Easter Bunny II: Mild build thread, 5th Gen Discussion and Adventures

[Diff Kraken]

Well... here I am again. This is my second time purchasing a Super White (Paint Code #040 - for '24 they call it "Ice Cap") 5th Gen TRD Off Road Premium 4Runner with KDSS, my 5th Toyota truck purchase, my 4th white Toyota truck, my 7th Toyota, my 6th Tahara Plant produced Toyota, and my 16th vehicle purchase. I'm a big sucker for white Toyotas. My plan is to keep this one longer than the rest. Hopefully forever...

I think now is the time to snag a factory fresh 5th gen 4Runner. This 1GR-FE V6 with the 5 speed is bulletproof. As far as I know, nothing goes wrong with this drivetrain. Toyota has been making the 1GR-FE for 22 years at this point. Among other current Toyota offerings with older engine designs, I think this may be the most reliable powertrain available on any US market consumer level truck for sale today and for the foreseeable future. Additionally, the 5th gen is made at the Tahara plant in Japan where my 200 series Land Cruiser, 120 Prado/GX470 and '89 Pickup/Hilux rolled off the line. That's trail cred.

At this unique moment in time, these trucks are sitting on dealer lots looking for buyers. I was able to snag this truck at $4k under MSRP and under invoice at the beginning of the month.

The hype surrounding the upcoming 250 LC and GX550, the 6th gen 4Runner, and a possible mini LC, has people waiting on the sidelines for the new vehicles in this class. That's certainly understandable- but I feel like the 5th gen is similar to the 60 series when the 80 series was about to launch. Yeah- the 80 LC was without a doubt an improvement, but as time went on, the 60 series held it's own and was still a legend. Of course the 80 and the 60 had the same engine at the 80's launch, but, as we know, the next LC and the next 4Runner will have hybrid and/or turbo motors. Toyota does great with those technologies, but if you're a luddite like me, a 22 year old NA V6 sounds like the way to go. When else can you buy a brand new factory fresh 22 year old bulletproof Toyota legendary drivetrain- let alone with a factory rear locker?

And, while the 1GR-FE paired with the 5-speed auto is not a race car or a tow rig for heavy loads, it is more than powerful enough in my experience. The 1GR-FE has been offered in the following platforms, pretty impressive:

• 2002–2009 Toyota 4Runner / Hilux Surf (GRN210/215)
• 2007–2011 Toyota Land Cruiser (GRJ200)
• 2002–2009 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (GRJ120/121/125)
• 2004–2015 Toyota Tacoma (GRN225/245/250/265/270)
• 2005–2015 Toyota Hilux (GGN10/20)
• 2005–2006 Toyota Tundra (GSK30)
• 2006–2009 Toyota Tundra (GSK50/51)
• 2005–2015 Toyota Fortuner (GGN50/60)
• 2006–2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser (GSJ10/15)
• 2009–present Toyota Land Cruiser 70
• 2015–present Toyota Hilux

Applications with Dual VVT-i (calendar years):

• 2009–present Toyota 4Runner (GRN280/285)
• 2009–2022 Toyota FJ Cruiser
• 2011–2014 Toyota Tundra (GSK50/51)
• 2012–2021 Toyota Land Cruiser (GRJ200)
• 2021–present Toyota Land Cruiser (GRJ300)
• 2012–2023 Lexus GX 400 (GRJ150)
• 2015–present Toyota Fortuner
• 2009–2023 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (GRJ150/150R/155)

I'm in love. Please meet Easter Bunny 2.0 and follow my thread for an OEM+ build, adventures, and mussings as we head into 250 LC, GX550 and 6th Gen 4Runner season. And by all means- please join the conversation. I'm always interested in what other mudders think on all this.

 

[Diff Kraken]

Already got 250 miles on the odometer, so in preparation of being past the break-in period I have placed a couple orders. En route:

1) RCI Front Skid, KDSS Version, Steel, Powder coated
2) RCI Front Skid Filler Plate, Steel, Powder coated
3) RCI Rock Sliders, 5 degree, no top plate, Powder coated
4) Cornfed 1" Front Spacer Lift (Toyota makes the same type and size of spacers that fit the 200 series Land Cruiser as OEM, so this is Toyota approved)
5) 255/75r17 32” C-Rated KO2 tires x 5

Can't wait to take her out on the trails... public trails and green trails at TLCA events for this rig.

