Has anyone ever tried swapping in newer model wiper arms onto their 1st gen 4Runner? Mine are worn out and goofy stock arms with the adapters are a nuisance.

Thinking the newer hook style arms would be a nice swap. Wondering what vehicle could be a suitable donor.

 

My 88 has a hook style

 

Solved! I was at the junk yard today and picked up a pair of hook style wiper arms off a 95 4Runner. They are a direct bolt on and are the perfect length.

It's petty, but it's so nice to not have to deal with plastic clips and adapters.

 

One more note. I just ran a quick errand in the rain and got the first real road test.

With the old arms on, the wipers had a lot of chatter, were noisy and their movement was not fluid. This led me to believe that I maybe had some linkage and or wiper motor issues too.

I'm running the new arms with new Rain X lattitude blades and they are not only quiet and smooth as butter, but the high speed is at least 50% faster than with the old arms and wipers. The performance is now as good as a current model year car.

I wish I had tried this sooner.

 

Nice find bud! Gonna have to try this.

 

thanks for the tip. Just ebayed a set!

 

Well I am glad that this worked. Girlfriend 92 pick up has old style, where my 93 has the newer style. My wipers have always lasted longer and work better. Much easier to install as well.

So know it is off to the wrecker for 2 used arms.

Thanks Hans

 

Here's a pic of the driver side install:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/72188695@N05/8237556874/
I should note that you'll either need the nuts from the later model vehicle or need to pic up a nut and washer from a hardware store. The 84-88/89 original nuts are super tall and will not fit under the lower profile end cap.

 

Hi Stanz

Thanks for the notes on the nuts and washer. Just to lazy when it was raining to try it out.

Thanks

 

I love the Rainex blades on my '00. That'a a great tip on the wiper arms. I'm getting a little tired of repainting the ones on my 1st gen (rust). You ought to link to this on the cheap mods thread. It's a keeper!

 

these 95 arms, are they they J style connection?

and how much?

 

Yes, they are the j style. Prices vary for used. I think I paid $12 per arm.

 

Going to do this. What length blades did you use on the new arms? Thanks for the information.

 

if anyone decides they don't want to swap wiper arms from another generation, and they don't like the janky adaptors, the OEM wiper inserts are still available at the dealer. im still using the original wiper arms and blades that came on my 87, and I just put new Toyota inserts in when they wear out. cost about 10 bucks if I remember.

 

Thanks for that reply. I live where it snows and want to use sightlines as they seem to work best here.