Matt's 2000 4runner Limited refresh (1 Viewer)

[mattjm321]

Hey everyone,

I thought I'd post my mini blog about the 4runner I picked up a couple of weeks ago in Charleston. I was in the market for another vehicle so I wouldn't put so many miles on my 100 series. I previously had a highlander edition 4runner in college and hated myself the day I sold it.

So about the car. 223k. E-locker. Dead battery, bald tires, shot front rotors and pads, A/T transmission that was extremely hesitant to go into gear. It came from Charleston and the PO had let it sit for a year because he said he "rode his bike everywhere." Hipsters. Talked him down to $2,100. We did the title in the Wells Fargo on Broad Street in Charleston. Surprisingly his mom was the original owner.

I then drove to North Charleston on shot front pads using the handbrake as much as possible. Changed the rotors and pads in an Autozone parking lot redneck style. I also added a quart of tranny fluid and dropped in a new battery. I then went to the gas station. To my surprise the truck drove great. Here is a picture of it at the gas station. Made it all the way back to Mooresville, NC no problems.

The interior was a basket case. I wish I had taken before pictures.

Here is a list of stuff I've done:
Battery
Front rotors and pads
Oil and filter
Wipers
Almost every single bulb was burned out
Painted faded center caps (and replaced a missing one from eBay)
Removed and rattle canned the entire roof rack
Removed the running boards
Detailed in and out

Last but not least, today I replaced the tires. Found some brand new Cooper Discover ATPs in 275/65 R16 that some guy had bought for second gen Tacoma and never installed. $340.

It's amazing how much vehicle I got for $2,100 and less than $500 in parts.

So the plan is to keep fixing this thing up and sell the 100 series. Then find the perfect 200. I've had several cars since my first 3rd gen 4runner and now the 100. For those that would like a comparison of the immediate differences I've noticed: the 100 has way more power. The steering wheel on the 100 has no cowl shake. It's amazing how different that is. The 100 feels like it's made from one solid piece of metal. The 4runner is lighter and corners in a more sporty fashion. The 100 has better brakes (maybe because 4 disc vs the 4runner rear drum?). The 4runner is way way narrower. The 100 is very quiet. The rear window rolling down on the 4runner is superior to the vent windows on the 100.

Anyway that's all for now. Will post more soon with better pictures as more parts come in. So glad I saved this 4runner from death by hipster.

 

[mattjm321]

I've seen a couple of posts before about rear hatches that won't unlock by key but didn't say any solutions. The PO of my 4runner had actually broken the key cylinder off trying to open it. I fished the cylinder out of the rear door last night by removing all the panels. Turns out the old worn out key won't fully release the last split tumbler. According to the local locksmith a split tumbler is a safety feature frequently used by Toyota. Anyway, the new key worked. See the below pictures.

I plan on removing the whole plastic license plate assembly and JB Welding the tumbler back in place. I also will sand down the exterior because it is sun damaged and repaint it. More pictures to come. Has anyone repainted theirs?

I plugged the hole with duct tape for now in case anyone was wondering what that was.

 

[mattjm321]

Also here are the Cooper ATP 265/75 R16s I had installed. They fit with no rubbing lock to lock on the stock suspension. I'm pretty happy with the size but would like a little more lift. I'm considering doing just rear springs for now.

Very pleased with the tires. I've previously had a set of Cooper MTRs (don't remember which exact ones) on my old 1966 Bronco. These ATPs are barely louder than street tires and have a good deep lug pattern. They're rated for 55k miles. I think I got a bargain for $340. I forgot to say my goal for this vehicle is a lightweight and budget friendly daily driver expedition vehicle. I can be fishing in a mountain stream in the Appalachians in a less than one hour drive from my office. There are several places I go up there that require 4wd and decent clearance.

 

[Blownrunner]

Congrats on your purchase. I have an identical 4Runner, same year, trim, color. Except modded out. Thanks for the info on the rear hatch key.

