The Official 4Runner Change Configuration Board is Now in Session

[adam2562]

List mods that all 4Runners should receive from the factory. I'll start:

- The stupid intermittent windshield wipers where the biggest block means the shortest amount of time. Yeah...I'd flip that.

it used to be the other way around on older toyotas.. specifically.. all the ones i had previous to my 2 5th gen 4runners.. i do it backwards a lot lol.. why change something that works well.. lol

 

[adam2562]

I want a "deleted" model.

V6
4WD with manual t-case shifter
No electronic 4WD aides, except a rear locker
Comes "leveled" from factory
Black steelies
MT as an option
Drum brakes in back
No infotainment, no LCD, no cameras
Base 4 speaker stereo with just an AUX jack. No sat radio
5 passenger seating, cloth manual seats. Back seats can be easily removed from vehicle and can be sold as an option
No sliding cargo tray or other crap
Manual windows
Manual mirrors
No sunroof
No carpet, plastic floors all over
Manual door locks
Lightweight liftgate with no sliding window and a swing away spare carrier
Plastic bumpers
No foglights
No tint in back

Dump the FJ Cruiser, make an FJ bare-bones spec 4Runner, essentially.

why would you want drum brakes in the back??

 

[FERAL 4R]

Split rear liftgate like Land Cruiser
Plastic floor liner like FJ Cruiser
More interior color options

 

[lilreds21]

bring back

the V-8! i refuse to buy a 5th gen... how do you down grade from a 8 to a 6... you cant. (without being sad)

 

[LandCruiser]

why would you want drum brakes in the back??

Less maintenance, more durable, don't have to replace pads.

 

[Viper45]

Wouldn't that defeat the purpose of ATRAC in back though?

 

[LandCruiser]

Wouldn't that defeat the purpose of ATRAC in back though?

I don't want ATRAC, HDC, KDSS, terrain selection, or any of that crap. Adds unnecessary complexity. Give me a lightweight vehicle, unhindered by electronic aides, with a locking rear diff (center locker would be nice, too).

Manufacturers now think that you need an array of technical junk to make a vehicle more "trail worthy." A lightweight truck unhindered by computers that can be modified to suit the local terrain will get just as far.

I just wish that Toyota would apply the same no BS basics they did to the FJ Cruiser (which WILL go away this year if not the next) to the 4Runner family tree. Nissan makes a bare-bones Xterra just like this. As 1engineer said, this would go against the Toyota playbook of stuffing every vehicle they make with all sorts of expensive crap to drive up the price and increase profit. Entune and the touchscreen probably costs a fraction of what the package cost is. If Toyota shifts production of the 4Runner to the USA then they can offer whatever flavor of luxury of off-road customers want, like the Tacomas.

Why they don't is a mystery because it's sales are primarily in the USA with the Prado covering the rest of the world market.

 

[KCcarguy]

Why they don't is a mystery because it's sales are primarily in the USA with the Prado covering the rest of the world market.

I'm guessing it's because the 4r has so much in common with the Prado. It's probably more efficient. I, for one, am glad the 4runner is built in Japan.

I'm also guessing that someone who wants a bare-bones utility vehicle might be happier with a Tacoma DC with a camper shell.....that's probably Toyota's though process as well. If you want such a basic truck, why not a Taco instead? Wheel-base? I can't really think of any other advantage :shrug:

 

[LandCruiser]

I'm guessing it's because the 4r has so much in common with the Prado. It's probably more efficient. I, for one, am glad the 4runner is built in Japan.

I'm also guessing that someone who wants a bare-bones utility vehicle might be happier with a Tacoma DC with a camper shell.....that's probably Toyota's though process as well. If you want such a basic truck, why not a Taco instead? Wheel-base? I can't really think of any other advantage :shrug:

I want short wheelbase and an SUV body. The only 4runner length Taco is the 4x4 short box.

 

[jfdallas]

I want a "deleted" model.

V6
4WD with manual t-case shifter
No electronic 4WD aides, except a rear locker
Comes "leveled" from factory
Black steelies
MT as an option
Drum brakes in back
No infotainment, no LCD, no cameras
Base 4 speaker stereo with just an AUX jack. No sat radio
5 passenger seating, cloth manual seats. Back seats can be easily removed from vehicle and can be sold as an option
No sliding cargo tray or other crap
Manual windows
Manual mirrors
No sunroof
No carpet, plastic floors all over
Manual door locks
Lightweight liftgate with no sliding window and a swing away spare carrier
Plastic bumpers
No foglights
No tint in back

Dump the FJ Cruiser, make an FJ bare-bones spec 4Runner, essentially.

I think they made these vehicles...back in the 70's...

 

[FlatlandTRD]

I think they made these vehicles...back in the 70's...

Yeah, it was called an FJ55!

Since we're dreaming, I'd like the 1VD-FTV common rail twin turbo please, just over 470lb-ft of torque and capable of around 27mpg. I even have a hood scoop I can make functional for the intercooler :frog::frog:

 

[Ryan1975]

Don't have time to go through the thread...will do that on Vacation in a few weeks. Who knows what a change configuration board is?

I've only been a part of a few...but thought I'd have fun with some Master's Classes I'm taking and apply it to the 4Runner to see if I could come up with a cohesive technical document on how to approach modifications...especially if I was an upfitter running a reputable business of preparing 4Runners assembly line style.

Vehicle Procurement

1.0 Interior Ergonomics
1.1 Interior Handles
1.2 Removal of Interior Airbags
1.3 Rear Area Compartment Customization
1.4 Replace 5th Gen Sun Visors
2.0 Interior Electronics
2.1 Dealer Programmed Changes
2.2 Switch Gear
2.3 Custom Programming
3.0 Exterior Lighting
3.1 Exterior LED Lighting
3.2 Front Facing LED Light Bar
4.0 Exterior Electronics
5.0 Suspension
6.0 Wheels Tires
7.0 Exterior Accessories
7.1 Rear Hatch Shock Upgrade
7.2 Stubby Antenna
7.3 Curt Front Mount Receiver
8.0 Body Modifications
9.0 Engine and Driveline Modifications

Thoughts on categories?

 

[Auntie Soshul]

Don't have time to go through the thread...will do that on Vacation in a few weeks. Who knows what a change configuration board is?

To me, it seems sort of like fantasy football.

 

[Quentin]

I think when the 6th gen comes around and the FJ isn't around to entice the more hardcore people, we'll see a true entry level 4Runner. The problem I see is that all the offroad goodies on the FJ came with packages that added all sorts of other things. You might be better off just buying a base model 4WD and doing air lockers.

I don't see the hate for power windows and door locks, though. The weight and complexity added is negligible. Just because something is mechanical doesn't mean that it won't ever break or it is fixable on the trail. Electrical systems can be very robust... especially if designed with water submersion or heavy vibration in mind. How are you going to roll down the tailgate window if it isn't power?!

 

[fghshda]

You're not the bearer of bad news...