Introducing myself, my first 4th gen

[nowashburn]

Hello,

Just introducing myself here, I just bought my first 4th gen! First time 4th gen owner, lifelong Toyota owner. Creds: First truck was an 87 Pickup, then went to a 92 pickup, then Tacoma. moved to 3rd gen T4R when I got older and had a family.

Anyhow, my 3rd gen finally hit the end of the road with me after the strawberry milkshake at only 155k, among other catastrophic "known" issues of the 3rd gen. My third gen was a huge letdown being my previous Yotas all went well into the 250k+ range (and likely still going) without major issues. I was almost ::gasp:: looking at other brands before I decided on giving the 4th gen a go. Oh... wife also has a 2006 Rav4 we bought brand new, now has 170k and running great. But I digress...

Anyhow, the 3rd gen forum has a rather large list of known issues to look for when buying, I haven't seen such a thing for the 4th gen.. here or really anywhere. As a new 4th gen owner, is there anything I should look for? Anything I should pay special attention to / maintenance more often?

Overall hoping this vehicle gets me back to the mindset of Toyota being the reliable brand I always knew it to be. Some details on the new rig:

2006, 6cyl, sr5, 90k, 1 owner certified. Actually has a third row seat! Although I removed it immediately

Thanks!

 

[Bossman]

Here is a link to known complaints/problems with your 2006:

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/4Runner/2006/

And some threads on 4th gen problems:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/190150-common-4th-gen-problems.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/96971-4th-gen-common-problems-question.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/3460-common-problems.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/214867-should-i-avoid-4th-gen-v6.html

 

[akcc]

Like majority of threads...
1) drive shaft clunk when you brake or take off
2) famous rusting tail liftgate
3) famous spare tire seized chain/anchor
4) HVAC servo motor click
5) if 4hi/4lo and center diff lock doesn't engage, fully turn your steering wheel to the left and right and put your truck in drive then reverse and then drive it should engage.. (the typical normal stuff)
6) if your rear defrost doesn't work.. open sunroof fully and close it and open rear liftgate window fully and close it until rear defrost works (yes it sounds stupid but it is a sequence you do to activate this if ever you lose power or change your battery or disconnect it)

 

[nowashburn]

Like majority of threads...
1) drive shaft clunk when you brake or take off
2) famous rusting tail liftgate
3) famous spare tire seized chain/anchor
4) HVAC servo motor click
5) if 4hi/4lo and center diff lock doesn't engage, fully turn your steering wheel to the left and right and put your truck in drive then reverse and then drive it should engage.. (the typical normal stuff)
6) if your rear defrost doesn't work.. open sunroof fully and close it and open rear liftgate window fully and close it until rear defrost works (yes it sounds stupid but it is a sequence you do to activate this if ever you lose power or change your battery or disconnect it)

Thanks! All that combined still sounds much better than the rotting frame and milkshake issues I had to endure with my 3rd gen!

 

[Inv4drZm]

Thanks! All that combined still sounds much better than the rotting frame and milkshake issues I had to endure with my 3rd gen!

There are people who say the 4th gens have frame rust issues too. Throw on some paint and coat it with fluid film before the winter you should be good, if it is in decent condition already.

 

[akcc]

Thanks! All that combined still sounds much better than the rotting frame and milkshake issues I had to endure with my 3rd gen!

Depending on how much time you have on your hands...

Clean your frame A to Z!
Then primer it and then paint it!

Even undercoat it with Por15 or line x or some kind of heavy duty exterior and high temperature paint.

Don't forget clear coat to keep the paint intact.

And if you want to be extra sure no frame rust, oil rustproof it to keep the frame soaked in oil so it shouldnt have any issue. (Best to do this on a hot day as metal expands and becomes a bit more porus than when it is cold)