Wanna buy a 4th Gen. Suggestions?

Serotta

Serotta

New member
All -
I just sold my CJ-8 and am returning to Toyotas. I have had an FJ40 (1976) an FJ62 (1990) and an FZJ100 (1999) in my lifetime and was real partial to the 62. Life changes us all, and I would like to solicit input on gen4 T4Rs. It is what my wife wants, and therefore what we will buy. She wants a 2003 Limited with the V8. I like the V8 because of its shared powerplant with the LC, but I am interested in any "by-year" differences in quality control or major issues such as oil pumps etc. I had a 2003 Land Rover Disco that had a known fault with the way the oil pump was installed for example. It never gave me any trouble...but that is still a good example. We are actively hunting for the right rig, and I will post many many pics. Step 1: buy truck. Step 2: leveling kit.
Many thanks -
Todd :fro:
 
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Search this forum for users inputs as far as issues. Here is a link to the differences between years of the 4th gen.

Newer is better and timing belts are the big one.
 
I just picked up our 07 Limited in Feb. this year.

I chose the v6 over the v8 because of the gas mileage and easier maintenance (no timing belt at 100k to deal with). Also the v6 will not wear components as fast in the front Cvs becasue the 6 is only part time 4 wheel drive.

We love ours and seems to have plenty of pwer in the mountains. We had a FJC for 3.5 years, same engine.

Does kind of remind me of a newer 60/62..

Good luck
 
If your set on the 03 go for it. However, the first year of a production model is often the one with the most problems. If you can go with one after the mid-cycle refresh, (06-09) because it comes with extras like projector headlights and LED tails. Best of luck with your search
 
03's didnt have any problems that 04's and later years didnt have. my 03 was solid and i beat it up. never did it not start for me. i say if you find an 03 limited with a clean carfax and no wrecks with descent mileage go for it and you wont regret it.

if you like offroading, then that leveling kit wont be on your truck long, so id suggest overland warehouse for a lift, or toytec.
 
If you're into visual differences I think it is safe to say that 2006+ looks a little better. The projector lights and LED tails are nice upgrades.

I would try to find a Sport model too. The scoop on the hood is nice. :)
 
Early 2003 V6 models had a fuel rail recall. First half of the 2003 SR5 and Sport Edition models had the gray body cladding, bumper and fender flares.

It was either in mid 2003 or 2004, the V8 got the weight distributing hitch upping its towing capacity to 7000lbs on the 4WD and 7300lbs on the 2WD. Some 2004 with navigation had 10-speaker JBL system while others had the backup camera.

In 2005, the V6 got a 5-speed automatic transmission and the V8 got VVT-i. The rear spoiler gained a hump.

In 2006, it was the mid-generation refresh. Projector headlights, LED taillights, changed body cladding, fender flares and bumper style. The Limited got 18" rims and memory seats. Navigation included Bluetooth connectivity.

In 2008, VSC off button was added and the Urban Runner trim/package. Think of the UR as trim in between the Sport Edition and Limited.

In 2009, there was a Trail Edition model, the only model with rear locker.

Check out member J.A.'s site, Top4Runners.com - Toyota 4Runner Informational Website for more extensive year by year changes.

All 4th gen 4WD 4Runners are full time 4WD, meaning you can drive on any type of surface in 4WD all day long. The V6 has the ability to be in 2WD. When the center diff is locked, then its behavior will be like a part time 4WD system where it should be operated on a low traction/friction surface. The front axle/half shafts will rotate on the V6 whether you're in 2WD or 4WD, so the wear on the CV joint is the same.
 
perfect^ dont think you missed anything, besides the XSP package which can be found in the south as they are sr5's that were turned into this package at the georgia distribution center. it added 20'' enkei wheels, carbonfiber dash, xsp badging, xsp stitched head rests. and other small changes.
 
One last thing - if either of you is tall avoid the sunroof - headroom can be tight for some and the sunroof takes another inch or two - some have had problems with them jamming as well and it's an expensive repair.
 
I like the look of the 03-05 more than the 06-09 (yucky grill). If I had my choice I would get a 05 V8 4wd w/3rd. Avoid the sunroof if you can.
 
Thank you everyone for your input!
If I had my way, Toyta would have produced a P/T 4WD transfer case for the V8 as well. I am ambivilent about the sunroof option, but my frau likes all the creature comforts of the Limited. I will probably be 'limited' to a limited model (wife reasons) and only a leveling kit because of parking height restrictions at garages in Washington DC. I dig the faux hood scoop though...I wonder if I can retrofit one on to a Limited hood. I can't see why not! I saw someplace that a factory installed winch was an option..but I have not seen a single one. I would happily buy the OEM Toyota set-up if that were the case.
Best -
Todd
:cheers:
 
If you are looking for something above the level of the "Limited" trim for NOVA crowd than look at the 03-09 Lexus GX470. They are real popular around the DC beltway.
Its 95% mechanically identical to the 4th gen 4runner V8 Limited.
 
Thus making it 95% as tough? I had a 99 LX470 about 5-6 years back, but that was when tehy were essentially re-badged Landcruisers. I thought Lexus took a far more luxo approach and shunned the offroad component of being a 'trcuc/suv'. The end result (Lexus/Toyota) will have a replacement front and rear bumper w/winch and swing out tire carrier. Doing that to a Lexus appeals to me...
 
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Get an '06+ V8 for the reasons mentioned. I looked at the Lexus too, but didn't like the side-swing tail gate vs the runner's lift gate. Lift gate can shield you from the rain and the side swing hits a trailer if you tow anything.

I like having the full time AWD too.

Limited gets you leather, memory seats, and some other comforts that my sport does not. Limited also have the adjustable rear height- so you could drop the rear to level the truck too.

I'm running a 3" lift and 265's and fit in almost all garages.

Sport gets you a cool interior, upgraded front brakes (over the SR5), painted to match mirrors, smoke chrome grill, hood scoop, XREAS shocks, different running boards and roof rack.
 
Serotta said:
Zimm: What is that front end replacement you have??
Mahalo -
Todd
Click to expand...

Shrockworks with no hoops, painted to match my truck. I get compliments on it almost daily.

ShrockWorks Toyota 4Runner Winch Bumper, Bull Bar, Front Bumper

I see you're in Arlington, I'm actually moving to Springfield next month.

DSC_0345.jpg~original


IMG_0307.jpg~original
 
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I bought my 2003 4 Runner V6 in 05 with 16k miles on it. To this day I have not had any problems. I would recommend the V6 over the V8 due to the maintenance and the full time 4 wheel drive in the V8. I know the limited does come in a V6 if you can find the one you like. Good luck and keep us posted
 
Ok...I have a line on an 03 Limited V8 116K miles..timing belt can not be verified, therefore must be changed. I also have line on an 05 Sport V8 91K miles no timing belt change either. I will Keep y'all posted. Zimm - Look me up when you get here.
Todd
 
Serotta said:
Ok...I have a line on an 03 Limited V8 116K miles..timing belt can not be verified, therefore must be changed. I also have line on an 05 Sport V8 91K miles no timing belt change either. I will Keep y'all posted. Zimm - Look me up when you get here.
Todd
Click to expand...

One thing to consider: 05 V8 has 270 Hp and 03 has 235.
Good luck either way.
 
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