98' XJ Sport.. Another XJ Thread

[Senor_Taylor]

Swanky for a pickup.

Don't be one of those people that calls your SUV a truck. Sure it's a similar frame and engine, but no, don't call it that.

It's literally a Silverado with a bed cap and some seats.

Registration says "SUV" :mrgreen:

[ibjeepin95]

"Swanky" trucks?And I'm just pleased with vinyl floors, vinyl bench seat, and manual windows. But I sure don't have to worry about towing capacity with the 7.3.

[V1GiLaNtE]

"Swanky" trucks?And I'm just pleased with vinyl floors, vinyl bench seat, and manual windows. But I sure don't have to worry about towing capacity with the 7.3.

True that and honestly I'd be ok buying a single cab long bed 2wd diesel if I didn't also want something to daily drive as well. It that was the case I'd look into buying the duramax/allison combo.

Alas, I still need something that can reasonably multi-function.

[D_Eclipse9916]

"Swanky" trucks?And I'm just pleased with vinyl floors, vinyl bench seat, and manual windows. But I sure don't have to worry about towing capacity with the 7.3.

True that and honestly I'd be ok buying a single cab long bed 2wd diesel if I didn't also want something to daily drive as well. It that was the case I'd look into buying the duramax/allison combo.

Alas, I still need something that can reasonably multi-function.

Drove everyday this week in my Crew Cab Long Bed 4wd duramax/allison into Rosslyn and found a garage it fits in. Only a 3 block walk. :lol:

[Jake]

Drove everyday this week in my Crew Cab Long Bed 4wd duramax/allison into Rosslyn and found a garage it fits in. Only a 3 block walk. :lol:

I figured you'd just leave it parked at the construction site in the middle of N. Lynn. :thumbup:

[V1GiLaNtE]

"Swanky" trucks?And I'm just pleased with vinyl floors, vinyl bench seat, and manual windows. But I sure don't have to worry about towing capacity with the 7.3.

True that and honestly I'd be ok buying a single cab long bed 2wd diesel if I didn't also want something to daily drive as well. It that was the case I'd look into buying the duramax/allison combo.

Alas, I still need something that can reasonably multi-function.

Drove everyday this week in my Crew Cab Long Bed 4wd duramax/allison into Rosslyn and found a garage it fits in. Only a 3 block walk. :lol:

Yea, no thanks. I can at least metro to Rosslyn now. BTW, Jake/DJ we have to do lunch sometime. :thumbup:

I test drove a 05 SR5 Sport 4Runner this weekend. Same 4.7 V8 as the Tundra. It was in Salsa Red Pearl which is a gorgeous color. I really enjoyed driving this one too. V8 was buttery smooth and just chugged along the highway almost effortlessly. I thought there was a bit much in throttle delay around town, but I'm sure it would adapt to my driving.

Ride was very comfortable and for being a much larger SUV I felt comfortable maneuvering it around. I thought it was nifty Toyota put these little mirrors in the cargo area to help you see what's going on around the rear bumper. This combined with really big windows alleviated any blind spot issues. Speaking of cargo, loved all the room back there. The split bench seat will really come in handy. I'm positive Julianne and I could sleep in the back if we wanted to on a long road trip or camping. Power rear window was a great option. I can see the handiness of grabbing gear out of the back in tight spaces without the need to lift the gate.

The only complaints that I can deal with are the V8 is rated like 15/19mpg. Mostly due to the fact it's a) V8 b) it's weighs A LOT more than the Tundra c) it's 4wd all the time. My drive selection is limited to 4Hi or 4Lo with a lockable center differential.

The V6 has true "Multi-mode" offering 2wd,4Hi,4Lo. I still need to test drive that to see if I would want the V6.

V8 offers 7000lb towing capacity(no full size, but hey). I think if I were to go for the 4Runner I would get a 2006. 2005 was the first year the V8 was an option and the V6 got a 5speed so I'd like to stay from first year quirks. The 06 got projector headlights, LED taillights, subtle styling changes, and the all important Audio Auxiliary jack!

Another contender int the eventual XJ replacement.

[ibjeepin95]

Another contender int the eventual XJ replacement.

Wait, does that ^^^^^ mean no more XJ?

[navin]

Loved my 4th gen v8 4runner... I had the Sport version with XREAS shocks, and I thought that thing handled pretty good for an SUV.

I'm sure you know this, but the v8's are timing belt's. Make sure you buy one with the belt changed + water pump. You can look up service records on cars by creating an account on Toyota's site and just entering in the VIN.

Some of the more common problems with the 4runner was sticking calipers.. core exchange calipers are cheap though. Gas mileage on the v8 is pretty spot on to what you posted.. I'd usually rock 15MPG but that was driving in stop and go traffic to Arlington. Highway driving I'd usually get around ~21ish.

The back area with the seats folded down is plenty of room to sleep in, done it before at the track.

edit -- What are you trying to tow with it? The only reason I went with the v8 is because I wanted to tow the car trailer + civic on it.

[V1GiLaNtE]

Another contender int the eventual XJ replacement.

Wait, does that ^^^^^ mean no more XJ?

No, a contender to replace DDin'g the XJ. Allowing me to focus on "Un-DD'ing" it. :lol:

[SlimKlim]

I drove Navin's like .1 mile to the convenience store and back once and it was nice.

Lauren's Sister's Wife has a V6 one, which we borrowed last summer to go pick up the puppy because the dirt road to the breeders pretty much required a 4x4. That thing was maliciously slow trying to get onto the highway. I'm not convinced you'd get much better mileage out of it than the V8 because you'd spend most of your time with your foot in the carpet.

[ibjeepin95]

Another contender int the eventual XJ replacement.

