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

The way things have worked out, 280K miles is one of those coincidental points where a bunch of maintenance items are due. Got started today with new plugs, oil change, tire rotation, and cleaning the engine and cabin air filters.

I went with Denso iridium plugs. Never used iridium b/c of Toyota’s recommendation of standard plugs for the 4th Gen V6. But everything I’ve found says there’s no mechanical or engineering explanation for the standard plug recommendation and that iridium is actually a good upgrade. Thoughts?



I thought the plugs I removed looked pretty toasty for 2 years and 29K miles.

 

Your existing plug electrodes all look to be in good shape. Not much rounding on the central electrodes that I can see. No harm in changing them but definitely look like they have life left in them.

 

Looked for the reman part numbers for the CV axles for my '04 T4R v6.

 

You’ll never find them. Look for reman 5th gen axles, same thing and I think Toyota actually sells those.

If not buy from CVJ axles, they sell reman OEM Toyota axles.

 

5th gen exhausts work too...fyi...fit like a glove!

 

Bought the more robust OEM hatch supports designed for vehicles with the “cold package.” I can’t find a lot of detail but the part listing says “with cold pkg.” and I originally heard that there were stiffer struts from somebody else’s post years ago.

I get that not everyone wants to spend this on hatch supports but being 6’2”, it’s got to open all the way and stay there. Aftermarket is cheaper but I’m tired of replacing them every time they start to sag. My only regret is not thinking to order them with that extra 25% code a while back that resulted in a total of 50% off.

 

That's great to know!! I didn't even know that was a thing one could utilize!

 

Curious, where were those plugs made? My Chinese Denso copper plugs from Rock Auto have been problem-free for more than 30,000 km. I was like, WTF when I read the package but threw them in anyway. So far, so good.

 

Gave mine a wash, picked up bits of trash in the interior cubbies. Gassed up

 

So i replaced all my exterior vanity lights with LEDs from Diode Dynamics (so not cheap LEDs?). I noticed my OEM side step front light flickers. Do LEDs either work or not work, would the light flicker? I jiggled the connector but it didn't change. Still need to disconnect/clean/reconnect it to test if that fixes it. But, just curious if this is a sign the LED is actually going bad.

 

Likely a poor connection within the LED...send them a note and they'll replace it for you...you could tey swapping with one that works to confirm, too...typical of LEDs unfortunately

 

Saturday, I replaced one rear burnt-out license plate bulb with an identical 168 5W peanut bulb. Works perfectly, just like original. The only thing I can't understand is why Toyota didn't spec stainless steel screws for these housings.

 

Reminds me i need to replace my license plate light harness (which i have). My left license plate light doesn't work and its not the bulb, i've tried like 3 known good bulbs and it just doesn't work. So i bought the harness like over 2 years ago, just need to get on it and swap it out.

 

Not sure. I’ll check one of the boxes in the recycle bin if I remember tomorrow.

 

I finally replaced the rear 5 year old 5100’s with a new set.

 

How's she feel?! Nice update!!

 

She’s back to feeling good, I was bottoming out way to easy.

 

Nice, should make EVERYTHING better with fresh suspension! Congrats on the update!

 

Built the same extended sway bar links probably 10 years ago. They don’t look pretty like yours anymore but they’re still going strong!

 

I rebuilt mine a few years ago! They work GREAT!

 

Cheap too, at least back then.

 

Stuck the UCA/LCA combo kit from Freedom Offroad made for lifted 4th gens. Scored 15% off during their black friday sale. Now all that's left is the CV axles. 'Ol Girl bout to get a refresh.

 

Dear Toyota: Another milestone for the best vehicle I’ve ever owned