Different factory spoilers?

[Jaebster]

The other day, I saw a 03-05 T4R with what appeared to be a factory spoiler but it looked a little different. I have the '07 spoiler and for those of you familiar with it, it is bulky and has a hump near the top. The one that I saw was thinner looking and didn't seem to have such a big hump on it. (Maybe like a cross between the fat spoiler and the lexus GX470 spoiler). Anyone know if the spoiler design changed between the years?

 

[boston_kevin]

Yes. I think in either '05 or '06 the spoiler design changed from a more flat spoiler to the one you see on the current models with the "hump". I think the intent was to increase the downflow across the back window...

 

[Uneek]

2005+ 4Runners have the hump spoiler from the factory. 2003-04 4Runners have the flat spoiler from the factory. There is also the SpoilerDepot spoiler which is flat like the OEM, but the brake light is mounted different. The SpoilerDepot is port installed.

 

[Jaebster]

Thanks for your replies. I really like the flatter spoiler. I know the debate rages on as to the true functionality of the spoiler but that's another story.

 

[Koz]

The humped spoiler creates more air flow down the rear window. It helps keep dirt and exhaust away from the back window.

Koz

 

[Even Steven]

Thanks for your replies. I really like the flatter spoiler. I know the debate rages on as to the true functionality of the spoiler but that's another story.

Yeah, people love to think that the spoilers (hump or no hump) keep the rear window cleaner, but they really do nothing of the sort. I have pictures that prove it! LOL.

The spoiler is cosmetic only....don't let anyone try to convince you otherwise.

 

[Koz]

Yeah, people love to think that the spoilers (hump or no hump) keep the rear window cleaner, but they really do nothing of the sort. I have pictures that prove it! LOL.

The spoiler is cosmetic only....don't let anyone try to convince you otherwise.

The re-designed spoiler does in fact move more air down the rear of the vehicle and DOES help keep it cleaner. If you travel in the rain you can clearly see exactly where the dirt line ends near the edges of the back glass (The dirt line shows the exact path of the added moving air). Toyota has a problem with the sulfur smell coming from the exhaust. Do you think they redesigned the spoiler just for LOOKS?

Koz

 

[Even Steven]

The re-designed spoiler does in fact move more air down the rear of the vehicle and DOES help keep it cleaner. If you travel in the rain you can clearly see exactly where the dirt line ends near the edges of the back glass (The dirt line shows the exact path of the added moving air). Toyota has a problem with the sulfur smell coming from the exhaust. Do you think they redesigned the spoiler just for LOOKS?

Koz

No, they certainly didn't do it for looks because the hump makes the rear spoiler ugly, IMO.

But I stand behind my opinion that none of the 4Runner rear spoilers does anything at all to keep the back window cleaner. You are entitled to your opinion though.

I plan on proving my opinion in the near future. I'm going to block off the air gap along half of the spoiler and drive at highway speeds on a trip upstate. The other half of the spoiler will have no obstructions and allow full airflow down the back of the 4Runner. I'll post pics of the rear glass looking exactly the same on each side when I'm done.:bash:

Somehow, I'm sure some people here will still believe the rear spoiler is actually functional for keeping the rear glass cleaner. LOL

 

[icantsee]

4Runner looks way better w/ the spoiler. Very ugly without it.

My spoiler indeed does keep the rear glass dry when I'm driving in the rain.

'03-'04

'05-'08