 

[Diff Kraken]

Having breakfast with my wife the morning after I bought it and she says: "Please don't modify the new truck or take it off road." I texted her this meme and started ordering stuff. Didn't know what else to do.

 

[tacoduck]

Subbed. Curious how the load range c bfg ‘s ride. Sweet rig, and I agree the 4.0 v6 is bulletproof.

 

[Diff Kraken]

This will be my 3rd set of KO2s in C Load. I think they're perfect for this platform- 120 and 150. I had them on my GX470 and my previous 5th gen 4R. The E rated works too, but C rated is a little softer riding while providing good protection off road. If it was a heavier build, or I intended to hit harder trails, I'd likely go E rated just for peace of mind.

 

[MeWantLC]

Well... here I am again. This is my second Super White (Paint Code #040 - for '24 they call it "Ice Cap") 5th Gen TRD Off Road Premium 4Runner, my 5th Toyota truck, my 4th white Toyota truck, my 5th Tahara Plant produced Toyota truck, and my 16th vehicle purchase. I'm a big sucker for white Toyota's. My plan is to keep this one longer than the rest. Hopefully forever...

I think that now is the time to snag a factory fresh 5th gen 4Runner. This 1GR-FE V6 with the 5 speed is bulletproof. Nothing goes wrong with this drivetrain. Toyota has been making the 1GR-FE for 22 years at this point. It may be the most, or certainly a top 5, for most reliable engines ever made. The 5th gen is made in the Tahara plant where my 200 series Land Cruiser, GX470 and '89 Hilux rolled off the line. That's trail cred right there

At this unique moment in time, these truck are sitting on dealer lots looking for buyers. I was able to snag this truck at $4k under MSRP and under invoice at the beginning of the month.

The hype surrounding the upcoming 250 LC and GX550, the 6th gen 4Runner, and a possible mini LC, has people waiting on the sidelines for the new vehicles. That's certainly understandable- but I feel like the 5th gen is similar to when the 80 series was about to launch. Yeah- the 80 LC was without a doubt an improvement, but as time went on, the 60 series held it's own and was still a legend. Of course the 80 and the 60 had the same engine, but, as we know, the next LC and the next 4Runner will have hybrid and/or turbo motors. Toyota does great with those technologies, but if you're a luddite like me, a NA 22 year old V6 sounds like the way to go. When else can you buy a brand new factory fresh 22 year old bulletproof Toyota legendary drivetrain- let alone with a factory rear locker?

And, while the 1GR-FE paired with the 5-speed auto is not a race car, it is quick enough in my experience. The 1GR-FE has been offered in the following platforms, pretty impressive:

• 2002–2009 Toyota 4Runner / Hilux Surf (GRN210/215)
• 2007–2011 Toyota Land Cruiser (GRJ200)
• 2002–2009 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (GRJ120/121/125)
• 2004–2015 Toyota Tacoma (GRN225/245/250/265/270)
• 2005–2015 Toyota Hilux (GGN10/20)
• 2005–2006 Toyota Tundra (GSK30)
• 2006–2009 Toyota Tundra (GSK50/51)
• 2005–2015 Toyota Fortuner (GGN50/60)
• 2006–2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser (GSJ10/15)
• 2009–present Toyota Land Cruiser 70
• 2015–present Toyota Hilux

Applications with Dual VVT-i (calendar years):

• 2009–present Toyota 4Runner (GRN280/285)
• 2009–2022 Toyota FJ Cruiser
• 2011–2014 Toyota Tundra (GSK50/51)
• 2012–2021 Toyota Land Cruiser (GRJ200)
• 2021–present Toyota Land Cruiser (GRJ300)
• 2012–2023 Lexus GX 400 (GRJ150)
• 2015–present Toyota Fortuner
• 2009–2023 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (GRJ150/150R/155)

I'm in love. Please meet Easter Bunny 2.0 and follow my thread for an OEM+ build, adventures, and mussings as we head into 250 LC, GX550 and 6th Gen 4Runner season. And by all means- please join the conversation. I'm always interested in what other mudders think on all this.


