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hamdog · 02-09-2012, 08:05 AM

I finally purchased my first 4runner with the help of everyone here, thank you. I ended up purchasing a 2008 Sport V8 4x4 silve with 14,700 miles on it. I've only driven it for 200 miles and so far have only a few concerns. I love everything about it except for the seats and a couple clunking clicking issues in the rear when breaking and taking off. This thing rides like a truck, feels like a truck, I love it.

The only other thing I'm not used to yet is it wanders the road, especially if it is bumpy. I don't know if it is the alignment but it seems like I have to be paying close attention at all times. Besides alignment what could be the issue? It might be I just need to get use to driving it. Thanks!

Burt · 02-09-2012, 09:56 AM

Congrats on your 4Runner purchase! That clunk you are feeling in the rear is a simple fix. The drive shaft expansion joint is in need of lubrication. Have your favorite mechanic do a lube job and the expansion joint will take approx. 6 zerks or so. There are a total of 6 different lube joints that should be hit. Should have them replace gear oil in all three of the gear boxs too. Suggest using a good grade of FULL Synthetic lubricant.

8086bruce · 02-09-2012, 10:06 AM

Congrats!!! What a nice low mile find. Any pics?

jirehn · 02-09-2012, 10:07 AM

Congrats to your new 4runner dude, What can you say about it?I think you will really enjoy it.

20034RunnerV84x2 · 02-09-2012, 10:09 AM

Nice find!

The wondering could be a alignment, or tires low on air, etc.

Welcome to the T4R Family!

SR5 Iron · 02-09-2012, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hamdog

I finally purchased my first 4runner with the help of everyone here, thank you. I ended up purchasing a 2008 Sport V8 4x4 silve with 14,700 miles on it. I've only driven it for 200 miles and so far have only a few concerns. I love everything about it except for the seats and a couple clunking clicking issues in the rear when breaking and taking off. This thing rides like a truck, feels like a truck, I love it.

The only other thing I'm not used to yet is it wanders the road, especially if it is bumpy. I don't know if it is the alignment but it seems like I have to be paying close attention at all times. Besides alignment what could be the issue? It might be I just need to get use to driving it. Thanks!

hamdog, an 08 with 14k miles, lucky.....

I am a recent owner as well and have found that my truck "wanders" as well. I have found that it only happens on the freeways and because I have experience with commercial trucks, I attribute it to the fact that the 4Runner wheel base rides on the inside of the class 8 wheelbase that indents the asphalt.

I could be wrong, it could be a regional thing, but thats my story.

hamdog · 02-09-2012, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burt

Congrats on your 4Runner purchase! That clunk you are feeling in the rear is a simple fix. The drive shaft expansion joint is in need of lubrication. Have your favorite mechanic do a lube job and the expansion joint will take approx. 6 zerks or so. There are a total of 6 different lube joints that should be hit. Should have them replace gear oil in all three of the gear boxs too. Suggest using a good grade of FULL Synthetic lubricant.

I will have the dealership take a look. I do not know if they will replace the gear box oil but they should grease all the joints. I can easily do it but hey it came with a 1yr 12K bumper to bumper warranty along with 7yr 100Kmile transmission and drivetrain warranty.

I will have them check the alignment also. I find that the 4runner tracks any imperfection in the road. Also when I hit a bump it "wanders" more. I just have to stay more alert than I had to with other vehicles I have driven.

ClockWork · 02-09-2012, 10:48 AM

Positive caster helps wandering. Mine is at the limit of +4. Rock steady with ATs all the way to 117 and I drive better highway cars so I have a baseline. Unless it's windy it tracks like an arrow.

Synister · 02-09-2012, 11:11 AM

+1 for what ClockWork said. Caster is what you want, I believe the stock setting should be around +3. It is possible to have a perfectly aligned truck with zero caster so I would take it to get aligned and specifically request at least +3 caster setting.

BobbyZee · 02-09-2012, 11:39 AM

Yup, gotta be the caster. i got my truck aligned yesterday and my caster is +1. I never experienced any wandering. It goes straight line and low/high speeds with hands off the steering wheel.

BTW, Welcome to the T4R family!