my switch to a 4runner

[brian.j]

I joined the forum in March, shortly after discovering the 2014 4Runner at our Cleveland auto show. Much as I've come to love my '99 jeep XJ 4.0i6, its uni-body continues to disintegrate in our salty winters faster than I can keep up. I needed something more reliable, more comfortable and tow-capable on lengthy highway trips, and with a better history of longevity, so last month, in June, I purchased a used '04 SR5 4.7 4x4 with around 140k miles. It's in pretty good shape, much better than my jeep. It of course has plenty of wear-and-tear, and so used just enough that I don't feel terrified to work out of it or work on it - make it do its job. It's nice enough to look decent and perform well, but used enough to not baby something I just threw myself into debt for. I'd post a pic, but right now it looks pretty much like any other stock 4th-gen Galactica Gray v8 sr5.

I happen to REALLY like the looks of the 5th-gens best, and the 3rd-gens a close second, but overall I like my truck and the appearance is growing on me - maybe even to the point where in the near future I may have trouble deciding which I like best.

There are so many things I'm coming to really appreciate about the vehicle, most of them anticipated as reasons for choosing it. They range from the obvious (power, volume and capacity, spacious engine bay, full frame, etc.) to the less obvious (retractable hatch window, stowage pockets everywhere, big mirrors, excellent visibility, the stock ride, and who doesn't like a moon-roof?).

I continue to discover however quite a number of little nuances that really irritate me. Some of them re-programmable, some of them nit-picky, some of them just a part of age and in need of upgrading, and some of them truly "wth were they thinking" types of issues. I'm accustomed to jeep forums, and so far this one has been incredibly helpful too in helping me to figure out how to move forward with my mod intentions, or of course just to generate ideas. So... thanks so far for the help, and thanks in advance for the future. It's been (in this short period) one of the more pleasant, enjoyable, helpful, and tolerant forums I've been on.

Intentions for now:
I tend to move slowly with mods until I'm forced with a mechanical failure or I'm truly dissatisfied with something. At that point I generally jump forward with upgrades. (eg. I won't replace the exhaust until the current one goes bad, but then I'll put a nice cat-back on - I'm currently just welding the cracked stock manifolds and replacing gaskets.) For now I'll probably keep it mostly stock, just tweaking here and there to make the driving/traveling experience more enjoyable. A few minor changes in appearance may be in order (already removed most emblems) but I'm currently focused on fixing the few issues I have with it, and scanning others' builds.

thanks all!

 

[preacher35]

I joined the forum in March, shortly after discovering the 2014 4Runner at our Cleveland auto show. Much as I've come to love my '99 jeep XJ 4.0i6, its uni-body continues to disintegrate in our salty winters faster than I can keep up. I needed something more reliable, more comfortable and tow-capable on lengthy highway trips, and with a better history of longevity, so last month, in June, I purchased a used '04 SR5 4.7 4x4 with around 140k miles. It's in pretty good shape, much better than my jeep. It of course has plenty of wear-and-tear, and so used just enough that I don't feel terrified to work out of it or work on it - make it do its job. It's nice enough to look decent and perform well, but used enough to not baby something I just threw myself into debt for. I'd post a pic, but right now it looks pretty much like any other stock 4th-gen Galactica Gray v8 sr5.

I happen to REALLY like the looks of the 5th-gens best, and the 3rd-gens a close second, but overall I like my truck and the appearance is growing on me - maybe even to the point where in the near future I may have trouble deciding which I like best.

There are so many things I'm coming to really appreciate about the vehicle, most of them anticipated as reasons for choosing it. They range from the obvious (power, volume and capacity, spacious engine bay, full frame, etc.) to the less obvious (retractable hatch window, stowage pockets everywhere, big mirrors, excellent visibility, the stock ride, and who doesn't like a moon-roof?).

I continue to discover however quite a number of little nuances that really irritate me. Some of them re-programmable, some of them nit-picky, some of them just a part of age and in need of upgrading, and some of them truly "wth were they thinking" types of issues. I'm accustomed to jeep forums, and so far this one has been incredibly helpful too in helping me to figure out how to move forward with my mod intentions, or of course just to generate ideas. So... thanks so far for the help, and thanks in advance for the future. It's been (in this short period) one of the more pleasant, enjoyable, helpful, and tolerant forums I've been on.

Intentions for now:
I tend to move slowly with mods until I'm forced with a mechanical failure or I'm truly dissatisfied with something. At that point I generally jump forward with upgrades. (eg. I won't replace the exhaust until the current one goes bad, but then I'll put a nice cat-back on - I'm currently just welding the cracked stock manifolds and replacing gaskets.) For now I'll probably keep it mostly stock, just tweaking here and there to make the driving/traveling experience more enjoyable. A few minor changes in appearance may be in order (already removed most emblems) but I'm currently focused on fixing the few issues I have with it, and scanning others' builds.

thanks all!

