Noob questions (future owner)

[turbowannabe]

Hello all –
So I am looking to buy a 4runner and wanted to get some advice from some enthusiasts. I’ve been lurking around the forum for a while gaining some general knowledge and itemizing a list of mods I would already like. The vehicle will be a dog hauler and daily drier for me until we move back home in about 2 years where it will be a camping vehicle and daily driver. Anywho, my questions are as follows:


1. I think I want a 06-09 t4r because of the styling changes that took place at that point. Are there any annoying (troublesome, frustrating, insert more synonyms here) features a post 06 would have in comparison to the earlier models? I have read the outlines of the model years but I would like some firsthand knowledge. Please feel free to add any other things here that you like or loathe about your ride.

2. I would like a v8 as appose to a v6 (I think) because I will be towing some stuff occasionally. I know the post 06 v8’s have different hp outputs versus the earlier models (yet another reason I would like a post 06). For those of you with the v8- does it make that big of a difference in power that is noticeable in everyday use, i.e. not towing? And how big a deal would it be if I found a good runner with a v6 in it instead?

3. I would like a Sport Edition (I think) because I like the styling (hood scoop), but it’s not a deal breaker for me because all I really want is a sunroof, power seats, and the darker color interior. Are there any options I should be wary of or look for specifically? Keep in mind I will most likely be doing a mild lift for now (cornfed 3/2); after we return home in a couple of years I think I will do a long travel set up. I bring up the suspension stuff because of the different options available with the different models.

4. More likely than not I will only add some sliders/running boards and a cargo barrier at first until we get home, then will begin the more serious mods. Any advice for the best mods after purchasing the vehicle (while in grocery getter mode) would be appreciated.
Thanks for all the help and advice in advance. I am fully aware I will get some amount of flack for some of my stupid questions but I am immune to sarcasm; so bring it on.
:thanks:

 

[M1911]

1) How heavy a load are you going to tow? The V6 tow limit is 5000 lbs. The V8 tow limit is ~7000 lbs.

2) If you are planning a significant lift, then you might not want XREAS.

3) Personally, I think the side curtain air bags are a must have.

 

[turbowannabe]

1) How heavy a load are you going to tow? The V6 tow limit is 5000 lbs. The V8 tow limit is ~7000 lbs.

2) If you are planning a significant lift, then you might not want XREAS.

3) Personally, I think the side curtain air bags are a must have.

Thanks for the response!
A1) I might tow our car all the way home (2800 miles), which is one of the main reasons I was thinking a V8. I think it would be nice to have the power available when towing. But weight wise that really isn't that big a difference (at least not when towing).

A2) I was thinking I might try to avoid it so I would have an easier time when lifting the rig

A3) Most of the ones I have found have had side curtain airbags so I thought nearly all post 06 had them. Good to know its an option. Plus I suppose better safe than sorry.

 

[Timberline]

I would like a Sport Edition (I think) ....

If you are planning a significant lift, then you might not want XREAS.

I was thinking I might try to avoid it so I would have an easier time when lifting the rig

I'm pretty sure that XREAS is standard on the Sport model

 

[Lexusbstrdchild]

xreas is standard on the sport model, so if you plan on doing a bigger lift then it will have to go bye bye. the side curtain air bags are standard on 08's and up on all trim levels. the power seats you want, are on the sport model, but not the sr5, and the steering wheel is tilt/telescope on the sport, vs only tilt on sr5. sounds like you want the sport model to me, except for the fact that it has xreas. do a search on xreas and you will see what i mean. it is not really a bad thing, it just makes lifting a little more tricky, and limits what you can do unless you completely ditch it and re-do the suspension.

 

[SecretAgent]

i don't see xreas being a problem with bigger lifts, because if you're going to that big of a lift, the shocks will need to be replaced with longer units anyways. it only adds a little bit more time on the install to remove the xreas.

as for comparisons to the older models, there's really no disadvantage besides the price premium. they're the same trucks interally if you're going for a v8. only difference are cosmetic mods and a few electronic add-ons.

 

[turbowannabe]

xreas is standard on the sport model, so if you plan on doing a bigger lift then it will have to go bye bye. the side curtain air bags are standard on 08's and up on all trim levels. the power seats you want, are on the sport model, but not the sr5, and the steering wheel is tilt/telescope on the sport, vs only tilt on sr5. sounds like you want the sport model to me, except for the fact that it has xreas. do a search on xreas and you will see what i mean. it is not really a bad thing, it just makes lifting a little more tricky, and limits what you can do unless you completely ditch it and re-do the suspension.

