So, today I got my ass handed to me doing the gears on the 4runner.

I really despise the front clam shell design and what a PITA it is to remove them. I got to the shop at 7:30 this morning and left at 9:30pm. Worked pretty much the entire time tearing things down and building the drop outs. I also replaced a CV boot and installed the diff drop.

I didn't bother taking pics of the clam shell front. But, here are the pics pf the Elocker 3rd when I finished it. Pattern is $$$!

 

Nice !!

 

Well done.

 

FWIW, the 5.29s and 33s ROCK! It finally feels like the 3.4L is worth a ----. I have to be honest and say that I wasn't all that impressed at first with it. It was marginally better than my 3.0L with the R151. Now, it feels much better and makes a huge difference with the new gears.

Just finished the first break-in run. Have two left and then will see what kind of real world RPMs I am pulling at highway speeds.

 

do you have any suggestions for gearing in 96 2.7 4cyl 5spd with 33's?

thnx,
T

 

4.88s

 

Okay, here is the real world rpms with a 33.3" tall tire.

3050rpms @80mph based on GPS

Speedo is reading slow at 75 when I am actually running 80mph based on GPS. Power is VERY good. I don't forsee any upshifting at all on the freeway except for 5-6% + steep inclines.

 

Fink

 

I will NEVER EVER NEVER EVER work on another one. They totally suck the big one.

How are the KM2s treating ya?

 

I just charge more.

Its literally a bloody knuckle battle beginning to end. Its a good 6-8 hours of labor to pull one, gear it and re-install it.

KM2s are good. 2nd set, and they are a pretty good tire. I barely hear these since they are so narrow.

 

Not a huge difference like I had originally thought compared to my 2500rpms @ 80mph w/ my 4.10 gears and 32" tires. Definitely want to hear what kind of mpgs you average after a few weeks.

Wish you lived on the east coast...I'd love to take your 4Runner for a spin to feel the difference.

 

Forgive my ignorance here but what "clam shell design" are you talking about?

 

The front 3rd member/differential.

 

here are 2nd tank mpg numbers.

Based on the recent fill up, I got 17.85mpg. That is with a general mix of around town taking the kids to school and stuff and heading to the shop and back. I would fully expect 19mpg with strictly hwy driving. Maybe 19.5 since the gears still only have 300 miles on them. We'll see if something changes after 1000 miles.

I didn't worry about the 1st 1/2 tank at 16.5mpg since it was during the break-in period on the gears and most was city only driving.

Keep in mind that the best mpg I got before the tires were swapped was 19.5mpg on a stretch coming back from Phoenix after buying it.

Scotty

 

Sounds awesome Scotty.

Any updates on the bumper fab?
Like, oh I don't know, pics?

Fink

 

WOW thats amazing Gas mileage, well compared to the 13 im getting. I put 4.88s with my 285/75R16s and thought the power was just like it was with 4.10s and 265/70R16s. I got between 20-21 with smaller tires and 4.10s, then when i stepped up to 285s and 4.88s, gas mileage went through the drain, im barely getting 14. It might be that i drive my truck hard, next fill up ill take it easy to see if there is any better results, or else i might have to step up to 5.29s. Its nice to see there will in the future be another production bumper option for the 3rd gens. I found a guy out here who said he's willing to fab some up for me, but when i got serious about it he backed off, so Mr. ScottyC wheres some pics, im interested and i dont know if youve even started on them yet. Oh and nice find on the 4Runner, it seems as if its gonna turn into an even more awesome rig than it was when you bought it.

-turner

 

Take the roof rack off when you aren't using it and I bet it goes up a couple mpg.

I haven't started on bumpers. Sometime soon I am sure, but nothing as of yet. Still in the brainstorming stages.

 

That's not bad. I average 16.2mpg city and 18-19 hwy (depending on how many hills I run into and what speed I'm traveling of course). I do wish I had the feel of a little more power from time to time though.

 

The 5.29s are well worth the $$$ for me. Especially considering where I live and the mountains around me. Plus, next week I will do a little test run with the pop-up to see how the 5.29s help it out. Just need to hit the 500+mi mark on the break-in before then.

That and the interstates are all 75mph. If you aren't doing 75, you're getting run over.

 

Not every one will see your post...therefore, create your own thread in this section: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f120/.

Ain't that the truth...