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

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by wnelax04sr5, Apr 7, 2014.

  1. Mar 11, 2019 at 12:56 PM
    #181
    Benny123

    Benny123 Toyota enthusiast

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2019
    Member:
    #9045
    Messages:
    273
    Gender:
    Male
    Southeast Charlotte, NC
    Vehicle:
    2016 Nautical Blue SR5 Premium
    LEDs all around, otherwise bone stock.
    Leaking radiator. Water pump was due (making noise and weeping), as was the thermostat. Alt was preventative maintenance. Fan clutch thermistor was quite rusted and apparently a bad fan clutch can ruin a new water pump. Was worth changing it out while I was in there. Alot of 4th gen rads eventually leak from lower left drivers side. (Alot of good posts on this here and T4r.org) If you're ever losing coolant look there first. It's very subtle. Drip drip drip.

    Oh and don't be afraid to do your own water pump. This was my first and if you can change spark plugs you can do this. I can't believe I was afraid of doing it the past few years. Buy an aisin water pump from Amazon (it's the OEM). Great video here. Watch it twice and do it.

    Rad was also straightforward. I spent more time cleaning up rust where the rad was, repainting and getting new hose clamps and transmission cooler hoses (and old ones off) than installing the radiator.

    Side note: if you've ever worked in beer or plumbing or kegged homebrew, you will find replacing the radiator to be very very easy. Kegging can run 10-30 psi, depending the task. The 4runner and most cars run at 15.6 psi and we all know CO2 leaks are way more difficult to stop than liquid leaks.
     
    Last edited: Mar 11, 2019
    Watt maker and TN_FunRunner like this.
  2. Mar 11, 2019 at 1:42 PM
    #182
    HoBoDanny

    HoBoDanny Dude...

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2019
    Member:
    #8697
    Messages:
    966
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Daniel
    Kentucky
    Vehicle:
    2004 SR5 V6 4WD 4Runner
    RCI Skid Plate CBI Ditch Light Brackets Hankook DynaPro ATM RF10 265 70R17 113T Tires 1.25” Wheel Spacers TPMS Bypass Mod Hydrocarbon Filter Removed Merca decal 2” leveling kit front only Black headlights
    Cool I was planning to do mine as preventative maintenance at 120k so I’ve got 10k to go. Guess I may look into the radiator while I’m in there.
    I’m good with maintenance. I’ve done the timing belt on my Tacoma and my daily. So no worries there :thumbsup: thanks for the info! I’m gonna keep that water pump in a shopping list much cheaper than others I’ve found.
     
    Watt maker likes this.
  3. Mar 12, 2019 at 4:27 PM
    #183
    HoBoDanny

    HoBoDanny Dude...

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2019
    Member:
    #8697
    Messages:
    966
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Daniel
    Kentucky
    Vehicle:
    2004 SR5 V6 4WD 4Runner
    RCI Skid Plate CBI Ditch Light Brackets Hankook DynaPro ATM RF10 265 70R17 113T Tires 1.25” Wheel Spacers TPMS Bypass Mod Hydrocarbon Filter Removed Merca decal 2” leveling kit front only Black headlights
    Installed new skid plate from RCI
     
    SlvrSlug, Watt maker, POOLGUY and 3 others like this.
  4. Mar 16, 2019 at 4:26 PM
    #184
    HoBoDanny

    HoBoDanny Dude...

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2019
    Member:
    #8697
    Messages:
    966
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Daniel
    Kentucky
    Vehicle:
    2004 SR5 V6 4WD 4Runner
    RCI Skid Plate CBI Ditch Light Brackets Hankook DynaPro ATM RF10 265 70R17 113T Tires 1.25” Wheel Spacers TPMS Bypass Mod Hydrocarbon Filter Removed Merca decal 2” leveling kit front only Black headlights
    Changed the oil :yes:
     
    Watt maker, TN_FunRunner and jdevtac like this.
  5. Mar 17, 2019 at 1:54 PM
    #185
    TN_FunRunner

    TN_FunRunner New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 17, 2018
    Member:
    #5502
    Messages:
    444
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jay
    W. TN
    Vehicle:
    2018 TRD ORP, 2007 SR5 4WD
    A little spring cleaning! Washed and waxed it!
     
