3rd gen 4runner questions/comments...

[Martinjmpr]

Okay, first the comments:

Took the "new" '99 4runner out for its first long trip today. Haven't tablulated the MPG but from the gas gauge it appears to be comparable to the Tacoma so that's certainly acceptable.

Very comfy and nice to drive. A lot of the little annoying features of the Taco are thankfully not present. The clock is right in the center of the dash, not hidden behind the steering wheel (a "what were they thinking?" design flaw of the 1st gen Taco.) The steering wheel is thicker and easier to grip (but I'll still be putting a leather cover on it.) Cup holders are much better situated (important for a guy on a liquid diet!) and the bucket seats are much, much nicer than the dumb "split bench" on the Taco that kept me from using aftermarket seat covers.

The shorter overall length is nice, too, I pulled a couple of U-turns that would have been 3 pointers in the Taco.

Being an older 4runner the AC switch is more "positive" than the one on the Taco (I could never tell whether the AC was on or off because the switch was too dim) and I like the manual HVAC controls vs. the electric controls on the 04 Taco.

I was surprised (and impressed!) by some of the features on the 4runner like the roll-down rear window (thought that was a 4th gen feature!) and the 4-link rear suspension (more about that later.)

So now onto a few questions/issues:

First off, the big one: At 117k the timing belt has NOT been done. Since this is supposed to be a 90k service item, it's going to be priority 1. What can I expect to pay for it? And I've heard recommendations that I should consider water pump and/or pulley replacement as well? Can anyone recommend a reputable service location in the Denver metro area or would the dealership be the best place to go? There's a dealer less than a mile from my house (Burt Toyota) so that would be convenient.

Second, the automatic transmission dipstick. ******? That thing is crookeder than a politician, how do I get it to go in and come out easily? I pulled it out today to check the fluid but it was such a pain getting it back in that I left it without checking it. Is there a trick I'm missing? (Note: Please don't say RTFM , I didn't get one with the truck but the sales person ordered one so I should have it this week.)

Third: Luggage rack: Can the cross bars be taken off and if so, how? I unscrewed the knobs and removed them but the crossbars still seemed to be stuck in the track. I realize this may be another RTFM moment but I thought maybe someone had some insight. I normally remove crossbars to reduce wind drag when not using the rack (on my Outback removing the crossbars reduced noise and added ~1mpg at highway speeds.)

Fourth: Does anyone know how to replace the driver's side mirror glass? What needs to be unscrewed, removed, etc. The mirror itself is OK, I just have to replace the glass as it's broken.

Fifth: Regarding the suspension, what are my options? On the Taco I was considering the basic OME set up with a very mild lift in the front and maybe a helper spring in the back, what does one do to lift the 4 link? Honestly I don't need a lift at all but I may be adding an ARB or TJM bumper in the future and might need to beef up some of the components. If they're getting close to the end of their useful lives anyway, this might be a good opportunity to upgrade.

I'll look forward to any comments from those who have experience with these awesome trucks!

 

[BLKNBLU]

For your suspension q's I give Sonoran Steel my highest recommendation. (caveat... I know Steve personally)
http://www.sonoransteel.com/store_complete_liftkits.html#System_7.2
His stuff is widely used and well tested. You can also look at the System 1.2 depending on what your needs are. Definately check out his FAQ, it will give you lots of stuff to think about.

He also has these, but frankly, unless you spend a lot of time crawling (we do), you probably don't need them. At the very least you can wait until you trash the stockers. (if you ever do)
http://www.sonoransteel.com/Extreme_Duty_Lower_Links.html

 

[SOAZ]

Okay, first the comments:

Took the "new" '99 4runner out for its first long trip today. Haven't tablulated the MPG but from the gas gauge it appears to be comparable to the Tacoma so that's certainly acceptable.

Very comfy and nice to drive. A lot of the little annoying features of the Taco are thankfully not present. The clock is right in the center of the dash, not hidden behind the steering wheel (a "what were they thinking?" design flaw of the 1st gen Taco.) The steering wheel is thicker and easier to grip (but I'll still be putting a leather cover on it.) Cup holders are much better situated (important for a guy on a liquid diet!) and the bucket seats are much, much nicer than the dumb "split bench" on the Taco that kept me from using aftermarket seat covers.

The shorter overall length is nice, too, I pulled a couple of U-turns that would have been 3 pointers in the Taco.

Being an older 4runner the AC switch is more "positive" than the one on the Taco (I could never tell whether the AC was on or off because the switch was too dim) and I like the manual HVAC controls vs. the electric controls on the 04 Taco.

