Sad goodbyes...

blademan

New member
Well guys, Betty and I have parted ways. It was short, mostly pleasing relationship. But alas she was replaced this weekend by what seems to me to be near truck perfection - 2011 Tundra Crewmax 4x4- ARRRGH ARRGH ARRRGH

My final analysis of the 5th gen T4R TE after 15k miles is thus:

Pros - Fine ameneties, good ride, outstanding off-road ability (I think she would climb a pine tree if you could get three tires on it,) better interior room than 4th gen, reasonable MPG, runs smooth at highway speeds, relatively quiet, good storage space.

Cons -Interior quality was a step down, seats were a little uncomfortable for me, light sheet metal, black paint was hell to keep looking good (my choice, not the fault of the truck), sliding cargo tray is a useless waist IMO.

However -One simple issue made all the difference to me in the end= the 4.0 V6 is not enough engine for a truck this size especially if you are doing a lot of off-roading. Mind you traction is not the issue, just lack of sheer torque and power. I got tired, and more tired of the little engine always seeming to struggle on hilly terrain. Going back and forth from 5 to 4 on what looked to be easy roads. It towed alright, if you kept it in 4 (at least on loads around
1K#) but you shouldn't have to keep in 4 for simple country driving in the southeast US.
In my opinion, if Toyota wants to continue the legacy of the T4R deep into the future, they better put the 4.6 v8 in them or the sales are gonna decrease over time. As most people here who are true enthusiasts have said, the T4R is a niche type vehicle mainly suited to a particular set of buyers looking for particular things. One of those BIG things is power.
I know the '07 I had for a little while (what an idiot for trading it off) was a little beast. You spur that filly and she would jump out from under you. You spur the 5th gen and then you gotta whip it and yell at it as well to get it to go.

Don't get me wrong, it's an overall good truck and being a Toyota, a helluva lot tighter and better than the closest competition - domestic or foreign.
I just saw a Tundra setting on a lot, test drove it and dang near wet myself:wow2:

So here's to all you fine gents, I have enjoyed it and learned alot hanging around here. I hope all of you have long and enjoyable relationships with your fine rides. I reckon I will now slip on over to Tundratalk and get to know those fine fellows. :thanks::beer::hatsoff::driving:
 
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Funny. I just traded my Tundra off so my wife could get a car and I took over the 4runner. It all came down to gas mileage for me after I sold my daily commuter.
 
Congrats on the new truck. Man a Crewmax Tundra, that's a big ass truck off road!

I went the other direction, traded a Crewmax Tundra for a a 4runner. If you felt the 4.0 was short on power, well I'm sure that 5.7 quenches your thirst.

Good luck.
 
I enjoyed reading your post...good luck over there at the tundra forum.

I did think of something after reading this post, however. I always read about the 5th gen not having enough "oomph" etc. etc. compared to the V8 in the 4th gen (or any V8 for that matter), which is understandable. But what about the 5th gen V6 compared to the 4th gen V6? How do those two compare to one another? Number-wise Toyota beefed up the new V6, but does that translate to the pavement compared to the previous V6? The 4.0L doesn't compare to the 4.6 or 4.7, I get that, but is it even an improvement performance wise vs. the previous 4.0?

BTW, I never drove a 4th Gen 4.0, which is why I'm curious.
 
I too traded my 2010 Tundra double cab TRD for the 4Runner. I agree it is a little soft on power, but 22mpg with 285's and Bilstein 5100's is sweet in my book!
 
I think a 4.0L is enough for this size vehicle but I think the specs or the way its geared is off. Other 4.0L have more power at the beginning and not at 4k rpm's. Who wants the real power at 4k rpm's. 270 horsepower should be enough for a vehicle this size.....
 
I think a 4.0L is enough for this size vehicle but I think the specs or the way its geared is off. Other 4.0L have more power at the beginning and not at 4k rpm's. Who wants the real power at 4k rpm's. 270 horsepower should be enough for a vehicle this size.....


This is exactly correct. I owned 2 Pathfinders previously, with smaller V6s, and they are tuned/programmed much differently. The torque/hp come on right away, and they "feel" significantly more powerful.

The first 4R I test drove felt really doggy from what I was accustomed to. This engine will go - you just have to kick the crap out of it. I have a sedate driving style now, so it suits me. When I was the OP's age, it would not have pleased me either.

Best of luck with the Tundra - little doubt you'll love it.
 
If you stomp on the gas, this 4.0 will fly. I've owned the 5.7 (Sequoia) and 4.7 (GX) so have some basis for this statement. 5.7 is way too thirsty and tough to justify unless you tow big. Tundra won't fit off pavement too. I do like the sound of the new 4.6 V8 though...
 