Wait, does that ^^^^^ mean no more XJ?

No, a contender to replace DDin'g the XJ. Allowing me to focus on "Un-DD'ing" it. :lol:

I gotcha. Good to hear.

[V1GiLaNtE]

Loved my 4th gen v8 4runner... I had the Sport version with XREAS shocks, and I thought that thing handled pretty good for an SUV.

I'm sure you know this, but the v8's are timing belt's. Make sure you buy one with the belt changed + water pump. You can look up service records on cars by creating an account on Toyota's site and just entering in the VIN.

Some of the more common problems with the 4runner was sticking calipers.. core exchange calipers are cheap though. Gas mileage on the v8 is pretty spot on to what you posted.. I'd usually rock 15MPG but that was driving in stop and go traffic to Arlington. Highway driving I'd usually get around ~21ish.

The back area with the seats folded down is plenty of room to sleep in, done it before at the track.

edit -- What are you trying to tow with it? The only reason I went with the v8 is because I wanted to tow the car trailer + civic on it.

Yes that was another thought on the V8. Timing belt vs Timing Chain (V6). I did see sticky brakes were an issue. The V8 has disc's in all 4 corners which is a big advantage over V6. 21ish is acceptable as I'm not sure where we will be living if/when I purchase another vehicle. The other areas we would maybe move to are not subjected to NOVA traffic.

I would anticipate towing the Xj + car trailer OR something with 4 legs..

[V1GiLaNtE]

I drove Navin's like .1 mile to the convenience store and back once and it was nice.

Lauren's Sister's Wife has a V6 one, which we borrowed last summer to go pick up the puppy because the dirt road to the breeders pretty much required a 4x4. That thing was maliciously slow trying to get onto the highway. I'm not convinced you'd get much better mileage out of it than the V8 because you'd spend most of your time with your foot in the carpet.

You're right Joey. And trying to take a V6, loading it up with gear, probably a slightly taller tire (little more offroad capable) and you're probably looking at the same mileage. I know the V8 will be consistent regardless of cargo/tire.

[navin]

Ah, gotcha. I'd imagine the XJ + trailer is gonna be cutting it kind of close to the tow limits of the v8 4runner. For sure want to do air-bags in the rear springs. If you end up looking at the Sport Editions, inspect the shocks and check for leaks... the stock XREAS system is known for leaking after 100k, but people usually just take that as an opportunity to upgrade the springs/shocks (5100's, and FJ springs will level it nicely).

Can't really think of any complaints about the car... never let me down and was awesome in the snow and towing to VIR and Summit numerous times.I kind of wish I kept mine haha.

[V1GiLaNtE]

If you end up looking at the Sport Editions, inspect the shocks and check for leaks... the stock XREAS system is known for leaking after 100k, but people usually just take that as an opportunity to upgrade the springs/shocks (5100's, and FJ springs will level it nicely).

Interesting... I swore the one I drove Saturday was definitely lifted. It was rocking 5100's and the coils looked basically new for being a 100k vehicle. The front appeared to be progressive coils.

[Senor_Taylor]

A 4th gen V8 4runner with an advance auto "raptor" muffler welded on was the coolest sounding 4Runner I've ever heard. Just don't try to wheel it with a tow hitch...

[V1GiLaNtE]

Winter updates on the XJ. Mostly maintenance items to address.



My rear leafs have settled and sagged slightly from initial trips without proper bump stops in the rear. I picked up a set of Old Man Emu add a leafs which fit nicely into my existing OME pack. Should net me about 1" of lift in the rear and bring it back to level or a slight rake.

I have no idea how old the hubs are, so they are getting replaced with fresh Timken hubs. While I'm in there I will be installing Alloy USA axle seals. These are superior over the factory plastic seals in every way and prevent a lot of crap from entering the pumpkin when they are submerged.

I was told my brakes are about half life and honestly I need to ditch them anyways since they are so shitty at stopping. I think when I redid them a few years ago I used the cheapest rock auto rotors and pads. My stopping abilities reflect this. Given all the armor weight I went to a hybrid compound which I hope will dramatically improve on road stopping power. Off-road will hopefully be improved as a large part of driving involves precise braking during descent of obstacles.

Wrapping it all up is a set of 4 degree shims for the leaf packs which will keep the transfercase and axle angles properly aligned. This should eliminate the minute vibrations I've been having at highway speeds. Hoping the weather will cooperate this weekend.

[Senor_Taylor]

I'm curious to see how you do the axle shims. I really need to put some on my Taco, but it seems like such a weird process to unbolt the axle and get the vehicle high enough to separate it from the leaves.

[V1GiLaNtE]

I'm curious to see how you do the axle shims. I really need to put some on my Taco, but it seems like such a weird process to unbolt the axle and get the vehicle high enough to separate it from the leaves.

So it should be as simple as the process for swapping leaf spring packs. Jack up the vehicle by the rear axle, place jack stands to support the vehicle at the front leaf spring mounts, and then use the jack to control the up and down of the axle.

Ubolts should be removed with rear suspension slightly compressed and then once free, drop the axle. After dropping the axle, the leaf packs should be held together with a big "C" clamp so you can remove the center pin. Install shim with new center pin through it, jack axle back into place, tighten ubolts, raise axle with full vehicle weight, remove jackstands, and then drop to ride height.

Only difference for me is I'm separating the leaf packs to install an add-a-leaf into the pack.

Simple enough? The only part the is optional is unbolting your shocks if they do not allow enough down travel to separate the leaf pack from the axle. :dunno:

[Senor_Taylor]

For me, the process seems a lot easier said than done. I know my leaves were an absolute pain trying to fiddle around with.