    Last edited: Mar 17, 2019
    HoBoDanny and jdevtac like this.
  6. Mar 25, 2019 at 8:28 AM
    #186
    Benny123

    Benny123 Toyota enthusiast

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2019
    Member:
    #9045
    Messages:
    273
    Gender:
    Male
    Southeast Charlotte, NC
    Vehicle:
    2016 Nautical Blue SR5 Premium
    LEDs all around, otherwise bone stock.
    Painted my calipers with silver por15 caliper paint so they don't rust.
    IMG_20190325_134427.jpg IMG_20190325_134408.jpg
     
    Last edited: Mar 25, 2019
    HoBoDanny likes this.
  7. Mar 26, 2019 at 4:51 PM
    #187
    HoBoDanny

    HoBoDanny Dude...

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2019
    Member:
    #8697
    Messages:
    966
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Daniel
    Kentucky
    Vehicle:
    2004 SR5 V6 4WD 4Runner
    RCI Skid Plate CBI Ditch Light Brackets Hankook DynaPro ATM RF10 265 70R17 113T Tires 1.25” Wheel Spacers TPMS Bypass Mod Hydrocarbon Filter Removed Merca decal 2” leveling kit front only Black headlights
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
  8. Mar 30, 2019 at 4:32 PM
    #188
    HoBoDanny

    HoBoDanny Dude...

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2019
    Member:
    #8697
    Messages:
    966
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Daniel
    Kentucky
    Vehicle:
    2004 SR5 V6 4WD 4Runner
    RCI Skid Plate CBI Ditch Light Brackets Hankook DynaPro ATM RF10 265 70R17 113T Tires 1.25” Wheel Spacers TPMS Bypass Mod Hydrocarbon Filter Removed Merca decal 2” leveling kit front only Black headlights
    Drove her a lot!
    Half way to AL at Wolf Creek Dam
     
    Benny123 and Watt maker like this.
  9. Mar 30, 2019 at 6:14 PM
    #189
    jdevtac

    jdevtac New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2017
    Member:
    #4904
    Messages:
    82
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    04 V8 4WD
    Installed a new OEM spare tire hoist (chain type) as the other one was rusted to hell.

    Also I removed the OEM side steps a week ago and my wife still hasn’t noticed :) already makes the vehicle look way better.

    The benefit of the PO keeping the side steps on for its past 14 years of life though is pristine rocker paint condition lol. So that’s nice.

    Next plans are mild front lift with Taco shocks and replacing rear shocks at same time to be rid of the old and worn out XREAS.
     
    SonofBert, Benny123 and HoBoDanny like this.
  10. Mar 31, 2019 at 7:12 AM
    #190
    Benny123

    Benny123 Toyota enthusiast

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2019
    Member:
    #9045
    Messages:
    273
    Gender:
    Male
    Southeast Charlotte, NC
    Vehicle:
    2016 Nautical Blue SR5 Premium
    LEDs all around, otherwise bone stock.
    Unclogged the breather on rear diff. Planning for the rear diff mod.
    Cleaned my wipers with rubbing alcohol, looking to get a few more months with them.
     
    Last edited: Apr 9, 2019
    SonofBert and HoBoDanny like this.
  11. Apr 20, 2019 at 12:57 PM
    #191
    jdevtac

    jdevtac New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2017
    Member:
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    Messages:
    82
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    04 V8 4WD
    Installed a rear backup cam finally.

    And plugged the running board holes with plastic m8 bolts.
     
    4Runner fun and Watt maker like this.
  12. Apr 30, 2019 at 5:03 AM
    #192
    RonT4R

    RonT4R New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2015
    Member:
    #526
    Messages:
    584
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ron
    Virginia Beach
    Vehicle:
    2007 4runner SR5 4WD
    New tires.....kept the stock size 265/65-17 until I get my lower control arm cam bolts replaced so I can get it lifted and aligned. Went with Nitto Trail Grappler G2's. I will try to get pics later after I can get it cleaned up.
     
    TN_FunRunner and HoBoDanny like this.
  13. Apr 30, 2019 at 7:28 AM
    #193
    Benny123

    Benny123 Toyota enthusiast

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2019
    Member:
    #9045
    Messages:
    273
    Gender:
    Male
    Southeast Charlotte, NC
    Vehicle:
    2016 Nautical Blue SR5 Premium
    LEDs all around, otherwise bone stock.
    Replaced clunking Autozone Valucraft front sway bar end links. No more noise. So nice. 135000 miles
     
    HoBoDanny and TN_FunRunner like this.
  14. May 3, 2019 at 6:43 PM
    #194
    chassis

    chassis New Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 2019
    Member:
    #9754
    Messages:
    148
    Indiana
    Vehicle:
    Sold: 2005 4Runner SR5 V6 4WD
    Replaced in the past week:

    engine air filter
    rear axle oil
    spark plugs
    floor mats
    hood gas struts
    driver's headlamp assembly
    serpentine belt

