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Show me your old Tacos (4Runner, FJ, Landcruiser, bronco etc)

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Looking for a little experienced help here, as I'm not doing great using Google, youtube or ChatGPT.  Can seem to find every other Gen, lower HVAC, etc, but not that upper A/C vent area for the right year/Gen.

I have managed to break the passenger/right side air vent in the center console to the point it needs to be replaced.  I need help understanding how to take the upper dash/console assembly apart so that I can replace the part in total - there is no fixing the busted fins.

2016 4Runner SR5

The part: 55680-35022 https://parts.longotoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-vent-grille-5568035022

image.png.d6b88c993d0e71ea8f12c4ad10a20839.png

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25 minutes ago, Mittens said:

Looking for a little experienced help here, as I'm not doing great using Google, youtube or ChatGPT.  Can seem to find every other Gen, lower HVAC, etc, but not that upper A/C vent area for the right year/Gen.

I have managed to break the passenger/right side air vent in the center console to the point it needs to be replaced.  I need help understanding how to take the upper dash/console assembly apart so that I can replace the part in total - there is no fixing the busted fins.

2016 4Runner SR5

The part: 55680-35022 https://parts.longotoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-vent-grille-5568035022

image.png.d6b88c993d0e71ea8f12c4ad10a20839.png

 

This vid is to replace the head unit but the steps would be the same to access the air vents it appears:

 

 

Youdaman, @smuggs!  Thanks!  If anyone has suggestions on how to not fuck that process up, I'm all ears.  Been breaking damn near everything I touch lately.

1 minute ago, Mittens said:

Youdaman, @smuggs!  Thanks!  If anyone has suggestions on how to not fuck that process up, I'm all ears.  Been breaking damn near everything I touch lately.

Proper tools help.  If you don't have a set of trim removal tools, you should get some.

Yeah I bought a set of cheap nylon ones on Amazon. They've come in very handy over the years.

Ignore dents for that price or accept that a teenager will cause more

 

This was supposed to be a reply to the Tacoma for 7K

Edited by AUinHsv

14 hours ago, Jerry Callo said:

Proper tools help.  If you don't have a set of trim removal tools, you should get some.

Harbor freight for the win

How many miles are too many miles when buying a used Taco or 4Runner for a 16 y.o.? I don't want to spend too much of my time taking it to the shop. 125k? 150k?

I have purchased 4 Toyotas in the past 15 years or so - 3 4Runners and 1 Taco.  Current 4Runner is the 1st w/ under 120K at purchase (105K).  2 of the 3 previous had 225K at time of sale and the 3rd was on it's way before an accident.  None were ever in the shop for engine issues.  The Taco had an issue w/ suspension and a leaking something or other on one wheel.  Other than that, bulletproof.

19 hours ago, Mittens said:

Done - thanks y'all!

I was going to the say that the most important thing is don't do this kind of job when it's cold. Or at least run the heater for a long time. The plastic tabs can become brittle. 

26 minutes ago, Mittens said:

I have purchased 4 Toyotas in the past 15 years or so - 3 4Runners and 1 Taco.  Current 4Runner is the 1st w/ under 120K at purchase (105K).  2 of the 3 previous had 225K at time of sale and the 3rd was on it's way before an accident.  None were ever in the shop for engine issues.  The Taco had an issue w/ suspension and a leaking something or other on one wheel.  Other than that, bulletproof.

Thanks for the info. Buying one with ~200k would make me nervous, but maybe it shouldn't. My first car was a '91 4Runner that I drove like a total asshole for 8 years and it was starting to lose pressure in one cylinder when I traded it in with just a shade less than 200k. With the way that I abused that thing it's incredible it lasted that long.

Where are we at with opinions on the 4 cylinder hybrid situation with the new 4runner? 

5 hours ago, The Royal We said:

How many miles are too many miles when buying a used Taco or 4Runner for a 16 y.o.? I don't want to spend too much of my time taking it to the shop. 125k? 150k?

Just stay away from 4Runner limited or any other package that runs the X-Reas suspension system.  It will go out and will cost a bunch to replace or convert.

I think we are assuming the 125K miles are on older models. I would stay away from any current models - Toyota is really having various issues with current engines.

10 minutes ago, Jerry Callo said:

Just stay away from 4Runner limited or any other package that runs the X-Reas suspension system.  It will go out and will cost a bunch to replace or convert.

