GM TURBO

I have a '93 4runner 2wd that was getting really crappy mileage. I knew the engine wasn't known for great mileage or exceptional power - so I didn't put much thought in to it. Mix that with remote start, winter fuel and crappy Chicago traffic and getting a lot of miles per tank isn't gonna happen.

With the recent gas prices - I decided I should try get it a little better. I changed plugs, air filter, checked cap & rotor (looked good), checked tire pressure - no matter what - gas mileage was getting worse. WTF?

It seemed to be getting slower too (think about that for awhile). It was making some odd noises - kind of a rumbling/grinding/binding and it was speed related not RPM (although it would stop when I'd let off the gas).

So I jack it up to check/lube the u-joints. I figure while I have it off the ground - I'll check wheel bearings. I grab the wheel to give it a quick tug/spin and it barely moves! This can't be good - it ended up that the calipers on both sides (passenger side was far worse) were dragging. With the wheel off - I really had to work to get it to spin. Popped the caliper off and it spun like a champ. The pads was worn - I kind of attributed that to my grinding sound.

It was odd - it didn't pull to that side. It didn't step to the other side when braking. Certainly didn't behave like a stuck caliper.

So I fix that - but my grinding sound is still there. F'n 4runner - I hate you. I hate Toyota. I should just stick with GM products....

I still had a feeling the u-joints are guilty - although they felt okay when connected. I pull the driveshaft down and the front u-joint was seriously bound up. Get those replaced (got one side out okay - tried to get the other out and there was no way in hell it was moving - went to a shop).

Now, my mileage is better. The thing is almost as fast as a 3-legged turtle. I have no more grinding sounds.

So - bad mileage and crappy performance isn't always engine related.

Ertified4Runner

thanks for the tip

tombothetominator

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, somebody needs a

chadbobb

or a slap accross the face

mikewic

hahaahah 3-legged turtle, hahahaahahaahaha

rdlsz24

I'm guessing your TrailBlazer doesn't get very good mileage either.... LS2 + AWD = (as far as gas mileage goes )

Rob

GM TURBO

Heh - I'm back to loving the 4Runner. It does everything I need in a daily. I can't say it is 'fun' to drive - but I don't have to worry about door dings, scuffed bumpers...I had some dude tap me on the way to the train station and slightly dented his hood - I couldn't notice anything on the 4Runner.

TrailBlazerSS + 4Runner = horrid average mpg

My daily commute is about 5 miles round trip. My wife puts about 10 miles a day on the SS. I figure we still use less gas than most.

In my best Cartman impression "you don't know me - I drive what I want".

rdlsz24

Yes you do use less than most. My daily driver is an LS1 GTO, and I drive 60 miles round trip a day.

Rob

gonzo

Why do they call it a "Trailblazer"
It couldn't blaze a trail unless it was on ya front lawn. LOl. They have NO ground clearance

Ricer-X

I ALWAYS PONDERED THIS MYSELF

Bumpin' Yota

Ehhh GM is a whole lot worse than toyota for reliability and COMMON SENSE in automotive engineering.

When was the last time you saw a 100% boxed frame from GM like the 4runner has? Our chevy is always having issues with the lift pump. either the lift pump dies or the oil pressure sensor responsible for it recieving power burns out. And how does that Low Nickel content block deal with 23.1:1 CR and forced induction? By cracking main webs, breakin cranks, and destroying blocks.... Then you have the whole idiotic "computerized boost" controled by the PCM. Another pinnical in GM stupidity, that and the vacuum pump, and the vacuum solenoid switching relay that allows the PCM to control boost.... Then there's the 2.5" diameter down pipe that's crushed on the production floor to make it easty to install when you are dealing with 6.5L of boost at 3500rpm that makes EGTs go through the roof....

Then you have the 160amp alternator with a 10ga charging wire. Then you have the alternator's ground being a painted bracket instead of a dedicated 4ga. GM REALLY cut corners in the CK series trucks...

Whoever designed the 6.5LTD must have been fired, because the next series of engines from GM was relatively good, the Gen IV blocks (LS1, LS2, LS4, LS6, and LS7 ) and the duramaxx...

But having said that Im so sick of our K3500's issues with electrical wiring....

TNRabbit

GO GIT 'EM, BUMP!!

GM TURBO

I've wondered why I have a 2wd 4Runner...

Speaking of no ground clearance - I just lowered the TrailBlazer. But if you've ever been to Chicago, you'll find all we have is concrete. There's no need for anything more than a few inches of ground clearance - except for the potholes that have the ability to swallow a Honda Fit.

Bump - One of the things that amazed me about the 4Runner was some of the brilliant (simple) engineering that has gone in to it. However, I will say I'd rather work on a SBC over a 3VZE anyday. Of course - being raised by a GM mechanic might have something to do with that. Toyota designed it to never be worked on - GM designed theirs to be easy to work on. Everything else has been very easy to work on in the T4R.

TBSS has the LS2. My dad has a Duramax. GM is coming back around. I just think they were away for too long.

tacoma728

i'd say hookup to a thirty foot trailer and load it 13'6'' with cinder blocks all the way back. That will probably slow you down a bit

TNRabbit

...and deflate the tires on the trailer...

GM TURBO

C'mon - that's overkill. Everyone knows it wouldn't be able to tow the empty trailer.

TNRabbit

I pulled this trailer 500 miles:


18 ft long, 2100 lbs empty weight.