New Here! Issues: Popping/Rubbing Noise, Car Seems Like It Lost Power, Shocks?

[415runner562]

Hello there, everybody!

I'm new to the forum. Toyota 4Runners have been in the family for practically my whole life. My parents still own and drive a 2nd Gen (1990) and I've been driving my 4th Gen (2005) since December '04.

After 6 years, my runner is finally giving me some issues.

Some background on the 4runner:

2005 Toyota 4Runner V6 SR5 (4WD)
As of today, I have 101,8xx miles

Oil Changes every 5,000 Miles
Did the 60k mile service in 2008
As of recent, changed my spark plugs at 90k, Installed a new water pump (was leaking), installed a new air and cabin filter

My girlfriend happens to drive the same car as me, same year and everything, except she has a 2WD and 70k miles. Whenever I drive my car, it seems like it lost power. When I drive hers, it's very responsive and it can easily reach higher speeds. Is there anything that I can possibly do to fix this issue?

The next issue that I have is regarding the passenger side rear wheel area. I noticed that if I'm coasting (not pressing on the gas), around 40mph and lower will it make some kind of popping/grinding/rubbing noise. What could the issue be?

Third issue: I just had my oil change done a week ago, and based on the dealer's inspection, I guess I need to have my shocks changed? I've been reading in the forums that it's possible to use an FJ Cruiser's parts... are shocks included?

I'm not that great at fixing cars, but so far, after changing my own spark plugs and brake pads, I feel confident that I can do some more of these DIY things. Any help/links will be appreciated!

 

[4runner_2006]

do you have a lift on it?
Some times lifts cause odd angels for the 4wd and rear drive axle.

on a side note as a matter of preventive maint I have tried to change my water pump and timing belt at the same time since they are right next to one another and the labor is the same to do both. Just need to buy the water pump at around 60 bucks..

on your power issue, do you have a 4 spd, 5 spd and with or without overdrive. if you have over drive you might consider moving the shifter to the left which should disable the overdrive. Sometimes this helps turn off the hill assit whcih can make the vehicle more responsive to power requests via the gas pedal.

 

[415runner562]

4runner_2006,

My '05 4Runner does not have a lift on it. It's practically bone stock. I added 2 subs, an amp and a deck in 2005.

the 4Runner I own is a V6, so it has a timing chain. From what I have searched on this forum, I don't need to worry about the timing chain too much. The water pump has been switched out around 90k, when a leak was noticed.

I think your 3rd response is towards the 2nd gen 4runner that my parents own... I don't think the 4th gen that I'm driving has that O/D option. Any other advice? My co-worker mentioned something about a tune-up... Does this need to be done around 100k?