About my Previa and Sienna

One part I could not get off was the sliding door handle. I didn't want to bust the panel or brake the door handle, so I just left the panel partial taken off when I was replacing the sliding door components. Often times when I hit the junkyard, the handle is broken off already. Finally, I was able to find a van with the handle intact!!! So I took this video just for reference.

While my transmission was being rebuilt, it was brought to my attention that the mounts were cracked and needed to be replaced. I agreed to have the ordered. One did not come in time when the van was done. They put the old mounts in and I drove around with it. When I finally got the time to drop off the van, the new mounts were put in and it felt stiffer. I was happy to get new transmission mounts. 20yr old rubber needs to be taken cared of.

I noticed that am leaking fluid from a boot. I feel at 255,000 miles, maybe the steering rack needs a change. I looked up what components I needed for the front and here is what I ordered: Rack Doctor steering rack with inner tie rods. ACDelco Outer tie rods. I figure mind as well change those out. Next order will be for the End links. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- After looking at Original Toyota parts ranging from $300-$400, I found a business that sells re-manufactured Original Toyota steering rack and pinion for $285 . Once replaced, send the old one back and get $75 core refund. The business is called Rack Doctor - http://shop.rackdoctor.net/1994-1996-Toyota-Previa-W-supercharger-Rack-And-Pinion-20995-526.htm?productId=938  Rack Doctor certified units have: All new seals All new O rings All new Teflon rings All units come complete with inner tie rods and boots All units are bored and sleeved (where app...

Since I am looking at changing out the wiper blades, I figure look into the wiper pump itself. Price: $16.00 Brand: Anco Wiper Blades Manufacturer's Part Number: 67-08 Part Type: Windshield Washer Pumps Product Line: ANCO Windshield Washer Pumps Summit Racing Part Number: ANC-67-08 UPC: 037577061301  

I was nervous about the Previa making this journey. The heavy load (4 adults, 2 kids) tons of cargo and who knows if the weather was to be. Checked everything the night before...fluids, lights, hoses and anything that could cause a breakdown. I was seriously wondering if the Previa can take it. I am glad it proved me wrong. The Previa handled the turns, ups and downs, rain, slush, snowing and the cold. And drove 5hrs straight.

Well, after buying the Previa, I have felt invigorated to get back into imports like I was in 1999. But it appears that things have drastically changed since those times... Parts are not available... Many companies went out of business... Car scene seems to be more selective of... It is just different then when I first got into the Import scene. When I was in high school, 93-97, my parents bought a 1993 Civic HB DX. This was my car throughout high school. I then went to a Hot Import Nights in Long Beach and after that, I could not believe the popularity of the civic. This was at a time when body kits were super expensive and I think I was the 2nd one in town to have one. Anyways, this was my first "build" but was never able to finish it. This was the car that started it for me. I was so into imports, that a few of my high school buddies and I started a club called "Team Reaction" and for a minute, we were a great crew. More on that later. Anyways, in...

When I was in the import scene, there was options for pretty much every Japanese vehicle... and I remember the Previa had some stuff. Xenon Body Kits had one for Previa, there  were some project headlights for the previa. Now, in 2015, there is pretty much nothing. AND I WAS SURPRISED!!!! Anyways, I'm glad that putting on an intake filter is not that difficult. I went to O' Reilly auto parts and picked up a $25 cone filter. I just had to make sure the MAF would fit. A quick measurement (3 inches) and matching opening on the cone filter and it was a go. It was a very tight fit, I just wiped a small amount of WD40 and the MAF slipped into the cone filter's opening.

I have been on this mission to look at everything that was not touched when the motor was rebuilt, this includes many items under the hood. I was looking at my air filter and decided to clean. I picked up the Mass Airflow sensor cleaner (DON'T USE ANYTHING ELSE). While there, the A/C Idle up Valve is attached, so decided to clean those. Both Idle up valve and MAF had electrical plugs, unplug those. The Idle up valve has a 10mm bolt holding it stable to the bracket on the air box. Then the 2 hoses that are attached on the front of the Idle up. The MAF can be accessed by removing the top air box (2 clips on front, one in back, and one on Right side of van). Then undo the hose clamp and take out the MAF with the top air filter box. There are 2 10 mm bolts holding the MAF to the box, undo and pull apart. Examine the 2 resistors/hot wires and make sure they are intact. Get some inches away and spray. I did the same with the Idle up valve.

I decided to take a look at the sliding door assemblies for reference.