What are considered the 'best' years for the 4th Gen?

Endlessblockades

Endlessblockades

Senior Member
Howdy,

I'm currently a 3rd Gen owner and I have zero experience with the 4th gens. Over in the 3rd Gen world, different year variants have their pros and cons. Can anyone share similar thoughts on the 4th Gen? I would be off-roading and (hate the term) 'Overlanding'. I'm keeping my 3rd gen forever, but a couple 4ths have popped up on my radar lately as possible additions to the flock. Thank you for any information and opinions.

Edit - I did find a similar thread but it's from 2011: Best Year Model of 4th Gen??
 
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Safest is probably 06+. I cant remember the details off the top of my head, but I believe 03-05 are more prone to frame rot and the metal processing was updated in 06. Before Nov 05, they are more prone to head gasket failure, similar to the 3rd gens.

Tailgates without the spoiler are more prone to rust, so if you live in an area where rusting can occur, keep an eye on that.

Those would be my thoughts for you
 
Syr4RinNC said:
Safest is probably 06+. I cant remember the details off the top of my head, but I believe 03-05 are more prone to frame rot and the metal processing was updated in 06. Before Nov 05, they are more prone to head gasket failure, similar to the 3rd gens.

Tailgates without the spoiler are more prone to rust, so if you live in an area where rusting can occur, keep an eye on that.

Those would be my thoughts for you
Click to expand...


Thank you for replying. I did find quite a bit of info on t4r.org that previously eluded me. One of the ones I may have a shot at is an 08, which seems to be one of the 'better' years, if not the best. I have no info on its trim level and specs yet, though.
 
In my opinion the 06-09. I like the styling and lighting updates. I do wish the later models were available in the forest green offered in the earlier years. I believe the earlier years V6 had head gasket issues. In particular If you can find one go for the 09 trail edition with the ATRAC and e-locker.
 
Hi-desertT4R said:
In my opinion the 06-09. I like the styling and lighting updates. I do wish the later models were available in the forest green offered in the earlier years. I believe the earlier years V6 had head gasket issues. In particular If you can find one go for the 09 trail edition with the ATRAC and e-locker.
Click to expand...

Can you or others pinpoint the year of this Sport Edition? Sorry these are the only pics I have.....


Thanks!
 

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That's a Limited, not a Sport but its definitely an 06-09. They all look the same really.

I would say 06-09 has better styling and definitely go for a V8, zero regrets!

Edit: Also, do you want leather? Cloth? SR5 will have gray cloth seats, Sport will have black cloth and Limited has gray leather.
 
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That is an 06' to 09' model year you have pictured. The apex of the fender well is round on these and the headlights have a little nook in the bottom.
03' to 05' models have a squared off fender well and no nook in the headlights.

None of the 4th gens came with a manual shift transfer case, so you have to make sure the electronic servo engages the 4x4 properly. The electronics can get corroded. The servo motor and gears can become sticky or seize up completely. Mostly from lack of use. Replacing this part or the T-case is expensive. You can swap in a manual T-case if you want that option. It's not the easiest job I've ever done, but it's doable for us weekend wrenchers.
There are also some 2wd versions out there, but imo only practical for grocery getting, soccer moms or towing.

If you find a 4th gen with a 4.7 V8 that's in decent shape, buy it. The 2UZ FE engine code is arguably one of the best and most reliable engines ever built. There are 2 early Tundras with this engine that have documented 1 million miles on them. They were a couple of trucks that Toyota actually bought back from the company that owned them.

Also note that Toyota built the V8 06' -09' models with more power and torque than the 03' -05' models. Also the 4x4 V8s came w AWD, locking center diff and of course 4Lo. The AWD feature works really well for Wet and icy roads.

All of the Lexus sister GX470s came with the 4.7 V8, so if you find one you can afford, buy it.
The 4Runners 4.0 V6 gas mileage compared to the V8 is not that great, so for me the V8 is the better buy.

Good Luck!
 
That is an 06' to 09' model year you have pictured. The apex of the fender well is round on these and the headlights have a little nook in the bottom.
03' to 05' models have a squared off fender well and no nook in the headlights.

None of the 4th gens came with a manual shift transfer case, so you have to make sure the electronic servo engages the 4x4 properly. The electronics can get corroded. The servo motor and gears can become sticky or seize up completely. Mostly from lack of use. Replacing this part or the T-case is expensive. You can swap in a manual T-case if you want that option. It's not the easiest job I've ever done, but it's doable for us weekend wrenchers.
There are also some 2wd versions out there, but imo only practical for grocery getting, soccer moms or towing.

If you find a 4th gen with a 4.7 V8 that's in decent shape, buy it. The 2UZ FE engine code is arguably one of the best and most reliable engines ever built. There are 2 early Tundras with this engine that have documented 1 million miles on them. They were a couple of trucks that Toyota actually bought back from the company that owned them.

Also note that Toyota built the V8 06' -09' models with more power and torque than the 03' -05' models. Also the 4x4 V8s and the V6 Limiteds came w AWD, locking center diff and of course 4Lo. The AWD feature works really well for Wet and icy roads.

All of the Lexus sister GX470s came with the 4.7 V8, so if you find one you can afford, buy it.
The 4Runners 4.0 V6 gas mileage compared to the V8 is not that great, so for me the V8 is the better buy.

Good Luck!
 
Just an FYI, the head gasket issues mentioned only apply to the early V6 engines, 03 to 05 year models, look for a build date of 12-05 or later on the driver's door jamb VIN sticker for V6s with the updated head gaskets, head gasket issues doesn't apply to any of the V8 year models.
 
I have a '03 sport V8 and this is what I really like about mine:

- I have a transmission dipstick
- I have no EGR pipe thing on the exh manifolds

My ex GF has a '08 Limited V8 and I thought it was quite lovely, especially with the bun warmers! Both 4runners needed new exh manifolds and I HATED replacing her manifolds due to the EGR pipe thing. Mine was a breeze compared to hers.

I tow every other week so as a habit, I drain/refill my ATF on every oil change. Having a dipstick makes this uber easy.

Power is obviously higher with the later models but I did do the DT shorty headers, Magnaflow cross pipe and Gibson SS catback exhaust upgrade. So, I don't know if my power is any closer to the modern V8s but I'm happy with what I have.

My vehicle has 385xxx miles and not a single drop of oil is leaked. I did replace the O rings in the CDL actuator box. I also swapped out the PS rack with a rebuilt one from the Rack doctor.

Just another data point.
 
05 v6 here.

1 owner Vegas car prior to me owning it. Yeah I did the HG myself but the timing chain vs. belt on the v8 is a big plus for me.

They'll all have corroded LCA alignment adjustment bolts. Even as a Vegas car, mine were solid fused.
 
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