1989 4runner

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LoneRanger

LoneRanger

Joined
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LoneRangers 1989 4runner build

Thought i'd show off the new truck. Picked this up on saturday. I have been driving a carburetted 1984 22R SR5 pickup but decided to switch to a 4 runner for a little passenger space. This is a 1989 in pretty good shape. I will have to get used to AT and EFI. So far I like it.

Can a worn brake booster affect engine idle?

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2013-04-21 15.48.16.webp
 
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Looks like a nice 4Runner. Yes a bad booster can affect engine idle 'cuz it's basically like having a vacuum leak.
 
arndog123 said:
Looks like a nice 4Runner. Yes a bad booster can affect engine idle 'cuz it's basically like having a vacuum leak.
Click to expand...

thanks for the reply.
my idle seems a little high. when I press brakes they seem a little spongy at it makes the idle drop off. Could this just be an intake leak or a vacumn leak elsewhere?
 
Fuel Mileage Question

I have read a few threads here on improving MPG. I would be interested in hearing some experienced opinions on whether there are mods that will improve MPG. I use my truck for work and drive alot so a few more miles per gallon would make a difference. At the moment I seem to be getting 18 hwy.

Someone mentioned a header. Would the gains be worth it and would it affect other engine systems negatively?

What other tuning or engine mods might be available for this?

again mine is an 89 22RE recently rebuilt. runs very strong and smooth.
 
I don't think you are gonna get a whole lot better, especially with the automatic.

Some free and easy things:
- lose the big heavy winch up front
- pull that brush guard off too
- pack your front wheel bearings
- air up your tires a couple PSI
- set your idle speed
- check and if necessary adjust the timing
- remove the AC belt if it's there and not working, lose the compressor if you aren't gonna fix it to save more weight
- make sure your front hubs are unlocked

I assume with a freshly rebuilt engine that your plugs/wires, air filter, valves, etc are all in tip top shape and properly adjusted. I think the non-aerodynamic shape of our trucks, and the fairly heavy tires, and especially that automatic, just don't lend themselves to good MPG. I think the best I got in my runner was 20mpg all highway, that's with 33" tires, steel bumpers, a winch. I have a header, I really can't say how much, if any, gain in MPG you'd get with one. Maybe some others with the auto will chime in, but 18mpg is decent I think.
 
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coryc85 said:
I don't think you are gonna get a whole lot better, especially with the automatic.

Some free and easy things:
- lose the big heavy winch up front
- pull that brush guard off too
- pack your front wheel bearings
- air up your tires a couple PSI
- set your idle speed
- check and if necessary adjust the timing
- remove the AC belt if it's there and not working, lose the compressor if you aren't gonna fix it to save more weight
- make sure your front hubs are unlocked

I assume with a freshly rebuilt engine that your plugs/wires, air filter, valves, etc are all in tip top shape and properly adjusted. I think the non-aerodynamic shape of our trucks, and the fairly heavy tires, and especially that automatic, just don't lend themselves to good MPG. I think the best I got in my runner was 20mpg all highway, that's with 33" tires, steel bumpers, a winch. I have a header, I really can't say how much, if any, gain in MPG you'd get with one. Maybe some others with the auto will chime in, but 18mpg is decent I think.
Click to expand...


thanks.
what brand header do you use? I noticed a little extra power when I had one on my fj60.

Are there also expensive, complicated things?
 
LoneRanger said:
thanks.
what brand header do you use? I noticed a little extra power when I had one on my fj60.

Are there also expensive, complicated things?
Click to expand...


My header is Trail Gear. I think one of the favorites is the Thorley Tri Y header if you can find one. I think I have a little bit more low end grunt, just a tad tho, it's not amazing, just ok. Granted I have stock exhaust post header, maybe a free flowing muffler and cat with larger pipe might unlock more, but I really don't know.

Are there expensive, complicated things? Heck yeah. LC Engineering makes a lot of performance stuff for these engines, engnbldr also makes a performance head and a couple of cams that are popular. And then there's all sorts of stuff like bigger injectors, porting the throttle body, sufra AFM.
 
coryc85 said:
My header is Trail Gear. I think one of the favorites is the Thorley Tri Y header if you can find one. I think I have a little bit more low end grunt, just a tad tho, it's not amazing, just ok. Granted I have stock exhaust post header, maybe a free flowing muffler and cat with larger pipe might unlock more, but I really don't know.

Are there expensive, complicated things? Heck yeah. LC Engineering makes a lot of performance stuff for these engines, engnbldr also makes a performance head and a couple of cams that are popular. And then there's all sorts of stuff like bigger injectors, porting the throttle body, sufra AFM.
Click to expand...

When You installed your header did you use any sealant or just the gasket?
 
No I didn't use any sealer, just a fresh gasket. The header eliminates that joint right at the manifold where the factory y-pipe connects, which for me never sealed quite right...so in that regard, I think I've got a better seal on the exhaust now.
 
I have pacesetter headers on 2 of my toys. There ok, sound good but no eye opening difference. I have noticed you need to keep an eye on the bolts, as it expands and contracts they want to loosen enough to blow the gasket. I started helicoiling all mine so I can reef em good and tight.
 
Speaker placement

I didn't see anything in FAQ on where the best placement locations are for aftermarket speaker in 4runners.
I had my speakers in the front doors of my 60 and didn't really like the floppy aspect of them being in the soft doors.

has anyone built boxes or thought of clever locations? I thought about the panels located just in from of the door but the engine control box takes up too much space. The tailgate would be nice but I want to be able to sit on it.

would love to see some photos of your work.
 
I've been gone awhile but now I'm back. Hi ho silver n all that.
Actually I am just looking for some info. I am in the endstretch of reassembling my engine, post headgasket. I can't remember where this little grey plug goes. Can anyone help?
Muchas Gracias in advance.

mytery plug.webp


mystery plug2.webp
 
can't really help you there, but there should be an obvious connector that is nearby?

why was the engine redone again? Just the headgasket? Figure out speaker locations? On mine, there are speakers on the cargo walls near the roll bar, and upgraded speakers in the dash, but are small. Most just put them in the doors and ancor them to the metal door frame, not just the cardboard.
 
Wire colors are your friend.

The only items I can think of in that location that are not pictured are your temperature sensor (but is it two wired?), and your cold start injector.
 
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