Scored a Pristine 2004 Toyota 4-Runner

[Redthies]

The Cherokee and 4Runner are too similar in my mind. I’d keep the TJ, and use the 4Runner to haul more stuff, or take the rear seat out of the TJ.

Because everyone likes pics, my TJ, CJ7, and previous 4Runner which ironically came up for sale again today by the guy who bought it from me:

[Mistered]

or take the rear seat out of the TJ.

The rear seat was out shortly after buying it!
Reality is I didn't/don't use the TJ as much as I thought I would be. I typically don't just use it for 'off roading' as my off road pursuits are usually combined with other outdoor activities and bringing a few things with me.
I love the TJ but all things considered I think it's the best one to let go of now with the Cherokee later and maybe find a good pickup.

[Mags]

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My top would shrink and then be nearly impossible to restretch to snap the snaps to the body. Then driving along they would unsnap

Yea - I hope I am making the right choice - I know I am basing my decision on the practicality of it. The TJ has been fun (like all my other typical Jeeps) but they are really small. Its difficult to load even the basics for a shooting session such as chairs, target boards , stands and a small table to set up.
Pretty much unless one is just driving around and not hauling anything its OK but even with the back seat removed there is very little room for anything. I'll keep the Cherokee for a while and do a few repairs it needs and sell it later but for now it will make a good 'backup'.
The TJ has been fun in the summer with the top off but even that is kind of a pain. It ain't just a matter of unzipping the panels, peeling off the top and folding everything up to store.
Kind of seems like I have talked myself into selling it eh? It will sell quickly and I'll be over it soon!

[Mags]

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Love my 2000 Tundra!

... and maybe find a good pickup.

[Mistered]

A better pic.

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[Mistered]

Well, the other day I thought I had more prepped 30-30 brass but only had six pieces.
Regardless I loaded them up with 12 grains of Unique and the 110 Gr. Speer FMJ bullets and finally got out to shoot them today.
Mostly I was trying out my new 4Runner off road but I scrounged an unbroken clay I found and sat it on a stump at about 125 yards away.
First shot dusted the clay! Another shot was at a rock in the road at about 100 yards that went flying as well.
I think these .30 cal FMJ bullets will be my new 30-30 'plinkers' !
A couple pics of my new 4Runner getting dirty!

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[JEBar]

good to hear about both the 'plinkers' and 4Runner ..

[Mistered]

good to hear about both the 'plinkers'

Yea - my 26" 100 year Commemorative Winchester is quickly becoming my favorite 30-30 - with as accurate as I am shooting it!

[GFK]

Nice looking Toyota and Jeep. I have not owned a Jeep. I was looking at a Grand Cherokee. But, my wife preferred a minivan. Since it was for her, we got a van. I have had two Toyotas (Highlander and Tacoma). Both, I have enjoyed. Both have involved very little repairs. Toyota even replaced the frame on my Tacoma because of possible rust. I will probably keep it until it starts to rust. It's a 2006 model. Other than oil changes and tires, it does not involve much upkeep.

[Mags]

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Just remember to activate and use 4-low monthly or so. I didn't and now the mechanical part of the actuator of my 2000 Tundra is seized. 4-Hi works. I use it in the rain. 4-low I can hear the solenoid trying, but no lock in.

Nice looking Toyota and Jeep. I have not owned a Jeep. I was looking at a Grand Cherokee. But, my wife preferred a minivan. Since it was for her, we got a van. I have had two Toyotas (Highlander and Tacoma). Both, I have enjoyed. Both have involved very little repairs. Toyota even replaced the frame on my Tacoma because of possible rust. I will probably keep it until it starts to rust. It's a 2006 model. Other than oil changes and tires, it does not involve much upkeep.

[Mistered]

Just remember to activate and use 4-low monthly or so.

Yes I will - when I get it working! I discovered just yesterday it will not go into 4 low. Apparently the previous owners did not do this and the actuator is most likely seized.
Been reading up on this and it's not uncommon and there are some things to try to get it to work.

