4th gen VS. 5th gen - my thoughts
- Thread starter Quantum
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RUNTHAT
New member
^^^This
Or when people say it handles like a sports car(usually after suspension mods or KDSS).
LOL at the Flowmasters! Louder makes it faster, right? I never really liked the sound of a V6, or a 4-cylinder for that matter, through a louder muffler. If I'd wanted an old Blazer, Bronco, or Jeep, that's what I would have bought. Like I said before, this is simply a comparison of my rental 2017 5th gen to my 2006 4th gen. I was hoping that the improvements over time to the design from 2006 to 2017 would be similar to what Toyota has done with the Camry over a similar time span. My wife just bought a 2017 Camry XSE V6, and comparing it to her old 2004 Camry in no way makes me want her to go back to the old car. I wanted my '06 4Runner back for a week.
To each their own. My impression of the '17 is not entirely negative - there are some things I really liked about it, but since I got home today, I took my '06 out for a spin since I had my butt re-calibrated after 8 days in the '17, and I was smiling from ear to ear the whole time. I don't know any better way to say it than it is simply a matter of personal preference. One is not any "better" than the other, just different.
Compared to the '17, mine feels nimble, planted, has lots sharper throttle response, doesn't nose-dive NEARLY as much, steering is lighter and more responsive, and acceleration feels more brisk, even though it is a 4x4 vs a 4x2.
If I wanted a larger, heavier feeling vehicle, the '17 would suit me fine. I would have it optioned similarly to my '06 Limited, but I imagine that would make it even heavier feeling. Who knows. I suppose I just had unrealistic expectations based on the improvements I saw with the Camry. I was prepared to be spoiled by the '17 and to start disliking my 4th gen and be trawling the dealers looking to trade, but, to quote Andy Grammer, "Nah, nah, honey I'm good."
Glad I saw this thread
I recently have test driven five 2014/15 SR5's and I too found them a little more sluggish than my 08 V6 daily driver. I didn't drive them long enough to tell if it would become an issue for me down the road if I owned one. I was however a little put off that I would have to deal with the drivers side lean with the 5th gens (atleast the ones I saw) as well. Looks like I better do more research.
I recently have test driven five 2014/15 SR5's and I too found them a little more sluggish than my 08 V6 daily driver. I didn't drive them long enough to tell if it would become an issue for me down the road if I owned one. I was however a little put off that I would have to deal with the drivers side lean with the 5th gens (atleast the ones I saw) as well. Looks like I better do more research.
Solution?
Sorry for conjuring this old thread, but I have since seen on YouTube where Jason Koertge tested a module to add to 5th gens that sharpens throttle response, and can be dialed in to different ramp profiles of throttle tip-in to suit your taste/feel (skip to 0:48 to start the mod off immediately):
YouTube
A potential fix for my suspension complaints:
YouTube
Feel like I'm going to irritate some 5th gen owners with this next statement, but I am by far not the only one who feels this way. By far. I mean no disrespect to anyone, it's just my personal preference and opinion. The 5th gen OEM suspension feels like it is not dialed in to be exceptional at driving either off-road OR on-road, but something in the middle. It would be nice to have a choice when purchasing a $45k vehicle as to whether it is intended to have off-road chops OR on-road stability, OR a compromise. I feel it is unfortunate to have to have two mods queued up just to make a 5th gen acceptable. Still rockin' my '06 with no plans to replace it. She just doesn't break.
I don't gripe about 5th gens because I own a 4th gen. I own a 4th gen because I prefer it over the 5th gen. It's that simple. Could have bought either one when I bought my '06.
Sorry for conjuring this old thread, but I have since seen on YouTube where Jason Koertge tested a module to add to 5th gens that sharpens throttle response, and can be dialed in to different ramp profiles of throttle tip-in to suit your taste/feel (skip to 0:48 to start the mod off immediately):
YouTube
A potential fix for my suspension complaints:
YouTube
Feel like I'm going to irritate some 5th gen owners with this next statement, but I am by far not the only one who feels this way. By far. I mean no disrespect to anyone, it's just my personal preference and opinion. The 5th gen OEM suspension feels like it is not dialed in to be exceptional at driving either off-road OR on-road, but something in the middle. It would be nice to have a choice when purchasing a $45k vehicle as to whether it is intended to have off-road chops OR on-road stability, OR a compromise. I feel it is unfortunate to have to have two mods queued up just to make a 5th gen acceptable. Still rockin' my '06 with no plans to replace it. She just doesn't break.
