New 4Runner Owner checking in

[Montego Murph]

Hello all,

Later this week, I pick up my "new" 2003 4Runner Limited V8. About 60k city miles, garage kept.

I've spent the last week poring over the site, looking for things I'll need to know and reading years worth of old posts. Although I was big into the off-roading scene back in the early 2000's with the Suzuki Samurai, this is my first SUV and foray into a vehicle like this. In my old truck, everything was mechanical and manual.

Previous vehicles in the stable which I've done all my own wrenching on include a Mazda Miata, Infiniti i30, Honda Shadow ACE, and of course the Zuki.

My first question is likely covered somewhere, however I must not be using the right search terms. I have learned that the 4x4 system gets angry if not exercised occasionally. I can guarantee this truck has NEVER been shifted into 4-low, nor have any of the offroad modes been selected like the DAC or Diff Lock. I'm not 100% well versed on different option arrangements, but my truck only has 4Hi and 4Lo, no 2wd mode.

I'm lucky enough to have a large gravel lot within a mile of my house where I plan to do my montly gearbox maintenance if I don't get any other opportunity. For the first time I use it though, are there some special instructions or notes of care and feeding for a situation like this? Any "if this happens, do that" hints? Again, I'm sure this is all in the site somewhere but I was not able to guess the right search terms.

Looking forward to learning more and hopefully someday contributing some knowledge as well.

Murph

 

[fo'dilly]

As far as the 4wheel drive goes, my vehicle goes easily and quickly into 4hi at low speeds (like 15mph to 20mph) way better than it does at even 30mph so try that if it takes a long time to switch. You've probably read you need to be in 4hi, stopped and in neutral to get into 4low. I got my 06' "new" with 120k in 2012 and the previous owner had never used 4low but my vehicle went right in with no issues at all when I used it.

Also, the center diff lock shouldnt be used on road.

 

[anotherrunner83]

First of all, congrats on what sounds like an awesome find! most of the v8's came with full time 4wd. it's awesome! the ATRAC system will take care of most situations you may find yourself in. i have put 192k on my 2008. it still shifts in and out of 4Lo quickly and the diff lock still functions with no issue. shift it into neutral, push the knob in and twist it over to 4Lo. Lights will flash for a second or two and then you're in. Do the same to take it out of 4Lo.

 

[Montego Murph]

I took delivery of the truck today. Absolutely love it. I had an Infiniti i30 prior to this, so I have a lot of getting used to when it comes to driving position, maneuverability, and that sort of thing. I realize this is not a sports sedan or econobox by any stretch of the imagination... and it should be fun!

Funny story though.

I had driven the truck many times over the years since it was new, and always made it known that I wanted first refusal which is how I came to own it. All this time, I had thought the mileage was unusually low, but also knew that he didn't drive all that much so it seemed reasonable.

Well it turns out that the truck really has 93,000 miles on it, not the low 60 that I originally thought. Turns out that maybe around 30k, someone put it into "trip mode" and all this time somehow nobody noticed.

Either way, it's still a gem and maintained well. I just have to start thinking "timing belt" sooner than later.

 

[runnergrl06]

Congrats....you'll get plenty of chances to exercise the 4x4 being in central IL

 

[T4RNightHawk]

I wouldn't worry too much about it. Mine was more than likely never switched either. I've found that it switches alot quicker the more you use it. It used to take like 5-10 seconds to switch to 4 LO and like 15-20 for the center locker. Now it takes 2 seconds max to 4 LO and like 5 once I start driving for the center to lock.