So what is it? Is it because I can stick any key in my ignition and start my 4Runner? Out of all my friends, I only know of two of them who have had their car stolen and guess what. They were both 1st gen 4Runners. How can you make your truck less appealing to thieves. I have the club and I am still worried. I know it won't protect me from a determined car jacker, but I hope it will deter the common variety. Any mods out there that can help? Car alarms?

 

put a battery disconnect and a secondary switch that is unseen.

 

I have the battery disconnect. Secondary switch is a great idea.. I have a shorted out alarm that doesn't function, but the light still blinks.

 

Has anyone replaced the ignition switch? What did you replace it with?

 

I have a Grant steering wheel with the security system lock:


Pull the wheel and lock on the steel cap and take the wheel inside with me.

 

I have a relay set up that will only let the car start when switches are in the right position..

need to move the relay to fuel pump, as soon as I put in EFI

or its bump started

 

The Club is a joke, 4 strokes with a hacksaw and they are defeated.

I really want the Grant hub kit like 4crAwler has, especially since my '81 will hopefully be pulling DD duties soon.

Hidden kill switch and battery disconnects are good. 12voltguy.com has a good circuit for it.
Frigging tweekers

 

I think I am going to go with a hidden kill switch next. I am going to remove the old shorted out alarm system, I think its drawing current because my brand new battery will die if I don't start the truck every 2 weeks or so..

 

Since I have a permanently install soft top, I like pulling the steering wheel, since there is no security with the top. Even with door locked, it takes a few seconds to pop a few snaps behind the cab and reach in to unlock the door. That lack of steering wheel and bright red cover where it used to be seems to be a good deterrent. Have had a volt meter stolen out of the glove box as well as the cat cut out below it while parked in the driveway, but never had the truck itself taken (knock on wood).

Will be adding a hidden switch to interrupt power to the fuel pump when the engine is running. Will let it start and run for a few seconds, then stumble and die. With the engine off and the hydraulic assist steering, there is no way to turn the wheels w/o the steering wheel and even then, it is a bear.

 

I used to own a soft top jeep and I wouldn't even lock the doors in fear of my soft top being cut. I just didn't keep anything of value.. I feel you on the multimeter in the glove box. For some reason its never in my tool box, it always finds it way into the truck..

 

I like your setup 4crawler...

 

i like the idea of hidden kill switches. theres really no way to stop a theif from getting into your truck, becuase the locks and windows arent really the best, but kill swithces, battery disconnects and car alarms can stop somebody from driving away with your truck.

i guess the best thing to do is keep your valuables out of your truck (or get one of those under the seat safes or something), and install a killswitch and stuff.

someone did say to leave your transfercase in neutral, so if they do get it started they might not figure it out and just think the truck was broken or something.

 

Yes, it works quite well, once you get the hang of installing/removing the wheel, you can do it in the dark and only takes a few seconds. You do need to get into the habit of pulling the wheel each time you park for a while, and if I can't take the wheel with me, I out of sight inside the cab.

Also handy to pull the wheel if you are working under the dash or even if you are changing into or out of snow clothing (like when skiing), makes for so much more room.

 

Where I live, it's mandatory to have an electronic immobilizer installed or else you can't get insurance. But it works great.

 

What an idea!!! Where the hell did you find that?? More importantly, How Much $ ?!?!

 

I think they run around $200 nowadays, from any Grant reseller:
- http://www.grantproducts.com/products/view/219/

 

Excellent!! Checking that link right now!! Thanks, Much Appreciated!

 

Sweet setup as always 4Crawler!!
You do have to use a Grant steering wheel with the security system (sold separately.) Total cost around $300.00
I am wondering if it will work on a 1st gen 82?

 

Contact Grant tech support or check for fitment data:
- http://www.grantproducts.com/tech-support

Not sure if the 1st gen wheels are the same as the 2nd gen, maybe someone might now that.

 

Good tips.

I didnt realize the key thing until I grabbed a friends keys by mistake, (he has a mid 90's camry). Walked out to my truck, started it up, drove off, and didnt think anything of it until I got a call letting me know I had the wrong keys. (Stupid generic bottle opener key chains)

I think a battery kill switch and a new key chain is in my future.