View attachment 3591100

Beautiful truck. . I totally understand you.... Have had many T4R's including 5 5th gens. Lol. Thinking about the same you did / said... .

Good luck on your journey !

 

[Diff Kraken]

Below is a good read and video about the Tahara plant, opened in 1979.

The following vehicles have been produced at the Tahara plant. You can see the top Lexus models listed here, so we know this is Toyota's crown jewel of production quality and process perfection:

Lexus:
IS
GS
LS
GX
LX

Toyota:
Celica
Land Cruiser
Land Cruiser Prado
Rav4
4Runner

From wikipedia: "Employees look through 4,000 details for every car produced. The plant creates a Lexus every 87 seconds, equal to 675 Lexus models per day. When employees enter the factory floor, they pass through an air shower to remove dust. They are required to exercise and perform other physical activities such as holding and rolling golf balls in their palms. These motor exercises keep staff sharp, and Toyota believes these behaviors are essential to help retain the standards necessary to produce flawless vehicles."

It also looks like they produce engines at the Tahara plant that get put into some of the Land Cruisers that are assembled at the Yoshiwara plant (Toyota Auto Body/Araco - home of the 40, 55, 60, 70, 80, 100, 200 & 300)

Last year while visiting family in Toyota City, Japan, I was able to hire a taxi to go out and visit the Yoshiwara plant with my wife and son. We were able to watch the 300 and 70 series rolling out of the plant onto the back lot to be loaded onto car hauler trucks. That was a really fun experience. I hope to do the same at the Tahara plant as well some day- maybe even watch the production process inside.

YotaTech Tours Toyota's Tahara Plant, Home of 4Runner & Land Cruiser - YotaTech

We get a rare inside look at Toyota's most advanced assembly plant to see the high standards that go into creating our favorite trucks and SUVS.

www.yotatech.com

 

[Diff Kraken]

6th Gen 4Runner released yesterday. Still made at the Tahara plant. It looks a lot more aggressive- like the head of a T-Rex. The improved MPG and power of the 6th gen sound great and I like the look. But I think I prefer the more subtle design of the 5th gen as a "family car" and prefer keeping the good old V6. I also prefer the interior of the 5th gen at first glance. It will be nice for future buyers to have factory heavy duty skids, rock sliders, front sway bar disconnect, 2.5" Old Man Emu lift and 33" tires from the factory, but I'll add my 1" front spacer, 32" tires, sliders, skids to my 5th gen and call it a day. Cool truck though- I guess I'll be a 5th gen and 6th gen fan. No regerts.

PS- Cross-threaded the bolts on my passenger-side KDSS sway bar bracket connecting them back to the LCA this morning while getting ready to put the spacers on. Got 620 miles on the truck so that's totally fine. Metric tap and die set and a couple of new OEM M12 x 1.25 bolts (Toyota Part No. 90119-12386) and good to go. Apparently this is a common problem to run into due to the pressure the KDSS system puts on the sway bar making it very difficult to line the bracket bolts up perfectly perpendicular to get good contact with the female threads in the LCA.

 

[blkhwk]

I'm right there with you with the 6th gen...it looks cool but I prefer 5th gen exterior and interior. I had a 14' 4runner and looking at getting a 24'.

 

[Diff Kraken]

Never too young to start washing daddy's truck. Hoping it'll be his first car...

And 5 new shoes...

255/75r17 BFG KO2s C-Load

Next up is to get the 1/2" Cornfed spacers on and install the RCI skid and rock sliders. Had planned to do the spacers first and then tires, but the cross-threaded KDSS sway bar bracket bolts threw off my schedule and order of operations. All parts arrived over the last month- took 3 weeks for the rock sliders and 1 week for the skids and spacers to arrive. Not a bad wait at all. I'll put some time aside this month to complete the build.