If you stomp on the gas, this 4.0 will fly. I've owned the 5.7 (Sequoia) and 4.7 (GX) so have some basis for this statement. 5.7 is way too thirsty and tough to justify unless you tow big. Tundra won't fit off pavement too. I do like the sound of the new 4.6 V8 though...

Agreed. Coming from high revving engines, I don't really care, but I could understand the irritation from those who are used to big power down low. This car would actually really benefit from a manual transmission to keep it in the optimal powerband.
 
I too went from a Tundra to a 5th gen 4runner.

The gas mileage was killing me, the tundra was useless offroad (wheelbase too long plus overall length and width was too big), i found the interior quality very poor. Try pushing on that silver plastic near where the 4x4 selector is....its thin, cheap and flexes like an inch. Also try pushing on the radio controls, also flexes and creaks, and the whole piano black finish on the center console was ridiculous for scratches. IMO the made in japan stuff (4runner) seems to be of much higher build quality....

I miss the power a bit but dont get what everyone is saying about the 4runner, i dont find mine sluggish at all. The only thing holding it back is how the electronic throttle seems to ease you into accelerating at first unless you mash on it. Maybe its adapted to my driving style but i dont have any issues at all with it after a few months... Also dont get what people are complaining about towing for. IMO the 4runner was never meant to be a big towing vehicle. Toyota makes a sequoia, tundra and even tacoma for that....
when you do need to tow the 4runner does a decent job, i just couldnt justify hogging all that gas for the 98% of the time I'm not towing or hauling stuff just to have that ability for the 2% of the time i need it...
 
not to thread jack.....but how is that possible?

I'm running the .85 lift on the 5100's, and 285's and having no issues pulling between 20-22 highway mpg's.. That's adding up the correct way, not indicated. Although, indicated is only about 1 mpg off.
 
Must be something about living a mile high. I just completed a 2900 mile round trip to Oregon and experienced similar highway mileage. My mileage was consistently higher at altitude coming and going. Stock suspension and tires though.
 
I am loving the hell out of my 2011 TE. I hope your baby finds an owner as happy to own her as I am with mine.
 
I to had a crew max it was a 08 with the 5.7. Man I loved that truck. Gas mileage I got 14.5. I got rid of all the ATVs and car trailer, I just found that the 4Runner worked out better for the family and our needs without our toys. Just wished you could get the 5.7 in our runners. That would be awesome!
Good luck to you with your kick a** truck! That truck with the 5.7 is a Hemi and a Titan eating machine. I loved the look on there faces.
Good luck man!
 
I am lucky enough to own both a Tundra (4.6 V8) and a 5th Gen 4Runner. The 4.6 is definitely smooth and and has the pick up and go, I even took it off-roading and the only compliant I had about the Tundra was that it was a bit big to fit through some passes. In my opinion the 4R's 4.0 is NO slouch, heck I only get 17MPG with my lead foot driving style but I have no complaints (on tarmac anyways). On the other hand I drive my Tundra pretty hard too and I get 15MPG. As for the OP, the 5.7 will fix your thirst for more horsepower and I was glad to see you using your 4Runner trail as it was meant to be used.

Keep on Truckin' Blademan..:driving:
 
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(Ya'll knew I'd HAVE to come by and check on this thread) :)

:thanks: for the kind words
Just for the record - the entire time I had my T4R, I got 18 MPG (give or take 1mpg). In fact my Garmin average for the whole time was 17.8. There was hauling kids, hauling hunting gear, towing lawnmowers and hauling ass in all of that. I have resigned myself to loosing 2, maybe 3 mpg with the Tundra......but look what I get in return: I can sell my '94 F-250 haul/tow vehicle, more interior room for family, better "ride" for me, more versatility....the list goes on.

As far as off-roading- I've already tested it- it is very capable. The Tundra might be a little large for tight trails, but I wouldn't have taken the T4r there either- if I did, I would be afraid of banging it up. If i ever get into that serious stuff, I'll buy and old Taco with a v6 and ride hell out of it.

I am an old cowboy, nothing replaces the feel of a strong horse under your saddle. I grew up driving Chevy trucks with 454's, and as my man Chris LeDoux said- "everybody needs a little more horespower."

BTW - if any of you ever need a good knife to cut of critters or whatever else you use one for - look me up, I'll scratch that itch for you- Facebook = "Brothers Blades by Dennis Brothers"

"......Honey, where is the check book? The gas card bill is past-due!......"
 
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Good Luck with the Tundra!

My wife drives the 4runner and I find when I drive it my hand is on the shifter and downshifting much sooner than the auto would do. I seem to downshift it much more when overtaking....

Your knives look GREAT and the photos you have on Facebook show some great craftsmanship!!

Good luck.
 

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