Rear spoiler

[willcountyjoel]

Any thoughts on removing rear spoiler? Does the spoiler really do any good?

I think it looks bad, too gigantic. It looks like it creates drag and lightens the downforce on the rear end (less stability/traction) at freeway speeds. Lowered MPG maybe?

 

[Uneek]

On trips to the Sierras, I've noticed 4th gens with the spoiler tend to have a cleaner rear window than ones that do not. I've never used my rear wiper in snow or rain. The "humped" spoiler on the '05 supposedly draws more air down the back window.

If you remove the spoiler, there will be holes on the hatch. Also, you'll lose the third brake lamp.

 

[Larry77]

It also keeps the fumes out of the rig when the window is down...

 

[Teqeeler]

Any thoughts on removing rear spoiler? Does the spoiler really do any good?

I think it looks bad, too gigantic. It looks like it creates drag and lightens the downforce on the rear end (less stability/traction) at freeway speeds. Lowered MPG maybe?

I think you should get rid of it and sell it to me!

 

[Net4n6]

It also keeps the fumes out of the rig when the window is down...

Really? I didn't know that. I have spoiler and still smell the fumes.

 

[CaliDreamer]

If you remove the spoiler, there will be holes on the hatch. Also, you'll lose the third brake lamp.

Are you sure you'd loose the third brake lamp? My 2008 is stock without the spoiler (although I've been thinking about adding it), but I still have the third lamp. It's it an either or thing?

It also keeps the fumes out of the rig when the window is down...

This begs the question: Is it bad to drive with the rear window down (no spoiler)? I remember it used to be with the old station wagons, but haven't given it much thought lately.

 

[Uneek]

Are you sure you'd loose the third brake lamp? My 2008 is stock without the spoiler (although I've been thinking about adding it), but I still have the third lamp. It's it an either or thing?

Yes. On 4Runners with the spoiler installed as a factory option, there isn't a third brake light behind the spoiler on the hatch. The hatch still has the flat area where the third brake light would have went.

A lot of the 4Runners in the Gulf States region (distributed by Southeast Toyota) has a port installed spoiler. So it's common on those 4Runners to see the third brake light on both the spoiler and the hatch.

This begs the question: Is it bad to drive with the rear window down (no spoiler)? I remember it used to be with the old station wagons, but haven't given it much thought lately.

I can smell the exhuast fumes in mine when the rear window is fully opened at city speeds, but it could also be due to tail wind. With a small gap (an inch or two) on the freeway, no fumes.

 

[bste3]

mine has the spoiler and a "4th" brake light behind the spoiler, it's a 2006 SR5

 

[Larry77]

Really? I didn't know that. I have spoiler and still smell the fumes.

Hmmm....I never really smell exhaust fumes but do smell the sulfur once in awhile. I just have heard many say that the spoiler helps with a slight down wind to keep exhaust out of the cabin. I have never owned a 4runner without rear spoiler so I have nothing to compare to.