school me on 4th generation 4runners

[ronin-0707]

hello
just wondering about any issues regarding building and wheeling 4th gen 4runners
what have been the weak points, things to look out for
which years are most desireable
what vendors are there for their build-up
has arb made a front diff for them
etc.

I was hoping to get a v8 full time 4wd in a year or so
other forums to join would be helpful as well
thanks

oh yeah, more of a weekend wheeler 4-5 times a year
expedition style offroading

 

[bulldog-yota]

Lots of questions, go here and do some reading.

www.toyota120.com

 

[ronin-0707]

alright yeah! thanks for the link.

 

[PurpleFJ62]

no manual trans, need I say more. The 4runners seem to be getting bigger. I personally only the up to the 3rd gens, and the 2nd's are built better than those. But the 3rd gens have the more powerful 5vz-fe engine. I think the 4th gens are more of a luxury suv, I am shure they are still good off road, but I tend to like the old stuff.

just my 2 cents.

 

[SteveH]

>>no manual trans, need I say more.

No - you needn't say more.


Steve

 

[Duane]

Sort of looking myself but so many questions as well.
They look lower than my 3rd gen, bigger engine so not too optimistic on how good the mileage will be and they look even more like a luxury car than ever.

I think the drivetrain computer controlled everything either works very well, good and poor in varying situations or maybe a whole change in ones driving style because if you think you are going to control wheel spin by manually shifting your automatic or massaging the throttle I think we are mistaken.
Vehicle Stability Control -VSC
Hill-start Assist Control- HAC
Downhill Assist Control-DAC
Active Traction Control-ATRAC
Automatic disconnecting differential-ADD
2-speed transfer case
I don't even know if they have open front and rear diffs, if they pulse brakes where a wheel slips or somehow apply more power to what wheel has resistance. A friend bought a new Tundra and was just commenting 2 days ago as to how it had a mind of its own when put into 4 wheel drive in the mud as to what wheel was doing what. Maybe the computer figures you are spinning out on an icy highway when you are really trying to power it through a slippery mud hole in a controlled slide.
Maybe ya take one for a drive and get it real dirty and try these things out

 

[CHWTOY]

Some good reading here: http://www.yotatech.com/forumdisplay.php?f=117 particularly the FAQ thread to get an idea what is available. More day to day driving stuff here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org

As for actually wheeling one, I would have a problem wheeling that expensive of a rig, but that’s just me. They sure are nice daily drivers though, my wife’s 04 V8 is awesome.

The A-trac does take some getting used to but is very effective for a traction control system. ARB now makes lockers front and rear so no big deal if you don’t like it anyway.

With the auto tranny… Any newer vehicle you don’t really loose anything going auto, it’s not like it’s the only computer controlled element on the rig. Sure you can’t roll start one but that really is pretty minor. I guess if you just HAVE to have that clutch pedal though there really isn’t an option…

Personally I would get an 88-89 with the old 3slow and 5 speed then SAS it swap in a 3.4 and go. That way you can pull the roof for convertible fun and have a great engine/tranny combo. Hell you could have all of that done professionally at a shop along with lift, lockers, a crawl box, armor and tires and still be cheaper than the purchase price of a stock 04 V8!

 

[dealmaker]

the 4th gen Runner is like 7/8th's LC100 at 3/5th's the cost. If your looking for something that is more a daily driver / weekend wheeler, then this is it. It's infinitely safer than the 1st/2nd/3rd gen Runners, with its ABS/VSC and air bags. Take that into acount if you're primarily doing on-road driving with it.
2005+ has the more-powerful VVTI V8.

hello
just wondering about any issues regarding building and wheeling 4th gen 4runners
what have been the weak points, things to look out for
which years are most desireable
what vendors are there for their build-up
has arb made a front diff for them
etc.

I was hoping to get a v8 full time 4wd in a year or so
other forums to join would be helpful as well
thanks

oh yeah, more of a weekend wheeler 4-5 times a year
expedition style offroading

 

[hoch]

Sort of looking myself but so many questions as well.
They look lower than my 3rd gen, bigger engine so not too optimistic on how good the mileage will be and they look even more like a luxury car than ever.

I do believe the stock ground clearance is lower than 3rd gens. MPG wise, they are virtually the same, if not better, than the 3.4's (the 4.0's that is. The 4.7's are 1-2mpg less, which isn't bad at all for a V8). So powertrain, road-handling wise, the 4th gens are better. Personally, though, I love the looks of the 3rd gen. The 4th gen....I'm still trying to get used to it.