Is the wheel telescopic on all 06 and up models? or is that a later 08 and 09 thing? and do the steering wheel control buttons come on model years of the sport?

Oh and do the side curtain air bags come on the pre 08 models?

 

[turbowannabe]

i don't see xreas being a problem with bigger lifts, because if you're going to that big of a lift, the shocks will need to be replaced with longer units anyways. it only adds a little bit more time on the install to remove the xreas.

as for comparisons to the older models, there's really no disadvantage besides the price premium. they're the same trucks interally if you're going for a v8. only difference are cosmetic mods and a few electronic add-ons.

Yeah as I read more about the suspension options it looks like I would just pull a lot of it out when I go to long travel. But the spacers will still work with the XREAS? (ie cornfed 3/2)

And I thought the v8's got a power boost in 06, or am i smoking something?

 

[turbowannabe]

Thanks to all

Oh and btw thank you all for the pm's and posts to help me narrow my search. I am learning rapidly, which will be good for finding the one I like or at least narrow it down.:thanks:

 

[progress4m]

...
And I thought the v8's got a power boost in 06, or am i smoking something?

It was in 05 not 06: it went from 235 HP to 270 HP and torque went from 320 to 330.

 

[M1911]

Thanks for the response!
A1) I might tow our car all the way home (2800 miles), which is one of the main reasons I was thinking a V8. I think it would be nice to have the power available when towing. But weight wise that really isn't that big a difference (at least not when towing).

Once again, how much does your trailer and payload weigh? You need to know that to ensure that you are towing within the ability of the truck.

The distance, frankly, isn't important. Either your trailer and load are below the weight limit or they are not.

How much does your car weigh? How much does your trailer weigh?

 

[turbowannabe]

It was in 05 not 06: it went from 235 HP to 270 HP and torque went from 320 to 330.

Ah I see. Thank you very much. Well at least I know that if I get an 06 it will have the more powerful V8.

Once again, how much does your trailer and payload weigh? You need to know that to ensure that you are towing within the ability of the truck.

The distance, frankly, isn't important. Either your trailer and load are below the weight limit or they are not.

How much does your car weigh? How much does your trailer weigh?

I think the approximate total weight will be 4700lbs (trailer and car). As far as distance goes the only reason I like the idea of more power is the extra "pedal room" I would have with a v8. I used to tow a lot of stuff in my old job and quickly learned to appreciate the ability of an engine to still pull up hill while towing. We had a few different trucks in our fleet of the same model but different engines, I hated the smaller engines(just not enough torque)... and considering I cant get a diesel in the states I think I would like the larger gas engine. Also I think I would like the added security of being able to tow more if need be. But everyone who I talk to seem to love their v6, and with a few add-ons seems to gain a fair amount of power. However everyone else I talk to seem to love their V8 and seem to not care about the negligible difference of mpg.

 

[M1911]

I think the approximate total weight will be 4700lbs (trailer and car).

Now we're getting somewhere. If you think your payload would be 4700 lbs, and the V6 has a tow rating of 5000 lbs, I would recommend going with the V8. Your estimated tow weight is very close to the max limit for the V6.

But everyone who I talk to seem to love their v6, and with a few add-ons seems to gain a fair amount of power.

You really aren't going to gain significant amounts of power with a chip and exhaust. Not going to happen.

 

[Barefoot]

the power seats you want, are on the sport model, but not the sr5

Power seats came standard on my '07 SR5 V8

 

[turbowannabe]

Power seats came standard on my '07 SR5 V8

Holly crap I am so confused on what came with what. I will have to read through the spec sheets again.

 

[chaz]

power seats come with the v8 package.

 

[JB.]

V8s are equipped with transmission cooler.

 

[turbowannabe]

power seats come with the v8 package.

So any v8 I get will have them from 06-09?

V8s are equipped with transmission cooler.

But its the same transmission, right?

 

[chaz]

this is for the 08 , but should still give you an idea 2008 Toyota 4Runner Review

 

[turbowannabe]

this is for the 08 , but should still give you an idea 2008 Toyota 4Runner Review

Thanks a bunch, that actually helps.

I appreciate all the help everyone has been throwing my way, very informative.