4Runner Regional Differences?

[dtiep]

Hi,
Been lurking on this board for almost a year and finally purchased an 06 SR5 2wd last month.
I currently live down south where the temps are hot & humid and the terrain is flat. But I'll be moving to West Virginia soon and was wondering if I'd have to change anything to make it more suitable for the region.
Does the computer need to be readjusted? Would I need to install oil & tranny cooler?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Don

 

[sharp4runr]

I'm not aware of any regional changes. Some vehicles are designed differently to conform to the higher emissions standards of California, but I haven't heard of anything on the 4Runner. Anyways, it doesn't fit your scenario but figured I'd mention it just the same.

Oil cooler is standard on both the V6 and V8. The V8 has a built in tranny cooler as well while the V6 is without. Tranny cooler would be nice if you plan to tow and if you are in a pretty mountainous region of W. VA.

And welcome to the forums

 

[boston_kevin]

no changes should be required... The computer should adjust everything automatically. If you were moving to a state with more agressive emissions control (like CA), you might have to sign a paper stating that the vehicle was purchased out of state, but even this is rare these days.

 

[dtiep]

Thanks for the reassurances!

Well, I'll be towing a 1800 lbs trailer for about 970 miles.
Can I get away without a tranny cooler?

Good to know that the computer adjusts itself. Wish my home pc could do that.

 

[khaug]

Well, I'll be towing a 1800 lbs trailer for about 970 miles.
Can I get away without a tranny cooler?

You still haven't told us what you're driving. The V8s have an external tranny cooler. The V6s have only the tranny cooler that's integral with the radiator.

I've towed 4,000# extensively with our '03, including trips through the mountains in WV and VA. No extra tranny cooler on my 'Runner and no problem whatsoever. I'd guess you'll be OK even if you have a V6, as I towed the same load (Porsche 911 on an open trailer) extensively with an unmodified '98 4Runner Limited and had no overheating problems at all. You are way below the 5,000# max that Toyota stipulates for the V6.

Toyota recommends towing with overdrive (top gear) locked out. IMHO, this is good advice for several reasons. To do this on a 4th gen 'Runner, put the tranny selector in "4".

Good luck.

 

[Mountaineer]

You should not have any troubles, though you may wish you 4WD come winter time. I'm from north central WV and went to school there and you would never know how much snow to expect. Your 4Runner should be more than capable of handling most of the winter weather unless you're going to be up in the mountains a lot. Good luck with the move and I hope you enjoy living there. WV is a really beautiful state with so much to offer if you enjoy the outdoors.

 

[dtiep]

As stated in my original post: 06 SR5 2wd
4Runner, of course.

I was seriously comtemplating 4wd, but I didn't see a need for it as I live in a relatively flat area.
Who would've known that I'll be moving to a mountainous area right after buying my 4Runner...C'est la Vie!

Now I have to find a hitch receiver for my move.

Again, thanks for the reassurances!

 

[sharp4runr]

We don't know if you have a V6 or a V8 though :

I'm assuming you have a V6 since it is a 2006 without a hitch receiver. The V8 comes with a hitch receiver while it is optional on the V6 in 2006.