Rear Spoiler -05

[ToyDiehard]

I agree with Sharp4runr. The 03/04 spoiler has a cleaner line to it. I'm not so sure about the 03/04 spoiler keeping the rear window cleaner as Bryancos says. I have that spoiler, and with all this rain (and muddy roads) we have been having for the last week, my rear window is almost useless.

Maybe the new design was to help direct more air over the glass and keep it clearer.

 

[Northof49]

Lol you guys are getting pretty consiperacy theory over this little spoiler.......maybe it's an evil plot by the Bush government that makes the Runner get slighty worse gas mileage, and increases annual fuel costs......hmmmmm

 

[Brewster]

I have a very vague recollection (so don't believe it unless I can find corroboration) that Car & Driver once found a rear air deflector to cost .3 mpg on some partucular car model.

As zvachalek suggests, a true spoiler (as opposed to an air deflector) can actually improve fuel milage.

 

[Fro-Runner]

Adding my 3 cents into this thread, I must inform you that you will have to drill holes in your rear hatch. I purchased my spoiler iin the aftermarket from autoanything.com. In order to get to two of the hole to install the phillips screws from underneath; you have to drill a hole larger than the head of the screw. Also, be careful not to drop the screw down in between the metal body panels or else you will have to take the hatch apart to retrieve it. Of course, you could leave it there, use another screw and always have that persistant rattle if the screw lands in a awkward place. BTW, it took me about 2 hours to intall the thing. I just spliced into the Runner's orginal brake lamp wiring and it worked find. P.S. Do NOT remove the factory 3rd brake lamp when you install the aftermarket spoiler. It will leave a hole in your liftgate. The factory 3rd light is well HIDDEN when you install the aftermarket spoiler. I added the spoiler mainly for cosmetic looks. I can't really say if it adds to the efficiency of the Runner while driving.

 

[Hitman]

I have a very vague recollection (so don't believe it unless I can find corroboration) that Car & Driver once found a rear air deflector to cost .3 mpg on some partucular car model.

As zvachalek suggests, a true spoiler (as opposed to an air deflector) can actually improve fuel milage.

I remember an article they did a few years back where they tested the top speed of a few different cars with and without the factory spoilers.

I remember the Mustang Cobra, in particular, went a few miles per hour faster without the rear wing....

 

[iFORCE]

03-04 spoiler =

05 spoiler =


why? because not the spoiler looks HUGE and although it might catch more wind... my 03 catches enough wind to keep it clean cuz I can see those beads of water running down the window while i'm driving...

 

[bulldog-yota]

I remember an article they did a few years back where they tested the top speed of a few different cars with and without the factory spoilers.

I remember the Mustang Cobra, in particular, went a few miles per hour faster without the rear wing....

Different spoiler are for different reasons. On most sports cars, spoilers actually add to the drag, but are there to create down force and stability for the car. I doubt that is the case with the 4R.

 

[Hitman]

Different spoiler are for different reasons. On most sports cars, spoilers actually add to the drag, but are there to create down force and stability for the car. I doubt that is the case with the 4R.

I know... I was just sayin'...

Besides, I doubt anyone really want to run his or her 4Runner to top speed.

I think the factory rear spoiler on the 4Runner is just for looks. I really doubt it does much of anything.

 

[mogrefy]

I'm actually glad that the spoiler doesn't do much of anything since I think the truck looks sooooo much sexier without it. Have you noticed, at least when toyota had the 04s on their site, none of the limited edition 4Runners had them on?

I know not everyone might agree, in fact I might be in the minority but my gut feeling when i see the spoiler is NO THANKS.

To each his/her own though.

 

[Cleric]

I don't like the look of either spoiler. I like the aftermarket one from autoanything, but only because the light is LED based. I imagine that the difference is so slight that it is not really noticeable. If you like the look, get it; If you don't, don't.

 

[EDGE]

I had a 96 Pathfinder with a rear spoiler and a 00 Pathfinder without a spoiler, both rear ends got just as dirty but the 2000 with no spoiler was easier to clean and wax at that area:

As for the look, the 4th Gen was weird looking compared to the 3rd when brand new, I could not even swallow the sight of the rear without the spoiler for the 1st year, but it grew on me and now it looks as good as the 3rd Gens, same should happen with the new spoiler.

Just for an added laugh, owners here argue about the rear spoiler but just take a glimpse at an Explorer board and their like my (fill in the blank) won't work

 

[icantsee]

4Runner looks way better w/ the spoiler. Very ugly without it.

My spoiler indeed does keep the rear glass dry when I'm driving in the rain.

'03-'04

'05-'08

 

[jay131866]

Has anyone tried to REMOVE their spoiler?

I have a new 2008 sport model with the rear spoiler, and I agree with many of you on this post in that I do not like how the spoiler looks.

However, all of the sport models have them. Does anyone know how to get rid of the spoiler? Can you do this on your own or would you have to take it to the dealer?

 

[bsl888]

Nice pics, icantsee, i specifically looked for one without the spoiler because I can't stand how thick the '05 and after' spoilers look. I rather not have any spoiler than that thick appendage. The 03-04 spoilers look much better.

The Lexus GX spoilers look even better. Just my opinion.

 

[witchdoctor]

I like the lexus spoiler much better also... anybody know if it could be used on an 05 T4r???? if so, any pics??