Considering moving from FJC to 4Runner

[Sile]

Hey folks!

Hope y'all don't mind a few questions from a 4Runner newbie! I tried to search for what I could, but couldn't find any recent opinions. If y'all want to tell me to keep trying to search, I won't be offended.

I've had an '07 FJ Cruiser 4WD with 6-speed manual and rear e-locker for about 10 months now and have done some medium-level wheeling and some basic mods to it. It's been great, but I'm getting tired of the lack of power and those damn suicide doors for the rear seat. After seeing Jason Demello's '05 V8 4Runner out at the Lonestar Toyota Jamboree, I'm very seriously considering returning the FJC to stock and trading it in on a V8 4Runner. Some of my FJ stuff I'll have to sell and some I'll have to move over:

• Demello bumper (will sell, replacing with Demello 4Runner bumper)
• Warn 9.5xp-s (will move over)
• Nitto Trail Grappler 295/70R17 (about 33.5") on MB 72 wheels (I think they'll move over)
• Demello 3-Stage sliders (possibly moddable to 4Runner, but would be a bit short)
• Icon Stage 1 suspension (checking with Icon to see if it can be modified for a 4Runner)
• Light Racing UCAs (staying on the FJ)

I know that by moving over, I'd be losing the e-locker and A-TRAC (unless I got an '08 Trail Edition, not likely), but I'd consider re-gearing (probably 4.88's in case I ever want to go up to 35") and would be open to installing an aftermarket air locker (rear, and possibly front since it would already be open).

Does anyone know of any blatant issues I might run into? It's possible that a BMC would be needed for the 295's (it was for my FJC). Are there good options for 4.88 gears and air lockers for the 4th gen 4Runners?

Thanks!

 

[superman3043]

Hey folks!

Hope y'all don't mind a few questions from a 4Runner newbie! I tried to search for what I could, but couldn't find any recent opinions. If y'all want to tell me to keep trying to search, I won't be offended.

I've had an '07 FJ Cruiser 4WD with 6-speed manual and rear e-locker for about 10 months now and have done some medium-level wheeling and some basic mods to it. It's been great, but I'm getting tired of the lack of power and those damn suicide doors for the rear seat. After seeing Jason Demello's '05 V8 4Runner out at the Lonestar Toyota Jamboree, I'm very seriously considering returning the FJC to stock and trading it in on a V8 4Runner. Some of my FJ stuff I'll have to sell and some I'll have to move over:

• Demello bumper (will sell, replacing with Demello 4Runner bumper)
• Warn 9.5xp-s (will move over)
• Nitto Trail Grappler 295/70R17 (about 33.5") on MB 72 wheels (I think they'll move over)
• Demello 3-Stage sliders (possibly moddable to 4Runner, but would be a bit short)
• Icon Stage 1 suspension (checking with Icon to see if it can be modified for a 4Runner)
• Light Racing UCAs (staying on the FJ)

I know that by moving over, I'd be losing the e-locker and A-TRAC (unless I got an '08 Trail Edition, not likely), but I'd consider re-gearing (probably 4.88's in case I ever want to go up to 35") and would be open to installing an aftermarket air locker (rear, and possibly front since it would already be open).

Does anyone know of any blatant issues I might run into? It's possible that a BMC would be needed for the 295's (it was for my FJC). Are there good options for 4.88 gears and air lockers for the 4th gen 4Runners?

Thanks!

First off, I like the way you think. I've no doubt you'll love the V8 4Runner. My mom has an FJC. I'm not really a fan of it. Dad has a late model Tundra with suicide doors as well. Both are a pain in the butt to access; especially in parking spaces.

Looking at your list of mods, it looks like everything can come over with the exception of the bumper. The biggest issue will probably be modifying your sliders like you said, but the Icon and UCA's should bolt right up.

Yeah, you'll lose the locker, but the 4R's have the A-Trac system.

BMC could be possible for 295's, but I'm learning that results vary in what tires you can stuff and these things and what you have to do to get them there. For your gearing/locker needs, hit up Chase Perry @ East Coast Gear Supply ([email protected]). I've found them to be awesome thus far, but have yet to purchase. But that's who I'm going to when I'm ready. They can assess your needs and put together a package for you. As far as gears go, Yukons are a pretty popular brand, and when it comes to air lockers, ARB is the popular choice. I've got a friend that also likes TJM lockers.

Only issues to be aware of is that the 2UZ V8 has a timing belt, so you need to do your PM with that as it's also an interference engine. I've read on here about cracked exhaust manifold issues as well on the engine. There is also an issue with frozen brake calipers, but that's not unique to 4Runners. Don't know if you saw this on FJ's or not. I've not seen any of these issues personally.

Just find a V8 4R to test drive and TRY not to fall in love with it! If you decide to make the switch, then great! Good luck on your search and welcome to T4R.org!

 

[Sile]

Thanks for the reply superman3043! I had totally forgotten that the LR UCAs are for both the 07-09 FJC and the 03+ 4Runner! I'm hoping the Icons can either bolt right up or need only minimal changes. When I look at the parts in the kits, the rear springs and shocks have the same part numbers, but the coilovers have a slightly different number.

My info on A-Trac was from Wikipedia (notoriously inaccurate), which stated that A-Trac was only added on the '08 Trail Edition. I'm really hoping your reply means that the pre-08's (can) have A-Trac too! Honestly, I've been using A-Trac more than my rear locker as of late, and I've been really impressed with it.

If I make the switch, I'll definitely hit up East Coast Gear Supply. They've got a great rep in the FJC community, so I have no doubt they would be great folks to work with.

Thanks for the heads-up on the timing belt. It's not a big deal to me as I've had belt-driven engines before (my Civic, Xterra, and Subaru STi), so I'm no stranger to being watchful. To my knowledge, the frozen caliper issue didn't hit the FJ's.

 

[gaterose]

The rear coils should fit as well. According to the Icon website the part number is the same for FJ & 03-up 4runner (52700).

The FJ suspension is essentially the same. My current rear coils are stock FJ coils, and many members run the full set because they're slightly taller/stiffer than 4runner coils. With the exception of some '10+ FJ shocks, all 03-05 & 07-09 FJC suspension (and many engine/drivetrain) parts are interchangeable.

If you think you can sell the sliders for a moderate amount, I'd sell them for 4runner sliders. Not sure how long the FJ sliders are but I know it's a good bit shorter than the 4runner (68-70" typically).

Welcome to the community!

 

[AleksV]

One huge improvement is that shoulder checks won't be as useless

 

[daPitbull]

I did the same. Actually when from a 03' 4runner V6 to a 07' FJ. Wheel'd the snot out of it for two years then sold it and got an 08' 4runner V8. You'll love the V8. My family was growing which made keeping the FJ a hard sell.

IMO, 4.88's are too tall for a V8, I'd say stick with 4.56's. I've towed a Tentrax trailer on 4.56 gear, worked perfect. Your options for lockers are ARB and I think TJM has some options.

My old FJ:

And my 4R:

 

[Sile]

Thanks for the info guys! daPitbull, that shot of your FJC is absolutely gorgeous! Is there some HDR trickery in there, or did that just naturally happen?

I found some info saying that the stock gearing for 4th-gen is 3.73. Is that right?

Gaterose, the only reason I would want to modify my current sliders is that they're something of a rarity. They're a design that isn't (and can't legally) be produced any more, and I haven't ever seen another design that I like even close to as well. I got one of the very last of them ever produced, and I'd hate to not have them.

Here's my FJ in action a few mods back, before I installed the winch and the new sliders:

 

[superman3043]

yeah 3.73 for the 5 speed auto. Love that transmission!