Not really, the mid-late 90s were arguably the nicest quality interiors from the Japanese in terms of material quality (padded vinyl everywhere) as well as assembly quality.

Another mindless post and sad attempt at irony/humor.

Why not talk about Olds’ motivation behind designing this car (gunning for import buyers), saving money by using the W-body platform and its corresponding 3800 motor, then replacing it with the “Shortstar” Northstar derived DOHC mill which was indeed at the time a…

Did steering rack bushings in my 3rd gen 4Runner, made a big difference in steering response and cutting down on some vibrations.

Haha welcome to the world of BOF/solid rear axle vehicles with leaf springs. It’s definitely it’s own thing, and within the realm of trucks there are big differences too between offroad suspension packages, trucks that use coils out back (Ram), etc. I’m quite used to it and dare-say enjoy it. Bounding over potholes…

Oh yeah. My ‘96 4runner’s frame is positively pickled in Fluid Film (and was Ziebart-ed by the original owner), and looks fantastic as a result (I’m in Central Indiana)

Practical Enthusiast, there is a way to check them for play, I outlined it in a greyed out post below. I’d say if they’re still tight, at 115k miles you’re still good to go. If there is even an iota of play in them though, replace with OEM.

Huh?

“The engine repair alone would probably be over $5K.”

You’re pretty new to this “car” thing aren’t you.

That’s simply a timing belt /water pump/seal replacement on a very accessible longitudinally mounted V6. An indie shop could bang that out for $600 with decent parts used.

“If you have to pay someone to do something simple like look at the frame, you might want to buy something new.”

he was referring to treating the frame with an anti-rust product, not paying someone to physically “rust check” their frame.

Yes, but a lot of the Tacoma’s frame is fully boxed as well. IIRC it’s towards the rear where it is C-Channel. Nothing wrong with that design inherently (commercial rigs use it), but more so how DANA Corp. here in the US made the frames in terms of undercoating.

4Runner uses the global Prado frame, and yes it is fully boxed.

Cheap marketing trick. The Tundra’s frame is less stiff while having a fairly stiff leaf pack out back. This allows for a higher payload with less rear end squat when loaded, while maintaining a reasonably comfortable unloaded ride. Tundra is easily the safest bet for long term half-ton ownership in terms of…

Good point. It is possible to check them for play by jacking up a corner slightly using a lower control arm, and using a pry bar against the ground to lever up at the bottom of the wheel you’ve lifted up, and watching the LBJ closely. Any detected play and they need replacing (I think like 1mm is allowable per…

Easily the best segment on jalopnik, frankly the only reason I still tune in. I’ve got an older 4Runner with the same 5VZFE and other drivetrain hardware that I similarly maintain the hell out of. It returns the favor, as I’m able to trust it to take long road trips (including some off roading at the destination).

Did…

You’re the one threatening force upon those who practice 2nd amendment rights, I simply responded in kind. Your cognitive dissonance is off the charts. And why are you so concerned about my genitals?

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”|

Wow I also know how to use the bold function, see how that works?

“they should be forced to sign up... and fight to kill or be killed.”

Honestly, if that’s truly what you…

When Spin Tires turns into real life:

No love for Soviet off-road hardware? Certainly much cruder than the German stuff, but brutally effective too. I know there is a small but passionate group of UAZ 452 “Bukhanka” owners in Japan, and they are not uncommon in Vietnam. China likewise I’m sure uses/used a bunch of Soviet 6x6 truck copies (themselves…

I’ll still buy the Toyota (and a pressure washer or some Fluid Film) over any Mexican-built-with-Chinese-parts Ram or Chevy. Ford’s F150 is the only other half-ton with 70%+ domestic (as in American) sourced content.

“More modern vehicles, especially from Japan, use timing belts”

This is kind of outdated, no? The only remaining widespread application I can think of is Honda’s J-series V6. Everything else is chain now as of the mid-late 2000s.