Is there a difference in 4x4 capability of 03 vs 08 4runner

[ToyotaDan]

I didnt follow the forum as close as I should have. Did Toyota make any changes to the 4x4 system between 2003 4runners vs the latest ones (including all in between)?

I have my 4runner lifted and all, and it only has 28k miles, so no reason to upgrade. Just wanted to know if anything improved like lockers or anything else better or stronger?

Thanks!

 

[Even Steven]

I don't think there were any changes at all, but I did hear that the '08 4Runners will have a VSC off switch.

 

[keylay31]

VSC off switch is the only thing i can think of.

 

[Thai]

I think that the bumpers protrude out more in the '06-'08 models as compared to earlier 4runners. This may decrease a tiny tiny bit on approach and departure angles.

 

[Even Steven]

I sure hope the next generation 4Runner doesn't lose anything from the current generation. If it does, where do we go from here?

There are a few things about my 4Runner that I don't want to give up in a future vehicle:

Reliability
Full frame (not unibody)
Capable 4wd system (with two-speed transfer case)

So if the 4Runner loses any of those things, what can I buy in its place? The reliability thing pretty much knocks out any American brand SUVs (and even some Japanese SUVs - think Nissan Armada) I can't think of any other SUV that can satisfy all three of those things, except maybe an FJ Cruiser, but those things are butt-ugly to my eyes.

Damn. I want to be able to hook a strap up to my vehicle and pull a stump out of the ground without worrying about damaging the frame. I want to be able to reach my favorite offroad destinations in all kinds of weather, especially snow. I want to turn the key and not have to worry about my vehicle breaking down. Besides the 4Runner, what other options do I have?

Sorry for the rant, but your question got me thinking. If Toyota decides to turn the 4Runner into a soccer mom SUV, I might just have to buy a new one in the last year before they redesign it!

 

[keylay31]

Why don't you just do what I did? Buy a late model 4th gen and plan on keeping it for 300k miles. By then we'll all probably be driving a completely different kind of car..

 

[Jacobzky]

Why don't you just do what I did? Buy a late model 4th gen and plan on keeping it for 300k miles. By then we'll all probably be driving a completely different kind of car..

my truck has 279k miles to go , WOW!

 

[Even Steven]

Why don't you just do what I did? Buy a late model 4th gen and plan on keeping it for 300k miles. By then we'll all probably be driving a completely different kind of car..

I did. And I do plan on keeping it for a long time. But I'll still want those things in my next SUV, so I guess you can say I'm just planning ahead.

 

[Koz]

Only 35 HP!

Koz

 

[Thai]

There are a few things about my 4Runner that I don't want to give up in a future vehicle:

Reliability
Full frame (not unibody)
Capable 4wd system (with two-speed transfer case)

Well, to rest your mind somewhat, the new Land Cruiser/LX570 has fully-boxed frame (UNLIKE Tundra's Tripletech crap!) and HI/LO transfer case. So, Toyota is not throwing away full frame design anytime soon.

What is cool about Toyota is that they are finally catering to the potential owners of each vehicle. For example, on the upcoming TLC/LX570, each version is unique in terms of off-road capability. The TLC gets the ultra-cool KDSS suspension, which signficantly enhances suspension travel off-road by electronically disconnecting front and rear anti-roll bars. (It also improves on-road handling slightly because it's anti-roll bars are thicker.) The LX570 gets the more on-road-oriented electronic XREAS system along with air suspension to give better on-road handling and comfort. This is perfect reasoning IMHO because Lexus is clearly going after the on-road crowd who normally would be buying BMW X5, MB GL550, Porsche Cayenne, VW Touareg, RR, etc.. The Toyota Land Cruiser buyers tend to be more rugged people who will likely need more off-road capability than a Lexus owner. BTW, both version will have HI/LO transfer case, ATRAC, and Crawl Control. Also, Crawl Control is damn cool technology!

So, with Toyota/Lexus still offering Highlander & RX350, i am sure that Toyota will NOT wimpify the 4runner anytime soon. I am sure that the 4runner will still get basic off-roading gears & BOF design. Toyota is not dumb to alienate the 4runner owners.

And if you're not happy with the upcoming 4runner, then buy the Land Cruiser!

 

[Even Steven]

Only 35 HP!

Koz

The 4wd system is 35 HP better? LOL

 

[boston_kevin]

If you look at the V6, the '03 and '04 have a 4 spd tranny. '05 and beyond have a 5 spd. Gives you a little more low end torque than the 4 spd. 4WD remains unchanged except for the VSC off switch.

 

[Falls]

I don't think there were any changes at all, but I did hear that the '08 4Runners will have a VSC off switch.

Your chittin me !!! Damn I want that , that not being able to disengage the VSC is a hazzard dangerous thing IMO.

If I knew someone who was good at it I would have that VSC on/off switch installed in a heartbeat along with Atrac on/off switch. I would pay good money for that mod !!

 

[AlphaQup]

Your chittin me !!! Damn I want that , that not being able to disengage the VSC is a hazzard dangerous thing IMO.

If I knew someone who was good at it I would have that VSC on/off switch installed in a heartbeat along with Atrac on/off switch. I would pay good money for that mod !!

Isn't there already a VSC off switch mod? I remember seeing it a while back.

 

[MicaBlue03]

Temporarily canceling VSC

There is a procedure in the service/repair manuals for canceling VSC at start-up, apparently when you're going to test brakes and other things that VSC would interfere with. It likely works with 2003-2004 models (and maybe 2005) before the changed the OBDII to CAN bus protocol. I'm not sure if there is a similar procedure, perhaps using different pins, that applies to newer 4Runners.

As far as I can tell, it involves shorting one of the OBDII pins to the chassis ground pin when starting up, and lasts until the vehicle is shut down and restarted.

I don't want to encourage anybody to disable this safety feature, but I'm curious to hear if anybody has tried this.

 

[r32]

here's a scan of the '08 brochure details.

Ignore the highlighting. I did those as I was spec'ing a Sport Edition.