Haven't looked in ten years but isn't the conversion just switching to new, no XReas shocks and eliminating the whole active component? At about 100K miles you need to be looking at shocks in any case

 

1 minute ago, AUinHsv said:

Haven't looked in ten years but isn't the conversion just switching to new, no XReas shocks and eliminating the whole active component? At about 100K miles you need to be looking at shocks in any case

The X-REAS system often fails between 40-60k, ours started leaking about 65k.  Apparently the vehicle won't ride correctly without replacing shocks and coil springs all the way around.  I got a quote to replace the X-REAS with a new X-REAS for $4200 and a quote to replace with SR5 shocks and coils for $3000. 

18 minutes ago, AUinHsv said:

I think we are assuming the 125K miles are on older models. I would stay away from any current models - Toyota is really having various issues with current engines.

What does "current" mean to you?

2 hours ago, Jerry Callo said:

The X-REAS system often fails between 40-60k, ours started leaking about 65k.  Apparently the vehicle won't ride correctly without replacing shocks and coil springs all the way around.  I got a quote to replace the X-REAS with a new X-REAS for $4200 and a quote to replace with SR5 shocks and coils for $3000. 

It's been about ten years but I paid about 100 each for OEM shocks. I did the rears myself buth te fronts were coilover so I paid the garage about 250 for both. 2001 4Runner. Didn;t have to add coils and a few years time but still way lower

Was told my son's truck might need a new cat.

 

20250128_140547.thumb.jpg.c940a1d76754d197b1a4e4ad4c6d1e3a.jpg

 

New cat added.

8 hours ago, The Royal We said:

How many miles are too many miles when buying a used Taco or 4Runner for a 16 y.o.? I don't want to spend too much of my time taking it to the shop. 125k? 150k?

I wouldn't go above 200k, but you're good at 125k or 150k, IMO.  As long as it has been maintained.  Every vehicle, including Toyota trucks, needs to be maintained to operate properly.

2 hours ago, Jerry Callo said:

The X-REAS system often fails between 40-60k, ours started leaking about 65k.  Apparently the vehicle won't ride correctly without replacing shocks and coil springs all the way around.  I got a quote to replace the X-REAS with a new X-REAS for $4200 and a quote to replace with SR5 shocks and coils for $3000. 

I replaced my ex-wife's with Bilsteins all the way around for around a grand (pre-2020) and she said it was a better ride. 

I've got a 2001 LX470. Bought with 135k miles on it for $12k back in 2018. This was definitely higher than market, but the interior was like new, timing belt had just been done, drove great, and a little perk of it being from a Sewell dealership (loaner cars, car washes, etc.). We were planning on a brand new RX, but my wife saw the LX and loved it. I was hesitant, but it has been awesome.

Fast forward to now. Approaching 230k miles. We've had some work over the years, but nothing too outrageous although I've put about $2,500 into it over the last 5 months for brakes, tie rod, CV Axle Assembly and a couple other things. Still seems to be running a bit rougher. We're due for another timing belt job, which LandCruiser Specialists here in town have quoted me at ~$2,400.

TLDR: I'm at 230k miles and due for a $2,400+ timing belt job. Part of me says no brainer. Get it done, and keep driving. But what does that really buy me? Maybe 70k more miles? Alternatively I try to sell it in this overpriced market, hopefully to somebody that doesn't know what a timing belt is.

What would y'all do?

The 2UZ will easily go at least 300k, so there’s plenty of life left in it. I’d keep it around.

23 hours ago, Mittens said:

What does "current" mean to you?

Mainly the twin turbo V6 on the larger 22/23 models.

Edited by AUinHsv

On 1/28/2025 at 8:44 AM, The Royal We said:

How many miles are too many miles when buying a used Taco or 4Runner for a 16 y.o.? I don't want to spend too much of my time taking it to the shop. 125k? 150k?

I have 180K on my 2013 Taco and intend to get double that. Boight new and maintained.

Could be a non issue for you if the other guy took care if it.

I've got a 2001 LX470. Bought with 135k miles on it for $12k back in 2018. This was definitely higher than market, but the interior was like new, timing belt had just been done, drove great, and a little perk of it being from a Sewell dealership (loaner cars, car washes, etc.). We were planning on a brand new RX, but my wife saw the LX and loved it. I was hesitant, but it has been awesome.
Fast forward to now. Approaching 230k miles. We've had some work over the years, but nothing too outrageous although I've put about $2,500 into it over the last 5 months for brakes, tie rod, CV Axle Assembly and a couple other things. Still seems to be running a bit rougher. We're due for another timing belt job, which LandCruiser Specialists here in town have quoted me at ~$2,400.
TLDR: I'm at 230k miles and due for a $2,400+ timing belt job. Part of me says no brainer. Get it done, and keep driving. But what does that really buy me? Maybe 70k more miles? Alternatively I try to sell it in this overpriced market, hopefully to somebody that doesn't know what a timing belt is.
What would y'all do?