 

[Diff Kraken]

Installed the Cornfed 1/2" front spacers (yields a 1" lift), the RCI engine skid, and RCI filler plate on the new rig today. With the 255/75r17 (32") C Rated KO2s installed last week, this gives a decent 9.8" of clearance. The RCI rock sliders will go on sometime later this week and that will complete the build for this rig.

PS- KDSS sway bars are a PITA. But worth it for the extra articulation and on road handling.

My full tutorial of the 1/2" spacer install found here:

Install Tutorial: Front 1/2" Cornfed Spacer on KDSS for 1" lift

This tutorial gives a step by step for installing a 1/2" Cornfed (or other brand) front spacer (aka leveling kit) on a KDSS equipped 5th Gen 4Runner. A 1/2" front spacer will yield a 1" lift due to the geometry of the front suspension. Rationale: I consider this 1/2" spacer, 32-33” A/T tires...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Diff Kraken]

Got the RCI rock sliders installed today. It was not very difficult but took a few hours. Pulling back the hydraulic KDSS lines was the trickiest part. You have to disconnect the KDSS line brackets from the frame and use a flathead to hold them away from the frame to slide the slider plate up under the KDSS lines. Also, remember to find any plastic frame plugs that Toyota may have put on the frame rails- pop them out with a flathead before lining up the sliders to the frame. Two more tricks I learned from Bud Built's slider install video for the 200 LC on YouTube are: 1) balance the slider on a ~24" piece of 2x4 on top of a floor jack 2) make sure to have flex head ratcheting wrenches on hand in 12MM and 13MM- this will make the job much easier.

The sliders look great- and they're stout (2″ square main tube, 1.75″ DOM outer rails, 1/4″ gussets on all legs). These are the 5 degrees sliders. I plan on keeping them without a top plate, but also I ordered top plates in case my wife, mother, kids or dog end up needing a more solid surface. A nice thing about the RCI rock sliders is that the top plate can easily be installed or removed at anytime with a few bolts without removing the sliders from the truck. Luckily my 3 year old son tried them out without the top plate and had no trouble getting in and out of the backseat. Couldn't be happier with a slider and the price was great with the RCI tax season sale (15% off plus an extra 10% off). And with the RCI skid plate, I've got a nice matching set.

This concludes the build for Easter Bunny II. I'll post up some action shots when we hit the trails...

 

[Diff Kraken]

Hit 1,500 miles on the odometer in Virginia this weekend on the way back from a trail cleanup with the local TLCA chapter. Truck did well on the trails and the RCI engine skid earned its keep not once but twice.

 

[Diff Kraken]

Looking nice and stout parked outside my buddy's place this weekend...

 

[jayp2]

Well... here I am again. This is my second time purchasing a Super White (Paint Code #040 - for '24 they call it "Ice Cap") 5th Gen TRD Off Road Premium 4Runner with KDSS, my 5th Toyota truck purchase, my 4th white Toyota truck, my 7th Toyota, my 6th Tahara Plant produced Toyota, and my 16th vehicle purchase. I'm a big sucker for white Toyotas. My plan is to keep this one longer than the rest. Hopefully forever...

I think now is the time to snag a factory fresh 5th gen 4Runner. This 1GR-FE V6 with the 5 speed is bulletproof. As far as I know, nothing goes wrong with this drivetrain. Toyota has been making the 1GR-FE for 22 years at this point. Among other current Toyota offerings with older engine designs, I think this may be the most reliable powertrain available on any US market consumer level truck for sale today and for the foreseeable future. Additionally, the 5th gen is made at the Tahara plant in Japan where my 200 series Land Cruiser, 120 Prado/GX470 and '89 Pickup/Hilux rolled off the line. That's trail cred.

At this unique moment in time, these trucks are sitting on dealer lots looking for buyers. I was able to snag this truck at $4k under MSRP and under invoice at the beginning of the month.