[GFK]

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Just remember to activate and use 4-low monthly or so. I didn't and now the mechanical part of the actuator of my 2000 Tundra is seized. 4-Hi works. I use it in the rain. 4-low I can hear the solenoid trying, but no lock in.

Nice looking Toyota and Jeep. I have not owned a Jeep. I was looking at a Grand Cherokee. But, my wife preferred a minivan. Since it was for her, we got a van. I have had two Toyotas (Highlander and Tacoma). Both, I have enjoyed. Both have involved very little repairs. Toyota even replaced the frame on my Tacoma because of possible rust. I will probably keep it until it starts to rust. It's a 2006 model. Other than oil changes and tires, it does not involve much upkeep.

Thanks! I typically do engage 4-Hi monthly. I engage 4-Lo very seldom. I guess I will engage it more often now. I did notice something about 4-Lo. It has to be engaged while in 4-Hi at a stop. It will not engage on the fly or while in 2-WD. At times, I forget that and think I have an issue. That should give an idea of how often I engage 4-Lo.

P.S.
I have to put it in neutral also. Just checked to see if things are working. This is my first 4x4. So, I am learning as I go along.

[Mistered]

Out with a propane 'torpedo' heater directed at the transfer case trying to warm up the most likely seized lithium grease in the actuator motor and giving it some regular 'raps' with a hammer trying to break it free.
While this is a KNOWN issue it seems many are eventually getting them to free up and engage by these methods so I am giving it a try!

[GFK]

Interesting. That is an idea. Would like to know the outcome.

[Mistered]

Interesting. That is an idea. Would like to know the outcome.

I'll post the outcome good or bad! I am hoping I'll get the result most have been reporting and that is getting it freed up.
I'll keep the heat on it tonight for a while and tomorrow I am going to go slam this thing off road a bit and put it though its paces and hopefully break it free!
I might get a few shots downrange while I am out also!

[Mags]

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I read up on this issue quite sometime ago. Using a propane heater assist I hadn't seen before. I did read where someone loosened the solenoid plunger part of the actuator partially. Then activating 4lo such that the plunger rod extends into the txfr case and the solenoid backs away against the solenoid bolt heads. Then using a mallet on the back of the activated solenoid to drive the extend plunger rod into the txfr case to free up the mechanical part of the actuator inside the txfr case. I tell this from memory, so take the details with a grain of salt. I personally did not try anything yet. I was afraid of getting it stuck in 4lo.

Out with a propane 'torpedo' heater directed at the transfer case trying to warm up the most likely seized lithium grease in the actuator motor and giving it some regular 'raps' with a hammer trying to break it free.
While this is a KNOWN issue it seems many are eventually getting them to free up and engage by these methods so I am giving it a try!

[Mags]

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Ya the dashboard will scream at you if you try 4lo on the fly!

... I typically do engage 4-Hi monthly. I engage 4-Lo very seldom. I guess I will engage it more often now. I did notice something about 4-Lo. It has to be engaged while in 4-Hi at a stop. It will not engage on the fly or while in 2-WD. At times, I forget that and think I have an issue. That should give an idea of how often I engage 4-Lo.

P.S.
I have to put it in neutral also. Just checked to see if things are working. This is my first 4x4. So, I am learning as I go along.

[Mistered]

I did read where someone loosened the solenoid plunger part of the actuator partially.

Read something nearly verbatim yesterday.
It wasn't as advanced as mentioning operating the actuator to back it away from the transfer case and tapping it forward but it makes sense.
I am going to search heavily and try to find as much info on this as I can and study it thoroughly before attempting it - and will probably keep trying the 'basic' suggestions before trying it.
I might at a minimum loosen the three bolts that hold the actuator to the transfer case and see if i can get any movement out if it first before trying anything more dramatic.

[If1Hitu]

Congratulations on your ownership.

[Mistered]

Congratulations on your ownership.

Thanks - most I know are still envious of the deal I got!