that my 4runner has become more popular than me the driver

 

I just found the little map pocket on the driver's side of the passenger seat (after 3 years)

I just discovered the first thing about my 4runner that I actually hate!
(how much fun I'm NOT going to have swapping out the rear wiper blades)

That 2 our of my 4 cigarette lighter plugs don't produce power.

 

I have had my 87 4Runner SR5 for a year and 3 weeks.
1) A stock 4runner with a 5 speed and 31" all terrains (Duelers are what I had) can go many many places. And even more places when you have little or no regard for its well-being. - I had just got my dad to buy it for me $300 without even seeing it or knowing anything about. I figured it was 4wd (after putting manual hubs on) and ran so it was worth my money.
2) The hard top is very nice and high quality but really is a pain to take on and off.
3) I don't know how anybody works in the engine compartment on first gens without a body lift. The oil filter and starter must be rough.
4) Pulling and replacing a 22RE with another or a 22RTE really isn't that hard. They are simple, compact engines. And finding where the right plugs isn't that hard really.
5) Despite the 22RE feeling weak on the road, it has never held me back off road. I have never needed more power. Even when I had my original 364,000 mile 22RE that burned a quart of oil every week in it.
6) The original factory front seats are pretty bad to the bone. They hold you well through fast corners and feel very driver-oriented. But they suck on long trips. Give me lower back pains no matter how I adjust the lumbar.
7) No other lifted vehicle on earth has steering as tight as mine.
8) The beer belly gas tank pisses me off every time I see the passenger side of my 4runner. There HAS to be an easy way to raise it.
9) 22REs like a LOT of backpressure in the exhaust. These are not V8s. Larger pipe with a less restrictive muffler will probably decrease your power. 2.5" with a stock-type or legitamite muffler works pretty well. I have 2.5" into a Dynomax turbo muffler.
10) I found out water splashing over your headlights make you stall out. Then I found out the air intake is behing the driver's side headlight. Then I pulled the soaked filter out and drove home with no air filter. It ran terribly and made loud intake noise. 22REs like "intake backpressure"?
11) Little mods that take load off of a 22R like an electric fan, taking the AC belt off, give a noticeable power increase. An electric fan makes it rev A LOT faster too.
12) There is plenty of room on the cargo area for a 35" or bigger spare, two straps, winch controller, various shackles, tow hitch, jumper cables.
13) The rear fender storage compartments are nice but mine at least are NOT watertight. And if you stack stuff too high you risk losing it if it goes over the wheelwell onto the front side of the fender. I'm not sure how you would get them out.

 

I just discovered something else new to me: the bloody lamp in the glove box is almost impossible to grab without removing the glove box itself. Of course, I was using regular needle nose pliars; bent pliars would be better, I suppose.

I've learned that the only time I need to work on my 4runner is when it is (a) dark, (b) cold, (c) raining, and (d) no garage is available to me.

 

-I learned that I can sell my old truck and pay it off and spend $1000 to get the nicest vehicle i have ever owned and no car payment. my 1992 4runner sr5 beats the pants off of my previous vehicles (97 f150 or 2000 ranger or 2004 f150 all XLT 4x4models)
-that toyota is way ahead of its time.
-i leaned that no carpet is amazing. but the water that falls off your shoes will freeze and make ice on the floor boards.
-the day i bought it i had more money invested in the stereo than i payed for the truck.
-this forum has thought me more about my truck than i could have figured out for myself.
-I absolutely love this truck. all my other cars i have been able to find things i didnt like. this one the only problem is the rust holes(not the trucks fault)
-I leaned that every time i close my door with the key in the ignition and hear the sound of the locks i shouldn't get the OH S**t feeling in my stomach infact the exact opposite is happening
-i learned to not put stickers on your rear window. when its below freezing out and you roll the window down it will take chunks out of the sticker

 

i found out my timing chain had worn through my timing chain cover and my head gasket went at almost the same time

 

After I bought My 4Runner I saw my MOJO Rise... lol

 

I found out that i have the best value on the road and a solid off-road vehichal.
And when the roof is off on a 1st gen the lock on the tail gate must be down or the dash lights up ans says "back Door"
btw does anyone know what the button to the right of the steering wheel do? not the one for the key the one next to the green light? What is the light for?

 

those stupid h2's were the mercedes-benz version of a hummer. i always laugh when i see those vehicles. or the huge lifted 1 ton p/u's that are loaded to the brim with mods and then 22" chromed rims

 

that if you have a wreck dont even get an apprazial it has little to no value to them!!!!

 

ive learnt

-22re's are underpowered, but make up with realibility
-first gen toyotas are fairly easy to work on for a first timer
-how to replace a timing chain
-i found yotatech.....
-that 4x4in is a money pit
-my 4runner eats jeep's
-she has never let me down!

a bunch more too.

 

found out that auto hubs were an option in 87, though a HORRIBLE option as they disengage when going in reverse. WTF Toyota?

 

ive learnt that auto tranny oil is actualy better replaced regulary rather than leaving for ages to find the gearbox starts to squeak,
also ive learnt that my lux is very intimidating to the mere car driver who unfortuantly is faced with diffs rather than bumpers ( they tend to move outa the way rather quickly)

 

- shifting into low gear without locking the hubs is enough most of the time
- previous owner had an alarm installed that is now removed and left me a mess in the wiring harness
- i can do without carpet, plastic trim, and all other sorts of useless fluff
- i can work on the truck myself (installed a body lift and working on engine)
- hi-lift jacks are dangerous and take practice to use
- 4x4 is sooo fun and this truck has done amazing things stock

 

Either a TSB EL010-00 or 99 issue with my 2000 4runner.

 

Going from a 95 to a 01 4runner you learn that you can't turn off your lights (DRL).

 

I found that out about three hours into owning mine.

(I've only had it about three weeks now, nothing new to report yet)

 

Ok, new one, mildly annoying.

The door locks work in reverse of every other asian vehicle on the planet. I checked with a few friends to confirm, the 4Runner is the oddball.

My RX-7s turn counter-clockwise on the drivers side to unlock. My 4runner turns clockwise on the drivers side to unlock.

go-go-gadget aftermarket keyless entry!

 

I know it's in the manual, but it's cool the windows and sunroof work for 60 sec after turning off the motor. Provided you don't open a front door.

 

x2