Gotta Start Somewhere...Else

[sport2004]

>>>> ATTENTION! <<<<

Upgraded to 2019 SR5 base model, 87,000+ miles. Further details, mods to follow.

First dumb thing I did was while driving today the yellow triangular exclamation light was occasionally flashing, beeping, while a red light flashed for just a fraction of a second. Tailgate was not closed all the way.

But, I have an excuse. My '04 Sport had the motor that latched the tailgate all the way. I think within about a year or so I should get used to it...?

 

[sport2004]

Quote:
Originally Posted by sport2004 View Post

>>>> ATTENTION! <<<<

Upgraded to 2019 SR5 base model, 87,000+ miles. Further details, mods to follow...
Most Gen. 4 owners will upgrade to 5 at some point. Wire harness on mine is getting brittle so life span is finite. I'm on the fence about old vs. new. Both run the same frame and nearly the same 1GR-FE. However, I've read the 5 weighs more than the 4. I've seen weight difference as high as 700 pounds which is hard to believe.

Most Gen. 4 owners will upgrade to 5 at some point. Wire harness on mine is getting brittle so life span is finite. I'm on the fence about old vs. new. Both run the same frame and nearly the same 1GR-FE. However, I've read the 5 weighs more than the 4. I've seen weight difference as high as 700 pounds which is hard to believe.
[MENTION=762547]SocalSam[/MENTION]

 

[sport2004]

Recent snowstorm, Walmart parking lot...messing with 4Lo, which is working flawlessly.

*************

 

[sport2004]

Nautical blue metallic...

 

[sport2004]

Cool 4X4 license plate frame with the three Runner bars...

 

[sport2004]

ProClip phone console phone mount...

 

[sport2004]

Prior owner installed this Hamilton HU...

 

[97BlackAckCL]

I had 2 fourth gens before my 5th gen which I've had for over 8 years, I still miss the trunk closing motor

 

[02SE]

FWIW, the Single VVT-i 1GR-FE in the 4th gen, has almost nothing in common with the Dual VVT-i 1GR-FE in the 5th gen. Different block, cylinder heads, crankshaft, intake and exhaust, etc, etc.

They are both 4 liter V6 engines, but that's where the similarity ends. The Dual VVT-i 1GR-FE makes more power throughout the rev-range, but it has a very lazy response drive-by-wire system to improve fuel economy. The response can be improved with a Pedal Commander, Sprint Booster, etc. They don't increase power, just throttle response. Of course you can just step harder on the gas pedal too, to achieve the same thing.

 

[sport2004]

FWIW, the Single VVT-i 1GR-FE in the 4th gen, has almost nothing in common with the Dual VVT-i 1GR-FE in the 5th gen. Different block, cylinder heads, crankshaft, intake and exhaust, etc, etc.

They are both 4 liter V6 engines, but that's where the similarity ends. The Dual VVT-i 1GR-FE makes more power throughout the rev-range, but it has a very lazy response drive-by-wire system to improve fuel economy. The response can be improved with a Pedal Commander, Sprint Booster, etc. They don't increase power, just throttle response. Of course you can just step harder on the gas pedal too, to achieve the same thing.

Thanks, always love to hear the specs...

 

[sport2004]

I had 2 fourth gens before my 5th gen which I've had for over 8 years, I still miss the trunk closing motor

There are many things I miss from my '04 Sport, that is one of them. Not sure if they are still offered on the premiums, limited or pro's. I think to boost profit Toyota started including some, then hiking the price, instead of allowing the conveniences for free.

The biggest loss for me is probably the HVAC controls. Just set the temp, and forget, then adjust to your liking one degree at a time. Worked great. Now the two knob adjustments remind me of domestic autos from the 70-80's, slight regression.

The two in-line cup holders were great, perfect for driver and passenger. The console with the flip open extension was great, and lacking that now is the main reason I had to buy a phone mount. The console in the back was neat, too, but no more.
I don't miss the rear wiper. The interior lights are easier to work with, than the old configuration. I like that 4LO works. LOL I saw someone else mentioned the odd location of the window controls.

