What do you think is the 4Runner's weakest link?

SunPilot

SunPilot

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I have an '07 4R that I'm building for overland expedition use. I'm upgrading many components to make the vehicle suitable for my needs. As I am doing the work, I am wondering what you, owners and operators of 4th gen 4Runners, think is this truck's weakest component/system.

Do you think it's the engine? Tranny? XFer case? Ft suspension, rear suspension? 4WD system over-all? Electronics? Weight? The list is endless. If you could ask Toyota to improve in one area, what would it be?

For me, I'm generally satisfied with the basic vehicle, but since I'm using mine for mostly off-road, my wish list would be more suspension/traction related. What's yours? Just curious...
 
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SunPilot said:
I have an '07 4R that I'm building for overland expedition use. I'm upgrading many components to make the vehicle suitable for my needs. As I am doing the work, I am wondering what you, owners and operators of 4th gen 4Runners, think is this truck's weakest component/system.

Do you think it's the engine? Tranny? XFer case? Ft suspension, rear suspension? 4WD system over-all? Electronics? Weight? The list is endless. If you could ask Toyota to improve in one area, what would it be?

For me, I'm generally satisfied with the basic vehicle, but since I'm using mine for mostly off-road, my wish list would be more suspension/traction related. What's yours? Just curious...
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I heard from a Toyota tech that the rear differentials sometimes go out more often on the V8 than the V6...I can’t back this up, its just what I heard. Maybe others would be able to chime in more
 
HCWatson997 said:
I heard from a Toyota tech that the rear differentials sometimes go out more often on the V8 than the V6...I can’t back this up, its just what I heard. Maybe others would be able to chime in more
Click to expand...

Wow, that is exactly what I was going to say. The rear diff is terribly weak for the 4th gen truck. It is the exact same gearset as you can find in a 90 horsepower Toyota truck from the 1970's. I have already broken one just by going up the slightest incline after breaking a front axle. I already carry a complete new front axle in the truck at all times for the next time it breaks, but replacing a rear gearset on the trail is nearly impossible. I am seriously considering replacing all the toyota running gear with solid axles from a 00-02 f350. They are cheap and have the abs rings already installed and have really powerful brakes. Plus it would be simple to make a 4 link for the rear using the already present 4 link brackets. Front would be a challenge, but making something that doesn't break is not cheap.
 
duffdog said:
Wow, that is exactly what I was going to say. The rear diff is terribly weak for the 4th gen truck. It is the exact same gearset as you can find in a 90 horsepower Toyota truck from the 1970's. I have already broken one just by going up the slightest incline after breaking a front axle. I already carry a complete new front axle in the truck at all times for the next time it breaks, but replacing a rear gearset on the trail is nearly impossible. I am seriously considering replacing all the toyota running gear with solid axles from a 00-02 f350. They are cheap and have the abs rings already installed and have really powerful brakes. Plus it would be simple to make a 4 link for the rear using the already present 4 link brackets. Front would be a challenge, but making something that doesn't break is not cheap.
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Monster truck tires not have anything to do with it?
 
If you go into any deep water where the rear axle can get under water.
That extended diff breather is a good thing to do. Cheap insurance.
 
SunPilot said:
I have an '07 4R that I'm building for overland expedition use. I'm upgrading many components to make the vehicle suitable for my needs. As I am doing the work, I am wondering what you, owners and operators of 4th gen 4Runners, think is this truck's weakest component/system.

Do you think it's the engine? Tranny? XFer case? Ft suspension, rear suspension? 4WD system over-all? Electronics? Weight? The list is endless. If you could ask Toyota to improve in one area, what would it be?

For me, I'm generally satisfied with the basic vehicle, but since I'm using mine for mostly off-road, my wish list would be more suspension/traction related. What's yours? Just curious...[/QUOTE

uhhh I’ll take “Head Gasket” for $1,000 Alex :rain:
Click to expand...
 
Nothing that can't be solved with aftermarket bolt-ons

In my view it's basically impossible to break a stock truck no matter what you are driving over. Once you add 34s or 35s and wheel regularly you will break the rear diff, but I think once you rebuild it with a solid pinion spacer you should be good to go for the most part. Most people add lockers and regear at the same time so really it isn't so bad. Not as difficult of a trail fix as it sounds as long as you have a wheeling buddy and a spare gearset along or ECGS can overnight you one.

It would have been nice for Toyota to throw in the 9.5" rear diff all the landcruisers and the newer 4.7l Tundras get but at least they gave us the V8.

If the question is "What is biggest offroad capability limiter" I would have said the body panels. Nobody wants to drive a raisin to work.
 
Assuming everything like the transfer case actuator, brake calipers and that is good (common to not work on 4Runner) The only thing I worry about out on the trail is my CV axles in front and the rear diff. Everything else I feel is pretty good. There is things like lower links that are weak when smashing against a rock...but just be smart. You can get pretty carried away if you really want everything 100%
 
duffdog said:
Wow, that is exactly what I was going to say. The rear diff is terribly weak for the 4th gen truck. It is the exact same gearset as you can find in a 90 horsepower Toyota truck from the 1970's. I have already broken one just by going up the slightest incline after breaking a front axle. I already carry a complete new front axle in the truck at all times for the next time it breaks, but replacing a rear gearset on the trail is nearly impossible. I am seriously considering replacing all the toyota running gear with solid axles from a 00-02 f350. They are cheap and have the abs rings already installed and have really powerful brakes. Plus it would be simple to make a 4 link for the rear using the already present 4 link brackets. Front would be a challenge, but making something that doesn't break is not cheap.
Click to expand...

I wasn't aware of the fragility of the rear axles. In fact, I'm contemplating putting a locker in the rear...maybe I should rethink this.
 
I would just add, that the transfer case actuator is fairly exposed under the truck. It's a plastic assembly, with plastic gears and electronics inside. I damaged mine on a trail and it was a very costly and expensive repair, that I couldn't do myself, as it sounded very complicated. In fact, it was cheaper to put in a brand new transfer case from Toyota, believe it or not.

Anyways, make sure you get skid plates, WELL worth the investment to protect that exposed important piece of equipment


Other than that, never had anything break on me, but I don't wheel like a cowboy, I'm more of an overland, cautious type, and mostly do logging roads.
 
williamteichroeb said:
I would just add, that the transfer case actuator is fairly exposed under the truck. It's a plastic assembly, with plastic gears and electronics inside. I damaged mine on a trail and it was a very costly and expensive repair, that I couldn't do myself, as it sounded very complicated. In fact, it was cheaper to put in a brand new transfer case from Toyota, believe it or not.

Anyways, make sure you get skid plates, WELL worth the investment to protect that exposed important piece of equipment


Other than that, never had anything break on me, but I don't wheel like a cowboy, I'm more of an overland, cautious type, and mostly do logging roads.
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That's what I like also, more overland type driving. I'll have to maker sure I protect that actuator better...don't want to replace a whole xfer case!
 
Definitely better electronics. That instrument panel and center console are useable but could of been improved greatly. The sunroof is horrible. I've isolated the sunroof rattles and put Xpel over it. Solved my problem with the rrrraaattttlllliiinnngng! lol

The V6 is an easy engine to love but does have a hot #6 cyclinder. Maintenance is easy.

My biggest problem with the 4Th Gen is the plastic side molding. Almost did not buy my 08 because of the problem I had with one of the doors on the 07.

More leg room.

The exhaust problem.

But, I like the vehicle. It's reliable and gets us where we want to go. It's built in Japan! Hurray!!! It's made out of thick gauge steel. It's easy to maintain.

:dancin:
 
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