 

[ronin-0707]

thanks for the inputs and all the links to 4runner sites

I thought I was in the market next year for a 100 series but I am convinced I am going the route of the 4th gen 4runner.
I already have the 80 that I will build up. I think the 4runner will complement it nicely.

anymore input will be great

 

[hoch]

If you opt for the V6, get an 05+, because they came out with the 5-speed transmissions from then on. The pre-05's are 4-speeds. I believe all of the V8's are 5-speed (03+), but the 05+ V8's put out more HP (can't remember if it's 04+ or 05+, though).

 

[dealmaker]

Well, one of the few negatives I have about my 4th gen is that "sitting on the floorboards" feeling combined with the lower roofline. I've spent alot of time in 100's lately, and really prefer the seating ergonimics and drivers view of the 100 to the 4th gen Runner. However, as a daily driver, and mostly as a single occupant, I appreciate the Runners smaller size and maneuverability.

thanks for the inputs and all the links to 4runner sites

I thought I was in the market next year for a 100 series but I am convinced I am going the route of the 4th gen 4runner.
I already have the 80 that I will build up. I think the 4runner will complement it nicely.

anymore input will be great

 

[dirtfinder]

I was in the market for a 100. Purchased an 04 4runner Sport Edition V8 4WD. I got the engine and transmission I wanted with AWD. Nothing beats an LC but the 4runner offered everything I needed at half the price. I've been averaging 18.5 mpg and although I would love an LC feel the 4runner really is a better fit.

 

[dustin]

We bought our 03 fourrunner in June of that year and have over 70k miles on it. So far, nothing big has gone wrong with it, though we have had leaking rear axle seal replaced twice, and it needs it again... We have the V8, which I wanted so I could tow my Fj40, but the 40 is way too heavy to flat tow with this. I tried and thought I was going to total both cars. Sooo, I would stick with the V6 if I did it again. I would not consider this for a hardcore wheeling rig. The front suspension keeps things too low, and I think it would be too costly to gear low. I did just put some BFG AT's on it last week and it feels alot better to drive now. More stable.

That said, its a good camping car, lots of room compared to the older gen 4 runners. Though I like the way the older 4runners look and drive more. They are more like a truck and this is like a big, heavy subaru.

The VSS kinda sucks on this rig. My scarry story is driving in the snow, making a left turn accross the oncoming lane from a stop- traffic approaching. I gave it just a touch of gas to get accross quick and the rig stopped dead in its tracks since the tires spun out a tiny bit. Because the rig thought it was in some kind of power slide, it just stopped itself right in the middle of oncomming traffic. I am sure I looked pretty stupid sitting there playing chicken. I don't trust the VSS and drive with it off when ever in doubt.

-Dustin

 

[hoch]

dustin - I thought the V8's towing capacity was 6-7000 lbs? I'd think you'd have no problems towing your 40... And I know what you're talking about with the VSC. I had mine kick in while making a left turn on a gravel road. I didn't come to a stop, but the sudden power loss scared the *beep* out of me. I installed a VSC off switch, so good to go now.

2008 is supposed to be a complete make-over year for the 4Runner (according to rumor). I'd wait a couple of months for the debut.

 

[Buford_VMI86]

One thing that I may have missed in this thread and at the 120 website (my apologies if I did) is.... how uncomfortable is the third row? Could a smallish adult be comfortable back there?

We looked at the 4Runners when we were shopping for the van. I still think we made the right decision, but wonder if the 4Runner wouldn't make a fun second (ummm actually fourth) vehicle. One thing we didn't do was climb in the third row and see how cramped it is for ourselves. Reasonable comfort for two adults and three children is something I'm hoping for in future vehicles.

 

[bulldog-yota]

A couple of guys I know use the 3rd Row for kids, it is not suitable for adults. We have a GX as well and the foot room is definitely not adeqaute fro adults. It's fine for kids, but nothing more. If you are after a really useful 3rd Row fro adults look at a 100 (OK) or a Sequoia (much better).

 

[ronin-0707]

it is a bummer they reduced the height almost 2 inches (one source) on the 4th gen.

I have seen 3 inch lifts for it-any issues with drivetrain vibrations or wayward behavior on the road when lifted?
and at what height would you expect a problem with these issues?

 

[bulldog-yota]

it is a bummer they reduced the height almost 2 inches (one source) on the 4th gen.

I have seen 3 inch lifts for it-any issues with drivetrain vibrations or wayward behavior on the road when lifted?
and at what height would you expect a problem with these issues?

Biggest issue is to get the castor correct on the front ater a lift. A good alignment shop will be able to get it back to spec or very close. No vibrations, just a front end that wonders if they can't get the castor right. Some guys buy aftermalret UCAs to help with the castor, but most found it not really needed with a good alignment shop.

Most folks don't have any issues with lifting, just a few odd ones. Most are installation issues though.

Follow this link for lots of info on aftermarket suspensions, etc, etc for the new 4Runner.
http://www.toyota120.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=11