My SR5 did not come with JBL sound. The Entune is mediocre, and no sub-woofer, but looks like it would cost a small fortune to upgrade.

Here's a real surprise, for my use is significant. In the Sport, when you folded the rear seats forward for more cargo, the back of the seats was at nearly the same level as the cargo area. Had the perfect set up for all the camping gear. Now there is quite a step up, and makes it harder to level the load, which I'll now have to figure out for lengthy items.

Saw someone else mention the slippery OEM cargo liner. The one in the '04 was perfect, and I'll agree the newer one has things sliding all over, not sure an aftermarket product would fix that.

 

[02SE]

I don't miss the rear wiper.

All 5th gen's have a rear wiper. It's just tucked up out of sight when not in use.

Certain trim levels also have dual-zone automatic climate control. Limited, TRD PRO.

A slide-out cargo tray was also optional, and if you had that, the rear cargo area would be flat once the rear seatbacks are laid flat.

 

[sport2004]

All 5th gen's have a rear wiper. It's just tucked up out of sight when not in use.

Certain trim levels also have dual-zone automatic climate control. Limited, TRD PRO.

A slide-out cargo tray was also optional, and if you had that, the rear cargo area would be flat once the rear seatbacks are laid flat.

Thanks very much for that info. If I go out there and a rear wiper pops out, I'm gonna be pretty embarrassed. LOL

Didn't have a problem with the level cargo area, I see they created one for those without the tray.

 

[ExpatExplorer]

Looking forward to following the journey!

 

[Firesq14]

Radio

Prior owner installed this Hamilton HU...

How do you like that radio?

 

[sport2004]

Looking forward to following the journey!

Don't set expectations too high...LOL Not a major off-roader.

I need some little detailing pry tools, and I thought why not go to local chain auto supply places instead of Amazon. Both said they "carry" them, but weren't in stock. I need a metal one for strength, and some plastic ones for finesse and to avoid scratches.

 

[sport2004]

How do you like that radio?

Here's what I said ln another thread:

Thoughts on use of the HU/CarPlay. Very convenient, but pretty unsafe to interact with on the fly. The best thing is if a passenger can mess with it for directions and media without distracting the driver.

The alternative is to get in the vehicle, wait for the phone to synch, then spending five or ten minutes messing with it before driving away. It's far easier to use a plain HU to go to radio stations or pop in a CD.

The exception is engaging functions that allow Siri to manage some things hands free.

As you can see it's a beautiful install. I have no prior experience and it turns out there may be some great features that are simply hidden, and you need a lot of background knowledge about what they are, how to find them, how to use, etc. I think it works fine, but I have nothing to compare it to.

When I saw all the iPhone apps on the screen, I eventually learned how to use them to play music (e.g. Amazon Music, which is free, and without ads) and the TuneIn app to listen to all kinds of radio stations. It's not easy, and perilous to learn as you go when driving. Guess I'll have to look up some YouTube vids to take it further. A year from now, I'll still be learning the various ways to use the thing.

Pretty disappointed in the back-up cam. The side mirror shows objects actually much closer than they appear on the screen. But, it does show objects that are there in case you didn't already know. Unless it's my eyes failing, at night it is nearly useless. I'm going to pop in some hopefully brighter LED reverse lights. I don't pull a trailer any more, so am thinking about getting the hitch light, too, to see if it illuminates objects better on the screen. Not sure.

 

[sport2004]

(I may need to re-name this thread to "5th Gen For Dummies"...LOL)

 

[4RunnerAquasport]

I bought my 2012 first and 2 years later bought my 03' V8. Both vehicles kick ass. Very little about either truck that's stock now, but I still enjoy driving the shit outta both of them.
Is your transfer case electronic or manual? Same issues as the 4th gens on my 5th gen. If it's an electric use it often and keep it exercised because mine is starting to have issues, and it's had quite a bit of use over the years. They don't like to sit, and unfortunately I fly out of town for weeks at a time.

Nice truck! I'm partial to blue, and the N. Blue is a great color. Good Luck!!!

 

[sport2004]

The Lasfit LED's are pretty bright. Might be all that is needed. I did manage to bugger up the little access door, hope I can get it to function, anyway.