STOLEN 88 1st gen 4runner

linuxrunner · 08-31-2007, 07:22 PM

So i guess i get to join the club...

My 88 4runner was stolen today from the parking lot at the Clackamas Town Center. I am at work right now, so this is the only picture i have access to but will post up more when i get home.

A lot has changed since this picture, I have a black top, with a dragon sticker on passenger rear window. Butt sag was fixed. Has a Tube rear bumper with hitch and a huge ball of wires hanging down out the back for towing, almost dragging on the ground

Front grill is painted black.

SR5 gauge cluster, pioneer cd player, now has CB with antenna mount on driver fender.

If you see it or any parts of it please let me know. I miss her already

Also before you tell me i should have gotten a kill switch... i had one, and it was on. Actually it was under the middle console and i had just spilled a large sprite all over it so you had to reach your hand between the seat and the center console and it was dripping wet and sticky

I doubt they actually found the switch, probably just know to trace wires that come from the fuel pump.

Also any suggestions about what i should do now would be helpful

***Corey*** · 08-31-2007, 07:33 PM

Bummer, I feel your pain and loss.
I hope the punks get caught and what they deserve.

Your thread is stickied.

linuxrunner · 08-31-2007, 07:38 PM

Thanks Corey, I have a small update. After talking to mall security they have a camera that was pointed right at the truck and they said they will review the tape tonight. It might not be much but it is better than nothing.

CyMoN · 08-31-2007, 07:43 PM

well I am sure you called the cops
but ask them where most of the stolen 4 runners are found a lot of times it is the same people call salvage yards.
most likely it is a few towns away from what I have seen so it might be a good idea to call a few police stations in nearby towns.

some times I get the feeling that the cops don't give a F about stolen cars and trucks.
if you have not already posted up on TTORA and Pirate4X4 I would and 4x4 Wire. and look through the other stolen trucks on forums and see where they where found at.
from some of the sites I have read on alot of trucks end up in the same areas when found.

and I am keeping my fingers crossed that your comes back safe.

and on a side note I think the American justice system should adopt some 3rd world punishments for thief's. like caning ,whipping and the removal of hands and a branded mark.

linuxrunner · 09-01-2007, 03:47 PM

Update with more pics... these were as recent as i could find

No word yet...

linuxrunner · 09-02-2007, 10:24 PM

It's back home again

couldn't be happier... now on to the damage.

First $160 to to tow company that i had to go get it from because it was towed

Next the truck is FULL of trash, i am amazed how they accumulated this much trash only driving 20mi

All windows were down when i got it at the yard and it was in the acc position so my batt was being drained for 3 days.

CD player is gone (Worth more than anything else they stole) Both front speakers (crappy jensens from target on sale for $10 each) CB Mic, but not CB

about $2 in pennies, my sweet carpeted tool box (had only a few tools in it nothing worth anything) Sattalite Radio (Got 3 years ago on clearance for $14.99)

The really crappy thing is that they punched in EVERY lock, both drivers and passenger and rear window. Looks like they tried to punch the iggnition lock, but it was already messed up and the only thing i can tell is that they broke off a piece of plastic trim around the lock.

On to the pics...

All of the trash they piled in the back seat, some of it is from my glove box, but most is trash.

Dash

Broken plastic trim

More trash

Will at least it still runs, i am happy to have her home!!

Four Runner · 09-02-2007, 10:32 PM

Great to hear. Now, go out, get an alarm with a starter kill, move your old kill switch elsewhere, *see note, now that you've posted to all here, and abroad where it is, and how to defeat it. Get your rig re-keyed, with a completely new set.

**This goes for all of you here, as I can start, and open my buddies with a pocket screwdriver. What's the cost, $150 at most, versus the pain of a stolen rig.

*Note: Consider a double switch for the kill system, something where you have to take two, instead of just one step to start it all.

***Looks like it was more of a meth-head adventure, rather than a part-out like most have been lately.

linuxrunner · 09-02-2007, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Four Runner

Great to hear. Now, go out, get an alarm with a starter kill, move your old kill switch elsewhere, *see note, now that you've posted to all here, and abroad where it is, and how to defeat it. Get your rig re-keyed, with a completely new set.

**This goes for all of you here, as I can start, and open my buddies with a pocket screwdriver. What's the cost, $150 at most, versus the pain of a stolen rig.

*Note: Consider a double switch for the kill system, something where you have to take two, instead of just one step to start it all.

***Looks like it was more of a meth-head adventure, rather than a part-out like most have been lately.

This is true and i will need to get all new locks anyway. I will diffidently move my kill switch.

I have a buddy that had an alarm and 2 kill switches on his jeep and when thieves broke into his truck, they tore out the alarm (it was in a location that alarms going off are common) and threw it screaming into the bushes. and proceeded to try and start and drive away with his jeep, they found one kill switch, but couldn't find the other, (was not a fuel cut off like the first) so the broke out every window and set the jeep on fire... it was a total loss + lost everything inside.

