Trailer Towing Suggestions for 2000 4Runner

[testshoot]

Hello, I have a 2000 4Runner Ltd with only 157K on it. I have pulsing on the front brakes and have for awhile but would like to get them fixed. At the same time I am contemplating buying a travel trailer and so I would like to "beef up" the 4Runner.

I have read about installing the Tundra front brakes with a fair amount of information about that and a lot of opinions where to buy parts, which changes based on pricing. Local junk yard wants $50/ea for calipers so I think I will go with reman. The first question is can my wheels handle the 213mms ones? I heard the 5 spoke was good with the 213mm and I have a 5 spoke, but what if my 5 spoke isn't the right 5spoke? Have attached a picture showing the vehicle so maybe someone will recognize the wheels as 213 compatible or not?

Seeks replacing the flexible brakes lines at the same time would be prudent. Is there an easy way to get a small amount of lift, like an 1"? I would like to add maybe 2" to the rear and would like to balance things out a bit since I am guessing the rear will drop an inch or two when hitched up?

I haven't determined that there is a problem with the shocks and they only have 157K on them....time to replace anyway, and with what? I have head about the Bilstein B8 5100 and the KYB Monomax.

If I go with the Tundra calipers/rotors and one of those shocks, or something else, anything else I should consider on the front end while at it?

Regarding the rear, I have heard a couple suggestions there...

1. 99 Highlander springs
2. FJ80 91-97 front springs, like maybe the 7-wrap
3. Some suggest the 906, but others say if you are going to add weight, go with the 891, but that is 3" of lift, more than I planned to go?

I will probably do the rear end later, after finishing the front end.

Thanks very much!

 

[hyken]

I'm about to do a lot of the same upgrades. It's crazy, I've had some of the exact questions too. Money is a limitation, but I'm basically redoing the brakes, and getting new wheels and tires all at the same time. I wanted to upgrade brakes for better stopping while towing, but can't because I have wrong wheels. So in addition to Tundra brakes I have to buy wheels. And because my tire are balding, I might as well get new rubber as well. It's a vicious cycle, but hopefully once I get my awful scary brakes done, it will be a little less money and labor intensive. Also, from my research Tundra brakes works with those wheels.

Check this thread for fitment. At the bottom of the original post, in green, is a list of the wheels that are known to fit over Tundra brakes:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ements-231mm-13wl-tundra-calipers-rotors.html

 

[MN4runnerman]

For your rear lift get some '99 tall springs and put air bags in them. Much better option than 906 and it's a minimal lift

 

[testshoot]

I'm about to do a lot of the same upgrades. It's crazy, I've had some of the exact questions too. Money is a limitation, but I'm basically redoing the brakes, and getting new wheels and tires all at the same time. I wanted to upgrade brakes for better stopping while towing, but can't because I have wrong wheels. So in addition to Tundra brakes I have to buy wheels. And because my tire are balding, I might as well get new rubber as well. It's a vicious cycle, but hopefully once I get my awful scary brakes done, it will be a little less money and labor intensive. Also, from my research Tundra brakes works with those wheels.

Check this thread for fitment. At the bottom of the original post, in green, is a list of the wheels that are known to fit over Tundra brakes:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ements-231mm-13wl-tundra-calipers-rotors.html

Thanks, I had read that article but didn't notice the "pic" link which does seem to be my wheel, just much prettier

I had bought rubber recently, still in great shape and my wheels work, so it looks like what source I use for calipers and rotors. Thanks.

 

[testshoot]

For your rear lift get some '99 tall springs and put air bags in them. Much better option than 906 and it's a minimal lift

Pardon my ignorance, but what do you mean by '99 tall? Are those the Highlander springs, and do they come in various sizes?

Thanks

 

[hyken]

Also, as far as upgrades for towing go, I plan on installing a B&M Transmission cooler as well to help keep the tranny from heating up too much when hauling heavier stuff. '99 tall springs are simply the springs off of a '99 or later 4runner. Toyota noticed the sag in the year models before and decided new springs were in order.

 

[MN4runnerman]

Pardon my ignorance, but what do you mean by '99 tall? Are those the Highlander springs, and do they come in various sizes?

Thanks

Well not every '99 highlander got the 1" taller springs. Some got the stock length springs and some got the taller ones. But when you see someone mention '99 tall springs or '99 highlander springs they are talking about the same thing.

 

[pauldub]

The 4Runner is pretty gutless for towing a travel trailer. Maybe if you can find one under 2,000 pounds you might get by. I don't think I'd consider it even for the flat lands.

 

[LittleCaesar]

1. the 231s will fit no problem.
2. Buy an auxiliary transmission cooler. The B&M 70264 comes to mind. Run it inline with the radiator. Do a full transmission flush while you are at it.
3. I'd have used the 906 springs for nine years, towing a 22ft boat using them with minimal sag. Maybe the best upgrade I have ever done. I didn't want to install the air bags.

 

[testshoot]

The 4Runner is pretty gutless for towing a travel trailer. Maybe if you can find one under 2,000 pounds you might get by. I don't think I'd consider it even for the flat lands.

Sometimes you make do with what you have but am disappointing to hear that based on what I have seen people pulling trailers with, fairly big trailers. Was hoping to be able to pull something close to it's stated limit. I moved up from a RAV4.

I wasn't expecting lightening performance, but thought I could get from A to B with a trailer up to 5K.

 

[HiluxSurf SSR-G]

electric brakes + a weight distributing hitch will help a lot if you're going to tow up to 5000 lbs.

btw, the 1996-2002 v6 4Runner is rated up to 5500 lbs.

 

[LittleCaesar]

If you plan to pull a 5000 pound trailer frequently, I'd would not with a 3rd gen but instead opt to buy a 4th gen V8 2UZ with a stock weight distributing hitch.

 

[pauldub]

I don't think you can pull a 5,000 trailer very far and enjoy it. Changing gears in the diffs would help more than anything else you can do. I'd be looking for a Tundra or Sequoia if posssible.

 

[alumarine]

I tow 3000 lbs regularly and find it just fine.
I wouldn't do 5000 often or depending on terrain ever.

It's easy to get a 1000 lbs of stuff, water, waste etc. in a travel trailer.
So keep that in mind.

As someone said, electric brakes and a load leveling hitch would be in order.

 

[Drummermonkey]

I would beg to differ with many of the naysayers. I pulled damn close to the 5000 lb capacity through CO over several gnarly passes with relative comfort. Realize that your truck is working hard and go easy on the throttle. In my experience the truck, on stock suspension(for now), gladly took the weight and handled delightfully but for steep hills. As long as you don't fight your truck to maintain too high of speeds you should do just fine.

To answer your question, my plans include a mild lift with airbags for leveling and brake upgrade OR a trailer brake unit and trailer with brakes.

 

[hyken]

I managed to haul a 22 foot sailboat that weighed in right at 3300 lbs from Atlanta to Greenville, SC (about 200 miles) over backroads. As [MENTION=148161]Drummermonkey[/MENTION] said, realize that you can't haul as fast or as nimble as you drive and you should be fine even with everything stock (like me). I would kill to have electric brakes though...

 

[thegipper]

I love the 906's for towing. In fact, the rig rides better when I'm pulling my boat. With the 906's you won't need air bags and it will handle a ton of tongue weight plus weight in the back of 4R like a boss.

Can these 4Runners tow #5000 pounds with the Tundra brake upgrade, Tranny cooler etc? Sure. Would I do it, hell no unless it was for a short trip and/or an emergency.

My 95 ZJ also had a "5,000#" towing capacity. Give me a flipping break.. It was worse than my 4runner....