5 Things You Can Do To Your 4Runner During the Quarantine

Corona Virus Got You Locked Up? Here are 5 Things you Can Do To Your 4Runner While Stuck at Home

We are dealing with some strange times here in the United States, as well as the rest of the world.

With many of us being ordered to shelter in place at our homes, traveling in our 4Runners and taking those desired ‘first of the year’ trips aren’t advised at this time.

With the spare time given to you, we’re here to give you some ideas to make the best use of your Corona-cation. Here are 5 things that you can easily do at home using parts ordered from the internet!

#1 – Clean Out Your 4Runner

You might be one of those 4Runner owners like so many friends that never take the time to clean out their vehicles. Guess what? You have that time now!

Grab a vacuum and a trash can and get in there to bring your 4Runner back to its former glory.

Start with a good clean out, pull everything out of your 4Runner and analyze whether it goes back in, or straight in the bin. You might be surprised at what you find.

Don’t be afraid to be critical with your choices either; if you forgot it was there, to begin with, you probably don’t need it.

Grab a vacuum and get into those dark spaces you haven’t thought about for years.

Those forgotten fries, numerous hair pins, some dog toys you have been looking for for months. SUCK ‘EM UP!

Just be sure to check the vacuum when you’re done for money or 10mm sockets.

Finish up with a damp cloth to wipe down all of those dusty surfaces. If needed, hit it with a dry cloth to soak up any extra moisture.

If you choose you can apply your favorite interior cleaners afterward, but I keep mine product free to keep dust from sticking more than it already does.

#2 – Manage Your Wiring

Remember that one time you were about to go on a trip but you had to install those dust lights and you rushed through the install making your engine bay look like a wire mess?

Now is the time to clear your name and restore your honor amongst your friends and mechanics.

Go back to square one and start with an appropriately gauged wire. Follow that up with solid connections at both ends and a fuse as close to the power source as possible.

Your wiring management might vary from others, but make it the best that it can be! If you’re looking for a little wiring inspiration, check out this Switch-Pros installation guide.

#3 – Add Some Lumens

Lights are still available to order through many vendors, and can be an easy day project for most DIYers. If you have lights already, have you been wanting up upgrade?

If you don’t have them, what’s holding you back? Now you can take the time to figure out what you need and want to make an action plan! Check out some install guides such as Brenan’s KC Fog Light Install , or my Baja Designs Rock Light Install.

I took the opportunity to swap out one of my single Baja Designs S2 Pro lights for a pair of S1s. The project took about a day overall to get things exactly how I wanted them, and the outcome was awesome.

If you’re looking for a very simple LED addition to your 4Runner, check out this 4” LED strip available through Sloop Imports.

You can order it in a number of lengths in either a red/white or amber/white configuration. All it requires is a power source, and a metal surface to mount it on because it has a magnetic back. It’ll be the easiest light you install.

Before ordering, check with your vendor to make sure they’re still accepting orders and shipping!

#4 – Install an OBDII Monitoring Device

The 4Runner comes with limited vehicle data readouts if you have a 2019 or earlier 5th Gen. An OBDII reading device such as a ScanGauge II  or OBDLink MX+  can unlock a lot of information that you didn’t have before. Everything from tire pressures, to transmission temperatures and even detailed fuel consumption data. But the big plus for many of these devices is the ability to read and clear codes.

If you have ever been in a remote place and have worried about a check engine light disabling your 4wd gadgets, these devices are a simple investment to limp you forward. I installed one on a custom bracket near the instrument cluster and programmed in the codes for reading transmission temperatures. It doesn’t have a lot of sex appeal, but it does pack a lot of helpful features.

#5 – Catch Up On Maintenance

Chances are there are a few maintenance items that are either coming up, or have been sorely neglected in the past. Things that take time at the dealership or things you haven’t gotten to yourself. The shelter in place ordinance allows for vehicle repair and maintenance shops to remain open (as of 03/22/2020). Call your favorite service shop or dealership to see if they’re taking maintenance appointments.

Or, better yet, take the opportunity to learn some of the common maintenance jobs that your 4Runner requires using the guides found here on Trail4Runner.com. We have covered driveline fluids, changing work tie-rods, and servicing your brakes, along with a host of other maintenance items found here.

This is the opportunity you have been waiting for to gain some skills, and get things done!

Final Thoughts?

We hope that all of our 4Runner Family stay safe during these times, and with some help from us, can get some things done to their 4Runner for when we can get back to everyday life and all of those outdoor trips we can’t wait for later this year!

Remember, if you’re buying online, try to shop locally and have them deliver.

Small businesses need all the help they can get through these times. Catch you on the trail on the other side.

Questions, Comments or Quarantine stories? Leave them below!