Schwarzbär

[NCGreasemonkey]

Not to high-jack or contribute to one...

Just read up on the banter on the 4-Runner between you fine folks. One thing I would check is if the V-8 4-R shares the same chassis as the Tundra. I can check Monday if they are, just remind me.

Reason behind this question is our shop has had two '08-ish Tundras in with Rack leaks. One got fixed. One towed away. You have to pull the engine to replace the rack and pinion.

Engineers that don't turn wrenches cause this sorta mess!

[— kung fu jesus —]

4Rs share the Land Cruiser Prado 120 chassis, not the Tundra.

[theothersawyer]

Juvy has her options narrowed down to the new Explorer or the new 4Runner. I love the 4Runner for their rugged look especially since it looks like a bigger FJ. I always felt that it was underpowered but was extremely happy that they did do a V8. The pictures you show their look freaking awesome and your color choices would just be the icing on the cake. Are you looking at lifting it slightly? I think some truck version TE37s with some slightly aggressive all terrains would be killer.

Attachment 16228

My brother in law had an FJ with TE37's! Now he has a new Tacoma with TE37's! Off roads it all the time too!

[— kung fu jesus —]

I'm a fan of Toyota trucks. This was before the Top Gear episode. They just work and their versatility is pretty amazing. I know about the frame issues on the Tacos/gen 3 4Rs, etc.

Ideally, the V8 4R is my choice, but I still shop V8 Land Cruisers, Lexus LX and GX 470s. On the domestic side, I will admit there are a couple of models I watch as well; the late 90s 2dr Yukon and Tahoe is the one that intrigues me. I just don't like the Fords, and it's difficult to put my finger on because I like Ford in general.

There is also sort of a sleeper pick that I watch too, which may be crazy. It's the Saab 9-7x. Yeah, it's a tarted Trailblazer, but Saab resale is in the shitter. There are 5.3 GM V8 Saabs with a 4sp (meh.) auto that are absolute steals. The 9-7 has a much revised front suspension that makes it drive a lot better, but it has the power and towing I need for towing. There are even Saab 9-7s that are Trailblazer SS clones with the 400+ hp engine that no one seems to know about. I saw one of those Saab SS versions selling for about 70% of what the Trailblazer SS would. From all accounts, too, I read GM dealers are servicing the 9-7s too.

So, we'll see. I have time, and it's not a huge priority right now, but if it escalated I would know exactly what I wanted and where to find it.

[— kung fu jesus —]

I'll throw this in there, too...the '07+ Jeep Grand Cherokee with the M-B CRD and trans looks awesome on paper, still don't know if I could trust a Chrysler product though. A diesel mid-sized SUV makes my nether bits tingly.

[— kung fu jesus —]

Part arrived! The left replacement grill was here Monday, nothing to show. It was fairly simple.

The lenses, wiper arm, and PS reservoir seal arrived this morning, it's a slow work day, so why not install them? Here we go!



PS seal was easy.


The headlights were interesting to disassemble, I mean that in a good way. It was all pretty easy stuff.

I documented the driver side:










Old vs New:



Picture shot through the old one:


And again through the new one:


I washed all the seals, they were in very good shape.

Installed...


Onto the passenger side:



All done!

[Demon I Am]

It's amazing how much difference clear lenses make in the looks of a car

[— kung fu jesus —]

Someday I'll muster the motivation to clay and wax it.

[theothersawyer]

I just did the same thing and the car is so much better looking now! It's amazing! I don't recall if the wagon is the same as the sedan, but I have some chrome surround with black slat grilles if you want them they are yours for the low low price of free!

[— kung fu jesus —]

Oy! I was surprised I couldn't find any used ones when I needed them, locally. The tabs on the left side had broken, leaving just two holding it on. I installed a new aftermarket replacement, though. I may take those off your hands though!

[theothersawyer]

I wish I had known you needed them! I just installed all black ones on my car and the old ones came out perfectly without any broken tabs!

[— kung fu jesus —]

Started cleaning the paint. It has a LOT of scratches and the only way to remove those would be a full wet sand, but the wife drives it and never washes it, so feh.

It's 98 today, so I carefully washed it and the engine bay. Lots of dirt and fauna in the bay, but I washed and flushed it out. I pulled it in the garage and began with a cleaner wax, then a sealant wax, a mist of detailing spray. I only got the hood and passenger fender done, I was feeling too warm. I'll probably do a couple more panels as I feel up to, should have it done Monday, maybe.

I wanted to do the front brakes, but my 'parts guy' is out of town and I didn't get them from him before he left. :/

[— kung fu jesus —]

Pushed through and finished the job. Balls. It's hot today.

[— kung fu jesus —]

Took the wagën to W.NC. Deal's Gap. Soft suspension, slippy touring seats, but still hugely entertaining.

There were a few times I would pass people, and the surprise sort of made one of them laugh. Looks like a black e46 from the front, station wagon from the rear doors backward. So, as I pass, people are a little amused. Then I go into the next corner, heel-toe downshift and rocket out the exit. Good times.

[— kung fu jesus —]

I guess I'm gonna have to order some more Killboy photos...





My wife says the sun was in her eyes. :noddingsagely:



ALL the suspension droop, please.