... this is why before i had anything of value in my cars i would just leave them unlocked, i returned to my car a few times to find somebody had gone through it, but nothing was gone because nothing was worth anything and no windows or locks were broken.

KevinInSac · 09-02-2007, 10:58 PM

I see they left you a gross looking carpet too...

hmmwv15 · 09-20-2007, 06:19 PM

man oh man if my truck got stolen I found the guy that did it there would be hell to pay.

Do you have any people that absolutely hate you? Not trying to be funny, but it might lead to the bastage that stole it.

Four Runner · 09-20-2007, 10:57 PM

Unsticky time yet??

Kids, protect your rigs, learn from threads like this.

It's not cool or fun to be in this club..

Guardian_Saint · 09-21-2007, 04:21 PM

Maybe the tow company stole it... Poloce will report to you when they found it somewhere right?

linuxrunner · 09-21-2007, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guardian_Saint

Maybe the tow company stole it... Poloce will report to you when they found it somewhere right?

Ha your not the first to suggest this. It cost me $200

to get it out of the yard. and the really crazy thing was that when i started it up the engine was hot. Not like they just started it to get it off the truck, like it has been driven around.

I know that the truck was dumped in downtown portland, sat for a few days and then was towed because it either sat too long or was parked illeagly. I picked it up 1 hour after it arrived at the yard. The engine was hot, and you have to drive my truck for a while to get it that hot becuase i put too big of a hole in my T-stat, so i don't know how the tow company managed to get the engine up to full temp driveing it on to or off the truck.

naadomail · 09-30-2007, 07:18 PM

Hey guys I've been thinking. I recently broke the ecu relay on my rig and had to replace it. Well, long story short, It was really hard to find the problem. It would turn over but obviously there was no gas or spark. So here it goes. I bet there would ba a really easy way to turn that relay into a toggle switch one could hide inside the cab. Therefore at least one more problem for the would-be car jackers. Just a thought.

AndYota · 09-30-2007, 07:28 PM

I'm glad to see it back to you in one piece, I can't imagine losing mine.

On a lighter note, The ECU comment gave me a flashback idea. remember when the pull-out stereo head unit was the security method of choice? How about a removable ECU... they're smaller than a DIN-sized head unit, and I challenge someone to drive away without one

.

Andy.

linuxrunner · 09-30-2007, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndYota

I'm glad to see it back to you in one piece, I can't imagine losing mine.

On a lighter note, The ECU comment gave me a flashback idea. remember when the pull-out stereo head unit was the security method of choice? How about a removable ECU... they're smaller than a DIN-sized head unit, and I challenge someone to drive away without one

.

Andy.

You could be on to something here. With the technology upgrades since my 88 they could probably make the ECU as small as something i could hang on my keychain (like a car remote) then when you get in the car, you simply plug in your ecu module into a slot next to your ignition and off you go. With out it, it would be like trying to get a car to run with no ECU.

KevinInSac · 09-30-2007, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by linuxrunner

You could be on to something here. With the technology upgrades since my 88 they could probably make the ECU as small as something i could hang on my keychain (like a car remote) then when you get in the car, you simply plug in your ecu module into a slot next to your ignition and off you go. With out it, it would be like trying to get a car to run with no ECU.

I've seen that before. I want to say it's a Ford thing, But I'm not sure.

I've deff seen it though, little chip has slots on it, like a nintendo game, and you slide it into the dash, then start the car.

EDIT:
http://www.aboutsecurityconcepts.com...lts.asp?Cat=70

Diesel_Freak · 10-02-2007, 03:20 PM

Glad to see you got your truck back. Sorry I didn't see this earlier, I would have kept my eyes out around town, but at least you got her back...

I keep waiting to come out of work and not see my baby. From what I understand, these trucks are literaly one of the easiest things ever to break into/steal. I have a Viper with an immobilizer so that helps but...

08-31-2007, 07:33 PM	#2 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 23,832	Bummer, I feel your pain and loss. I hope the punks get caught and what they deserve. Your thread is stickied. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, roof top tent, so much more, see my website & buildup thread PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge

08-31-2007, 07:43 PM	#4 (permalink)
CyMoN Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: INDIANA Posts: 2,041	well I am sure you called the cops but ask them where most of the stolen 4 runners are found a lot of times it is the same people call salvage yards. most likely it is a few towns away from what I have seen so it might be a good idea to call a few police stations in nearby towns. some times I get the feeling that the cops don't give a F about stolen cars and trucks. if you have not already posted up on TTORA and Pirate4X4 I would and 4x4 Wire. and look through the other stolen trucks on forums and see where they where found at. from some of the sites I have read on alot of trucks end up in the same areas when found. and I am keeping my fingers crossed that your comes back safe. and on a side note I think the American justice system should adopt some 3rd world punishments for thief's. like caning ,whipping and the removal of hands and a branded mark. __________________ my rigs 89 4runner 1989 4runner v6 5 speed everything factory +4susplift running bfg 31s and a aux gas tank and more aux lights than needed 86 pickup 1986 stock pickup 22r 31.10 BFG ATs flatbed a sad day for the 4runner "One moment of patience may ward off great disaster. One moment of impatience may ruin a whole life."

