jackson352

Yesterday i got my 4runner, it runs great and has only a few problems(rear window doesn't work and needs to be held up) and some minor rust around the fenders which will be fixed. I'm not looking to do any off roading, just to enjoy my first vehicle and to use it for normal driving and getting around, although i would like to do a few upgrades. If anyone could suggest anything that could boost both fuel efficiency and horse power that would be appreciated, preferably things that are low cost, considering i am still in highschool, thanks for viewing and please reply!

jackson352

jrobertson4runnner

Sweet rig man!! congrats on the purchase, these are great vehicles. As far as horse power is concerned, there's honestly not a whole lot you can do to improve it. I added a cold air intake to mine and it helped a good bit, but it varies from engine to engine. If you have the 22re 4 cylinder, a lot of guys say putting a header on it helps, but that's normally a minimum of $500 or so. If you have the 3VZE v-6, aside from headers, cams, and stuff like that, your HP will pretty much stay the same. Better air flow will help with gas mileage, so maybe an intake, but these trucks aren't really known for fuel economy either. Despite all of that (and maybe even because of it) you will love this rig! The best thing you can do for your rig and yourself, is KEEP YOUR FOOT OUT OFF THE FLOOR!!! Lol, sounds silly, but it's what lets you get the best mileage, and prolongs the life of your engine. Congrats, welcome to Yotatech, and have a ball!!

jackson352

Thank you, and it has the 3.0 v6, thanks for the advice and ill be sure use to use it.

Buck87

This truck will never be fast. Love it for what it is. Keep an eye on your temp and oil gauges and never over heat it. The factory temp. gauge is not very accurate so you may want to add a better one. Except for the gas mileage (I get 18mpg -20mpg with a 22re) these are great vehicles for road trips. Some information like year, motor, model etc placed in your signature would be helpful for future posts. Have fun and drive safely!

Greg_Canada

You are the best bet for better mileage, drive easy, cruise alot, neutral down hills, etc. Read up on some "hypermiling"... dont get too crazy, but it can help 15-20% better mileage...
BTW, more HP = more fuel!!! Can keep your cake and eat it too!

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

Sure is lots of rust for a FL vehicle.

Congratulations.

:wabbit2:

jackson352

Im not really looking for speed or power really, just little things i could do. I do drive easy, im a patient person. It was previously owned by a man from Washington state, that is the reason for the rust. Thanks for all the advice.

jackson352

Still needs some work, its leaking grease a bit in the back left wheel and the mufler has a hole in it, we intend just to replace it. The rust will also be fixed, ill be working on it over the next few months. Ill upload pictures of how its coming along.

Buck87

I don't know as much about V-6 engine as I do about my 4 banger, but if I were doing some exhaust work anyways I would consider upgrading the whole system except the exhaust manifold. Bigger pipe, full-flow cats, high flow mufflers. Help her breath. In my opinion, for someone on a budget, headers are not worth the money. I upgraded my exhaust when I installed my long block even though my exhaust was in good shape.
Find someone in your area who specializes in toyota trucks. If the guy has a pile of old striped out truck frames in his yard you may be on the right track. These guys are a good soarce for information, and parts (new and used). My guy (Toy Connection) is way cheaper than the dealer and he actually knows how to get me the right parts new, used or rebuilt. Do any of you yotatechers in Florida know of a good toyota guy?

Terrys87

iTrader: (1)

Looking forward to your build. While you are still in high school, I would just get it good and dependable for now, it doesnt have to happen overnite. There is alot of info here that can help you out.

I would invest in a Haynes manual or a Toyota manual first. Read up on the repair and then do some searches on here to get an idea of what you are getting into. Nice Runner

Buck87

^^^^ Great advice

tj884Rdlx

nice choice on first rig. start with basics:

tires: make sure they're healthy, and inflated correctly.
oil: do your changes every 3500 miles
gas: use regular, but add a bottle of Techron for the first few fill ups
tune up: put in fresh plugs, air filter, PCV valve, have timing checked and set correctly
cooling: keep an eye that your system is maintaining capacity, look for white smoke that could indicate failing head gasket(s)
exhaust: make sure it's all there and flowing freely
emissions: check and fix any vacuum leaks
driveline: this vehicle requires the "lube" part of an "oil change and lube job". u-joints, suspension parts, etc. as specified in owners manual. replace the gear oil in your diffs, trans, t-case if you think this has been a "beach truck" or "mud truck". reoack wheel bearings and confirm hub locks and brake hardware work correctly, move freely.

that should get you started with setting up a reliable daily driver. track down the FSM (check NC TTORA website) and get your own owner's manual (fleabay) as there's more info in there than the average manual.

good luck.

dropzone

iTrader: (6)

Haynes manuals from my experience are pretty generic and border on worthless.

you can download the factory service manual here:
http://ncttora.com/fsm/index.html

or find a hard copy on ebay. I paid around $30 or so for mine. the extra money for the real manual vs. the wannabee is well worth it.

jackson352

I have the factory manual. And There is only one thing to fix in the rear end in order for it to be reliable, it needs a gasket. Theres not much work to get it reliable, it is drivable and runs very well. First the gasket, then the fenders or muffler, whichever im able to get to first. it was treated very well and garage kept, there are few problems, almost none, i just intend to be working on it throughout my remaining highschool years.