Atlanta_man
New member
If I was buying today it would be a Tundra just to get the V8 and six speed auto.
Don't mean to offend but I hate the 5th gen body style
- Thread starter Carsonsmom
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LTDSC
New member
they want gold for a used/new tundra and tacoma too! Its insane the prices of those trucks. I got my 4Runner because it was used, and also was from my previous employer and they helped me out a bunch financially with it otherwise they would be priced out of my market.
TRDCal
New member
The title of this tread is ridiculous...hostile towards other gens much?? oh wait you "didn't mean to offend" so that makes it ok.
Everyone's open to their own opinion but there is other ways of expressing them like maybe a thread called "5th gen styling...opinions?" (not that there isn't already 100's out there on this subject). Also could you have not at least posted in the general section so you don't bring down the whole 4th gen section with your "hate".
For the record, I like the 5th gen. I find it's going more back to its roots. Its styling (boxier) and options resemble the third gen which is arguably the most capable (and best selling??) modern 4runner in stock form. Unlike the 4th but similar to the 3rd, the 5th gen has more ground clearance, rear locker, manual t-case, plus lots of other offroad goodies all from the factory. I like my 4th gen but I also like where the 5th gen is going.
Everyone's open to their own opinion but there is other ways of expressing them like maybe a thread called "5th gen styling...opinions?" (not that there isn't already 100's out there on this subject). Also could you have not at least posted in the general section so you don't bring down the whole 4th gen section with your "hate".
For the record, I like the 5th gen. I find it's going more back to its roots. Its styling (boxier) and options resemble the third gen which is arguably the most capable (and best selling??) modern 4runner in stock form. Unlike the 4th but similar to the 3rd, the 5th gen has more ground clearance, rear locker, manual t-case, plus lots of other offroad goodies all from the factory. I like my 4th gen but I also like where the 5th gen is going.
progress4m
Member
Just my .02: I did not like 5ht gen at first and I still do not like SR5 and Limited trim, but Trail edition is very appealing to me.
Martinjmpr
New member
Does the 5th gen actually have a manual (that is, mechanically shifted) T-case? Or does the lever on the floor just actuate an electric motor like the dial on our 4th gens?
Serious question, I don't know, I just figured the "manual" T-case lever probably controlled an electric motor because that's the way most 4runners have been since 2001, IIRC. I'm pretty sure the J-shifter disappeared in the 4runners after the 2000 model year.
From an engineering standpoint, I can understand why they would prefer an electric shifter, because it means they can just run wires, they don't have to run a mechanical linkage to the T-case.
The drawback to the electric shifter is that you've introduced a potential for failure that wasn't there before (I never heard of a J-shifted T-case failing to engage or disengage, although I suppose anything mechanical can fail, so I'm sure it's happened.)
But then again, when you think about it from the viewpoint of Toyota, as long as the part doesn't fail during the ownership of the first owner, why should they care? They don't make any money from 2nd sales, so if it fails for the 2nd owner and it's OOW anyway, it doesn't make a bit of difference to them.
Funny to say that I have a lot of affection for Toyota, because for purely practical reasons, they shouldn't have any for me: My last 3 Toyotas were purchased used. The last time Toyota got a dime from me was in 1985 when I bought a brand new 4x4 pickup. :shrug:
(and before someone says it, yes, I get that Toyota benefits from its reputation for longevity, and that people might be more inclined to pay more for a new Toyota - thus earning Toyota some $$ - because the buyer knows he can sell it for more come sale time. So in that sense, Toyota does derive a benefit from the reliability and longevity of their vehicles, even if the buyers are buying them 2nd hand. But in terms of a direct and tangible benefit, a part that doesn't fail until the 3rd or 4th owner is not something that Toyota should worry about, and I think the electric 4x4 control falls into this category, much as it galls me to admit it.)
JB.
New member
Word is, it's the latter.
eddiebx
New member
Are you positive? I am just asking out of curiosity b/c when I shift mine back and forth between say...H2 and H4, the engagement feel a lot like shifting a manual transmission :shrug:
Also I noticed that the lever seems to be mechanically connected to the t-case since you can feel the drive line vibrations through it.
I think the only 5th gen that has an electronic one is the limited?
Coming from someone who has spent a ton of time in the last three generations of 4runner...It really comes down to what the owner wants to do with the truck. I absolutely hated the 4th gens when they came out. I thought they looked pig nosed and a bit to curvy. When my mom decided to upgrade from her explorer back in '04, she asked me to help her look into the new 4runner. It wasn't until then that the looks started to grow on me. She went with an '04 limited v8. While the looks have definitely grown on me, they really have to be properly modified for me to appreciate them. The 3rd is where toyota really did it right. the ride was what it needed to be, it was extremely capable whilst still being comfortable. Not a day goes by that I don't miss my '01. In regard to the 5th, They had to grow on my too. They are a bit to boxy for me off of the lot. The only trim level that I think is worth a damn in looks is the Trail. The sr5 and limiteds look absolutely rediculous: way to boxy and a still a bit to close to the ground, though they still offer more clearance than the 4th's. I only bought my 5th because with a growing family, I wanted somehting that was under warrantee, got better gas mileage, had more interior space and had more safety features. A lot of you have mentioned the high belt line, you are right, it is high. However, I dont feel in the slightest that I have any less visability than I did in my 3rd or 4th gens. In fact, I'd almost venture to say that it may be better than it is in our 4th. What I absolutely love about my 5th is that it combines the rugged, truck like feel and out of the box off road capability of the 3rd gen with the quiet, still relatively comfortable ride and interior space of the 4th.