If you want to sell let me know. Might be interested
I've got a 2001 LX470. Bought with 135k miles on it for $12k back in 2018. This was definitely higher than market, but the interior was like new, timing belt had just been done, drove great, and a little perk of it being from a Sewell dealership (loaner cars, car washes, etc.). We were planning on a brand new RX, but my wife saw the LX and loved it. I was hesitant, but it has been awesome.
Fast forward to now. Approaching 230k miles. We've had some work over the years, but nothing too outrageous although I've put about $2,500 into it over the last 5 months for brakes, tie rod, CV Axle Assembly and a couple other things. Still seems to be running a bit rougher. We're due for another timing belt job, which LandCruiser Specialists here in town have quoted me at ~$2,400.
TLDR: I'm at 230k miles and due for a $2,400+ timing belt job. Part of me says no brainer. Get it done, and keep driving. But what does that really buy me? Maybe 70k more miles? Alternatively I try to sell it in this overpriced market, hopefully to somebody that doesn't know what a timing belt is.
What would y'all do?
You've got 200k+ left in that truck if you still like driving it.

son's truck passed smog as-is

new cat removed

20250128_141012.thumb.jpg.9a2b29cdc9d6085a9304bbbe657eae26.jpg

On 1/29/2025 at 11:39 AM, Spoosner said:

I've got a 2001 LX470. Bought with 135k miles on it for $12k back in 2018. This was definitely higher than market, but the interior was like new, timing belt had just been done, drove great, and a little perk of it being from a Sewell dealership (loaner cars, car washes, etc.). We were planning on a brand new RX, but my wife saw the LX and loved it. I was hesitant, but it has been awesome.

Fast forward to now. Approaching 230k miles. We've had some work over the years, but nothing too outrageous although I've put about $2,500 into it over the last 5 months for brakes, tie rod, CV Axle Assembly and a couple other things. Still seems to be running a bit rougher. We're due for another timing belt job, which LandCruiser Specialists here in town have quoted me at ~$2,400.

TLDR: I'm at 230k miles and due for a $2,400+ timing belt job. Part of me says no brainer. Get it done, and keep driving. But what does that really buy me? Maybe 70k more miles? Alternatively I try to sell it in this overpriced market, hopefully to somebody that doesn't know what a timing belt is.

What would y'all do?

I have a 2000 LX470.  I agree with the others, plenty of life left in it. I drove mine myself for about a year and enjoyed it quite a bit. Then passed it down to one teenager for high school  and he took it out of state to college for a year.  I got him a truck this summer and now his little brother is driving the LX470 in his high school years. Last time I looked we had 280k on it. It’s been into Land Cruiser Specialist a few times for various things, timing belt, an alternator, some brake work, etc.. I trust those guys quite a bit.  They keep reassuring me that it’s nowhere near the end of its life.  

I would say that at this age it’s becoming kind of a niche vehicle and anyone you sell it to will be fairly familiar with them. I don’t think you’ll hide a timing belt due. You having some other work done on that besides the timing belt? I know with inflation things are costing more, but when I did ours may be a year and a half ago I think we paid $950 for it. 

On 1/18/2023 at 7:00 PM, Anton Chigurh said:


It really is my least favorite part of the damn vehicle.

Can also add to that: have rock shield bolts previously over tightened before your ownership that cause them to strip out. Part is not replaceable since it’s part of the core support, so I had to drill and tap. Went ahead and did all 4 so I have new threads and same bolt size on all of them. Stupid. I might actually get this just so I don’t ever have to touch it again.

https://rcimetalworks.com/product/10-19-4runner-front-skid-plate/

did you ever do this?

anyone else have a recommendation for skid plates for the FJ?

My 99 4Runner SR5 Sport has only 174k on it.  The paint is for shit but it run though the plastics are getting brittle and I have to baby them.  Had a weird electrical issue last week and it always triggers a “is it time?” Cloud in my head.  My shop called me and said it was a bad headlight relay for $48 bucks.  When they went to fix it they decided it just needed a good cleaning in the contacts.  No parts.  I gave em $40 for their effort and driving neck and forth.  Trust revived.  I’ve had it since 03 as a low mileage certified lease turn in.