09-02-2007, 10:32 PM	#7 (permalink)
Four Runner Banned for being an asshat Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 204	Yaaaaayyyyy!! Now, not to get too "brotherly" on you, but... Great to hear. Now, go out, get an alarm with a starter kill, move your old kill switch elsewhere, see note, now that you've posted to all here, and abroad where it is, and how to defeat it. Get your rig re-keyed, with a completely new set. This goes for all of you here, as I can start, and open my buddies with a pocket screwdriver. What's the cost, $150 at most, versus the pain of a stolen rig. Note: Consider a double switch for the kill system, something where you have to take two, instead of just one step to start it all. **Looks like it was more of a meth-head adventure, rather than a part-out like most have been lately. Last edited by Four Runner : 09-02-2007 at 10:34 PM.*

09-02-2007, 10:58 PM	#9 (permalink)
KevinInSac Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Sacramento, CA (Carmichael) Posts: 1,034	I see they left you a gross looking carpet too... __________________ 92 ExCab Pickup SR5 3.0 5spd 4X4 Pretty much stock. I've done some stuff though.

09-20-2007, 06:19 PM	#10 (permalink)
hmmwv15 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Good 'ole Georgia Posts: 1,697	man oh man if my truck got stolen I found the guy that did it there would be hell to pay. Do you have any people that absolutely hate you? Not trying to be funny, but it might lead to the bastage that stole it. __________________ Sean What I be drivin': Weekend/fun rig: 85 4runner in the building process, so far welded rear and a wee bit-o-lift. (thing 1) Daily Driver: 87 extra cab long bed deluxe 2wd p/u (thing 2) Is this going to be an Obamanation?

09-20-2007, 10:57 PM	#11 (permalink)
Four Runner Banned for being an asshat Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 204	Unsticky time yet?? Kids, protect your rigs, learn from threads like this. It's not cool or fun to be in this club..

09-21-2007, 04:21 PM	#12 (permalink)
Guardian_Saint Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: California Posts: 364	Maybe the tow company stole it... Poloce will report to you when they found it somewhere right? __________________ My Rig - 1992 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, 3VZE V6, R150 5 Speed Transmission (5 Speed Swap, running on AUTO ECU & Wire Harness) 4x4, ( 219,000 miles ) all bonestock. Replace HG at 215,000 miles ( MLS HG). 1992 Toyota 4runner V6 A/T ECU/ECM for sale, part # 89661-35770, asking price at $150.00 USD. Free Shipping in the US.

09-30-2007, 07:18 PM	#14 (permalink)
naadomail Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 114	Hey guys I've been thinking. I recently broke the ecu relay on my rig and had to replace it. Well, long story short, It was really hard to find the problem. It would turn over but obviously there was no gas or spark. So here it goes. I bet there would ba a really easy way to turn that relay into a toggle switch one could hide inside the cab. Therefore at least one more problem for the would-be car jackers. Just a thought. __________________ '95 4Runner SR5 running 31x10.5's. Installed the "YELLOW HOSE OF TEXAS MOD" Stripped the running boards and evened out the rear with spring spacers

09-30-2007, 07:28 PM	#15 (permalink)
AndYota Contributing Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Albuquerque, NM; Former NW Montana boy. Posts: 507	I'm glad to see it back to you in one piece, I can't imagine losing mine. On a lighter note, The ECU comment gave me a flashback idea. remember when the pull-out stereo head unit was the security method of choice? How about a removable ECU... they're smaller than a DIN-sized head unit, and I challenge someone to drive away without one . Andy. __________________ ------------------------------------------------ Driveway occupants: 1994 4Runner SR5 V6, 186,000 and going strong. 2007 WRX Wagon, the baby. 1988 Grand Wagoneer, the new patient. ------------------------------------------------

10-02-2007, 03:20 PM	#18 (permalink)
Diesel_Freak Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: PDX, Oregon Posts: 375	Glad to see you got your truck back. Sorry I didn't see this earlier, I would have kept my eyes out around town, but at least you got her back... I keep waiting to come out of work and not see my baby. From what I understand, these trucks are literaly one of the easiest things ever to break into/steal. I have a Viper with an immobilizer so that helps but... __________________ Project 4Rescue: 89 Gen1 22RE 5spd 4Runner...Marlin DOM rear bumper, OME rear/ BJ spacer front, OME shocks all around. Lucas Pro series HD clutch: DONE!!! BRAND SPANKIN NEW 22RE DONE!!!!! Firefighters: Cause somebody's got to step up and do it... RIP: Charles Edward DelaForest: Born Sept 78 - Murdered May 05 I miss you Brother