From one 4th gen Galactic Gray to another: Welcome to the world of 4Runners!

 

[Munkymag]

WelcomE!

:usa2: welcome fellow 4runneR:

 

[brian.j]

Hmmm... It's been 5 years, with slow progress, but progress has been made.
It's too slow to really do much of a "build thread" but it looks like this might be the best place to post my progress, experiences, and adventures over the past 5 years.

I also just started a "social group" for NE Ohio... in hopes that other Toyota enthusiasts in the area might be interested in making a local connection.

 

[Larryota]

Hello there

 

[cb1111]

I joined the forum in March, shortly after discovering the 2014 4Runner at our Cleveland auto show. Much as I've come to love my '99 jeep XJ 4.0i6, its uni-body continues to disintegrate in our salty winters faster than I can keep up. I needed something more reliable, more comfortable and tow-capable on lengthy highway trips, and with a better history of longevity, so last month, in June, I purchased a used '04 SR5 4.7 4x4 with around 140k miles. It's in pretty good shape, much better than my jeep. It of course has plenty of wear-and-tear, and so used just enough that I don't feel terrified to work out of it or work on it - make it do its job. It's nice enough to look decent and perform well, but used enough to not baby something I just threw myself into debt for. I'd post a pic, but right now it looks pretty much like any other stock 4th-gen Galactica Gray v8 sr5.

I happen to REALLY like the looks of the 5th-gens best, and the 3rd-gens a close second, but overall I like my truck and the appearance is growing on me - maybe even to the point where in the near future I may have trouble deciding which I like best.

There are so many things I'm coming to really appreciate about the vehicle, most of them anticipated as reasons for choosing it. They range from the obvious (power, volume and capacity, spacious engine bay, full frame, etc.) to the less obvious (retractable hatch window, stowage pockets everywhere, big mirrors, excellent visibility, the stock ride, and who doesn't like a moon-roof?).

I continue to discover however quite a number of little nuances that really irritate me. Some of them re-programmable, some of them nit-picky, some of them just a part of age and in need of upgrading, and some of them truly "wth were they thinking" types of issues. I'm accustomed to jeep forums, and so far this one has been incredibly helpful too in helping me to figure out how to move forward with my mod intentions, or of course just to generate ideas. So... thanks so far for the help, and thanks in advance for the future. It's been (in this short period) one of the more pleasant, enjoyable, helpful, and tolerant forums I've been on.

Intentions for now:
I tend to move slowly with mods until I'm forced with a mechanical failure or I'm truly dissatisfied with something. At that point I generally jump forward with upgrades. (eg. I won't replace the exhaust until the current one goes bad, but then I'll put a nice cat-back on - I'm currently just welding the cracked stock manifolds and replacing gaskets.) For now I'll probably keep it mostly stock, just tweaking here and there to make the driving/traveling experience more enjoyable. A few minor changes in appearance may be in order (already removed most emblems) but I'm currently focused on fixing the few issues I have with it, and scanning others' builds.

thanks all!

No fair just saying "there are some things that irritate me" without saying what they are.

So, what are the things about the car that annoy you and why?

 

[brian.j]

No fair just saying "there are some things that irritate me" without saying what they are.

So, what are the things about the car that annoy you and why?

This question is even more interesting now, 5 years later, because I'm not certain I can remember everything that irritated me then, but have to reflect on it after 5 years of use. I imagine some of it I've gotten used to, but there's definitely a few things. Not prioritized, but in order that they come to mind:

* I happen to be one of the few who did not get a telescoping steering column. I'm 6'2" and lanky, with ape-arms, but it has always felt like I have to reach way out there for the wheel (once I make room for my legs). My 4Runner remains one of the handful of vehicles I've driven long distances and still been able to walk afterward, but I've never quite been able to find that "sweet-spot" of comfort and support in the driver's position. I recently bought a used column, and expect to be changing it out in the next week. I should probably consider new front seats as well.

* One major selling feature for me was the retracting rear window. That said, it continues to drive me absolutely bonkers to go outside and find the back of my truck full of rain or snow, because my pocket brushed against the counter while washing dishes. I've developed a habit at my business/work to hang my keys from my oxy/acetylene tanks, serving 2 purposes. I can't leave my shop without being reminded to turn off the tanks AND squatting down and general movement can't inadvertently activate my key-fob if it's not in my pocket.

* To make it worse, the window-lock does not prevent the above, but it does prevent the driver from controlling windows. To me, the opposite should be true - the driver's buttons alone should override the window-lock, but the key-fob should not.

