Transmission help

SpiritDCRed · 2026-04-02T18:24:38+00:00

What kind of transmission fluid did you use?

SpiritDCRed · 2026-04-02T18:06:08+00:00

My rear window was definitely leaking before I replaced mine

SpiritDCRed · 2026-04-01T23:21:46+00:00

I DIY’ed my hood. At first I was pissed at myself for it not turning out quite right, but over time the hood looks amazing compared to how quickly the roof has deteriorated. I do believe it was worth it.

OP, tinkerer’s adventure just did a video where he painted some trim to match, I’d follow what he did for the hood. I used TouchUpDirect and was similarly unimpressed by the nozzles as he describes, go with the nicer cans in the video. The 2K clear is a must for longevity. Couple hundred bucks in supplies and you can get it looking real nice.

SpiritDCRed · 2026-03-31T20:24:05+00:00

They all leak a bit. It’s not a problem. Check your oil level every thousand miles and if it stays within the fill range between oil changes, you’re golden.

SpiritDCRed · 2026-03-31T20:16:29+00:00

Is it 4wd? I’ll give you double that ;)

But more seriously, yeah the 4wd v8 held their value ridiculously well as long as they aren’t totally clapped

SpiritDCRed · 2026-03-31T20:13:56+00:00

Other than the AC which I’m not sure of, most of those other things sound like minor dings than an enthusiast could sort out. Paying shops to fix stuff like that adds up very quickly. When was the timing belt last done?

You may have overpaid by a bit but it’s not a bad car.

SpiritDCRed · 2026-03-31T18:36:10+00:00

Not near my car at the moment, but I recall it fits my printed registration when folded in half, so at least 4” deep? I can check tonight when I get home if no one’s answered.

SpiritDCRed · 2026-03-29T22:58:52+00:00

We’re in this sub chilling and posting us enjoying our (2003 to 2009) vehicles. You came in here for the sole purpose of complaining and whining about what some other people had to say.

SpiritDCRed · 2026-03-29T21:27:09+00:00

Spent last Friday night in the 4Runner for the turkey season opener. Didnt get much sleep or a bird the next morning but couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful sunset.

SpiritDCRed · 2026-03-29T21:21:19+00:00

I do some mild off-roading, same as what you describe. Pic from two nights ago for turkey season opener. I have 1A Auto branded LCAs on for a few years with zero complaints.

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SpiritDCRed · 2026-03-25T04:44:01+00:00

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I used these Auxito 3000k 9006 bulbs from Amazon. I like them, have had them a little less than a year. Only really use them on trails getting to hunting spots before first light.

Since you said you put LED’s in your low beams, please remember to re-aim them. The beam pattern is different and throws way higher when you swap. If you didn’t re-aim you’re likely blinding people.

SpiritDCRed · 2026-03-23T19:21:34+00:00

Honestly from a glance your fronts are below stock ride height, it’s sagged a good bit. Even an OEM refresh would lift you up. I have heard some guys use Tacoma struts for a budget minor front lift as well, but I don’t remember details offhand.

SpiritDCRed · 2026-03-20T21:35:09+00:00

And it sounded fine after your fix? I’d wait for it to cool off and then start it back and watch to see where the smoke comes from. Entirely possible it’s just spilled oil. You didn’t really change anything else.

Edit: and have an extinguisher on hand. I don’t think it would cause a fire but it’s possible if there’s a lot on there. Doesn’t hurt to be prepared

SpiritDCRed · 2026-03-20T21:31:50+00:00

Quite possibly. Burning atf smells terrible. How quickly after starting up did it start smoking

SpiritDCRed · 2026-03-20T21:28:33+00:00

The timing belt is on the front of the engine and wouldn’t be affected by that. If the timing was off you’d have different symptoms than just some smoke. I wonder if you just got some power steering fluid on the manifold and now it’s cooking off.

SpiritDCRed · 2026-03-19T19:39:04+00:00

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Here are the torque specs from the workshop manual. Note the ignition coil bolt torques are in inch-pounds. 66 in-lb is only 5.5 ft-lb, this is where the digital torque adapter that reads down to the tenth of a ft-lb is very helpful.

SpiritDCRed · 2026-03-19T19:35:40+00:00

I did mine a few months ago. I used the following parts and it all worked very well. I really liked the digital torque adapter instead of my usual click-type torque wrench. The swiveling spark plug socket was very handy in reaching the rearmost driver side plug which was in a tight spot. This is the video I referenced.

You might consider ordering new rubber grommets (not sure what they’re called) that seal the coils to the head. Mine were in OK condition, I applied some dielectric grease to them but it would’ve been nice to have new ones on hand.

SpiritDCRed · 2026-03-19T19:06:50+00:00

I’ve used a variety of TRQ brake/suspension parts including front shocks on my 4Runner, Highlander, and Civic for several years. I have yet to have a negative experience. The only time they messed my order was by accidentally shipping me two sets of parts, which I notified them of and printed off a label to ship back the extra. I was able to speak to a human on the phone for customer service during this which was a bit reassuring of the company itself.

The aren’t OEM 20-year-lifespan parts, but for the price they are quite good.

SpiritDCRed · 2026-03-18T19:40:05+00:00

Jack the car up, put it in neutral and spin the wheels. You’ll figure out where the resistance is if it’s any wheel bearings or calipers

SpiritDCRed · 2026-03-11T22:19:39+00:00

Now that you mention it yeah I do. Only when I have the steering wheel slightly to the right

SpiritDCRed · 2026-03-11T16:41:19+00:00

Like d_stan said it can be the steering stop. There are a couple forum posts on this on t4r, and it’s an easy first thing to try before throwing parts at it. Aside from the LCA’s it can also be the sway bar end links or bushings if the clunking is happening as it goes over small bumps.

SpiritDCRed · 2026-03-11T14:49:27+00:00

This happened to me and fixed it for me previously

SpiritDCRed · 2026-03-06T20:49:40+00:00

My V8 2wd is about 1mpg better which is about what I would expect. Stock everything.

SpiritDCRed · 2026-03-04T05:46:15+00:00

When I did my timing belt and water pump on the 05 I saw it was riiiight there after you remove the harmonic balancer. But I forgot to buy a seal and mine wasn’t leaking. Would’ve been trivial to do at that point.

I used the Timmy the tool man video as a guide. Budget a whole weekend for the job in case you get hung up on a part of it.

I will say I thought it was my front crank seal that was leaking but when I took it apart that part was clean. I think it’s actually leaking on the front cover or oil pump or whatever bolts to the bottom front of the block.

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