In over my head

[ohwilliam]

Hey guys, been reading a lot on this forum for the past 2 months and thanks to all your expertise I've decided on an 01-02 4Runner. I have cash in hand and am ready to buy, just waiting for the right one. However, I do have a few questions I couldn't find as I crawled the forums and FAQ.

Disclaimer: Southern Colorado guy here and I want a 4runner for hauling my wife and 2 daughters (ages 3 and 5..yes...carseats) to the mountains for camping/fishing/hiking trips. I don't plan on driving over 14ers, but I do go thru some "Warning high clearance vehicles required" areas and have to cross a stream every now and then. Half my mountain trips will be to get to high mountain lakes/streams for fly fishing with a buddy or 2. The other half will be for hauling a small camper when I have the family (not yet purchased, maybe an r-pod).

Based on my needs would you mind giving me a few pointers? I'm fairly new to offroading and 4runner terminology but am willing to learn. My little 2000 Toyota Camry (225k miles) has been places no little car should go and the wife agreed it's time to get something mountain worthy.

1. Is the default ground clearance 9inches (or whatever on 01/02) adequate for what you think I'll be doing?
2. If I do get one lifted what does that do to the hitch height? Does a few inches higher matter when hooking to a trailer or camper?
3. If it's lifted does that affect towing and wear more on the joints as compared to stock?
4. I've seen some trucks for sale mentioning that they have a towing package. Is that an aftermarket option? Kind of confused when I see this.

Thanks for dealing with another greenhorn like myself

 

[gamefreakgc]

This is my own personal opinion, take it as you will.

If you plan on towing, our transmissions are not the best. I know you said 01-02 4Runner but a manual transmission would be better for towing since it doesn't have to be babied like our autos have to be. Only regret with my 4Runner, but finding a supercharged manual transmission in California was a lost cause.

1. The ground clearance on these 4Runners is amazing. You should be able to tackle any sort of road, even forestry roads. I've heard of people taking on some of the more technical trails here in the Sierras with a stock height 4Runner. You might want to remove the running boards but then again maybe not, especially if the wife is trying to get the kids in and out. I think that will be the biggest issue if you lift it.

2. It could, depends on the trailer. You can easily get a ball mount that drops down a few inches if needed. Not a big deal, you just want your trailer to be level.

3. Yes. A mild lift will put a small increase in wear, a tall lift a larger increase in wear. You'll see it in the tie rods and lower ball joint and you'll find yourself changing them more often if you rack up the miles a lot. If you are fine with that then it's not a big deal then.

4. As far as I know, every 4Runner has a hitch on the back and the wires for towing. I could be wrong, but I'm yet to see one without.

5. You forgot to add a supercharger to your list

 

[psraff]

As for height, I think you would be fine. One thing to note though is once you load it down with camping gear, family, and \ or trailer your back end will be sagging. So you may want to upgrade the suspension just on that when the time comes. I'm not saying to lift it 6 inches, just upgrade to handle the weight. You say your girls are young. Mine were also when I got mine. I had to wait a few years to pull the running boards off because of that. You don't want to go so high where they can't get in and out on their own.

Hitch Height... Not that important. When you buy a hitch and ball (the thing that slides into the receiver) you can get them with extra drop if you need it.

All a tow package is, is that it has a receiver (Class III is 2" if I have that in the right order...) and also the plug wired in to plug your trailer lights into. That's pretty much it. I've never towed anything with mine so I can't give you any info on that. But a few people on here have off road trailers all set up so there's nothing stopping you.

My two cents worth.
Good Luck!! I love mine and enjoy every time I hit the road with it.

 

[jgue467]

Excellent choice.

1. Yes more than adequate stock. You can get a 'mild' lift on an 01-02 by replacing the springs with 'tall 99s', in the 1-2 inch range perhaps a bit more depending on how saggy the existing springs are. The stock springs on mine (I'm sure they're original) handle an Amazing amount of weight with very little sag. I put over 1,000lbs of corn sacks in back seat/rear compartment and it lowers the height by only 1.25 inches!

2. Well obviously it will raise the hitch height some but you can 'lower' it with an L hitch adapter if needed.

3. I don't have a lift so can't really speak to any added wear on suspension components but i have read on here going above 3" will lead to that.

4. You're in luck, 01-02 limiteds come with a factory hitch. (not to mention leather, glass sunroof, heated front seats, 3 door car garage remote, electronic a/c controls, larger front rotors/brakes and perhaps other nifty features.

Just remember about the 4wds inherent transmission cooler built into the engine radiator - this may lead to issues. Most on here either replace the radiator and/or bypass it with an external trans cooler. The other achilles heal they have is the lbjs (replace Only with Toyota OEM parts or they'll fail soon). Luck, enjoy and have Fun with your family! :cowboy:

 

[ohwilliam]

You guys own the internet. Thank you for the timely and kind responses to my ignorant questions. I've got a few 4runners I'm going to check out this weekend. Hopefully I remember the plethora of info on this site as I try to not get screwed by dealers and craigslisters.

 

[gamefreakgc]

You guys own the internet. Thank you for the timely and kind responses to my ignorant questions. I've got a few 4runners I'm going to check out this weekend. Hopefully I remember the plethora of info on this site as I try to not get screwed by dealers and craigslisters.

More likely to happen by dealers than the craigslisters, dealers gouge 4Runner prices in areas where they are popular. Here in Sac they charge consistently 2-3k more than a private seller, ridiculous.