With the drop of the v8 as an engine option, I know many people are disapointed, but the fact is this: the 5th gens v6 is comparable in power and only down a little bit in torque. I dont feel much of a difference at all. If heavy towing is a need of your's, than the 4runner probably isn't the best choice to begin with. Would a v8 be nice, absolutely, but is it necessary: I don't think so at all.
As for the shifter linkage on the 4wd system, I am almost certain that it is mechanical. As others have said, you get a ton of driveline feedback through the shifter. Also, as far as I know, it does feed directly into the transfer case. While when you shift it into 4hi, the light on the dash may take some time to stop flashing, I know for a fact that once that shifter positively engages, the truck is in 4. That was a bit factor for me when deciding whether to upgrade to a v8 4th gen, a 5th gen trail or a new taco. I have had "puch button" 4wd systems in other vehicles and have had them fail on me before. Not saying it would happen, but for me it is a peice of mind thing. I prefer to be in positive control of the system.
Not trying to nock, just my $.02
With the drop of the v8 as an engine option, I know many people are disapointed, but the fact is this: the 5th gens v6 is comparable in power and only down a little bit in torque. I dont feel much of a difference at all. If heavy towing is a need of your's, than the 4runner probably isn't the best choice to begin with. Would a v8 be nice, absolutely, but is it necessary: I don't think so at all.
As for the shifter linkage on the 4wd system, I am almost certain that it is mechanical. As others have said, you get a ton of driveline feedback through the shifter. Also, as far as I know, it does feed directly into the transfer case. While when you shift it into 4hi, the light on the dash may take some time to stop flashing, I know for a fact that once that shifter positively engages, the truck is in 4. That was a bit factor for me when deciding whether to upgrade to a v8 4th gen, a 5th gen trail or a new taco. I have had "puch button" 4wd systems in other vehicles and have had them fail on me before. Not saying it would happen, but for me it is a peice of mind thing. I prefer to be in positive control of the system.
Not trying to nock, just my $.02
TRDCal
New member
Whether its manual or electrical, its still more off road oriented than push buttons. The 4th gen, as much as I love mine, there were some much needed mods to take it out of the soccer mom class.
When I first got my truck my grandmother called it a minivan. I love her and she didn't mean anything negative by it, but I can't help but feel that if it was a 5th gen she wouldn't make that mistake.
Also news flash to those that say its boxier...All new car these days are coming out boxier, look at the Camry's mid gen refresh the Corolla too from is previous gen. Look at Dodges new lineup. This is where automotive design is heading. Not too worry, the curves with come back. I'm sure the 7th or 8th gen 4runner will have some curves probably some funky engine choices too.
NJshadow93
New member
Just curious, if a clueless buyer saw a 2009 4Runner brand new and a 2013 4Runner brand new side by side, which will they think is newer? Honestly, I think the curviness of the 4th gen, along with the projector lights, LED taillights, locking gas cap, hidden antenna, etc. looks more up to date than the 5th gen. The only thing I would think makes the 5th gen newer cosmetically is the "4RUNNER" badge on the rear hatch, which is nearly the same many other newer models (Sequoia, Highlander, etc.)
TRDCal
New member
If at all, they'll be confused for a split second but as soon as they sit inside the 5th gen they'll know its more modern.
Martinjmpr
New member
Well, if it is a mechanical connection, that's definitely an improvement. Of course, even if it is mechanical, it probably has the vacuum activated ADD that all of the 4runners have had since the mid 90's or so, which is a point of failure. I'd honestly be happy with a shift-on-the-fly setup with no ADD at all, just leave the front axle turning. IIRC that's how the newer Jeep Wranglers are and they work fine.
OTOH, I have to say I LOVE LOVE LOVE the multi-mode T-case. To me that's one of the best things about the 4th gen.
Yup, it is very mini-van-looking if it's on stock tires and still has the running boards. Bigger tires and the "Zero-cost running board lift" help a lot, though.
What some people forget is that the 3rd generation also looks very wierd with the small tires - it's just that these days, you rarely see a 3rd gen that doesn't have at least 31's, because the later versions (99 - up) came from the factory with that size of tire.
Some of the deletions from 4th to 5th gen are puzzling, to me, though. Why delete the locking gas cap door and the in-glass antenna? You can't tell me these things are "too expensive" to put on a 4runner - I doubt that would add more than $150 to the cost of a $35,000+ vehicle!
TRDCal
New member
The Lexus GX470 (as well as the 5th gen LTD I think?) has the same multi-mode t-case but it's operated by a shifter. I realise in that case its most likely 100% electrical but I still prefer that over a switch. Just something about "pulling her back into 4wd" that feels good
As for the deletions, I would prefer those options but they're not deal breakers for me. To me they kept the important "4runner" features like BOF, live rear axle etc. (which alot of competitors are swaying away from) and the cool ones like DAC, HAC, power rear window. Plus they added alot of neat stuff never available before like KDSS (also available if you want to spend 70k on a Land Cruiser
), crawl control etc. If they offered a manual transmission, i'd be a home run for me.
zonianbrat
New member
After eyeing the 5th gens more and more I think one of the best things you can do to make it look better besides wheels,lift and tires is to get rid of the chrome. After all that they look pretty sweet. I'm partial to 4th gens and I still like the looks of them better lifted or not but I will probably upgrade one day after I drive mine into the ground to either a 5th gen or a 6th gen depending on what they look like.
