New 4Runner Observations and Questions

[Kerouac]

Well, I finally pulled the trigger and purchased a 4runner to replace my 2002 Range Rover. I've only had the truck for 4 days, but here are my initial observations and questions.

-For a vehicle that is less than 1/2 the price of the Range Rover I bought 4 years ago, I am VERY impressed with fit, finish and quality. I really don't feel like I have decremented my driving experience at all.

-The viewable area out of the windshield, and front windows could be improved (read: needs larger windows). In the RR I felt like I was driving in a glass box with great view and command of the road. The 4runner gives more of a cocoon-like feel.

-I did plenty of research on this vehicle and heard more than one complaint with respect to the comfort of the front seats. I have no such complaint. In fact, I drove the truck for nearly 3 hours straight on Friday and was more comfortable than I would have been in the RR.

-I have two dogs, and am a bit concerned with the potential for scratching the rear bumper/latch area when the dogs jump in and out of the truck. At there any protective measures I can employ here? I'm thinking something along the lines of a clear bra.

-My truck is outfitted with the DD cargo system. Not sure how useful this will ultimately be; however, I do have two questions. Has anyone found a cargo mat/line that will cover the DD lid when it is down? If not, is there a way I can easily remove the DD system?

-Oh yeah, it sure is nice to sit in a vehicle and not have to pray that each time I turn the key another part won't break. :bash:

 

[dingo]

First of all, Congrats on your new truck!

I happen to like the smaller windows. It's like a cockpit and very snug. Imo if the windows were any larger it would look outright goofy. It would also look too tall like its fancy pants cousin GX. Smaller window profile makes the 4Runner look young and sporty. The larger windows of the RR just make it easier for the awaiting driver to spot the tow truck.

 

[TheBlueWave]

Congrats on the purchase, I think you will like it. You should be able to find some kind of liner for the DD system (I don't have it), do a search and you should find some discussions on this topic. I have husky liners, they probably make something for the DD system.
I have found the bumper to be pretty tough, but there are films and bras you can use to prevent doggy scratches. Again, do a search.
This forum is truly great, all questions go answered and the right answer is the norm. Everyone here is helpful, and let me be the first to welcome you.:beer:

 

[tedcool]

Dog Scratches

I've got plenty of scratches now on the rear bumper step at the edges where it's just paint. I'm wishing that I had the installers put some of the clear bra there when they were doing the front. I'm sure it would work fine. You could even get the super thick stuff they put on the headlights, just to be sure.

 

[spud72]

I actually have a toyota cargo liner in the back of mine with the DD setup. I was going to look at removing the top shelf, but I just put the liner of it and it fits fine. Of course the very front edge it is up a bit, but that really doesn't bother me.

I might take it out and take a look-see though and remove the shelf if I get off my fat butt one of these days.

 

[Uneek]

There is a stainless steel bumper protector available for the 2003-05 Hi-Lux Surf (Japanese 4Runner), not sure if it'll fit on the 2006+ bumper.

Husky has a liner for the DD option that will fully cover the rear cargo area including the tray areas behind the wheel wells. The liner doesn't work too well if the shelf is up the position. (The length behind rear seats to the hatch in the lowered position is different than from under shelf in the raised position to the hatch.) Here's a pic of it.

 

[strickjb]

Just took delivery of mine too...man, what a sweeeeeeetttt ride!!! Had no idea what I'd been missing all these years!!!

Check out this site for your the mat/liner for your DD cargo system...I just stumbled onto it. Good pics for reference if nothing else!!

http://www.autoseattle.com/new_4Runner.htm

Enjoy the ride!

Jeff

 

[Jeff Kleb]

Nice picture........you got something with a very nice fit and quality look to it.

Bravo!

 

[Mark86]

Congrats and good luck with the new 4Runner. From what other members have said on the board, it is tough to remove the dd cargo system. I don't have a use for it either so I just leave it down all of the time.

 

[Koz]

I had a clear bra installed on my IS350. I had them also put some on the rocker-panels, head/fog lights, 2 feet up the hood, mirrors, door handle wells, gas door and rear bumper. The clear bra material is incredibly tuff stuff; I highly recommend it anywhere you need to protect. The installer told me that the high end cars (Lambo, Ferrari, etc.) almost cover the whole car.

Koz

 

[lawwailok]

I had a clear bra installed on my IS350. I had them also put some on the.....
Koz

mind if you can tell me how much you paid? i was thinking to get those 3M clear bra for my 4R, but it seems too pricey i got quoted in my area. they were asking around $500-600 rough, hood, bumper (extended bumper coverage), fender.

 

[Falls]

This may sound stupid but I bought a rubber pick up bed mat. I cut it to fit the back with when the seats are up or down. I have it spliced where the back seat folds up and down. I can move it where I need to , even to cover the complete cargo area. When I take my dads dog I simply slid and extra piece off the end of the bumper..

The other thing I do it have a industrial carpet floor mat with the rubber backing and the nipples on it , I also pull that down over the bumper for the dog to jump in.

One thing both methods are safer for the dog , they can grip better to pull them selves in to the back , no chance of them slipping off and breaking a paw or getting it caught in the hitch area or something. It is pretty slippery for them getting in if their paws hit the plastic piece or the painted area.

 

[Koz]

I paid $1000 for; front/rear bumpers, lower spoiler, half the front fenders, head/fog lights, mirrors, 2 feet up the hood (bikini cut), the whole front end, around the 4 wheel wells, rocker panels (both sides), 4 door handle wells and below the fuel door. The clear bra material (VentureShield) has a lifetime guarantee. See links.

http://www.invisiblepatterns.com/

http://www.venturetape.com/final/automotive_products.asp?id=610

http://www.venturetape.com/final/VShield back.pdf

Koz

 

[Falls]

I paid $65 for my truck rubber bed mat for the back for the dog / bumper protection. Cut it to fit myself.

For the other chip / rock protection , what Koz suggestion is the way to go , doubt if it would help with sharp dog claws , but not sure.

 

[lawwailok]

ouch, $1000 seems kinda hurt. i really have to think about it.