    205,000 miles
     
  15. May 4, 2019 at 12:31 PM
    #195
    chassis

    chassis New Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 2019
    Member:
    #9754
    Messages:
    148
    Indiana
    Vehicle:
    Sold: 2005 4Runner SR5 V6 4WD
    Replaced:

    all LED bulbs in climate control/trip computer module
    license plate lenses (2) and gaskets (2)
     
  16. May 4, 2019 at 6:55 PM
    #196
    chassis

    chassis New Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 2019
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    Messages:
    148
    Indiana
    Vehicle:
    Sold: 2005 4Runner SR5 V6 4WD
    transfer case oil change
     
  17. May 5, 2019 at 6:06 PM
    #197
    chassis

    chassis New Member

    Joined:
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    #9754
    Messages:
    148
    Indiana
    Vehicle:
    Sold: 2005 4Runner SR5 V6 4WD
    Replaced the front left CV shaft.

    Tried to change the front axle oil but couldn't budge the fill plug. Broke a 10mm hex bit in the process. Need to regroup.
     
    Last edited: May 5, 2019
    Benny123, SonofBert and RonT4R like this.
  18. May 6, 2019 at 6:45 PM
    #198
    SonofBert

    SonofBert New Member

    Joined:
    May 6, 2019
    Member:
    #9797
    Messages:
    21
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bert
    Vehicle:
    '08 T4R LTD 4.7 4WD, '07 T4R LTD 4.7 4WD, '05 Tundra LTD 4.7 4WD, three Tacos
    BOSS lift and airbags
    Cleaned and conditioned the leather, jeez it soaked up a lot of conditioner after sitting for five months in the dry Colorado air (garaged). I use Lexol, good product.
     
    chassis likes this.
  19. May 6, 2019 at 7:14 PM
    #199
    SonofBert

    SonofBert New Member

    Joined:
    May 6, 2019
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    Messages:
    21
    Gender:
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    First Name:
    Bert
    Vehicle:
    '08 T4R LTD 4.7 4WD, '07 T4R LTD 4.7 4WD, '05 Tundra LTD 4.7 4WD, three Tacos
    BOSS lift and airbags
    Toyota front diff Allen plugs are a longstanding problem, I hate them. Too bad it's the fill plug you're having a problem with, the fill is the only one you absolutely have to get out. The drain plug you can leave in, then use a transfer pump to suck the old fluid out via the fill plug.

    Maybe soak the fill plug with Kroil or PB Blaster for a few days. You said "hex bit", that was a 10mm Allen bit on a socket wrench?

    I wish you the best of luck, and when you get it out, you can replace the fill plug with a 24mm hex head from the transfer case or Tacoma manual transmission.
     
    chassis[QUOTED] and Benny123 like this.
  20. May 7, 2019 at 2:34 AM
    #200
    Benny123

    Benny123 Toyota enthusiast

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2019
    Member:
    #9045
    Messages:
    273
    Gender:
    Male
    Southeast Charlotte, NC
    Vehicle:
    2016 Nautical Blue SR5 Premium
    LEDs all around, otherwise bone stock.
    @chassis @SonofBert yeah I hate those plugs. Had to drain and fill with a pump from the fill plug. Couldn't open the drain plug. Maybe I'll use a torch next time. I found a 1/2 hex bit I need to try, 3/8 breaker bar bent so much it arced, still wouldn't budge.

    Clay bared my 12 year old paint and waxed the chariot. Smooth as silk now.
     
    SonofBert and chassis like this.
  21. May 10, 2019 at 5:48 PM
    #201
    chassis

    chassis New Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 2019
    Member:
    #9754
    Messages:
    148
    Indiana
    Vehicle:
    Sold: 2005 4Runner SR5 V6 4WD
    Turned off the TPMS flashing light for good, using the splice fix.
    Inflated all tires to 40psi cold.
    Achieved 24mpg on an 8 mile urban/suburban drive.

    205,000 miles
     
    Last edited: May 11, 2019
  22. May 11, 2019 at 1:33 PM
    #202
    chassis

    chassis New Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 2019
    Member:
    #9754
    Messages:
    148
    Indiana
    Vehicle:
    Sold: 2005 4Runner SR5 V6 4WD
    Upped the ante trying to get the front axle drain plug (I was wrong in the above post) out. Hammered on it with a 1/2" electric impact and 10mm impact allen/hex bit. No go.

    Hit it again with Liquid Wrench.

    Just got a 1000 ft-lb pneumatic impact, will give it a try if/when it stops raining.
     