On 2/9/2025 at 9:29 AM, Texzilla58 said:

My 99 4Runner SR5 Sport has only 174k on it.  The paint is for shit but it run though the plastics are getting brittle and I have to baby them.  Had a weird electrical issue last week and it always triggers a “is it time?” Cloud in my head.  My shop called me and said it was a bad headlight relay for $48 bucks.  When they went to fix it they decided it just needed a good cleaning in the contacts.  No parts.  I gave em $40 for their effort and driving neck and forth.  Trust revived.  I’ve had it since 03 as a low mileage certified lease turn in.

Yeah, I sold my 98 4R SR5 with 240k back probably 10 years ago.  Everything worked, I was just bored with it.  I'm sure it's still on the roads unless the kid I sold it to wrecked it.

Son's thinking about installing cruise control on his '07 Taco.

Are they factory wired for that (just install the steering wheel column stalk) or do you have to install everything else, too?

Everything I read for my 2010 FJ said they all had it you just had to install the stick on the steering wheel and connect the wires and you were good to go. 
 

I was not in fact good to go after installing and wiring it up. YMMV

  • 2 weeks later...
On 8/7/2024 at 1:13 PM, Mittens said:

 

back in 97, paid $34k for a black brand new 4W Limited. wish i still had in 

On 2/10/2025 at 5:02 PM, Chewbacca said:

Yeah, I sold my 98 4R SR5 with 240k back probably 10 years ago.  Everything worked, I was just bored with it.  I'm sure it's still on the roads unless the kid I sold it to wrecked it.

My son says he wants first right of refusal on it.  I think he’s quieted that, thinking he’ll get it when I die.  I might just sell it if I got the right price

2 hours ago, topochico said:

That feels like too good of a deal. Salvage title? 

I just looked again, it is.

I figure I should just post this here.

So since about 2002 I've driven Chevrolet 1500's.  A 2002, 2014 and now a 2020.  (With the exception of the Jeep mistake I made for a year)

I really like my truck a lot, but I really like the "sporty" look of the Taco's/4 Runners etc.  My fear is that I will regret going to a smaller truck/SUV regarding room and power.  

Would I?

Did any of you?

You'll never regret it in a parking lot, that's for sure.

As for room/power, I'm the wrong one to ask - been in a 4Runner or Tacoma for the last 15-16yrs.  I have always preferred the smaller cabin vs a 1500.  I like being able to reach the other door without having to lay across the cabin.  Never had an issue w/ the V6 as far as power either.

Good grief - some of us are old enough to remember when the compact pickups topped out at about 100HP. Anything today is about 3x that so unless you plan on towing a huge amount - get the Tacoma. Also get off my yard :)

  • 2 weeks later...
On 11/28/2023 at 1:07 PM, Mittens said:

Buddy of mine bought an 82 Datsun to fix up for his kid.  Just got it back from paint - cheap paint/decals but good enough to look slick from 10' away.  All the black parts are rhinolined now as well.

Start: 

image.thumb.png.cfc1ad50b9a6f1c4ac26b2fa29c85d52.png

No photo description available.

No photo description available.

 

Today:

image.png.56757b7ef787d21bf5cf8b3c1b448d94.png

image.png.f75c991c94f5a489b483519517e99132.png

image.png.fb3c95fd2335e4288b5e82526c8e8745.png

image.png.ae4ac2b366dc9e0e09bbe74ecb8099bc.png

 

 

My boy just sold this for $12,900, and the guy who bought it is listing it for like $17K!

He bought it for $2,400 and put like $6,000 into it. 

btw - If you're into International Scouts, he is flipping them now.  He has 5 now that he's cleaning up and making nice.  

On 1/27/2025 at 2:35 PM, Mittens said:

Looking for a little experienced help here, as I'm not doing great using Google, youtube or ChatGPT.  Can seem to find every other Gen, lower HVAC, etc, but not that upper A/C vent area for the right year/Gen.

I have managed to break the passenger/right side air vent in the center console to the point it needs to be replaced.  I need help understanding how to take the upper dash/console assembly apart so that I can replace the part in total - there is no fixing the busted fins.

2016 4Runner SR5

The part: 55680-35022 https://parts.longotoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-vent-grille-5568035022

image.png.d6b88c993d0e71ea8f12c4ad10a20839.png

Following - broke off the little plastic handle to an air freshener  in one of the vents, so when I crank the air it rattles around in there and drives me crazy

Ordered this part: https://parts.capovalleytoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-vent-grille-5568035022

edit:  This may seem obvious, but there are R/L versions of that part so make sure you get the correct one.

Ordered the removal tools as well, but didn't end up using them.  No biggie - they were under $10 and I feel like there will come a time for them in the future.  Everything pulled off by hand, and I think there may have been a few screws holding the actual piece.  Super easy - took probably 15 minutes total.

Edited by Mittens

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