I'm (finally) a 4Runner owner!

[Das Capitolin]

Well, almost.

I've always wanted one ever since I was a kid, and sometime next week I'll be the owner of a 2005 SR5.

The back story: I'm too practical for my own good, and sold my last truck so I could regret the decision while garaging three cars. Before my neighbor ran off to Florida when the snow came he mentioned selling the house in a few years and living there permanently... until a few years turned into a few weeks and he bought a house back there. We negotiated a fair sale on his 4Runner, which I'll be driving soon enough.

My first point of business is new plugs (was set on OEM Denso K20HR-U11, until I found a nice price on some Iridium performance plugs for a few dollars more). In addition to the standard pressure wash, I'll probably clean the O2 and MAF sensors while I'm at it. The engine has 83K, and I'm only going to add about 3K per year on it driving out to my long-range shooting spots and taking the dog to training, but I'm obsessive with preventative maintenance.

See you all back here real soon for advice on performance upgrades and maintenance tips.

 

[johnathanng]

CONGRATS. i too have a 05 4runner, but its the sport edition. However, i hope you enjoy your 4runner! its the best

 

[Speedy Gomez]

Sweet! :welcome: to T4R.ORG!

 

[Altoidfishfins]

New 4Runner Owner

Just got a 2006 Sport V8 version a few weeks ago myself. Never owned one before. My company owns an '02 that I've driven every so often for the past few years.

Anyway, I doubt we'll be disappointed. I was closely examining the underside of my '06 over the weekend. These things are BUILT! It appears that Toyota didn't skimp on the frame or driveline components.

They also did right by the gearing. Coupling 3.73 gears with an OD tranny allows the versatility needed for some off-road work, as well as towing and regular highway driving.

I also own a Jeep Wrangler which is best for off road. But with only a 3 speed automatic the rpms run about 3200 at 70 mph. It originally came with 3.07 gears which were terrible.

 

[momo.75]

Welcome to T4R.ORG!......:hello:

 

[Lakshmi]

Welcome!!!

 

[Das Capitolin]

Thank you for the warm welcome!
I am still (impatiently) waiting for my neighbor to finish with the moving company so we can complete the sale, because I've already got a few parts and plans waiting:

• Remove hydrocarbon filter (HCF delete)
• Replace cabin and engine air filter (mulling over K&N)
• Clean O2 and MAF sensors
• Install NGK LFR6AIX-11 Iridium spark plugs
• Replace low beam bulbs with Philips X-treme Vision 9006XVS2
• Basic maintenance items (oil change, rotate tires, etc)

Any other obvious stand-outs you guys can think of?

 

[Das Capitolin]

Quick update: completed the 4Runner purchase from my neighbor, and immediately began the maintenance work. Although he had religiously maintained the vehicle with synthetic oil changes, new air filter and tire rotation, some of the other (more important) items went neglected.

With 83K on the engine, last night I pulled the original Denso K20HR-U11 plugs. Needless to say, the center electrode was worn down to a 30-degree angle and these plugs were long overdue for replacement. Six new NGK LFR6AIX-11 plugs later, the vehicle starts on the very first turn and idles very smoothly.

Next was removal of the hydrocarbon filter, which appeared thick with years of dust particles. While I was at it, I cleaned the MAF sensors and air delivery housing and ducts. The final step was resetting the onboard computer by disconnecting the battery and resetting the dash terminal. So far, so good.