Subwoofer install

I picked up a subwoofer from someone who was getting rid of theirs.  It took about 10 minutes to install.  First I had to take off the two covers on the passenger side wheel well area in the trunk.  Then the hooks were unscrewed.  Next was placing the subwoofer into the empty hole that was left.  In order to screw in the top screws of the subwoofer you need to take off the cover.  This required a hex key for the four bolts/screws.  Once the cover is off, use the hook screws to screw in the top of the subwoofer.  Then the cover goes back on the sub.  There was a plug already for the sub, which was easy enough to connect.

Next was the dash switch install - pic #1.  That was even easier.  I took a small flat screwdriver and popped the blank cover.  Behind it was the plug for the switch.  Just plug it in, push the switch in and you're ready to go.

The guy I bought it from was using the lower cover and screws for another aftermarket sub he was placing in there.  As a result, I had to order the cover from the dealership - pic #3.  So that is the final step.

The sub does make a very noticeable difference but only for the lower bass frequencies.  If your music contains mostly treble and a little bass, then the sub is not noticeable since any bass that comes out goes through the large speakers in the front.  But when you do have a song with lots of bass, this sub kicks in and rumbles.  Many times I have lowered the volume since the sub was overpowering.  Sometimes even having to lower the bass through the head unit or switching it off altogether.  I've had other stock and some aftermarket systems that did not compare with the loudness of the FJ system w/ sub.

$1400 Oil Change and 4Runner

I decided to take the FJ to the dealership to have an oil change.  I haven't had a chance to do it myself and the garage I usually go to change my own oil was closed for repairs.  I also had an old spare tire swapped in for the new spare that came with the FJ from the dealership.  That new tire along with the other three will be sold.

So after waiting 2 hours for an oil change, the mechanic comes back to get me and shows me a couple of things wrong with the FJ - rear differential was vibrating and the water pump was leaking.  Seems that the rear differential needs to be replaced completely along with the water pump, of course.  Luckily, I bought the extended warranty and it won't cost me a penny.  So I jokingly ask if they have any FJs as courtesy cars but he says no and comes back with a new 2011 4Runner.  I was very impressed.  It is high off the ground and feels like a refined FJ.  It takes the bumps much better too.  It has much more than the FJ with the exception of a rear diff lock.  If anyone is in the market for a capable offroad vehicle with refinements I would definitely suggest test driving one.  The handsfree bluetooth is very good as well.  It streamed my music off the iPhone and I could use the car(stereo/steering wheel) buttons to control my iPhone.  No wires.  Nice.

4Runner (Note: iPhone pixel saturation line)

The service guy is informing me of the progress every day.  Apparently they had all the parts for the repairs except for the differential bearing, which will arrive sometime next week.  I told him to take his time because I am enjoying the 4Runner.  I might stop in to watch them take the differential apart so I can see the damage.  Pics will be posted if I am able to go.

Finally got the FJ back after a week.  They needed to get another part - pinion seal - which they did not have in stock.  It was nice not placing mileage on the FJ for the week.  The first thing I noticed after the repair was that 4WD was responding faster than before.  It used to take a while to shift from 2WD to 4WD and back.  Now it's almost instantaneous.