New to 4runners

[drchesler]

Hey all,

I'm in the market for a new SUV and the 4runner is currently topping my list. (probably a truck of 2007-2009 vintage)

These things appear to be almost rock solid, and I real like the build quality.

However, the one thing that concerns me is the 4runner's close relation to the FJ which seems to have some strange propensity towards ripping it's own front end body work apart.

Does the 4runner share this flaw? I plan to use whatever vehicle I end up purchasing for some trail running, light towing, as well as being a daily driver.

I intend to Level the truck and throw some more aggressive slightly over-sized tires on it.....other than that it will basically remain stock.

 

[SkylineGTRracer]

Welcome! the 4runners are solid and this is coming from a guy who drives it hard everyday. that being said just keep up the maintenance and the truck will treat you right. to be honest I have never heard of an Fj ripping it's own front end apart. I know a guy from my highschool who had a sandstrom Fj and put a nice dent in the toyota skid plate from curb hopping in a mall (stupid) other than that it seem ok other than the TPMS going off every week. I say it wouldn't share this problem as when you look in the hood and see the way the fenders, hood, mounts, etc look pretty good. when you throw in the lift kit and bigger tires just be careful with the added strain on the factory suspension other than that like I said early these 4runners are great in terms of sharing both reliability and fun at the same time. :driving::lookout:

 

[drchesler]

Thanks for the welcome, here's a link to the fj forum detailing the problem i've referenced:

Engine Bay Body Rips - Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum

 

[CJ3Flyr]

The 4Runner doesn't seem nearly as susceptible to the issues the FJC is having. There's one member who has reported some fender buckling, one member who ripped the frame at the motor mount. It seems to be a very rare occurance for us when compared to the Taco's and FJC's.

Overall the 4th gens seem bullet proof. The two things I see with some regularity are: 1) T-case issues. IMHO it has a lot to do with not selecting all the modes every 30days or so and not changing the t-case fluid fairly often. The actuator sticks and it's a bear to get to... The fix is very labor intensive. 2) Too many 4th gens get a stuck piston in the front brake caliper.

Other than those two items there's really big nothing to worry about V8 or V6.
:cheers:

 

[SkylineGTRracer]

Thanks for the welcome, here's a link to the fj forum detailing the problem i've referenced:

Engine Bay Body Rips - Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum

Damn! thats looks expensive and unsafe in those FJ's. I have never seen that before. I don't know if I can but I'd like to add one more to CJ3flyers list. (I like lists lol) it is preventative maintenance if you will. Toyota says that it transmission fluid is a lifetime fluid meaning you NEVER have to change it unless you tow. I call BS on that I changed mine at recently and the tranny fluid was very dark and smelled burnt. it could be that I don't have a transmission cooler (Want one) but you get my point. seeing as you are towing you should change it every 45000-60000 miles. again welcome to the forum!

 

[BlairB]

..... one member who ripped the frame at the motor mount. It seems to be a very rare occurance for us when compared to the Taco's and FJC's.

I know who that was :ybrick:

 

[drchesler]

I'm glad to hear that the issue seems to be virtually vacant from the 4runner.

I don't believe in "lifetime" anything when it comes to vehicles. I'm religious about regular maintenance; even with my current pile of junk. I shouldn't knock it too hard, my focus has been very reliable.

Since you like lists so much, here's a run down of the other vehicles I am or was considering before essentially settling on the 4runner; I'll also include why they are inferior vehicles.

-Ford Explorer: Independent suspension all the way around, no ATRAC, uncomfortable front seats, seemingly cheap upholstery.

-Nissan Xterra: Fairly ugly (just my opinion, you're welcome to your own), seem to eat both front and rear differentials with regularity, cheaper feeling interior, lots of minor electrical problems as indicated by perusing the xterra forums.

-Jeep Wrangler Unlimited: bare minimum of amenities for virtually the same money as the toyota, crappy interior, lack of safety in potential rollover, new-ish V-6 that lacks the bulletproof vibe of the old 4.0L, also a little soccer mom-ish around my neck of the woods.

-Jeep Grad Cherokee: basically the same grievances I've levied against the Wrangler Unlimited, but with better build quality/amenities.

-Hummer H3: vehicle choice of Peter Pans all over the nation, ugly (pretty sure this is fact, not just my opinion......ok, haha, it's my opinion), terrible fuel economy (even in its class), basically a chevy under the skin.......and i've had horrible luck with chevy.

-Car based SUVs: poor towing capacity, no low range, not much better fuel economy, too low to the ground, the list goes on, but what's the point. None of the rate when considering my needs.