I was surprised (and impressed!) by some of the features on the 4runner like the roll-down rear window (thought that was a 4th gen feature!) and the 4-link rear suspension (more about that later.)

So now onto a few questions/issues:

First off, the big one: At 117k the timing belt has NOT been done. Since this is supposed to be a 90k service item, it's going to be priority 1. What can I expect to pay for it? And I've heard recommendations that I should consider water pump and/or pulley replacement as well? Can anyone recommend a reputable service location in the Denver metro area or would the dealership be the best place to go? There's a dealer less than a mile from my house (Burt Toyota) so that would be convenient.
The water pump doesn't add much cost to the whole price so I would do it. I paid a Toyota certified tech here in town $100 to do it plus I brought all of the parts. Got them nice and cheap from TRDParts4u.

Second, the automatic transmission dipstick. ******? That thing is crookeder than a politician, how do I get it to go in and come out easily? I pulled it out today to check the fluid but it was such a pain getting it back in that I left it without checking it. Is there a trick I'm missing? (Note: Please don't say RTFM , I didn't get one with the truck but the sales person ordered one so I should have it this week.)
Its just a bit of a pain. Try turning it to a slightly different orientation. It generally sucks, but it shouldn't be that hard.

Third: Luggage rack: Can the cross bars be taken off and if so, how? I unscrewed the knobs and removed them but the crossbars still seemed to be stuck in the track. I realize this may be another RTFM moment but I thought maybe someone had some insight. I normally remove crossbars to reduce wind drag when not using the rack (on my Outback removing the crossbars reduced noise and added ~1mpg at highway speeds.)
You need to take a screw out at the end of the track and then carefully pop off the end cap. Loosen the mounts on both sides and then slide the whole cross bar to the end and then out.

Fourth: Does anyone know how to replace the driver's side mirror glass? What needs to be unscrewed, removed, etc. The mirror itself is OK, I just have to replace the glass as it's broken.
Sorry. Try Yotatech. Its a 4runner gold mine of info.

Fifth: Regarding the suspension, what are my options? On the Taco I was considering the basic OME set up with a very mild lift in the front and maybe a helper spring in the back, what does one do to lift the 4 link? Honestly I don't need a lift at all but I may be adding an ARB or TJM bumper in the future and might need to beef up some of the components. If they're getting close to the end of their useful lives anyway, this might be a good opportunity to upgrade.
The performance products springs ride nicely and just bump it up a bit. They can hold some weight, but when you get really heavy like mine the poor riding, but great at load carrying Old Man Emu's work great to keep it up. Sonoran Steel is also a great option) I put bilstiens with mine. I don't like Old Man Emu shocks and there aren't many rear shock options for our trucks.

I'll look forward to any comments from those who have experience with these awesome trucks!

Also, as apposed to my previous Tacoma ALL 4runner's of our generation are built in Japan. Thats a good thing. No offense to the California Tacoma plant, but I'd prefer Japan built for the ultimate in quality. :victory:

 

[CA-RJ]

I paid about $300 in labor to have my timing belt service done. Included in that was the changing of the timing belt, drive belts (3), both idler pulleys, thermostat, camshaft and crank shaft seals. I think I spent about $250 on parts but that was with my Toyota employee discount. Be sure and buy Toyota parts.

As for suspension, I have been very pleased with my Old Man Emu setup. I have the 881 front coils with N91S shocks on the front and the 891 coils and N96 shocks on the rear. It rides great unloaded for daily driving and equally as nice loaded down with gear. The above mentioned setup allows me to run 285/75-16 (33's) nicely.

For front bumper applications, you can rule out TJM. Last I heard they are no longer being sold in the US. If I remember right, ARB doesn't sell a direct fit front bull bar for the 4Runner either (I might be wrong on this one though).

 

[SOAZ]

I paid about $300 in labor to have my timing belt service done. Included in that was the changing of the timing belt, drive belts (3), both idler pulleys, thermostat, camshaft and crank shaft seals. I think I spent about $250 on parts but that was with my Toyota employee discount. Be sure and buy Toyota parts.

As for suspension, I have been very pleased with my Old Man Emu setup. I have the 881 front coils with N91S shocks on the front and the 891 coils and N96 shocks on the rear. It rides great unloaded for daily driving and equally as nice loaded down with gear. The above mentioned setup allows me to run 285/75-16 (33's) nicely.

For front bumper applications, you can rule out TJM. Last I heard they are no longer being sold in the US. If I remember right, ARB doesn't sell a direct fit front bull bar for the 4Runner either (I might be wrong on this one though).

Or he can be the coolest kid on the block and get an aluminum TJM from IRBIS... They have a few it seems.

