My 19854Runner Build-PacificNorthwest
- Thread starter OregonSR5
- Start date
tanglefoot
ExPoseur
I just replaced my all-metal radiator with a plastic-topped one from Advance Auto Parts...it keeps it nice and cool, and was a great value (really nice online promo codes). The all-metal one was developing too many pinholes on top and losing too much coolant.
Before you swap radiators, though, you might try removing the thermostat and running without one. If it stays nice and cool then, the problem isn't the radiator. The thermostat not opening enough is a more common issue on these.
On brakes, you might try adjusting the load sensing proportioning valve (LSPV) in back. Often, the rear brakes aren't doing much and bending the linkage can really improve braking. Just make sure the back wheels aren't locking up before the fronts.
Before you swap radiators, though, you might try removing the thermostat and running without one. If it stays nice and cool then, the problem isn't the radiator. The thermostat not opening enough is a more common issue on these.
On brakes, you might try adjusting the load sensing proportioning valve (LSPV) in back. Often, the rear brakes aren't doing much and bending the linkage can really improve braking. Just make sure the back wheels aren't locking up before the fronts.
OregonSR5
Observer
Thanks for the replies everyone! I don't think my radiator is the problem, there aren't any cracks or leaks and I don't lose any coolant. I am probably better off getting a fan shroud and then getting a new t-stat and fan clutch. My next question is in regards to lift/springs/shocks/steering. I first considered OME but man it is expensive. i'm now leaning towards RUF's and 63's. Does anyone have any pictures for reference with 35's or 33's? I won't be doing this until summer. Right now I'm doing armor and other maintenance to make sure it's good and road worthy.
Derek24
Explorer
OME is nice stuff. Mine rides great and all bolt on. Flexes well enough, I'm not a rock crawler, but way better than stock. Plus I put 2inch longer shackles up front which made the ride a little more smooth and flex a little better, also about an inch more lift. I'm right around 3 inches of lift. RUF looks good, but seems like a lot of work welding up new hangers and all. Flexes like crazy. All depends on what you want to do?
ca18_sean
Adventurer
I bought one of those eBay all aluminum "racing" radiators when mine was overheating and it ran well with that, but I ended up getting my original radiator cleaned out and fixed by a local radiator shop. They told me my core was 80% plugged up when I brought it in. Truck runs cooler than ever now.
tanglefoot
ExPoseur
I did a low-budget OME (mostly) solution. I ordered two OME front springs and four OME shocks from Rocky Road Outfitters and put some Pro-Comp AALs in the stock rear packs. Reused the bushings (a pain) and kept the steering stabilizer I had. The new system vastly improved the bump absorption and ride, without being too expensive. Stock, the front suspension was bouncing off the bump stops all the time (hard on the kidneys). The OME front springs provided much more up-travel and smoother deflection--really transformed the rig!
Arktikos
Explorer
Me too. Did they come in black with the stripes? That would also be nice. I had one of the ubiquitous and somewhat ugly tan '85s. They look the best in stock form, more or less. A small lift with 31's is good, but taller with bigger tires completely ruins the look, IMO, and performance must also suffer noticeably.
OregonSR5
Observer
I don't think this is exactly true. I properly set up Toyota with chevy 63's, RUF's, proper air shocks, and good high steer can actually be a great handling rig. That is the route that I am leaning towards running Fox 2.0's and and good leaf packs. I plan to net 2 or so inches of lift and running 33x10.5's. I find that tire size to be a great balance of still being light and good handling, while still offering increased ground clearance.
Dwill817
Toyota Fanatic!
RUF/Chevy 63s are where it's at..
My truck rode 100% better with my RUF then it did when I had OME springs.. buy a low clearance hanger from Sky Manufacturing and build your RUF with the top 3 leafs being the stock top 3 leafs from the rear and a AAL meant for the rear as your 4th leaf.
I'm running 3rd Gen (89-95) rear OME springs and they are nice. Don't flex too great on my light pickup but they would probably do pretty good on your 4runner. I'll be going to Chevy 63s eventually for the flex.
My truck rode 100% better with my RUF then it did when I had OME springs.. buy a low clearance hanger from Sky Manufacturing and build your RUF with the top 3 leafs being the stock top 3 leafs from the rear and a AAL meant for the rear as your 4th leaf.
I'm running 3rd Gen (89-95) rear OME springs and they are nice. Don't flex too great on my light pickup but they would probably do pretty good on your 4runner. I'll be going to Chevy 63s eventually for the flex.
OregonSR5
Observer
Thanks for the advice, I may just go the route to not deal with the install of 63's right now. I'm not particularly concerned about a ton of flex, but rather a good solid ride that can support the weight of the runner.