Top 10 5G 4Runner Questions

[jam23r1]

1) did you guys see a big jump in mpg and hp with a CAI?

 

[Bay33saw]

How do I turn the "ECO" Light off?

When will they bring out a Turbo Diesel in the 4 Runner?

Is the Soggy Foot Brake symptom normal?

How can I turn off the set belt chime?

 

[1engineer]

Alright, here is a list of what we consider the most frequently asked questions:

Introduction - Where do you guys get your information on 4Runners?
What's your gas mileage and what influences my gas mileage?
What tires/wheels fit and what do I need to get?
Is driving in 4hi on TE/SR5 on dry roads bad and what is the difference with LE four wheel drive?
Which lift should I get?
What is this weird noise coming from the back of my truck 6-8 hours after I parked it? ( covered in Modifications, Write-Ups, Quick Links, and FAQ's sticky)
Does modding void my factory warranty?
Should I get an extended warranty?
What's the ECO light for?
Can you add a 3rd row to a 4Runner?
How do you remove door panels?
What size speakers fit in each location?
Is this a good price and a good deal for the 4Runner I'm looking to buy? How do I search the forum?
Why did my rear window defrost and wiper stop working?
What are the potential problems I could have with my 4Runner?
How do I black out my chrome?
How to fix the driver’s side lean?
Do you guys know when the next 4R refresh is going to happen and what it includes?
What oil should I use and how often should I change it? ( covered in Modifications, Write-Ups, Quick Links, and FAQ's sticky)

I paraphrased a few, some have already been answered in the Modifications, Write-ups, Quick Links and FAQ's sticky. Many of these can be answered easily with just a link. A few will involve a write up because some of the previous answers are not very clear and the rest are just copy and paste.

I think the best route would be as I complete them and get them checked (I need a few of you to volunteer to read my answers to make sure I am right) would be to have [MENTION=48772]Jesse1983[/MENTION] add them to the FAQ section of the existing Mods sticky. Whenever that question is asked again then one of us would just need to simply post a link to that thread as an answer to the question. I'm sure somebody who does not know or has forgotten the FAQ sticky will answer but that is the nature of a forum. At the very least there will now be one place that is easy to get to that has an answer to the question.

On some answers instead of copying a link to the entire thread I will copy the answer and credit the author. There are several threads out there that not only contain the correct answer but contain the wrong or misleading answers as well. It was a thread such as this that I read recently that prompted me to start this project.

This will take some time but I will do my part. I ask that you go back and re-read the Modifications, Write-Ups, Quick Links, and FAQ's sticky as it contains some very good information! Now, I just need a few volunteers...

 

[phillyd2]

A worthy project. Why not just use this thread to hash out the answers with all being volunteers? Once done we can delete this thread to protect the innocent.

 

[JohnJerk]

Or keep this thread going and update your first post with the new info. Post title is good.

 

[Intruder]

Just noticed another that has come up a couple times and I expect will come up more often as more 5th gens hit the used market - How do I tell if a Trail Edition has KDSS?

 

[1engineer]

Homeyclaus left me a great answer in another thread! This takes care of several "Top 10" questions. Thanks homey!

4Runner Suspension FAQ:

1. Why is my truck nose-diving?

It's softly sprung, softly damped, and really nose-heavy when empty.

2. Why does my neck hurt after driving it around alone for a few hours?

Because your suspension is fully extended when the 4Runner is unloaded. Understand that an empty, short, and narrow truck suspension is going to whip around at full extension. Put two other people and a few hundred pounds of stuff in the back, and your 4runner will drive like a car by comparsion.

3. How do I fix the above?

The easiest fix it to replace the shocks, either with Bilstein Heavy Duty shocks or the 5100 series, especially up front. 5100's also have the benefit of a longer stroke, so they provide effective damping over a wider load range.

4. I want to level my 4Runner.

This is a personal preference, but when you level an empty truck and then put stuff in it (which is a truck's job, take lots of heavy stuff places), it'll look like its butt is dragging. Also realize that you can significantly impact your vehicle's drag coefficient by changing the rake of the vehicle.