I don't gripe about 5th gens because I own a 4th gen. I own a 4th gen because I prefer it over the 5th gen. It's that simple. Could have bought either one when I bought my '06.
Bimmerphile?
New member
Regarding a Sprintbooster, my personal opinion is that it is completely unnecessary on the 4Runner. I just purchased a 2019 and unless they changed throttle sensitivity on 2019 models, it is fine.
I previously put a Sprintbooster on my 2008 BMW 550i because that pedal was absolutely terrible. You would have to push it down about 3/4 of the way for the thing to do anything more than a slow crawl. Only thing was that it voided the warranty so every time I went in for service I had to remove it - it wasn't difficult but was kind of a pain.
The 4Runner we have now is light years better than that BMW and in my opinion doesn't need it, but to each his own.
And it really should not be seen as 'more power' but rather increased pedal sensitivity, because that's what it is.
I previously put a Sprintbooster on my 2008 BMW 550i because that pedal was absolutely terrible. You would have to push it down about 3/4 of the way for the thing to do anything more than a slow crawl. Only thing was that it voided the warranty so every time I went in for service I had to remove it - it wasn't difficult but was kind of a pain.
The 4Runner we have now is light years better than that BMW and in my opinion doesn't need it, but to each his own.
And it really should not be seen as 'more power' but rather increased pedal sensitivity, because that's what it is.
[MENTION=136733]Bimmer[/MENTION]phile - I haven't driven a 2019 - my experience is based on a full week of driving a 2017 SR5. Felt like I had to stand on the throttle to go anywhere. And the handling. Aaaargh! I'm sure rock crawling would be easier with a soft pedal, so at least with the pedal mod you can dial up whatever you want.
Also, Jason did mis-speak when he titled that video about adding power. He addresses that in the video itself.
Love his YouTube channel. If you haven't seen it, try it some time. Very entertaining and honest too.
Also, Jason did mis-speak when he titled that video about adding power. He addresses that in the video itself.
Love his YouTube channel. If you haven't seen it, try it some time. Very entertaining and honest too.
Still keepin' her clean and have zero plans to replace her! Just hit 100k miles back in August and changed the engine oil, front dif, rear dif, and xfer case oils, did a coolant flush, brake fluid change and bleed, power steering fluid change, and drained the transmission fluid, dropped the pan, changed the transmission fluid filter, cleaned the magnets and wiped out the pan (quite minor sludge buildup considering it's an '06 with the original "lifetime" fluid in it), filled/drained the transmission until the fluid came out clean and clear cherry red, and topped off the windshield washer fluid. Oh yeah - new cabin air filter and washed and re-coated the K&N airbox filter.
I've driven it almost 1000 miles since and it still drives excellent as always, and shifts remain buttery smooth. I'm interested though to see what the 6th gen is gonna be like if and when it gets here. I may be trawling the dealers one day. Not today though, and even when that day comes, I won't be showing up with a trade!
I've driven it almost 1000 miles since and it still drives excellent as always, and shifts remain buttery smooth. I'm interested though to see what the 6th gen is gonna be like if and when it gets here. I may be trawling the dealers one day. Not today though, and even when that day comes, I won't be showing up with a trade!
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The 5th gen has a lot going for it for sure, just didn't do it for me. I stand by my criticisms, but they can be corrected with some suspension work and an aftermarket electronic throttle module. The styling upgrades and some of the new packages and features that have come out since our last interaction are attractive, but still not enough to make me bite. Maybe the 6th gen? Who knows. Still posting current pictures of my '06 that hit 100k this past summer. And no, I don't think it's perfect like some morons. Nothing's perfect. The rattle in the sunroof, the leaky water pump that I had to have replaced this past summer, a couple of seized brake calipers, buzzing roof rack cross-pieces (took them off - never haul anything up there anyway), and more power would be nice.
I'd hate to be driving a 15-year-old Explorer though... Have you looked at the upholstery in a 15-year-old Explorer - especially the leather? Have you closed a 15-year-old Ford door lately? As a matter of fact, have you closed ANY Ford truck doors lately? No tight "thump". More like a clatter with some rattles.