The hype surrounding the upcoming 250 LC and GX550, the 6th gen 4Runner, and a possible mini LC, has people waiting on the sidelines for the new vehicles in this class. That's certainly understandable- but I feel like the 5th gen is similar to the 60 series when the 80 series was about to launch. Yeah- the 80 LC was without a doubt an improvement, but as time went on, the 60 series held it's own and was still a legend. Of course the 80 and the 60 had the same engine at the 80's launch, but, as we know, the next LC and the next 4Runner will have hybrid and/or turbo motors. Toyota does great with those technologies, but if you're a luddite like me, a 22 year old NA V6 sounds like the way to go. When else can you buy a brand new factory fresh 22 year old bulletproof Toyota legendary drivetrain- let alone with a factory rear locker?

And, while the 1GR-FE paired with the 5-speed auto is not a race car or a tow rig for heavy loads, it is more than powerful enough in my experience. The 1GR-FE has been offered in the following platforms, pretty impressive:

• 2002–2009 Toyota 4Runner / Hilux Surf (GRN210/215)
• 2007–2011 Toyota Land Cruiser (GRJ200)
• 2002–2009 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (GRJ120/121/125)
• 2004–2015 Toyota Tacoma (GRN225/245/250/265/270)
• 2005–2015 Toyota Hilux (GGN10/20)
• 2005–2006 Toyota Tundra (GSK30)
• 2006–2009 Toyota Tundra (GSK50/51)
• 2005–2015 Toyota Fortuner (GGN50/60)
• 2006–2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser (GSJ10/15)
• 2009–present Toyota Land Cruiser 70
• 2015–present Toyota Hilux

Applications with Dual VVT-i (calendar years):

• 2009–present Toyota 4Runner (GRN280/285)
• 2009–2022 Toyota FJ Cruiser
• 2011–2014 Toyota Tundra (GSK50/51)
• 2012–2021 Toyota Land Cruiser (GRJ200)
• 2021–present Toyota Land Cruiser (GRJ300)
• 2012–2023 Lexus GX 400 (GRJ150)
• 2015–present Toyota Fortuner
• 2009–2023 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (GRJ150/150R/155)

I'm in love. Please meet Easter Bunny 2.0 and follow my thread for an OEM+ build, adventures, and mussings as we head into 250 LC, GX550 and 6th Gen 4Runner season. And by all means- please join the conversation. I'm always interested in what other mudders think on all this.


View attachment 3591100

I have 121k on my 2019 and am waiting for my new 2024 to be delivered to dealer....same vehicle except new one is in white just like yours.

I get 22 mpg in my 2019 all day every day as a DD (near 100% highway) and its given me no problems.....I've stayed on top of preventative maint with fluid changes/drain and fill that Toyota claims doesnt need to be done and a recent blackstone oil analysis supporting all is wearing well within the engine.

Brakes, accessory belt, fluids, plugs and driving it like an adult = longevity. It will probably go up for sale in the near future.

A significant number of people are pulling the trigger on the last of the gen 5's out of concerns for possible growing pains in the gen 6....there are no deals to be found up here and are selling before they hit the lot.

I like the choices in suspension/sliders/other

Wondering if you think the spacers would support a 255/80/17 based on what you see with the ones you put on?

 

[Diff Kraken]

I have 121k on my 2019 and am waiting for my new 2024 to be delivered to dealer....same vehicle except new one is in white just like yours.

I get 22 mpg in my 2019 all day every day as a DD (near 100% highway) and its given me no problems.....I've stayed on top of preventative maint with fluid changes/drain and fill that Toyota claims doesnt need to be done and a recent blackstone oil analysis supporting all is wearing well within the engine.

Brakes, accessory belt, fluids, plugs and driving it like an adult = longevity. It will probably go up for sale in the near future.

A significant number of people are pulling the trigger on the last of the gen 5's out of concerns for possible growing pains in the gen 6....there are no deals to be found up here and are selling before they hit the lot.

I like the choices in suspension/sliders/other

Wondering if you think the spacers would support a 255/80/17 based on what you see with the ones you put on?

