3rd gen 4runner + Trailblazer trailer, Redwood family camper combo

[Applejack]

From what my mechanic told me, it was a simple swap. It gave a firmer pedal feel which I prefer due to the increased bore. It's not a necessity which is why a lot of people don't bother doing it. Also I cannot say it gives more braking power, it just eliminates the mushy pedal feel which got worse after the caliper/rotor swap.

 

[JasonRedwood]

Good to know. thanks.

 

[Loubaru]

Hey Louaru-
I like the new axles. CVJ was a pleasure to deal with. Quality looked great. They were really responsive to me when I noticed that the boot ribs were touching.Diff drop installed) I feel like the geometry of these 3rd gens aren't meant to be lifted more than 2 inches or there will be rubbing. Toytec makes a beefer CV axle but Im not sure if their boots are any different than CVJ's extended boots. The Toytec was too rich for my blood so I kept with the middle ground.

Good to hear you had a good experience with CVJ, they were very quick to get back to me also when I asked them a question about the core return. So the ribs on your boots were touching? How did you fix it? This is the only thing that has be torn between the extended boots and the standard ones. I also have a diff drop and the front is lifted about 2.5" (bought it that way) but its on coil overs so I can lower it back down if need be. Thanks!

 

[JasonRedwood]

Good to hear you had a good experience with CVJ, they were very quick to get back to me also when I asked them a question about the core return. So the ribs on your boots were touching? How did you fix it? This is the only thing that has be torn between the extended boots and the standard ones. I also have a diff drop and the front is lifted about 2.5" (bought it that way) but its on coil overs so I can lower it back down if need be. Thanks!

So when I ordered toytec Boss kit I had told them I was going to add my ARB on at the same time. I believe they had adjusted the coils from the shop to compensate for the extra weight. After installing the coils the ride height was TALL. I lowered the Hight to about 3", but I still tore a CV. That was OK though because I was planning on replacing my CVs anyways. I was noticing a clicking from the passenger side here and there. When I was installing the new axles, the passenger side, slipped right out of the diff. When I installed the the new axles the ribs were still touching, so I lowered some more. I can't remember the height. I just kept adjusting the coils till there was no rub. I wish I had measurements for you. The ribs still show signs of touching some but thats from turns and mostly on the outer CV boot, which is the standard size.

 

[Loubaru]

So when I ordered toytec Boss kit I had told them I was going to add my ARB on at the same time. I believe they had adjusted the coils from the shop to compensate for the extra weight. After installing the coils the ride height was TALL. I lowered the Hight to about 3", but I still tore a CV. That was OK though because I was planning on replacing my CVs anyways. I was noticing a clicking from the passenger side here and there. When I was installing the new axles, the passenger side, slipped right out of the diff. When I installed the the new axles the ribs were still touching, so I lowered some more. I can't remember the height. I just kept adjusting the coils till there was no rub. I wish I had measurements for you. The ribs still show signs of touching some but thats from turns and mostly on the outer CV boot, which is the standard size.

Thanks for the info. I have read some about the ribs touching on the extended boots and that's what had been a little weary about ordering them. Its nice to hear that your non-extended boots were the problem. That leaves me leaning towards getting the extended boots when I finally get new axles.

 

[JasonRedwood]

Just logging maintenance for archival purposes here...

This last week I alleviated my sporadicly high idle by replacing the PCV valve and gasket.
I also cleaned out my IAC valve, that got a new gasket too.

Switched out the aluminum wheels that came on the 4runner for some stock 5 star wheels that I found a good deal on.
I think I'm going to keep any eye out for some Stock Steal 16's though.

Installed anti-sway bar bushings along with the end link bushings.

Had my mechanic instal the tundra 231mm brakes and a new brake MC.
I was planning to instal the brakes myself but Im swamped with work and freelance for the next month.

 

[JasonRedwood]

The high idle came back with a p0505 code, IAC valve code. Cleaning the IAC only seemed to slow down the inevitable, so I replaced it with an OEM part. Also replaced the TPS as well. Found reasonable priced OEM replacements on eBay. The 4runner idles nice once again. Hopefully the mpg will come back up a bit too.
Old vs new

 

[JasonRedwood]

Before the maintance I was getting around 16mpg mostly on the freeway. Today I got around 21mpg. :wings:

 

[JasonRedwood]

A little maintenance and the ARB instal

This saturday I installed new inner and outer tie-rods.
Well, I was sent 2 right side outers so I'll have to replace the left side this week.
Nothing interesting about replacing tie-rods, so no pictures of that.

After that my friend at Camelback Metal Gear helped me instal and ARB bumper. Really I just assisted him.
If anyone is looking for a roof rack I suggest check out his work.
He does mostly 3rd and 5th gen 4runner racks but does one offs as well.

Removed the front bumper.
Notice the tweaked end cap from trying to back off a sneaky parking pole.


The Impact Absorbers had been toqrued down so much by the previous owner.
They wouldn't fit over the frame rails more than a 1/2 inch.
They got some massaging and the frame ends got a slight shave and clean up.


Got the Impact Absorbers over the rails finally.
Marked some drill holes in the frame and fabled up the new frame rail caps.




Final frame rail cap.


And the final beauty shot.


Oh, and she sits on new 265/75/16 Cooper AT3's which are working out great for the about of commuting I do.
New LCA bushings as well.

 

[LexusAllTerrain]

Nice to see you getting out and playing, runner is looking good!

 

[shmabs]

Did you end up with load range c or e AT3's? Thinking these might be my next tires..

Mike

 

[JasonRedwood]

Nice to see you getting out and playing, runner is looking good!

Trying to decide on what paint to use on the trailer fenders and limited trim. Hammered rustoleum or bed liner.
Taking the trailer out next weekend.

Did you end up with load range c or e AT3's? Thinking these might be my next tires..

Mike

Hey Mike
I went with the 4 ply wheels. Seemed right for my needs. I tend to drive between 100-150 freeway miles a day, 4 days a week. It's usually just me in the SUV and no gear when I'm working. The family and I are getting out for the weekend next week so I'll see how the tires handle with the family and gear towing the trailer.

 

[JasonRedwood]

New Camelback Metal Gear roof rack

Picked a new full length roof rack the other day.
I opted for a utility version of the racks they usually build. I love the low profile it has.