convinient in my experience. I suggest tracking all the wiring down associated with that thing and removing it. If the box for the alarm is still there too take that crap out as well. For security on a truck like that (which I think is necessary) I always suggest an ignition kill switch hidden somewhere. They are cheap and very effective.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top