I believe 255/80r17 (33") will fit without rubbing. My fear was that luck would somehow give me slight rubbing on the mud-flaps and fender liner needing to trim or massage with a heat gun. Due to the truck being brand new I opted to go 255/75r17 (32") to be conservative. The other major reason was feeling that the C load rating of the 255/75r17 (32") tire is the perfect load rating on a 4Runner or Prado based vehicle by weight. The 255/80r17 (33") is only available in E load rating and will ride a bit harder and I think is overkill for light trail duty. Additionally the K02 does not come in a 255/80r17 (33") size, while it does come in 255/75r17 (32"). A final reason, is trying to keep this vehicle looking slightly family oriented and not too offroady looking for when wife drives to the office, preschool, etc, If I had pulled the trigger on the 255/80r17 (33"), I was going to get the redesigned next gen Duratrac tires. They look pretty fantastic.

Wrangler DuraTrac® RT-LT Tires | Goodyear Tires

Shop Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac® RT-LT tires online at Goodyear.com. Buy tires online and get free shipping to your local Goodyear tire shop.

www.goodyear.com

 

[jayp2]

I believe 255/80r17 (33") will fit without rubbing. My fear was that luck would somehow give me slight rubbing on the mud-flaps and fender liner needing to trim or massage with a heat gun. Due to the truck being brand new I opted to go 255/75r17 (32") to be conservative. The other major reason was feeling that the C load rating of the 255/75r17 (32") tire is the perfect load rating on a 4Runner or Prado based vehicle by weight. The 255/80r17 (33") is only available in E load rating and will ride a bit harder and I think is overkill for light trail duty. Additionally the K02 does not come in a 255/80r17 (33") size, while it does come in 255/75r17 (32"). A final reason, is trying to keep this vehicle looking slightly family oriented and not too offroady looking for when wife drives to the office, preschool, etc, If I had pulled the trigger on the 255/80r17 (33"), I was going to get the redesigned next gen Duratrac tires. They look pretty fantastic.

Wrangler DuraTrac® RT-LT Tires | Goodyear Tires

Shop Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac® RT-LT tires online at Goodyear.com. Buy tires online and get free shipping to your local Goodyear tire shop.

www.goodyear.com

View attachment 3671992

I like tall/skinny tires, was toying with Falken Wildpeak A/T4W in 255/80/17 which is rough equiv of 33x10

Its supposed to be excellent in snow too

 

[Diff Kraken]

I like tall/skinny tires, was toying with Falken Wildpeak A/T4W in 255/80/17 which is rough equiv of 33x10

Its supposed to be excellent in snow too

Can't go wrong with those either.

 

[jayp2]

Can't go wrong with those either.

The one thing I dread about new vehicle is contention with service "advisors"....

You get a couple free oil changes with the vehicle and I have a madness to my method with new vehicles that always ends up with better longevity

I do a 1k oil change and then 5k each OCI until I'm out of freebies or cant stand waiting 90 mins for a 20 min oil change anymore....whichever comes first.

From that point on its full synthetic with a 6k OCI

But inevitably the "advisor" always end up causing a stir....."sir you dont NEED a 1k oil change....."

Me: Please either book the apt or transfer me to the service manager......

My kryptonite is that I dont have a whole lot of patience for bull****.....I'm polite but I dont appreciate wasted time and pointless argument.

 

[Diff Kraken]

I'm planning on 5k oil changes. I am at 2,500 miles and missed the 1k change, but plan to do it before 5k. The annoying part is with my aftermarket skids, I don't trust the dealer techs not to strip the skid threads or otherwise break something. I'm planning to put a fumoto valve on and hope that I can adequately explain to them how to use it in conjunction with the oil access hatch on the RCI skids. Fingers crossed.

The owner's manual does mention 5k oil changes for hard use, as opposed to standard 10k. IE- short trips and dusty environments yield a 5k change. I'm hoping the dealer will at least go along with that instead of pushing the 10k changes.

The most annoying thing is when a service "advisor" recommends something that does not need to be done and you say no and they put a note in the vehicle history "owner refuses service" like NO- WTH? the note should say "Toyota service employee is completely clueless and owner knows far more about the vehicle than the service advisor". At least that's been my experience across a few different Yotas.