* It also still irritates me that I can't put the rear window back up remotely, but I understand Toyota's supposed reasoning, and have come to accept it by now.

* The Down-hill-Assist Control button on the center console is too easily stepped on by my dogs, or sometimes accidentally pressed by humans. Because of this too, the retainer clip for mine has been broken for some time now.

* The hitch-storage cubby is great, but its panel latches are horrible, bordering on useless.

* The stock roof-rail end-caps are far too expensive for being such flimsy garbage in frequent need of replacement. (I'm now committed to going without any at all.)

* I despise the ETC. Yes, it is surprisingly reliable, but I really like a far more direct and predictable mind-body-car connection. When I ask for passing gear, I want it NOW, but the car has to #u@&!ng think about it first. Even all these years later, pulling away from a traffic light can feel more sluggish or snappier than my foot intended. Perhaps it's me, but I've never had another vehicle respond this way. For a vehicle with so much off-road potential, between the electronic throttle and the electronic transmission, "rocking" it out of being stuck (at least the way we used to do it) is effectively impossible. The time delay to perform the shift and engage throttle is immense.
Sure, the V8 has plenty of power and torque but, when trying acquire some momentum on a short run-up to a steep climb, I'm 1/3 of the way up the obstacle before the electronics decide to give me the motor's potential, and by then it's too late.

I realize this probably reads like a b!t@# session about the 4Runner, but these are the irritations I still have after 5 years of ownership and adding 75k miles to the odometer. All that said, it remains one of the best vehicles I've ever had, by far the most reliable, and I intend to be its last owner. I'd say maybe someday it might get molten down into new refrigerators but, by the time I'm finished with it, most of the iron will have already scattered throughout the roads and trails in oxidized form.

Previous vehicles in my life include:
'79 Chevy Blazer 350
'83 Mustang convertible 6cyl
'78 Chevy pickup, 350, lifted (loved it)
'88 Chevy pickup, 305, 2wd (loved it)
'89 Volvo wagon 4cyl (amazing car, attaining the highest mileage of any in this list - although it will soon be surpassed by the 4Runner)
'90 Nissan pickup 6cyl 4x4
'99 Volvo AWD wagon 5cyl (loved it)
'99 Jeep Cherokee 4.0 4x4, lifted
and now the '04 4Runner V8 4x4

 

[Kennysmoke]

The ETC on my 98 3rd gen seems to react like yours as well... you would think Toyota would have sorted it out by now. The other thing that bugs me the most is the stupid location of the front cup holders... I'm constantly having to clean up spilled coffee from the dash and center console. All in all though it is the best and most fun to drive vehicle I've ever owned.

 

[cb1111]

This question is even more interesting now, 5 years later, because I'm not certain I can remember everything that irritated me then, but have to reflect on it after 5 years of use. I imagine some of it I've gotten used to, but there's definitely a few things. Not prioritized, but in order that they come to mind:

* I happen to be one of the few who did not get a telescoping steering column. I'm 6'2" and lanky, with ape-arms, but it has always felt like I have to reach way out there for the wheel (once I make room for my legs). My 4Runner remains one of the handful of vehicles I've driven long distances and still been able to walk afterward, but I've never quite been able to find that "sweet-spot" of comfort and support in the driver's position. I recently bought a used column, and expect to be changing it out in the next week. I should probably consider new front seats as well.

* One major selling feature for me was the retracting rear window. That said, it continues to drive me absolutely bonkers to go outside and find the back of my truck full of rain or snow, because my pocket brushed against the counter while washing dishes. I've developed a habit at my business/work to hang my keys from my oxy/acetylene tanks, serving 2 purposes. I can't leave my shop without being reminded to turn off the tanks AND squatting down and general movement can't inadvertently activate my key-fob if it's not in my pocket.

* To make it worse, the window-lock does not prevent the above, but it does prevent the driver from controlling windows. To me, the opposite should be true - the driver's buttons alone should override the window-lock, but the key-fob should not.

* It also still irritates me that I can't put the rear window back up remotely, but I understand Toyota's supposed reasoning, and have come to accept it by now.

* The Down-hill-Assist Control button on the center console is too easily stepped on by my dogs, or sometimes accidentally pressed by humans. Because of this too, the retainer clip for mine has been broken for some time now.

* The hitch-storage cubby is great, but its panel latches are horrible, bordering on useless.

* The stock roof-rail end-caps are far too expensive for being such flimsy garbage in frequent need of replacement. (I'm now committed to going without any at all.)