 

[FurthurOnTheFly]

X2 on the Bilsteins for the rear...I followed Tim's advice and I'm glad I did they perform quite nicely both on and off road! :sombrero:

 

[deadbeat son]

As for Problem #4, if the mirrors work the same as the Tacoma mirrors you should be able to adjust the mirrors all the way up and pry the mirror's plastic backing back and pull down to release the mirror from the housing. Then, you can use a heat gun to get the plastic pliable enough to remove the old mirror. For the new glass, again heat the plastic, place some adhesive on the back side, and snap it in to place. Installation is reverse of removal. For more info, click here.

 

[sami]

like the roll-down rear window (thought that was a 4th gen feature!)

1st gen through to current!

I wish my Xterra had a rear window that went up and down...

I'll also add that I got my OME lift for my '99 4runner from Cruiser Outfitters. I am happy with them, and the OME lift.. Night and day from the dampening and handling of the factory coils/shocks. I HIGHLY recommend picking up OME equipment.

-Jason

 

[Ric]

Okay, first the comments:

Took the "new" '99 4runner out for its first long trip today. Haven't tablulated the MPG but from the gas gauge it appears to be comparable to the Tacoma so that's certainly acceptable.

Very comfy and nice to drive. A lot of the little annoying features of the Taco are thankfully not present. The clock is right in the center of the dash, not hidden behind the steering wheel (a "what were they thinking?" design flaw of the 1st gen Taco.) The steering wheel is thicker and easier to grip (but I'll still be putting a leather cover on it.) Cup holders are much better situated (important for a guy on a liquid diet!) and the bucket seats are much, much nicer than the dumb "split bench" on the Taco that kept me from using aftermarket seat covers.

The shorter overall length is nice, too, I pulled a couple of U-turns that would have been 3 pointers in the Taco.

Being an older 4runner the AC switch is more "positive" than the one on the Taco (I could never tell whether the AC was on or off because the switch was too dim) and I like the manual HVAC controls vs. the electric controls on the 04 Taco.

I was surprised (and impressed!) by some of the features on the 4runner like the roll-down rear window (thought that was a 4th gen feature!) and the 4-link rear suspension (more about that later.)

So now onto a few questions/issues:

First off, the big one: At 117k the timing belt has NOT been done. Since this is supposed to be a 90k service item, it's going to be priority 1. What can I expect to pay for it? And I've heard recommendations that I should consider water pump and/or pulley replacement as well? Can anyone recommend a reputable service location in the Denver metro area or would the dealership be the best place to go? There's a dealer less than a mile from my house (Burt Toyota) so that would be convenient.

Second, the automatic transmission dipstick. ******? That thing is crookeder than a politician, how do I get it to go in and come out easily? I pulled it out today to check the fluid but it was such a pain getting it back in that I left it without checking it. Is there a trick I'm missing? (Note: Please don't say RTFM , I didn't get one with the truck but the sales person ordered one so I should have it this week.)

Third: Luggage rack: Can the cross bars be taken off and if so, how? I unscrewed the knobs and removed them but the crossbars still seemed to be stuck in the track. I realize this may be another RTFM moment but I thought maybe someone had some insight. I normally remove crossbars to reduce wind drag when not using the rack (on my Outback removing the crossbars reduced noise and added ~1mpg at highway speeds.)

Fourth: Does anyone know how to replace the driver's side mirror glass? What needs to be unscrewed, removed, etc. The mirror itself is OK, I just have to replace the glass as it's broken.

Fifth: Regarding the suspension, what are my options? On the Taco I was considering the basic OME set up with a very mild lift in the front and maybe a helper spring in the back, what does one do to lift the 4 link? Honestly I don't need a lift at all but I may be adding an ARB or TJM bumper in the future and might need to beef up some of the components. If they're getting close to the end of their useful lives anyway, this might be a good opportunity to upgrade.

I'll look forward to any comments from those who have experience with these awesome trucks!

check out http://www.ultimateyota.com (if ya havent already) and toyteclifts.com :smiley_drive:

 

[Cackalak Han]

RE: Luggage rack - Don't even bother. I saw no change in MPG with them off. I think it's some bolts holding them on (IIRC), if you want to take them off.

 

[97kurt]

The billsteins that Sonoran sells for the rear of the 4runner are awesome, I ran the OMEs and a set that Donahoe made and the Billsteins are the best.

Front bumper, try shrockworks. For sliders go with stubbs welding.

 

[woodeye]

roof rack

for the crossbars theres a plastic end cap at both ends of the rail, unscrew
(starnut) and pull out. Then they can slide out of the track .

Woody