4Runner Design

[nh00gts]

I am in the process of purchasing a 4runner but wanted to set it up around the "street truck" design. Is it pointless to get a 4runner due to its poor aero dynamics and it being top heavy to try and set it up that way??? I'm not much of an off road enthusiast and do most of my driving on the street. Family is all Toyotas but I wasn't sure if purchasing a 4runner is worth it to fulfill my ideas..

Any suggestions or recommendations wouldn't be appreciated.

 

[ycart1201]

For the right amount of $ any car/suv can be fast or "streetable"...
You could get the supercharger for it... and i've seen some pretty big rims on the 4th gen for runner... (guess thats not gonna make it faster, but definately will kill its offroadability).

I have the v8 and it feels peppy enough for me.

Nathan
ycart1201

 

[Thai]

4runner is a poor example as a street hot-rod. It's rather heavy and has poor aerodynamics. Solid axle is always bad for handling. You may have better luck with car-based SUVs...too bad the Highlander is too family-oriented to modify. Maybe look at the Mitsubishi SUVs, like Endeavor. Or Nissan Armada (kinda expensive, but looks like the Caddy Escalade).

Sorry, i can't give much insight...i don't know enough about this.

 

[momo.75]

It depends how much into the "street truck" you want to go. I am sorta the same way. I bought my '03 and hardly ever take it off a dirt road. Mine has the port installed 18" and Kumho tires, so I see it more of a street truck. As far as drag racing or anything like that, the aerodynamics would be a problem.

I would be interested in what plans you have for it. We might be able to bounce some idea off of each other.

 

[Thai]

Don't forget that the gearing on the 4runner is far from sporty. The engine is also low in HP.

 

[momo.75]

The 4R is a good start for street or off road

That's the beauty of the 4Runner.

I also meant ot say that with the Xreas suspension, it gives it more of a sports car ride than most SUV's. Don't take that literally that I mean it is comparible to a sports car, but considering I came from Maxima with a sports tuned suspension, it doesn't drive overly big like you think an SUV would.

 

[Thai]

I 100% disagree with you Thai.

The 4R could be a street-truck style of suv. It has great low end, which is what you want on short streetlight-to-streetlight accelerations.
It's got tons of HP-SC it and it is unstoppable.

As for solid axle, it handles great. Toyota designed the 4th gens awesome on and off road. Besides, look at the F150 Lightning or other Hot Rod trucks. All solid rear axle.

On the other hand, for the logic of why you would want to do that to an suv...well, I don't agree but that's just my opinion. Everyone has the right to their own style.

The 4R is a good start for street or off road

Hmm, i will have to disagree with ya. Yes, it has great low-end, but all of the gearing also are for low-end...wide gearing, shifting times, full-time 4wd, heavy unsprung weight, etc. Therefore, yeah, you get off the line, BUT that's where it ends. I think stoplight to stoplight is probably too long...any decent sports car will beat it. I have not compared the 4runner's 1/4 mile time to other sports car, but i am sure that you have to be VERY selective on who you race.

I can assure that a properly suit up Toyota Highlander (equal power to 4runner) can kill the 4runner in anything on-road.

Yes, those Ford Lightning or Dodge SRT-10 are fast...but only in the straight. Throw a curve...and there goes your $$$$.

 

[nh00gts]

my ideas are to put the TRD 18's on it and set it up not neccessarily for drag racing or cone parking lot racing but for some get up and go in a street format.

I am stepping out of a lowered GTS Celica to a 4runner and I know the feel will be different but I still want to work the design around and clkose to the same sort of feel...

 

[momo.75]

If you get the V8, 18's and the xreas, you will have a good start. Then add the supercharger($$!!) and exhaust, you will be ahead of the game. Biff has the charger, so he can give you more details about it. All I have are pictures of the supercharger ingrained in my brain and on my wish list, so all I can give you is a pitty party. I can't wait to hear what other ideas you have for it.

 

[nh00gts]

I appreciate the feedback...I'm definitely thinking TRd 18's, Borla duals (TRD doesn't seem to have the hp gains) an intake to start then a removal of the intake for the supercharger. Maybe by the time I get to the supercharger stage some headers and other bolt ons will be available.