* I despise the ETC. Yes, it is surprisingly reliable, but I really like a far more direct and predictable mind-body-car connection. When I ask for passing gear, I want it NOW, but the car has to #u@&!ng think about it first. Even all these years later, pulling away from a traffic light can feel more sluggish or snappier than my foot intended. Perhaps it's me, but I've never had another vehicle respond this way. For a vehicle with so much off-road potential, between the electronic throttle and the electronic transmission, "rocking" it out of being stuck (at least the way we used to do it) is effectively impossible. The time delay to perform the shift and engage throttle is immense.
Sure, the V8 has plenty of power and torque but, when trying acquire some momentum on a short run-up to a steep climb, I'm 1/3 of the way up the obstacle before the electronics decide to give me the motor's potential, and by then it's too late.

I realize this probably reads like a b!t@# session about the 4Runner, but these are the irritations I still have after 5 years of ownership and adding 75k miles to the odometer. All that said, it remains one of the best vehicles I've ever had, by far the most reliable, and I intend to be its last owner. I'd say maybe someday it might get molten down into new refrigerators but, by the time I'm finished with it, most of the iron will have already scattered throughout the roads and trails in oxidized form.

Previous vehicles in my life include:
'79 Chevy Blazer 350
'83 Mustang convertible 6cyl
'78 Chevy pickup, 350, lifted (loved it)
'88 Chevy pickup, 305, 2wd (loved it)
'89 Volvo wagon 4cyl (amazing car, attaining the highest mileage of any in this list - although it will soon be surpassed by the 4Runner)
'90 Nissan pickup 6cyl 4x4
'99 Volvo AWD wagon 5cyl (loved it)
'99 Jeep Cherokee 4.0 4x4, lifted
and now the '04 4Runner V8 4x4

Thanks, this was most helpful. From your list of cars I suspect that you were military - I don't know anybody but military that have owned two Volvo wagons...

 

[brian.j]

Thanks, this was most helpful. From your list of cars I suspect that you were military - I don't know anybody but military that have owned two Volvo wagons...

haha... No, I haven't been in the military. That's an interesting observation. The Volvo wagons were technically my wife's cars (she's not military either) for hauling our dogs around. I included them in my list because we owned them outright and we used them mainly for long-distance travel, and I did much of the driving. She now has a leased Subaru Outback.

Sent from my P008 using Tapatalk

 

[brian.j]

The ETC on my 98 3rd gen seems to react like yours as well... you would think Toyota would have sorted it out by now. The other thing that bugs me the most is the stupid location of the front cup holders... I'm constantly having to clean up spilled coffee from the dash and center console. All in all though it is the best and most fun to drive vehicle I've ever owned.

The cup holder location for me has always been okay, but the mechanism to stabilize the cups is ridiculous, especially for a vehicle that's supposedly going to be on some bouncy roads.
I use water-bottles that squirt only when squeezed, and keep them in the door pockets for off-roading.

It's interesting to me how the 4Runner remains confused about whether it's really appropriate for rugged use (Land Cruiser's little brother) or meant as a somewhat capable soccer-mom vehicle (Highlander's big sister).

Sent from my P008 using Tapatalk

 

[cb1111]

haha... No, I haven't been in the military. That's an interesting observation. The Volvo wagons were technically my wife's cars (she's not military either) for hauling our dogs around. I included them in my list because we owned them outright and we used them mainly for long-distance travel, and I did much of the driving. She now has a leased Subaru Outback.

Sent from my P008 using Tapatalk

I had a '93 960 wagon for about a year and a half in Germany. Nice car and lots of space.

The cup holder location for me has always been okay, but the mechanism to stabilize the cups is ridiculous, especially for a vehicle that's supposedly going to be on some bouncy roads.
I use water-bottles that squirt only when squeezed, and keep them in the door pockets for off-roading.

It's interesting to me how the 4Runner remains confused about whether it's really appropriate for rugged use (Land Cruiser's little brother) or meant as a somewhat capable soccer-mom vehicle (Highlander's big sister).

Sent from my P008 using Tapatalk

Interesting (and true) observation.

Although the cup holders in the LC are far worse - rivaled only by the cup holders in the RX300.

 

[MarshallDillon]

Good info. Thanks.

 

[nefariousn8]

Every vehicle brand and individual model comes with its quirks I suppose! I get a kick out of how ancient the head unit seems on a 5th gen. I like the old school knobs and low key display somehow. Makes it feel more solid. Metaphorically speaking.

 

[McNabb]

How about pics?

 

[bjnick]

I'm seriously considering buying a late model 4runner within the next few months (2014-2018). I assume a lot of these "quirks/annoyances" have been mainly worked out over the years by Toyota? (Or replaced by newer "quirks/annoyances?") Not that these would dissuade me from getting one.......I doubt there are any vehicles w/o a few annoyances.....

 

[Axlrose16]

Welcome - hoping to be able to post my own intro soon