But if you want to, there are spacer kits available on the market that work, as well as using Bilstein 5100 shocks set to one or two settings above stock height.

5. I want to go "hard core" and lift it, what are my options?

If you lift for looks, spacers are generally fine.

5. I want a lift that's actually useful off-road, options?

Both Icon and Old Man Emu suspensions are available. The suspension of the 5th gen has not changed drastically from the 4th gen (or the 4th/5th gen FJ for that matter) so that parts "in general" are somewhat interchangeable.

Suspension Systems

2010+ Toyota 4Runner Coil Over Shocks, Uniball Arms, Suspension Systems

Total Chaos also makes coil-over suspensions for 4Runners.

TOTAL CHAOS FABRICATION

A favorite vendor of this forum is Toytec: Home - Toytec Lifts: Toyota Lift Kits: FJ Cruiser Lift Kits, Tacoma Lift Kits, Tundra Lift Kits, 4 Runner Lift Kits, Sequoia Lift Kits, Toyota Truck Lift Kits

6. The shop installing my new 5100 shocks into my trail edition says they need to (or disconnected the lines) for the KDSS system. Did they need to do that?

For a shock and minor lift install, only the sway bar needs to be un-bolted from the lower A arm mounts, the KDSS cylinder, and the other retaining mount. If they say they have to, go to another shop. Getting a toyota dealer to bleed and re-fill the KDSS system is expensive, if they can do it. Should they not be able to help, a Lexus dealer will have more experience with KDSS systems, as it has come with the GX and LX models for quite some time.

7. Do I lose my X-REAS on my limited if I install a suspension?

Unless it's just spacers, yes. X-REAS are hydraulically cross-connected shocks, so anything that replaces those shocks will also effectively disable X-REAS.

8. What does KDSS do?

It allows for a thicker sway bar to be used for better on-road handling, without affecting off-road wheel articulation. Wheel articulation between KDSS-equipped and non-KDSS 4runners is essentially the same, but the KDSS-equipped unit will have better on-road dynamics with less lean.

It does this using a pressure valve between two hydraulic cylinders and a relief valve. In corners, the load on the sway bars is the same, so the load on the cylinders is the same, and the sway bars are held fast. Off-road, one wheel being pushed to articulate while the other one is not, the pressure valve will allow the sway bar to yield, therefore allowing more suspension flex.

 

[homeyclaus]

Why thank you, 1eng.

9. How can I tell if my 4Runner has KDSS?

Only 5th Trail Editions have KDSS as an option. (It's now stock on the Lexus GX, LX, and Toyota Land Cruiser)

Several ways:

1. Look under the driver's side, right about where the front and rear doors meet. On the outside of the frame there will be some hydraulic lines and this thing with two round ends under a 1/8" plus skid plate. That's the pump.

2. Look in front of the front driver's side wheel, at the frame. If there is a bellows-looking thing attached to the sway bar, that's a KDSS cylinder.

10. How can I tell if my 4Runner has X-REAS?

If it's a limited and has had no aftermarket suspension installed, it has X-REAS. One can also look at any shock - if there is a hydraulic line attached to it, it's got X-REAS. All four shocks will have a connection.

 

[1engineer]

Why thank you, 1eng.

9. How can I tell if my 4Runner has KDSS?

Only 5th Trail Editions have KDSS as an option. (It's now stock on the Lexus GX, LX, and Toyota Land Cruiser)

Several ways:

1. Look under the driver's side, right about where the front and rear doors meet. On the outside of the frame there will be some hydraulic lines and this thing with two round ends under a 1/8" plus skid plate. That's the pump.

2. Look in front of the front driver's side wheel, at the frame. If there is a bellows-looking thing attached to the sway bar, that's a KDSS cylinder.

10. How can I tell if my 4Runner has X-REAS?

If it's a limited and has had no aftermarket suspension installed, it has X-REAS. One can also look at any shock - if there is a hydraulic line attached to it, it's got X-REAS. All four shocks will have a connection.

You are welcome! If any of you guys want to chime in with answers to those burning questions I posted above with clear, concise, correct and coherent answers like Jan did please post away. I have a project I am working on that will take some time so I will not be able to get to these for awhile.