[RL Lemke]

Had some service done, including the 2nd set of spark plugs, so drove a rental Corolla for three days because of a weekend. Getting back into my 4Runner was like stepping back into a favorite pair of sheepskin slippers. So comfortable.

Is it alright to say that I still really enjoy my 2004 4Runner? Still don't see any need to trade to something I might not like as much?

The V8 still doesn't use a drop of oil between the 10,000 mile oil changes.

The Icon 3" lift suspension with increased compression length, Total Chaos UCA, keeps the 4Runner flat at speed on off-ramps, yet is so compliant climbing over rocks and logs off-road.

The remote oil filters behind the front bumper makes the 2 gallon oil changes quick and easy.

The last improvement was to pull the HID conversion set-up and replace with CREE LED bulbs. Oh, what a nice light color and even distribution of light. Perfect for night driving. Better visibility than the 35w HID light.

Compared to other vehicles I see, the 4Runner tire wear is even, no rotation needed. Proof that the suspension design is accurate. Great work Toyota.

Moab:





Lake Tahoe:









Sand Mountain in Nevada along Pony Express Trail:





Ozarks:















Comstock Lode Nevada:





Above Reno Nevada:



Above Virginia City, Nevada:



3" suspension lift and still not as tall as the GX470:

[SSt4r]

Good for you, I'm happy for you. I only have 1/2 those miles on 2005 so it makes me optimistic I'll have it for a while!

Interested hearing more about the LED headlight bulbs. Didn't think they were quite there yet.

[RL Lemke]

High Performance LED Headlights - VLEDS Bulbs for Cars & Trucks

[CXS]

Nice to see! I'm only at 185K on my '05 but feel the same way. I wouldn't hesitate at taking it anywhere from serious off-roading to cross-country road trips.

Originally Posted by RL Lemke

The remote oil filters behind the front bumper makes the 2 gallon oil changes quick and easy.

Can you provide details on the remote oil filter?

[RL Lemke]

AMSOIL General Use Dual Remote Oil Bypass Unit

Much more expensive than when I purchased the unit.

I located the bypass unit on the lower support in front of the radiator. Eliminates ever needing to drop the skid plate. With the 3" lift I merely put down a pad, reach and remove the drain plug, drain the oil, reinstall the plug. Then, the rest is done sitting on a stool in front of the bumper. Easy.

The kit does add to the oil volume, which is a good thing.

Maybe this isn't an option with the V6?

Works great with the V8.

[WI_4Runner]

Exactly why I went with a 4Runner on my last car purchase. Had a 20k budget and coming off of owning Japanese vehicles, a 4Runner seemed like a no brainer so far as getting best blend of value, performance and reliability in a used SUV.

Knock on wood, but having only owned Japanese cars (previously owned both Acura and Honda), I've never had so much as a hiccup with any of the vehicles. Have never broken down or been stuck, and the only money I've had to put into them has been for regular maintenance (ie 90k services, tires brakes etc). They've all been bought used with 50k+ miles and have run like a "top" as I've taken them all towards 100k miles.

[superman3043]

I just rolled a shade over 190K on my 05' and echo each of these sentiments. Love her, wouldn't trade her for anything.

[V8Limited4wd]

Any pics? I'm curious about the LED headlights... are you using projector or reflector headlamps?

[RL Lemke]

Very simple install of the 9006 bulb into the reflector headlight. Connected into the OE power. I purchased the 3000 lumen LED.

http://www.vleds.com/headlights/9005-vx3.html

If I were to do it again, I'd get the new adjustable 4,500 lumen bulb. This would allow you to adjust depth and rotation to get the pattern just right. The ballast has to be affixed somewhere though. Works in projector lamp too.

I would not use one for the low fog lamp though because of mud and debris.

[bzettler83]

Its stories like these that keep me in love with my 05 V8 4runner...

Mind you I have replaced my fair share of items, really due to my own mistakes, the only thing I have had to replace due to failure was the alternator, and that was about 3 months ago.

I am pushing close to 150k miles, and tow a boat every summer, quads in the winter, and off road from time to time. Its never let me down.

[4runnerrr]

2004 V6 2WD...90K miles, nothing besides routine servicing/preventative maintenance. Brakes, radiator hoses, thermostat, plugs, transmission fluid drain/fill, coolant drain/fill, differential drain/fill, PCV, serpentine belt, tires and oil changes. Runs great.

[RL Lemke]

Of all the tires on my 4Runner, these are easily the best for all around use off-road, snow, ice, dry roads, balance, wear pattern, etc...

Note added size which works perfect with the V8. 6.6% longer rolling distance makes for lower highway RPM.

[RL Lemke]

From Lightforce to multiple HID driving lights, all are going away to be replaced with LED:

4"x6" Gravity LED Pair Pack System - KC #711 (Spread Beam)

Fit perfect below the main bumper in the grill.



Harness not needed as I will plug into the fog light wiring.

[Ventil8]

I'll be approaching the 10 year mark with my problem free 4Runner this Feb 2015. It's the longest I've ever owned a vehicle and it's always a joy to get in and ride. I bought it new and now have 112,000 miles and have no interest in getting another vehicle, at least for another 9 more years when my mortgage is paid off

[LTDSC]

Originally Posted by superman3043

I just rolled a shade over 190K on my 05' and echo each of these sentiments. Love her, wouldn't trade her for anything.

making me feel better about my 119k roll over on my 03.