Bobs4Runner

I have a 97 4Runner and have to change out the alternator...how hard is this. I am mechanically inclined, i just want to know what I'm getting into.

Also I need to replace the rear window wiper and after buying SEVERAL different kinds, none of them work. No one seems to make ones that are held with screws anymore. Anyone else have this problem? How did you fix it?

Thanks
Bob

DeathCougar

iTrader: (23)

The alt is very easy to replace on the 4Runner. So, just go out and do it.

Get the rear wiper from Toyota. Then, you only have to buy it ONCE

rimpainter.com

Yes, it's pretty easy. More so with a body lift but easy nonetheless. Remember you can remove that little flap between the frame and the fender to assist in R&R. I always forget about that for some reason.

Yukon

The rear wiper isn't held on by screws, you have to take apart the assembly to get it on. I don't recall, but take off the two screws, and it should all come apart, then you see the hook you need to put the wiper in?

BigBallsMcFalls

it -is- two screws, no hook, and that is the last part of assembly.

you could drill the pivot I guess and mygyver a new blade, but the real solution is go to dealer and get OEM part

Bobs4Runner

Thanks for the info. My last option was to go to Toyota, guess that shold of been my first after I saw how it was.

bob

cackalak han

You can buy just the rubber blade inserts from Toyota or Autozone for cheap. 13", IIRC.

Yukon

I know i replaced mine with some cheap blade from walmart... Maybe i need to go look at it again

Yukon

Yup looks like mines differnt. Instead of attaching to the wiper, the screws attach to this piece that turns into a J hook. Maybe you can get an adaptor somwhere like that.

Crapppy picture:

JulsTirn

not sure what mine is but i always have trouble finding the rear blade!!

SoCalPaul

Either use a refill blade, or checkout Bosch & Trico. I believe they have the proper adapters with the assemblies. I know I had no trouble finding mine about 6 months ago.

Bobs4Runner

Thanks for the help. Just another question though.

Since I found ouit it was the battery, not the alternator, that was bad, I bought a Red Top Optima 34 series battery. Installed easy except the positive cable is really tight and stretched. How hard is it to replace the positive cable and what size would I need? I need about 2" more of cable to make it somewhat better.

ALSO....since last night I tried to "adjust" my right headlight, wheres the best place to get a replacement? I heard to snaps and cracks so I think I need the whole assembly.

Gotta love when 1 thing goes bad...so does another!

Thanks
Bob

Ritzy4Runner

iTrader: (1)

Take a closer look at your headlight bucket. There is a spring in there that may have been what you heard. (I can see you cringe when I tell you this) Remove the grill to get at the entire headlight assembly and verify what the issue is. Adjusting the headlight position should not have created an issue or broken anything unless you tried to remove the wrong screw ... anyway, I would recommend, if you need to replace a headlight, try to locate a good wrecking yard and do the headlight upgrade to the 99-02 headlights. Total plug and play with them and they look way nicer and do put out a bit more light. I did the upgrade to my '98 with '00 headllights so I do have one of my '98 headlights available which is the same OEM for your '97. I believe its the passenger side. If you have to go to the dealer for that part its gonna be around $300. As for the battery cable, did you get the proper model battery? I know, I know, but just checking, sometimes those battery places can get the wrong battery for your vehicle, maybe a similar model that is too tall? Looking at your engine from the grill, the positive terminal is on the left rear corner of the battery when installed? Not much room for error if the right battery is installed correctly, both posts to the rear + left - right. As far as replacing the battery + cable should not be too difficult if you have to mod the cable and get a longer one, but check the battery first. There is only about an inch of play in that cable at least on my 4runner anyway.

rimpainter.com

I ran an Optima Red Top before. To "solve" the short + cable issue, I just turned the battery on its side, which is perfectly fine if you're using a gel-type battery such as an Optima. I ran that way for years.