2Strokes 2001 Build

Alright so first a little back story, My names Tyler, Im a Marine Mechanic in Baltimore Md. This will be my first 4Runner but not my first Toyota. I consider myself actually very familiar with Toyotas as we have 7 in the family. First build thread as well.

I got my start in Toyotas in 2011 when my older brother bought his 87 4Runner while living in Tennessee, since then its been a obsession within our family and has actually brought us closer as a family. Since we are all very " Outdoorsy " its surprising we never had a Toyota truck until then. I personally got my start in 2012 as a senior in High School when I bought my 1997 Tacoma. Its been my Pride and Joy ever since. A few pictures to start out with:

My Tacoma









My dads 2004 Tacoma, welded the rot on his frame and I did the Arb for him:



My Brothers 1997 Tacoma I also did the Arb for his:



And his 87 4Runner he painted in our backyard:



Then one day about 2 months ago one of my good friends asked me to come take a look at the frame on his wifes 3rd Gen 4Runner. I deemed his frame unrepairable and he got rid of it, but before he did I got a chance to check it out, thats when I realized I had never been in a 3rd Gen and I loved it. Kind of like the best of both worlds. I new I had to get myself one. I started looking and sold my daily driver, a 2001 Honda civic that gave me 35 MPG. Then yesterday I found my new to me 4Runner.....

Found her through a friend of a friend and settled the deal for 1500$ 2001 V6 4x4 Sr5 with 200K miles and in decent shape. Hoping I did well. Sorry I don't have to many pictures yet, basically haven't had time to even touch it yet, I will soon, Crazy couple of days...





There are a few things that need to be addressed, obviously first is Inspection and Tags. The check engine light is on, which I believe threw the VSC OFF and TRAC OFF lights on as well. I found a tear in the intake rubber boot so I ordered a new one today, obviously that is causing a vacuum leak, but unsure if it could be related to the CEL. Online research shoes its a EVAP related code. If anyone has any ideas other then tightening my gas cap I would really appreciate it.

Also, the 4x4 indicator lights come on when the push button is engaged, but then takes a while to come out of 4x4, could this be related to the lights on as well? I don't entirely understand the VSC and TRAC system my 4runner has as my Tacoma has a Manual Hub and 4x4 set up, so no electronics. But from what I understand the 4x4 is engaged by Vacuum, so a leak or something along those lines could very well be a contributing issue. Any help here would be great. I also need to replace the boots on the steering rack before inspection as they're torn.

I really like it so far and the previous owners just did the Radiator, Cat, Headlights, and the Timing Belt. For some reason when the timing belt was done they didn't do the accessory belts, So thats on the list. To do. Today I purchased:

Spark Plugs
Air Filter
GTX High Milage ( have used this in my Tacoma forever )
Degreaser
Drive Belts

My budget is limited right now, as my Fiance and I are looking for our first house and thats taking most of my funds. But my long term goals are a mild lift with armor and lights and a nice set of all terrains, but nowhere near to the degree what my Tacoma has become.

For right now I want to get it back to the best shape a truck with 200K miles can be and do it safely.

I will be updating this thread regularly so feel free to help out in anyway. I regret never making a thread for my Tacoma but this Forum has been a invaluable source of Information and has helped me time and time again.

 

Subbed

 

Holy crap, didn't know you guys loved yotas that much!

 

I think him and Dave should whip them out to compare. Toyota pics that is...

 

Subd!

 

I don't know really much about 4runners but I know that usually, (I may be wrong) when a timing belt is changed, the water pump get change too because you have done All the way to it to reach the timing belt. Do you know if your has been done? Would be very disapointing to have the vehicle all rebuilt and then have a fail from the waterpump just because the previous owner was lazy and didn't change it...

 

Yup, that was done as well!

 

Subbed. I'd love to snag a 4 runner as well. If one comes through at a killer price, I just may. Looking forward to watching your build which will give me ideas of course lol.

 

Running boards gone, like the look more:


Changed the oil today so thats done, changed the power steering fluid and air filter. Little things right now getting done so not to exciting.

 

Looks much better

 

Everyone likes more pictures....






Pulled the scan gauge out of my tacoma and put in on the 4runner tonight, pulled a P1135 code which according to online research means its the A/F Sensor. Apparently this is the number 1 most common code and the easy fix seams to be replacing the A/F Sensor obviously. Which is good because I don't like guess work, or Mechanics who guess on the customers dime, so knowing that my CEL is not going to be EVAP related is good. 80$ on Amazon no big deal. Got the bellows kit for the power steering rack an should have that done this week. Never removed Ti-Rods before but it doesn't look that hard. Wish me luck.

 

First try cleaning the MAF sensor. I use a Qtip and rubbing alchol.

 

Good idea Dave, totally forgot about the MAF, I actually have some MAF cleaner in the shed.

 

Anyone have any idea what Im hearing here? Sounds like a compressor or something kicking on and off. Turn your volume up for this you will here it closer to the end of the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iPpua-irf4

 

Is your defroster on?

 

nope

 

Had a little time to fool with the 4Runner after work today and try to get a few things done, First I wanted to install my new intake boot since the old one was ripped, and quickly discovered the one I was sent was not what I need and will not work. You can see the difference.....I could probably make something work with the incorrect part, but I would rather not:


Also took a look in the throttle body, The picture I posted is with my hand manually holding the throttle with the cable attached to it wide open, but the throttle plate doesn't go completely open, it will if I reach in with my fingers and open it. Is this normal?


PVC valve changed, and the old gasket fell apart in my hand, Awesome. Hopefully I can install a new one without taking off the valve cover.



And the last fail of the day was installing some TRD decals off eBay, the white trim on them looks really goofy, gonna order a set without that. I didn't realize it was there when I ordered them;(

 

Looking at the sludge on that PCV valve, it may not be a bad idea to pull the valve covers either way. New gaskets never hurt and you'll be able to clean them up and see what the top of the valves and rockers look like. Id say something isn't right with that TB also, I'd think it should open all the way.

 

Well the 3.4 has shim and bucket valves so I couldnt really inspect much other then the Camshafts, but your right new gaskets never hurt.