New '07 Sport owner

[Bobbyg123]

Hey guys,

I just picked up a new 2007 Natural White V6 Sport Edition on New Years Eve. My wife and I had twin boys 9 months ago, and my Infiniti G35 (which I loved) suddenly became way too small. So far I love the 4runner. I'm surprised how quiet it is at highway speeds. I figured I was going to have to compromise on the road noise, but that's not the case at all. My Infiniti was much louder due to the exhaust note.

Because I purchased the vehicle so late on New Years Eve, I didn't get a full demo of the vehicle at the dealership. Here are some of my early questions:

1) Is there any harm in running 4x4 high on bare and wet roadways? I live in Seattle and have to deal with some pretty nasty rain conditions. When I'm carrying my babies in the truck, I feel more secure in 4x4 mode but I don't want to harm the transmission either. I assume it's OK to use it whenever, but that wasn't the case with older Ford and Dodge 4x4's.

2) What is the tow limit for the V6 with standard gearing? The salesman was throwing out numbers that I (frankly) don't believe. Do any of you tow with your V6?

3) I'm in the market for a black bull bar/skid plate and any feedback would be appreciated. I ran a search, but didn't see a lot of black bars.

4) I guess my last question goes back to the usage of the 4x4. When I take the rig up to the mountains and run into severe snow & slush conditions, what's the best way to attack it? I won't be doing any serious offroading, but we will go and look for some nice winter spots to take the kids sledding and such. Any tips on winter weather driving would also be appreciated.

I know that this message is WORTHLESS WITHOUT PICTURES, but I haven't had a chance to detail and photograph my new ride. It's been raining sideways here since I bought the darn thing. I'm glad to have found this terrific website.

:beer:

 

[jharris2]

Hey guys,

I just picked up a new 2007 Natural White V6 Sport Edition on New Years Eve. My wife and I had twin boys 9 months ago, and my Infiniti G35 (which I loved) suddenly became way too small. So far I love the 4runner. I'm surprised how quiet it is at highway speeds. I figured I was going to have to compromise on the road noise, but that's not the case at all. My Infiniti was much louder due to the exhaust note.

Because I purchased the vehicle so late on New Years Eve, I didn't get a full demo of the vehicle at the dealership. Here are some of my early questions:

1) Is there any harm in running 4x4 high on bare and wet roadways? I live in Seattle and have to deal with some pretty nasty rain conditions. When I'm carrying my babies in the truck, I feel more secure in 4x4 mode but I don't want to harm the transmission either. I assume it's OK to use it whenever, but that wasn't the case with older Ford and Dodge 4x4's.

2) What is the tow limit for the V6 with standard gearing? The salesman was throwing out numbers that I (frankly) don't believe. Do any of you tow with your V6?

3) I'm in the market for a black bull bar/skid plate and any feedback would be appreciated. I ran a search, but didn't see a lot of black bars.

4) I guess my last question goes back to the usage of the 4x4. When I take the rig up to the mountains and run into severe snow & slush conditions, what's the best way to attack it? I won't be doing any serious offroading, but we will go and look for some nice winter spots to take the kids sledding and such. Any tips on winter weather driving would also be appreciated.

I know that this message is WORTHLESS WITHOUT PICTURES, but I haven't had a chance to detail and photograph my new ride. It's been raining sideways here since I bought the darn thing. I'm glad to have found this terrific website.

:beer:

Congrats on the new ride!!

Answers:

1. No harm - the multimode can run 4WD all the time, but it will hurt mileage and acceleration. I'd recommend running 2WD whenever possible, switching to 4WD if you are uncomfortable with the driving conditions. In 2WD mode, the 4Runner is very capable.

2. 5,000 pounds, 500 pounds tongue weight.

3. Can't help you here.

4. There are threads on winter driving, so a search should find them. Best advice is don't overestimate your skills and don't underestimate the danger or the stupidity of other drivers.

 

[sharp4runr]

1) No harm in running in 4HI. Only think you don't want to do is lock the center differential while on dry pavement. I'm going to disagree about the loss of mileage. I ran the truck for a few tanks in 4HI and I did not see any noticeable drop in mileage. Heck I got better mileage than some tanks I ran in 2HI...

2) 5000lbs tow limit

3) I'm running a Westin Safari Grill that comes in black. Manik and Waag also make grills for our trucks. If you want a real Bull bar, Shrockworks and ARB makes them for 4th gens.

4) For winter driving, I'd keep it in 4HI and NOT lock the center differential. Locking the center differential turns off VSC. You'll want VSC enabled to help keep things under control. If you need to get unstuck, then lock the center differential to turn off VSC and power out. Just my opinion.

Congrats on the new truck and your twins.

 

[gizmopt2002]

Congrats!

1) Same as what they all say

2) It is 5000 LBS, BUT with a trans cooler and a better hitch, you can tow a max of about 6400 LBS. We tow a 5500 LBS boat with the V6 just fine.

3) Same the previous post

4) Same, but in the deep stuff, you should lock the center diff, and put it in 4LO.

 

[Bobbyg123]

locking the center differential

Thanks for the info guys. Considering that I don't even know how to lock the differential yet, it shouldn't be a problem. :eek2:

 

[Mark86]

Re: locking the center differential

Thanks for the info guys. Considering that I don't even know how to lock the differential yet, it shouldn't be a problem. :eek2:

Welcome to the board and congrats on your new ride! It is easy to lock the center differential. There is a button to the left of the steering wheel with a picture of a car and windy road. You can find a useful cheat sheet on the 4x4 system in the drivers visor.

 

[Uneek]

Re: locking the center differential

Thanks for the info guys. Considering that I don't even know how to lock the differential yet, it shouldn't be a problem. :eek2:

When locked, it'll disable VSC (Vehicle Skid Control) and should only be done on slippery surfaces. But when unlocked, you can run your truck all day long and on any surface in 4H.