Hah...I'm in the club!!!

[Flyer]

Some of you know I have been looking seriously for a couple of weeks (but wanted a 4R for many years). I started by looking at the Xterra and then moved over to the 4R and what do you know- finally found a V8 4R this Sat. It is pristine- a 2005 4x4 SR5 with sunroof and 65,000 miles. Tires are Dayton Timberlines- the only thing that I do not like. That will change soon enough. I'm probably going for the Hankook Dynapro ATMs.

Here it is now- drives so amazingly well. That V8 is smooth, torquey, and addictive. On the way back, I got 18.1 mpg (calculated) and the odd thing was that my average indicated on the computer was 18.2. I didn't think they would match or that the computer would be so accurate.

Thanks to many of you for the help and advice...and for steering me away from the Xterra.:thanks:

 

[Krazynative]

Congrats! Now let the Mods begin...

 

[historyteacher]

Very nice, I just recently started looking, so I hope I come across something like this without too much trouble.

 

[Ruffian]

Congrats! I love my V8! Want to get even better mgp's? Get rid of that resonator. You won't regret it.

 

[Flyer]

What's the resonator? Is it the spoiler-like thing above the rear window? If so, what's the purpose of it (besides looks)?

Mosst 2003-2005s I saw were a bit rough. This one was a local one-owner Colorado trade and almost always garaged. It was in far better shape than all the others I had looked at and there did not seem to be any rust underneath the vehicle. The only think I would change is make the seat base a bit longer for more thigh support for long drives but that is pretty minor at this point.

 

[eskimochaos]

Does 4lo work?

 

[Flyer]

I believe so. Why do you ask? Does something look strange in the pics? I took it to a gravel road near the dealership, put it in 4lo and scooted around. It appeared to be working.

Does 4lo work?

 

[Flyer]

Justy discovered one thing- I had the 4R stuck in 4th gear; not D or overdrive. That's when I was getting 18.1 mpg....DUH! Anyway, my computer average is now between 22-24 so I am probably getting a bit over 20 mpg.

 

[eskimochaos]

I believe so. Why do you ask? Does something look strange in the pics? I took it to a gravel road near the dealership, put it in 4lo and scooted around. It appeared to be working.

How would I be able to tell if 4lo was working based on the pics?

Does that make any sense?

 

[rockwall]

Resonator

Congrats on the new Runner. You have a clean canvas to begin your mods on. The resonator is between the muffler and the tail pipe and is intended to quiet down the exhaust sound. I just removed mine and installed a Magnaflow cat back system. It is the best mod I have ever done. I will find out if the MPG goes up now.

The spoiler on the back window is for show and helps to keep rain from running down your back window.

 

[rockwall]

Eskimo Chaos Avatar

Eskimochaos has the best avatar on the site. I like to see him reply just so I can see it.

 

[jpless]

Welcome! Great pickup! I especially like the JBL in the sr5 (one of the reasons I went LTD used) and it looks like maybe a CB radio in the driver's footwell?

the resonator is the bulge in your exhaust in the rear (after the muffler). Many people have cut it off to route the exhaust out the side (thus reducing the sulfur smell, or providing more clearance for offroading). It also adds a slight amount of sound to the exhaust, I kinda like it. I cut mine off but have yet to route it as I haven't decided whether or not to put my gibson muffler on (im leaning towards no).

Here's a pic without it:

 

[Flyer]

Maybe you have some sort of XRay vision so wasn't sure and you got me a bit concerned. All I did was test it on that gravel road but certainly not an extensive test. I put it into neutral and shifted it, drove it around, and then did the reverse to get it out.

How would I be able to tell if 4lo was working based on the pics?

Does that make any sense?

 

[Flyer]

Makes sense, I'll have to cut it soon, especially when I know how to re-route it to the side...excellent idea. I like quiet but would consider re-routing if it doesn't raise the sound level much.

That unit under the steering wheel area is a trailer towing braking thingy- a Prodigy unit.

Welcome! Great pickup! I especially like the JBL in the sr5 (one of the reasons I went LTD used) and it looks like maybe a CB radio in the driver's footwell?

the resonator is the bulge in your exhaust in the rear (after the muffler). Many people have cut it off to route the exhaust out the side (thus reducing the sulfur smell, or providing more clearance for offroading). It also adds a slight amount of sound to the exhaust, I kinda like it. I cut mine off but have yet to route it as I haven't decided whether or not to put my gibson muffler on (im leaning towards no).

Here's a pic without it:

 

[jpless]

nice, that'll come in handy if you tow and have a compatible trailer.

It only adds a little noise, slight drone, but I like the sound. It really isnt much at all, just a tad (i dont hear anything unless my radio is all the way down).

In terms of what to do re-routing it, an exhaust shop should do it for about $60 bucks. Some people just get pipe bent, others add a tip.

Here's RPC's thread I used for reference, I'll probably take pics to the shop when I get around to doing it myself.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/66116-what-difference.html

 

[shuly]

... an exhaust shop should do it for about $60 bucks. ...

The guys at the shop where I had it done here in So Cal only charged $40 to cut and weld on a SS 90 degree and hanger. Worth every penny!

 

[Flyer]

I'll start looking for a good muffler shop here in the Denver area. This is something I'd ike to do, especially to route the exhaust away from that sliding back window. Speaking of sliding windows, I wonder why others don't do it- it is one heck of a nice feature.

 

[JB.]

Why do you ask?(if 4-lo works) Does something look strange in the pics? I took it to a gravel road near the dealership, put it in 4lo and scooted around. It appeared to be working.

It's fairly common for the low range actuator to stop working due to lack of use, which is why I presume he was asking. That info could have been included but it would have made things way too easy.

Anyway, if low range works that's great. Just remember to activate it a few times per year and the center diff lock too. When they're not left long periods without use, they work very reliably.

Enjoy the new ride.

 

[Flyer]

Thanks for the clarification, and the tips. It felt very different when I switched it to 4lo but it was just a gravel road. I'll get a chance to use it this weekend up in the mountains. Is there a way to easily tell if it isn't working? I will not have a chance to actually rock-crawl but will be simply taking it to some really steep and loose trails in the upper Rockies.

It's fairly common for the low range actuator to stop working due to lack of use, which is why I presume he was asking. That info could have been included but it would have made things way too easy.

Anyway, if low range works that's great. Just remember to activate it a few times per year and the center diff lock too. When they're not left long periods without use, they work very reliably.

Enjoy the new ride.

 

[eskimochaos]

Thanks for the clarification, and the tips. It felt very different when I switched it to 4lo but it was just a gravel road. I'll get a chance to use it this weekend up in the mountains. Is there a way to easily tell if it isn't working? I will not have a chance to actually rock-crawl but will be simply taking it to some really steep and loose trails in the upper Rockies.

It wouldn't have shifted into 4lo.....? Gearing should feel way lower and it should shift from 1st to 4th in a matter of about 10mph.

You know when your in 4lo.