Anyway, that is what has happened so far since my experience with the rental. Just some minor mods like new wheels & tires, black badges and emblems, and black trim in the grille and on the tailgate, and replaced the yellowing original headlights (after getting tired of buffing them over and over - that crap never lasts after you burn through the UV protective layer anyway no matter what you polish them with afterward - tried it all) with OEM Sport Edition headlights from Toyota. Nice what you can do when you don't have a car payment and you don't have to sink money into keeping your car running month after month isn't it?
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Time flies
No, sure didn't. Thanks for the info though. Guess I'm just shouting into the abyss at this point. I just wanted to make my point that my preference is what it is and hasn't changed because I'm defending what I own. Like I said years ago - at the time I could have purchased either 4th or 5th gen, and test-drove both back to back and preferred the 4th gen so that's what I bought, and until something that I like better comes along, I see no reason to take on a car payment again. That's what my grandfather would have called "a fool's folly".
I was afraid that that '17 rental would be enough of an improvement over the '10s, '11s and '12s that I drove when I was comparing the 4th gens (it sure looked better though) that it would send me to the dealers looking, but it didn't, and people evidently don't like that. Don't like it to the point of calling my reasons for not liking the 5th gen "BS". I guess I'm not falling in line with what I'm supposed to think around here. Whatever. Another reason I don't hang out here much anymore.
I don't come onto the forum like I used to either since I got everything pretty much set up the way I want it now.
At least I can get a kick out of people complaining about their supposed "6th gens" having leaky sunroofs. I actually laughed out loud at some of that.
Thanks again for your input.
No, sure didn't. Thanks for the info though. Guess I'm just shouting into the abyss at this point. I just wanted to make my point that my preference is what it is and hasn't changed because I'm defending what I own. Like I said years ago - at the time I could have purchased either 4th or 5th gen, and test-drove both back to back and preferred the 4th gen so that's what I bought, and until something that I like better comes along, I see no reason to take on a car payment again. That's what my grandfather would have called "a fool's folly".
I was afraid that that '17 rental would be enough of an improvement over the '10s, '11s and '12s that I drove when I was comparing the 4th gens (it sure looked better though) that it would send me to the dealers looking, but it didn't, and people evidently don't like that. Don't like it to the point of calling my reasons for not liking the 5th gen "BS". I guess I'm not falling in line with what I'm supposed to think around here. Whatever. Another reason I don't hang out here much anymore.
I don't come onto the forum like I used to either since I got everything pretty much set up the way I want it now.
At least I can get a kick out of people complaining about their supposed "6th gens" having leaky sunroofs. I actually laughed out loud at some of that.
Thanks again for your input.
JeuTheIdit
New member
I think a lot of people still agree with you, they just do not come over to the 5th gen section lol.
I wish I knew more about the 4th gens, or vehicles in general, when I bought my 5th gen. Might have gone with the 4th for the v8, but it is hard to find a mint used vehicle in Minnesota. Still happy with my purchase though and plan to have it until it dies.
Nice truck btw!
Snowtrooper
New member
I can only imagine. As someone who had to drive a (new at the time) Explorer 15 years ago, I can attest on how cheap they were then. There’s a reason nobody is trying to keep them on the road now lol.
If most of the 4th gens looked as good as yours, many people would have a hard time “upgrading”. But alas, they are getting more rare by the day. Aftermarket support, despite common suspension/ engine components, are getting harder to find. If you have one that is running well and is in good shape? Good for you...treat it well.
It’ll be hard to convince the 5th gen side of this forum that tried and true should have came with more “improvements”. Many of us bought a 5th gen because much of what we can depend on is still the same (with a clean history).
Good luck with your 4th gen. It’s definitely a clean example.
Blackwatch
New member
Resurrecting an old thread.
I just measured the back of my 4th gen and it seems the back length is a bit longer than the 5th gen?
From the inside of the closed back hatch to the air vents in the back if the console it is 6' 3". I thought I remembered this length as 5'10" in the 5th gen. Anyone else find this?
I just measured the back of my 4th gen and it seems the back length is a bit longer than the 5th gen?
From the inside of the closed back hatch to the air vents in the back if the console it is 6' 3". I thought I remembered this length as 5'10" in the 5th gen. Anyone else find this?
