Hey everybody,

I'm new here (as will be evident by the rest of my post) and wanted to do some modifications to my 1993 Toyota 4Runner 3.0L V6 M/T.

Here it is:



My first question is regarding the gauges/instrument lights...

1) I've seen multiple guides out there about this. Most of them have me swap out the entire gauge cluster for a new one. Isn't it just a matter of me taking out the gauge cluster and replacing the bulbs with a different colored version of the same type?

I know how to change the bulb for the heater light right below the cup holder, but I was also wondering if it was possible to change the color of the clock to a different color too.

If you couldn't already tell, I dislike the stock green color that came with the car lol. I'm leaning towards orange/amber if thats at all possible.

2) Is there anything I can do to improve my fuel economy? Besides my driving style of course. I mean I know this thing isn't a Prius or anything, but there has to be SOME fixes I can do. What I'm really looking for is something a newcomer like me could do (with some explaining). I'm not looking to change the gear ratio (honestly it sounds really complicated haha), but just anything you think I could handle.

3) Any maintenance I should be aware of that is most common with this model? Any mods you think I'd love? I just got it from my dad and Im sure he hasn't gotten it checked out in forever so Im just looking to increase the car's life.

Thank you so much in advance. Any and all help is appreciated.

 

I swapped my cluster not only for an SR5 cluster but i also put in blue LED's.


Let me see if i can find the page in my build thread.

P.S. i have an SR5 gauge cluster for sale.

 

Call your local toyota dealership and give them your VIN and ask if the headgasket campain has been done on it. If not, then definitely do it!

 

Give it a tune up, plugs, filters, oil (that includes the gear oil in the trans. and t-case) And you nailed it with the driving habits.

 

First off, thanks for the help all of you!

Is it possible to put in blue LEDs without swapping out my cluster for an entirely new one?

My goal (if its possible with my current cluster) would be to make them look something like this:
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...ighting047.jpg

May I ask what this does Dras?

I'll get right on it! Thanks!

 

Yea its easily possible, just pull it out and change the bulbs. It's super easy.

 

Awesome. Is there a certain type of LED Im looking for to fit behind the cluster?

 

A set of manual hubs will help mpg some too, plus reduce wear on the front driveline.

 

I'll definitely look into the manual hubs wd21. Thanks for the feedback.

Another newbie question (yay)

4) Time for an exhaust change?

 

Toyota had a recall on 2nd gen vehicles with the 3.0 v6. This motor is notorious for having blown headgaskets. The reason for this is the aluminum heads. If the motor overheats, it will warp the heads causing the gaskets to blow. If the previous owner never took it to the dealership to have it done you can take it in and they will do it for free. Just call your dealership and ask them about it.

And yes i would get a new exhaust. Get a flowmaster muffler and it will sound great too.

 

I just talked to my dad and he said he did do the headgasket campaign on it a couple of years ago. So thank god for that. And thanks so much for the information Dras.

Re: The Exhaust...would you recommend I have a professional install it? I'm pretty much a newbie but if you think it's something I can handle I'll give it a shot. + Where should I get the exhaust system (besides the muffler which you mentioned above).

 

You dont have to go with a flowmaster, that is just one option. There are many other options out there that would probably be inexpensive. You can probably get a complete bolt on kit that you could do yourself or you can have a custom one done by a shop. You can check summit racing for an exhaust ( I dont know if they would have it though) other than that I would google exhaust systems for your vehicle and see what comes up. I know magnaflow would probably have something for it. You also have the option of just doing a cat-back system which is just the exhaust from the catalytic converter back, or you could do a full exhaust system which includes headers and downpipe and everything else (more money). Just something for you to think about.

 

There arent any cat back systems for 2nd gens. I tried for mine. Only thing i could dig up as many people have done this was the isr mod and high flow cat with 2.25 exhaust. I have the isr mod and ive also just did a muffler change to a thrush turbo. Paid 40 bucks from napa and sounds pretty good. The light swap you want to do check out superbrightleds.com. They have many styles of lights and can match up to the oem light connectors but with leds. Buddy of mine did it to his jeep and it looks sweet. I have 31's on my 3.0 auto and get about 200km's on pavement cause i drive like a granny but in the woods its a different story. If you drive it like a race car sell it buy a car lol.

 

Thanks for the in-depth help pumba!

So would you recommend I buy the parts I want and have a mechanic handle it? Or talk to the mechanic first? Or even have me do it?

 

Depends on what you want dual single ect. Id deff have a muffler shop do it.

 

Alright, thanks so much!