2003/2004 off roading questions

[Brewster]

I am having trouble finding a new 4runner equipped as I want. I need power seats to get a comfortable driving position, so an Ltd is required. Unfortunately, it seems they all have running boards, daytime running lights, and rear spoilers. I would appreciate answers (even partial) to the following questions -

1. Is there a switch or mode that allows a door to be opened without any lights coming on? I assume that the running board light bulbs can be removed, if necessary.

2. How difficult is it to remove the running boards?

3. Is there a method of turning off the daytime running lights?

4. I do a lot of driving on dusty dirt roads. In the past, this has caused problems with tailgate window retracting mechanisms, which is why my recent vehicles have had lift gates in the rear. Does anyone know whether the rear spoiler will help or hurt in this regard? If it keeps the dust completely off the rear window, it should help, but if it blows dusty air down into the rear window seal, it may hurt.

5. Many otherwise interesting 4runners I have found have the X-Reas system. I am concerned about long term maintenance and the possible need for mods for greater ground clearance. I will be using my vehicle in rough country about 150 miles from the nearest dealer. Can X-Reas shocks be replaced by normal ones, if necessary?

 

[Thai]

Yup, what FirstToyz said.

The 4runner still has a lift-gate cargo door. Not many SUVs have the rolling window mechanism in the rear cargo door. If you're concern about it breaking, then don't use the rolling window feature. I have not had any problems with mine.

The spoiler on my 3rd gen 4runner is not very effective at it's job. However, i don't think that it will make things worst.

XREAS shocks should last a very long time. They are monotubes, which should last the life of the vehicle (in theory). The standard suspension shocks are twin-tube design.

You can read more about XREAS on this thread:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1076

Yes, you can take out the XREAS system when you lift your 4runner in the future. However, you cannot just replace one or two XREAS shocks with regular shocks. Once you break one XREAS shock, then you must use XREAS shock if you want the same performance. If not, then you will need to take out the whole system and then install regular shocks.

For your kind of travel, XREAS shocks would be better for you since they are monotubes (less shock fading, more efficiency, quicker responding). Read the above link.

Hope this helps.

 

[bulldog-yota]

Better late than never. You might have found the info already.

Couple of points on XREAS.
1) You can lift a Runner with XREAS, by using spacers (Daystar and Revtek) 2-3" lift front and rear while keeping the XEAS system.
2) The XREAS system should last a long time as Thai said.
3) You can replace the individual shocks and pieces on the XREAS system, see the repair manual. It actually seem to have disconnection point son the XREAS system where you disconnect the shocks and center units and replace. It seems to be advised you can replace the individual component once but if you need to do it again you have to replace all components.

Hope this helps you.

 

[Brewster]

Yes, I found some answers, but I still appreciate your reply.

Shortly after my original post, I went ahead and bought a 4WD, V8 LTD with XREAS. I think it handles amazingly well, so I'm glad I got the XREAS. I won't do much serious off roading until my 92 Explorer wears out, so I won't worry about lifts until then.

As to the other questions -
1. Turning off the dome lights still allows the door and running board ligts to come on.

2. I haven't taken off the running boards because I do find them useful for washing and for roof rack access. I have gotten my pants dirty occassionally, so I may take them off later.

3. I could rig a DRL switch, but the door lights would still come on, so I haven't done it. I want them on most of the time anyway.

4. When I drive on dirt roads, the spoiler doesn't keep dust off the tailgate, and it doesn't blow off later at highway speeds. My Explorer has no spoiler and doesn't seem to get any dirtier. Of course, its aerodynamics are somewhat different.

 

[TranceKrayz]

you can change the color of your drl's if it's the color that you don't like. i hated the amber.

here's a picture of my drl's:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3228&perpage=15&pagenumber=2

 

[NoDak]

there is a thread around here where you can change the relay for the DRL and turn them into normal lites or vice versa.

edit:

here is the thread

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2378&highlight=drl+part+number

So, just to confirm, if I want DRL on my truck all I have to do is go to Partznet and order:

TURN SIGNAL flasher, 4-Runner, w/DRL 2003 $40.58 $31.65
Electrical - Chassis electrical - flashers - Turn signal flasher

Has anyone actually ordered this part from Partznet and done this?

 

[dmw3311]

I have removed my running boards in less than 30 minutes. I removed them for extra clearance for some of the rougher raods I drive in Death alley. There are 3 brackets with 2 bolts on eack running board. The Lights are disconnected by unplugging the wires at the frame. The connector then can be fastened to the frame.

 

[dcampen]

I removed them for extra clearance for some of the rougher raods I drive in Death alley.

Which roads? I have only been out to Hole-in-the-Wall and the end of the Echo Canyon trail.

 

[dmw3311]

I have been to Titus Canyon, Golar Pass, Lippencott Road ( a real challanging one ) Saline Valley Road 84 Miles of great off roading including a great warm springs. Back road to Darwin from Panamint Springs and many others. Check out the Book Death Valley SUV Trails by Roger Mitchell. I usually go to Death Valley at least every other month. There are still roads I have not traveled yet.


DMW

 

[dcampen]

Check out the Book Death Valley SUV Trails by Roger Mitchell.

Thanks, I bought a copy.

Glad I wasn't out there last Sunday.

 

[dmw3311]

Death Valley

Glad you bought the book, I was out there last week from Thursday to Saturday night. I did Titus Canyon, Darwin road from Panimint Springs to Darwin, Saline Valley road from south 190 to Big Pine, Big Pine to Gold Point Nevada and the road to Cerro Gordo.....The 4 runner did it all without ever scrapping bottom. There were a few showers but nothing to stop the trip the Temp. varied from 120 -78 degrees.....never seen anyone else for 3 days off road. I will try to post some photos soon.


DMW