Just wanted to introduce myself. I've been involved with Toyotas for a long time. Started with a 81 4X4 pickup back in 1985 and wish I still had it. I now have a 76 FJ40, a 78 FJ40, a 97 40th Anniv FZJ80 (the wife's ride), a fairly built 97 FZJ80 (my DD), and a 96 4Runner.

As you can see, I've spent most of my time working on Landcruisers but now I'm putting some attention to the 96 4Runner. I've had it a long time and drove it for a few years and then gave it to my son. It got him through high school, as we'll as one of my daughters. They have moved on to newer vehicles so I'm going to do some upgrade and start driving it again.

It's still in great shape and is completely stock except for the ARB bumper that was added a few years ago after an incident in a parking lot with a drunk driver. It just turned 200K on the odomete and has been regularly maintained but has a few dings and scratches.

It's getting a new timing belt, water pump and valve cover gasket this week.

I have ordered a new 2.5" OME suspension kit from Wheeler and plan on putting on some new 285 Goodyear Duratracs soon after the lift.

I need to replace all of the bushings. Are there any complete kits available? Will also replace the ball joints.

Any recommendations or advice would be welcomed!
Thanks!

 

Welcome to the 96 club!

I don't know of any complete bushing kits. So far I've replaced the R&P bushings (Wheeler's), the front and rear sway bar bushings (Prothane #18-1115 26mm), front and rear sway bar link bushings (Prothane), the front lower control arm bushings (Toyota), rear upper control arms (Toyota) and rear lower control arm (low mileage junkyard). Ball joints Toyota is the only I'll go with.
Those small little coolant hoses on the lower left side of the engine (Toyota only, oil cooler hoses) would be easiest to replace during your TB & WP, plus the jiggle valve on the t-stat should be put in the opposite position than you'd expect, if you're doing that.
That's what little I know, there are more and different options, of course.

I recommend pictures!

 

Sorry to interrupt... What's up with the jiggle valve? I just did my thermostat and put it in the way the old one came out, and the way my manual said. Would that be the right way?

 

Not entirely sure of it's purpose, but should be easy to google.

 

Well I just mean is there some trick to doing it? The valve in mine was facing just about straight up, 12:00. Which is how my manual told me to put it, so when I installed the new one, that's how I installed it.

Just making sure there isn't some secret trick I didn't know about, since habanero mentions it being the opposite of what you might expect.

 

Ah, didn't realize you'd already done it or I wouldn't have said anything. It's not a big deal most times and you can find info saying install at either 6 or 12, though anecdotal evidence points at 6 o'clock running a tad cooler. People have pulled the stock ones out sitting at 12.....a little Google bird might give you more info if you care to satisfy some curiosity.
So. Carry on.

 

Wow.

Sounds like it doesn't really matter...but that's some conflicting information. I mean the fact that the FSM says 6, Haynes says 12, and all Toyota Techs seem to say 12. I just have my stock temp gauge and I notice no difference in it. But then I guess my old thermostat was set at 12 also, so I wouldn't.

But pretty clear that it'll run cooler at 6.

Well...maybe at some point I'll flip it. I'm guessing that thermostat was the original, and was at 12. Interesting.

Thanks!