  23. May 11, 2019 at 6:27 PM
    #203
    chassis

    chassis New Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 2019
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    148
    Indiana
    Vehicle:
    Sold: 2005 4Runner SR5 V6 4WD
    Hammered on the drain plug with the 1000 ft-lb pneumatic impact, no go.

    I will try some more Liquid Wrench and hammering, then see about a torch. Recently moved and can't find my torch...
     
    SonofBert likes this.
  24. May 12, 2019 at 12:01 PM
    #204
    Benny123

    Benny123 Toyota enthusiast

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2019
    Member:
    #9045
    Messages:
    273
    Gender:
    Male
    Southeast Charlotte, NC
    Vehicle:
    2016 Nautical Blue SR5 Premium
    LEDs all around, otherwise bone stock.
    Dammit I hate those plugs.
     
    SonofBert and chassis like this.
  25. May 13, 2019 at 6:55 AM
    #205
    MandatoryFun

    MandatoryFun New Member

    Joined:
    May 6, 2019
    Member:
    #9796
    Messages:
    12
    Vehicle:
    2009 2WD SR5 - stock grocery getter
    One of my tie rod end boots was ruptured so I swapped them both

    IMG_5615.jpg
     
    SonofBert and chassis like this.
  26. May 13, 2019 at 6:58 AM
    #206
    MandatoryFun

    MandatoryFun New Member

    Joined:
    May 6, 2019
    Member:
    #9796
    Messages:
    12
    Vehicle:
    2009 2WD SR5 - stock grocery getter
    I installed a Kenwood DDX9705S and Maestro RR iDatalink module so my wife could have CarPlay and keep the factory steering wheel buttons. A Kenwood backup camera is on its way and I will document that install.

    IMG_5580.jpg
    IMG_5581.jpg
    IMG_5582.jpg
    IMG_5583.jpg
    IMG_5586.jpg
    IMG_5587.jpg
    IMG_5591.jpg
    IMG_5595.jpg
    57921598069__AD723483-BDFF-44C0-9F08-CC006430B8BF.jpg
     
  27. May 17, 2019 at 4:24 PM
    #207
    SonofBert

    SonofBert New Member

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    Gender:
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    Bert
    Vehicle:
    '08 T4R LTD 4.7 4WD, '07 T4R LTD 4.7 4WD, '05 Tundra LTD 4.7 4WD, three Tacos
    BOSS lift and airbags
    Best of luck. Could just leave the drain plug in. You really can get almost all of the old fluid out via the fill plug using a transfer pump.
     
    chassis[QUOTED] and Benny123 like this.
  28. May 17, 2019 at 6:58 PM
    #208
    chassis

    chassis New Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 2019
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    Messages:
    148
    Indiana
    Vehicle:
    Sold: 2005 4Runner SR5 V6 4WD
    Thanks. I have conceded defeat to the front axle drain plug. Tried electric and pneumatic impact guns, Liquid Wrench and a cold chisel. Not going the torch route, because I choose not to invest in a limited use tool combined with meager torch skills. I'll leave well enough alone until I decide if I will change the oil with a transfer pump or take it to the dealer to remove the plug.

    On a separate note, I changed the engine oil and filter today.
     
    Benny123 and SonofBert like this.
  29. May 21, 2019 at 4:49 PM
    #209
    chassis

    chassis New Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 2019
    Member:
    #9754
    Messages:
    148
    Indiana
    Vehicle:
    Sold: 2005 4Runner SR5 V6 4WD
    Replaced the front stabilizer bar bushings. Great improvement. One clunk removed from the front suspension. One or two softer clunks left to hunt down and eliminate.

    Eliminated the source of a steering wheel vibration. Turns out it was a wheel. I replaced the suspect wheel with the full sized spare wheel (thanks Toyota!) and the vibration went away. Either the suspect wheel is bent or very far out of balance, or both. I will take it to a tire place to see what's what. The suspect wheel will be used as a spare.
     
    SonofBert likes this.
  30. May 24, 2019 at 4:53 PM
    #210
    chassis

    chassis New Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 2019
    Member:
    #9754
    Messages:
    148
    Indiana
    Vehicle:
    Sold: 2005 4Runner SR5 V6 4WD
    Towed 80 miles with a 3,300lb boat and got 17mpg at 60mph on a level state highway. Pretty good for a 14 yr old vehicle with 205,000 miles. Engine, transmission and brakes all ran well.

    I will put a few hundred miles on this rig this weekend, will report Monday afternoon.
     
    TN_FunRunner and Watt maker like this.

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