4th Gen Rear Spoilers; any benefit?

[jdkilroy]

Plenty of folks have talked about what the rear spoiler is supposed to do for the back window but does anyone have before and after comments regarding the actual effectiveness of the thing?

My 2008 did not come with one and I'm considering the add-on but only if its actually going to keep that back window cleaner. We have a lot of sloppy winter driving up here and the back window gets obscured pretty fast. I actually like the cleaner lines without it but if it works then I would do it.

Thanks,

 

[Anonymous4Runner]

I'm not too sure about snow, but I remember seeing a thread recently where this dude wanted to see if anyone was interested in a group buy for the rear spoilers. Last time I heard, he was looking for an authentic factory rear spoiler where he could mold and paint it to the customer's request, but he's having difficulties in finding one because he's not entirely positive that molding the factory rear spoiler will not damage the part at all ,the factory rear spoiler that is.


Just FOUND the thread;


http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/51716-interest-hump-backed-spoiler-03-09-4runner.html


Originally Posted by 810moto
is this just for looks or does it actually serve a purpose? i have seen those humpbacks and don't really care for them, however, if it served a good purpose, then i might just be in for one.


Yes, it helps keep all the grime from building up on the rear window. Most buy these for looks, but it does help with all the dust and dirt build-up.

2nd, if you are on the track at 90 mph+, it will add more down force to help keep the rear end planted , this is true, but I don't think many will be doing this.

^answer from the guy who was seeing if anyone was interested in a group buy as he could produce the same rear spoilers toyota makes for 4th gen

Hope this helps! I plan on getting one soon, too when I have the money for it!

 

[JET4]

My daughter has a 99 with rear spoiler and I have a 07 without rear spoiler. Her rear window stays a lot cleaner than mine, but I like the look without the spoiler.

 

[NWSKIUrbanRunner]

Yes...because the make your car look just that more cool

 

[4RunnerFan]

Probably not too many here with before/after pics on their T4Rs, but just keep an eye out for others on the road. I see lots of 4th gen 4Runners every week, most with the spoiler, some without. Those with the spoiler have much cleaner rear windows and tailgates.

 

[YotaDriver]

It definitely makes a difference in terms of keeping the rear window clear of mist and road grime, plus I think it makes the 4Runner's lines look better.

 

[jdkilroy]

Can't really figure out why one OEM spoiler (painted) goes for ~300.00 and another OEM (painted) goes for ~600.00 ! The more expensive one is the "hump" version which actually rises above the roof line to redirect air downward over the rear window. What's with that cost difference?

Common sense tells me the "hump" probably works better as an active process whereas the streamline version likely helps by breaking up that eddy current in the back of the vehicle that encourages so much crap to deposit on the window.

Thoughts ? anyone from Toyota help explain price difference ?

Thanks, Jon

YotaDriver, if that's your rig in your avatar, it looks like you have the "hump" version. I'm just south of you in Chester.

 

[kai920]

If the spoiler keeps the rear window cleaner, I'd hate to have seen mine this winter without the spoiler. On a dirty, wet, salty, snowy, icy highway 550 to Colorado I was constantly running the back wiper, and spraying cleaner.

Can't say the spoiler had done much(other than look cool IMHO), but again, I never drove my 4Runner without the spoiler.

 

[sonerick]

I have a rear spoiler, and although it may help keep the rear hatch a little bit cleaner, I still end up with road spray all over it. I'd say that if you prefer the cleaner look without it, it is not worth the expense to add one.

Edit: I have the "functional" hump-back spoiler. I use my rear wiper frequently regardless.

 

[ClockWork]

With the "functional" spoiler (2005+) I rarely use my rear wiper.

 

[kai920]

See the explanation of the functional spoiler in the third post on this page:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/18592-does-rear-spoiler-do-anything-3.html

Like I said, even with the spoiler on my most recent trip, my back window was being blasted with road spray. HOWEVER, I did forget to mention that I had a Thule cargo box on top, which certainly could have changed the airflow and the way the spoiler keeps the rear door/window clean.

 

[4Beast]

If the spoiler keeps the rear window cleaner, I'd hate to have seen mine this winter without the spoiler. On a dirty, wet, salty, snowy, icy highway 550 to Colorado I was constantly running the back wiper, and spraying cleaner.

Can't say the spoiler had done much(other than look cool IMHO), but again, I never drove my 4Runner without the spoiler.

I'm with kai, in crummy, grimy, salty conditions my rear window gets filthy, even with the spoiler.

 

[missslucrew]

And, it has to be good for at least 3 hp....

 

[kai920]

And, it has to be good for at least 3 hp....

You're only getting 3? I get 6! :thumb3:

 

[fvalentin]

I have an 07 with a spoiler and my buddy has the same year without one and it definitely helps. I rarely ever turn on my wiper and if it does go on its only for a quick second when it comes to a little snow build up in the morning but I then turn it off. My buddy has to use his all the time from rain to snow. Hope it helps.

 

[Synister]

Its my understanding that the "hump" spoiler is a JDM (i.e. factory) installed item and actually serves a purpose to redirect air over the rear gate to keep it a bit cleaner. The flatter, cosmetic spoiler is actually a port installed (dealer) option that looks good (IMO) but does not serve a real purpose. I could be wrong but I think thats why the prices are so drastically different between the two. FWIW I def appreciate how very little Ive ever had to use my rear wiper.

 

[jdkilroy]

well if some folks are getting a 6 hp boost from one spoiler (that's gotta be the "hump" version) then I'm going to install two for a predicted 12 hp boost.

Sounds like the general consensus is that is does reduce (not eliminate) grime on the rear window.

I'll be sure any get before and after pics (and dyno results).

 

[tp0908]

Bought my 2004 SR5 without spoiler. On the first month, I already noticed how fast the dirt builds up on the rear. Installed spoiler after several months (non-original). More than 7 years after, I'm still satisfied with it. Definitely kept my rear window a lot cleaner.

 

[4Rida]

I installed my spoiler (non-hump oem style of course) a couple of months ago and I can vouch for it actually being benificial. My original intentions were just for aesthetics. IMO, I think 4th gens look a little naked from the back without something up there.

I've driven in the rain and on dusty roads numerous times since the install and it definitley helps keep the back window/ surrounding areas clean. I used to be amazed at the amount of dust/dirt accumulation back there.


I've also read a couple of rumors on here:

1) It helps reduce the dreaded sulfer smell from entering through the back window when down. So far, this has proven to be true as of my testing. Yes, I've experienced the rotten egg smell plenty of times before the spoiler install. Yes, I frequently roll down my back window. Yes, I have ran at 75% throttle up hills intentionally trying to make it happen :thumb3:

2) It decreses gas milage. I commute ~50 miles a day all interstate and am getting consistant numbers before and after. As of my observations, this is false.

Hope this helps