2004 4runner cabability

[4RunnerSR52004]

Hello All,
I am still fairly new to this site & 4runner's in general ( I LOVE the truck so far). I just purchased a 2004 SR5 4Runner with 160K on her recently with 4wd & I'm curious just how capable she is off pavement in stock form. I came from a 2006 Tacoma Pre-runner which obviously without 4wd was limited in the snow & mud, etc. The only time I got stuck in the Pre-Runner was my own yard, lol & it was in the rain soaked mud. I don't want to venture off road without help waiting since I don't know the capabilities of the truck. I have only driven in minor snowfall so far in 4HI with no issues & I WANT to level out the front in the near future to give me more clearance. I don't go off road often but want to know that if I do I can be confident. I am very happy with my purchase & want to take this 4Runner to 300K at least! I love Toyota quality & resale value & had no hesitation when getting this 4Runner with high miles. Thanks for all responses!!

 

[c_mack9]

I say put some nice all terrain tires on it and you'll be set.

 

[4RunnerSR52004]

I'm really stoked to have a 4runner & feel MUCH more confident in any situation then I did with the Pre-Runner I had. Any Toyota I know is a good choice & very dependable in the long run but now I am VERY confident with what I have, 4wd might just help me out of a slick situation.

 

[kevinpt]

they can take a lot in stock form. i went to shoe creek a few months ago with not the best street tires and it was snowing. i was able to make it without the need for a tow strap or winch

 

[JB.]

I'm curious just how capable she is off pavement in stock form. I don't go off road often but want to know that if I do I can be confident.

Hard question to answer as it's dependent on your experience and what you compare it to.

Confidence feels good but when it comes to 4wheeling, too much can be bad.

Play around with it in baby steps every chance you get, and always be aware of your circumstances and ask yourself what you'd do if you got stuck. Don't be too quick to draw conclusions such as, "okay, I can climb a hill that steep" or "go through snow that deep". Small things can change the dynamics of those situations and maybe the next time it's not so easy in conditions that seem the same.

The truck is very capable. Most of the limitations are based on the skill and experience of the driver.

Congrats, and have fun exploring the capabilities of the truck. I still do after 9 years.

 

[4RunnerSR52004]

TY for the responses, here in Delaware it's pretty flat terrain where I'm at but I don't have to travel to far to find some good hills & mountains. I would like to find some good off road parks to toy around with & know that others are around should I get in a bind. This is my first 4wd & even though I loved my Tacoma Pre-Runner I feel like I will be much safer in this vehicle. I already got a chance to test it out when turning around on a street that was flooded, backed into the muddy grass a little & from all the rain in 2Hi it didn't want to budge so I put it in 4Low & it got right out. GREAT feeling I must say.

 

[gshadow325]

keep a eye on this thread.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/off-roading/131159-pine-barrens-nj-wheeling-meet-ups.html

you might want to join the NE 4runner group on facebook

and here is something coming up in two weeks that [MENTION=55855]zopperman[/MENTION] and i are attending
Shamokin/Centralia, PA March 15th and 16th Wheeling and Camping - Tacoma World Forums

probably going to play in the mud and trails at the pine barrens sometime in april or may

 

[CXS]

The truck is very capable. Most of the limitations are based on the skill and experience of the driver.

JB is right on - an experienced driver with a stock truck can do better than an inexperienced driver with a built truck. Find someone to wheel with you and get some time learning the ropes. Reading helps but hands-on is the only way to learn.

 

[ebg18t]

I found the 4Runner very capable while being comfortable Offroad. I came from the Land Rover world where I was used to solid axles front and rear and very very pleased with the IFS for MY uses. Not to mention the wife likes the 4Runner better which makes trips easier.

 

[Flyer]

In stock for, the 4R is quite good but suffers from clearance issues. If you add MT to it (KM2, MTR, or even the hybrid DuraTrac) it will really help offroad. The 4th Gen is a big wide and suffers from clearance issues at stock height but it is fun offroad. If you put MTs on and lift it a bit, it becomes a lot more capable on rockier trails.

 

[4RunnerSR52004]

keep a eye on this thread.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/off-roading/131159-pine-barrens-nj-wheeling-meet-ups.html

you might want to join the NE 4runner group on facebook

and here is something coming up in two weeks that [MENTION=55855]zopperman[/MENTION] and i are attending
Shamokin/Centralia, PA March 15th and 16th Wheeling and Camping - Tacoma World Forums

probably going to play in the mud and trails at the pine barrens sometime in april or may

Sounds great, thnx for the info!

 

[luvmyt4r]

Check out what I have in my signature. I ran into some quads up in the blackhills of SD and they asked HOW I got there. I said.....Drove. It wasn't too bad. Very technical, but the runner handled it with ease as long as you take your time.