 

[jynx]

Agreed, appreciate the rear key info. Mine is temperamental about working. Now I know why.

Tires look like they fill out the Wells nicely. Did you get all 4 for $340. If so you got a heck of a deal.

 

[mattjm321]

^ ^^ Thanks. I'm happy with how they look except the rear is a little low. Picked up all 4 for $340. $12 each to mount and balance. Some guy had bought them for his 2nd gen Tacoma, but then bought a lift, then bought bigger tires and never mounted the Cooper ATPs. I'm still very happy with them after putting 1,500 miles or so now.

Here's the next install:

"ORDER DETAILS:
Item: 5247
Quantity: 1
Description: Toyota 4Runner '96-'02 Molded Carpet Complete Kit
Color: 8655-Sandstone Plush Cut Pile
Price (each): 269.95
Item Total: 269.95
_________________________________________


Subtotal: $269.95
Shipping (Standard Shipping): +$32.90
Grand Total: $302.85
___________________

Thank you for your order. Please remember that most items will be custom made in the USA. This process takes about 2 business days for molded carpet, 10 business days for cut and sewn carpets, custom headliners and vintage rubber floor mats. During the busy seasons (holidays/show season) this could take 1 or 2 days longer.

We recommend that you remove your new carpet from the box ASAP and lay it on top of your old carpet in room temperature or above for 12-24 hours. This will help your carpet regain it's shape and make installation easier. For more information about installing your product, or to watch our install video, Visit our Install web page."



I ordered a few samples before choosing the Sandstone. Another poster suggested it was a spot on match - but I just had to make sure. It is. They are shipping from Seneca, SC which isn't too far from me. Hopefully it won't take too long to get here.

Finally, the check engine light came on yesterday. Code P0420. I'm currently doing research to figure out the best approach angle to repair. There's a lot of information on various forums about causes (catlytic converter, o2 sensor, dirty MAF, new MAF, exhaust leak/cracked manifold) but I'm not sure where to start besides the cheapest and easiest fixes. Any suggestions? 225k miles, completely stock intake and exhaust.

 

[mattjm321]

Found here:

Picking up an O2 sensor after work. Will install it first and clear the code to see if that fixes it. My part store won't have a A/F sensor until the morning so I'll try that if the O2 sensor doesn't do the trick. I haven't noticed any audible exhaust leaks when cold - but I haven't looked very closely yet. When my UZJ100 had an exhaust leak at the manifold it never threw codes.

I also read that the A/F sensor is for Calif. spec cars only. Anyone know? I guess I'll know by the # of cats?

 

[mattjm321]

Installing the new O2 sensor this morning was a non starter due to rust. I loaded the bolts with pb blaster first to no avail. I decided not to mess with shearing them off and tapping new bolts because I'd have to remove the 2nd cat anyway to get access.

So I just ordered a bolt in replacement Catalytic Converter/pipe from my parts store for $230ish. I ordered the 2nd converter that is downstream from the 1st - just before the muffler. It'll be here by Wednesday. I paid $66.07 for the new Denso sensor.

FWIW, I've read several posts that were confusing about non California vs California emissions equipped 2000 4runners. Mine is Calif emission equipped. Aparently only the California specific have 2 cats, vs non California that only have one. It also looks like 2000 was the only year with this issue. All post 2000 have 2 cats.

 

[mattjm321]

Today I picked up a Thule rack. I've had Yakima racks the past decade and thought it was time to switch things up. Install was very straightforward. I got the 58" cross bars but they were just a little too wide. Looked like the 4runner was cleared for take off. So I trimmed them down 7 inches with my angle grinder.


FWIW I'm still a fan of putting my bike on the roof rather than the newer tray style hitch carriers. I've been rear ended and bumped in parking lots too much. There is a slight hum with naked bars. Maybe I'll get wind deflector?

 

[mattjm321]

The roar started a couple of days ago. Replaced the fan clutch after work.

 

[mattjm321]

Recovered the armrest. Could've done a better job with smaller staple gun. Look what else got delivered!