Hey guys,
Well as we all know the economy aint what it used to be. I currently have a 2008 4th gen that I think I will be selling. I drive the car once or twice a month and ONLY for towing and I just cant justify the payment. So please help me sort this out.

In the future I will maybe end up with some sort of diesel for my HEAVY towing. But currently, I am using my V8 VVTi 4th gen to tow:

- Small trailers
- Tow dolly for FWD cars (~1000lb dolly and 2-3000lb car)
- Car trailer for RWD cars (~2000lb trailer and 2-3000lb car)
- 6x12 trailer with 4 ATVs (~800lb trailer and 1600lbs of cargo)

The current 4th gen v8 4runner has NEVER disappointed. The car trailer has its own surge brakes, but the tow dolly does not. I have NEVER had an issue with lack of power, nor under powered brakes. It does the job beautifully.

Now the problem, the 3rd gen didnt come with a V8, and I dont want to do any crazy 1uz swaps. I LIKE the 4runner, and dont mind the 3rd gen at all (especially the 1999 Limited). The 3.4L has got a whopping 183hp which I dont know how it will respond to my towing needs. Its rated for 5000lbs, but is that realistic? I dont mind mods such as additional coolers or bigger brakes if thats what it needs. I would prefer the 5mt as i dont care much for 4speed autos...

I would have no problem adding the TRD supercharger on there, but how will it respond to power demands needed for towing? Will the 3.4+S/C combo deliver what I need?

As you can tell, I need some help! Please sort me out

Abe

Super charger will cost alot!!

Upgrade brakes to 231mm and people say they aren't comfortable pulling more than 3000lbs in hilly areas.. But it can handle more than 5000

does the 3rd gen have a weight carrying or weight distributing tow hitch? its probably carrying. the 4th gen came with a distributing hitch...is it possible to add one to the 3rd gen?

I live in a somewhat hilly area, would you say towing 4000lbs in stock form will be hard..or impossible? Would it be 'no problem' with the S/C? You can find a used SC for around $1200-$1500 it seems, thats cheap!

Abe

I haven't towed with mine. So I can't answer much but I hear it has trouble braking downhill with all that weight. As for making it uphill that could be a possibility but I don't think Toyota would rate it for 5000 if it couldn't do it. I have heard of people doing over 5000 with no problems. Wether they encountered hills or not I don't know. Is the cost of the 4runner it's self that big of a problem? Because you won't save much on gas 4.7 vs 3.4 if at all but you will have way less power.. Plus if your thinking of adding a super charger then maybe you should re consider.keeping 4runner or getting a higher mileage one. I know when I was looking to get a 4th I found a few v8s with 90-120k only asking 13000.. It won't gt much cheaper with a third gen 5-9k plus possibly supercharger 2-4k.. I heard the supercharger isn't just bolt in but it takes alot of work and other mods...

"5k lbs no problem" is BS. That's a lot of weight for the 4Runner. Going downhill, switching lanes, etc. are very unnerving. Let me ask, how far are you going to tow the cars? If it's a short distance in a relatively flat area, then it would be ok. If you're going up a mountain side, then I'd rethink this.

Honestly, if you're going to use it only 1-2 times per month, I would just get a V8 Tundra (1st Gen) or even a diesel truck. I personally would not risk towing with the 4Runner.

The 3rd Gen with a S/C will put out mid to upper mid 200 range but the torque is significant increase as well which would help with towing. I would not tow that much weight without a brake controller and trailer brakes. I also would recommend the 231mm brake conversion(also called the Tundra or WL13). If you are looking to swap for just towing then picking up a early V8 Tundra would also be my recommendation or some other full size.

I love my 3rd gen but I use it as it is designed( to go get groceries). I mean true Utility vehicle camping daily driver and off-road where it excels. While I have towed with it close to its rated capacity I would not feel comfortable using it solely for that purpose. I am firm believer in using the proper tool for the job.