ARB 2004 4Runner V8 Review

[expeditionswest]

I thought some of you would enjoy the review...

I am testing the 4Gen for ARB and Toyota over several months and 10+ trails.

2004 4Runner V8, 5-Speed Automatic

Front and rear ARB Locking differentials, stock gearing

265/70 R17 BFG AT/KO's mounted on stock wheels

Prototype Front ARB Bull Bar

Warn 9000 winch

Limb Risers

OME Suspension

45L Fridge/Freeze

9 IPF Lights

The new Compact ARB compressor for locker activation, portable compressor for tires

ARB Recovery Kit and the new XJack

ARB steps/rock rails

So, let me know if you have any questions on the truck or the ARB equipment installed. I will do my best to answer them.

Overall, I am very impressed with the vehicles. A fantastic motor and transmission. The OME suspension handles great, and the overall balance and tractability is excellent.

I would say the best feature is the option of up to three locking differentials AND the Active Trac. I drove all of the trails without the front locker engaged (with the exception of one ledge) and the combination is hard to beat. Great steering control and the quick responding A-Trac.

I was also able to completely dispel the rumor of the 4Runner A-Trac getting the truck stuck in the sand by locking all of the tires (with the brakes). I spent three hours in the dunes and purposefully tried to make that occur. Never happened, even at street pressure. It is important to lock the center diff though, and disable the VSC.

For those of you with a 4 gen, you are lucky!!!

 

[Dennis]

Nice work if you can get it...

Does ARB already sell all of these parts? Some of them? I haven't seen them before.

 

[expeditionswest]

Nice work if you can get it...

Does ARB already sell all of these parts? Some of them? I haven't seen them before.

I already have the truck, the pictures above are mine (from the trip back home with it)

ARB currently sells many of the parts, others can be special ordered and a few more are scheduled for production.

Are there any part in particular you are interested in?

 

[toybox]

IARB currently sells many of the parts, others can be special ordered and a few more are scheduled for production.

Are there any part in particular you are interested in?

Yes, the step sliders. Are they prototype also or are they being produced? If so do you know the cost?

Very nice truck btw.


AND, when will that prototype bumper be a production bumper?

 

[599er]

Nice upgrades!

You're gonna make some folks happy or pissed off. : But you can't please everyone!

 

[Thai]

Nice truck!! Just the perfect amount of modification.

Are you concern about too much stress on the IFS (ball cages or short arm) with the front locker?? I read this once by one of the member here.

Are the rock sliders frame-mounted or body-mounted?? I have read pluses and minuses of both designs.

Thanks...again, nice rig.

 

[expeditionswest]

Nice truck!! Just the perfect amount of modification.

Are you concern about too much stress on the IFS (ball cages or short arm) with the front locker?? I read this once by one of the member here.

Are the rock sliders frame-mounted or body-mounted?? I have read pluses and minuses of both designs.

Thanks...again, nice rig.

A front locker, when used properly will make the front end more durable. The ARB differential is significantly stronger than stock. The key is to limit the lockers use when turning. A CV axle is very strong in a straight line.

The rock sliders are frame mounted.

 

[toybox]

The rock sliders are frame mounted.

Are they available to buy????

 

[expeditionswest]

Are they available to buy????

I will be talking with ARB today, and get back with you on the availability.

 

[cpayne5]

Lots and lots of info here:
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=811

 

[mochoajr]

I will be talking with ARB today, and get back with you on the availability.

Whenever you get more info, I am interested in the roof rack and sliders.

mochoajr

 

[Kmvreter]

Nice mods! Now to save the pennies.

Glad you have the opportunity to test it. Lots of great info on the expeditionportal forum!

ps. Minor item. I noticed that you said it has 2 rear 12V outlets. I don't know if that is stock so can you take some pics of the locations (I only have one at the passenger rear and wouldn't mind adding a second.) Would you know if they are on the same circuit/fuse?

 

[Good Times]

Got a chance to check out the ARB 4runner in person and here's some photos and commecnts:

My thoughts on the ARB rails - It looks nice for a running board but that's about it. It only has 2 anchor points which are bolt on but the load is not distributed enough to be considered a point where you can use your hilift as a lift jack point. Scott told me that they did in fact use it as a rock slider and it did hold up well but it's definitely not strong enough for extended abuse. I would definitely not recommend this as a viable rock slider solution. Outside of that, the finish is great

 

[Good Times]

Roof Rack: It's burly and well made. The rack itself is a production piece it looks like so expect these to hit the shelves. The light rack seems to be an one off product but am not certain. The rails are bolt on in the factory position. Strong and durable. (two thumbs up)

Expect mpg to suffer greatly though.

 

[Good Times]

Bumper: Definitely a well made bumper. You can't even tell that it was pieced together by several different bumpers. Those that are waiting for ARB to release this bumper, email [email protected] and tell them that you want this as it'll be a beauty.

Mounts are well made and secured at the front of the frame and the sides making it very rigid. A recovery point is available (2) and is mounted right at frame height making this an ideal position. The winch itself is mounted very low making it better and more stable. The factory skid plate can be utilized without any modification making it easy to bolt on. Bumper looks to be very heavy as expected by any plate bumper but strong.

Side valance cover is nice but I don't like how it's bolted on the bottom (check spacer). Looks like one big hit and it's going to get mangled like crazy.

 

[Expat]

Got a chance to check out the ARB 4runner in person....

Where did you see it Lance?

 

[toybox]

Thanks Good Times, that was an excellent review and very timely for me. I think I'll keep looking for sliders. The roof rack seems great though.

 

[mochoajr]

Roof Rack

I like the roof rack but will look for sliders somewhere else.

mochoajr

 

[4x4rnr]

Got a chance to check out the ARB 4runner in person and here's some photos and commecnts...

Thanks Lance! Photos and comments are much appreciated.

 

[Good Times]

Scott happen to be in the area so we scheduled to get together so I can check out the 4runner.

Good news, the bumper will happen. More info to come.

The roof rack is pretty impressive. It's definitely burly but it will come at a price and hurt your mpg. But it still looks damn cool