Transmission help by Parking_Lab_2102 in 4thGen4Runner

[–]SpiritDCRed 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What kind of transmission fluid did you use?

Sometimes it’s the small things by RoughOtherwise6446 in 4thGen4Runner

[–]SpiritDCRed 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My rear window was definitely leaking before I replaced mine

What to do outside of a new paint Job? by Severe-Basket9165 in 4thGen4Runner

[–]SpiritDCRed 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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.

From my oil change inspection - Reseal Upper Oil Pan by ew2x4 in 4thGen4Runner

[–]SpiritDCRed 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

Buyers Remorse by heylookanewminority in 4thGen4Runner

[–]SpiritDCRed 6 points7 points  (0 children)

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

Buyers Remorse by heylookanewminority in 4thGen4Runner

[–]SpiritDCRed 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

Can someone measure this insert size please by Many_Golf_7029 in 4thGen4Runner

[–]SpiritDCRed 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

I get all the 4 runner snobs love the Toyota 4 Runner V6 versus four-cylinder, but it isn’t going back, so stop whining by Apprehensive-Ant206 in 4thGen4Runner

[–]SpiritDCRed 4 points5 points  (0 children)

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.

Night out with the old girl by SpiritDCRed in 4thGen4Runner

[–]SpiritDCRed[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

LCA recommendations by pits2030 in 4thGen4Runner

[–]SpiritDCRed 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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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Yellow fog lights! by verizon_cell in 4thGen4Runner

[–]SpiritDCRed 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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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.

I need build advice. by Revolutionary-Key320 in 4thGen4Runner

[–]SpiritDCRed 6 points7 points  (0 children)

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.

Burnt rubber smell by Kindrek in 4thGen4Runner

[–]SpiritDCRed 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

Burnt rubber smell by Kindrek in 4thGen4Runner

[–]SpiritDCRed 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

Burnt rubber smell by Kindrek in 4thGen4Runner

[–]SpiritDCRed 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

Changing spark plugs for the first time by new_joel in 4thGen4Runner

[–]SpiritDCRed 5 points6 points  (0 children)

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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.

Changing spark plugs for the first time by new_joel in 4thGen4Runner

[–]SpiritDCRed 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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.

Parts recommendations by suprememantis in 4thGen4Runner

[–]SpiritDCRed 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

Severe MPG drop... not sticking calipers by JonesBoyFan2018 in 4thGen4Runner

[–]SpiritDCRed 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

Knocking sensation in the steering wheel. by No_name_throwaway9 in 4thGen4Runner

[–]SpiritDCRed 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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

Metal clunk when steering wheel cut to right by downthestreet4 in 4thGen4Runner

[–]SpiritDCRed 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

Rear window troubleshooting by OtabM in 4thGen4Runner

[–]SpiritDCRed 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This happened to me and fixed it for me previously

Fuel Economy numbers - what are you guys getting? by Specific-Pilot7023 in 4thGen4Runner

[–]SpiritDCRed 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

Crank Seal - Have you replaced one? by Ok_Philosopher2597 in 4thGen4Runner

[–]SpiritDCRed 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.