What is your 4Runner driving experience like?

[frm88]

Hi all,

This is going to be a very subjective question but I am going to ask anyways in hopes to get a better idea of what my expectations should be.

Edit: Should probably preface this with this info.. I have only ever driven toyota trucks. I daily drove my 5 speed v6 1988 Pickup since 2002, and now my Automatic v6 2006 Tacoma since 2010. I am not expecting a race car by any means. I do keep up on my maintenance and like to have a well taken care of vehicle.

How would you say your 4Runner drives and feels? I am talking about how tight is your steering, do you feel like you get good road feedback and that it feels solid. Do you feel like your throttle is responsive (not fast just accurate). How does the automatic feel in terms of shifting, are they generally nice crisp shifts? What is cornering and road feel like? How solid does it sound in general over rough roads, lots of rattles?

I am asking this because I just test drove a 2002 Sport 4x4 with 207k miles this weekend. It was my first drive in a 4Runner and I was really disappointed. My opinion of it was that is just had been ridden hard and put away wet all its life. So I am hoping to get some good feedback from you guys, especially people who have had their 4Runner since new, or who really keep up on the maintenance.

My 2006 Tacoma feels a world apart in terms of road feel, even my 1988 which I still have and drive felt much tighter. I am looking to sell my tacoma once I get a solid 3rd gen, but my confidence was really shaken after this test drive. I want something that will feel solid on the road and off. I know my Taco is 4 years newer but it felt 20 years newer on the drive home from the test drive.

Now I am not expecting a perfect 14 year old 4Runner to come along, and I fully expect to put in a lot of time catching up on maintenance items and getting the new to me 4runner back in tip top shape, but I just want to get a better idea of how much I am actually going to improve it.

Can you get a really solid feeling truck out of them? I want to feel confident in the way it handles and feels on the road!! Come on guys give me some good news and helpful stories of you guys bringing back a 3rd gen to like new status on the road. That is what I want to do, this is going to be my Daily Driver, camping, trail and all around truck. I want to enjoy the way it drives and be proud of it.

Thanks for taking a read and I am really looking forward to all of your guy's comments on this.

 

[JayRolla]

Hi all,

This is going to be a very subjective question but I am going to ask anyways in hopes to get a better idea of what my expectations should be.

How would you say your 4Runner drives and feels? I am talking about how tight is your steering, do you feel like you get good road feedback and that it feels solid. Do you feel like your throttle is responsive (not fast just accurate). How does the automatic feel in terms of shifting, are they generally nice crisp shifts? What is cornering and road feel like? How solid does it sound in general over rough roads, lots of rattles?

I am asking this because I just test drove a 2002 Sport 4x4 with 207k miles this weekend. It was my first drive in a 4Runner and I was really disappointed. My opinion of it was that is just had been ridden hard and put away wet all its life. So I am hoping to get some good feedback from you guys, especially people who have had their 4Runner since new, or who really keep up on the maintenance.

My 2006 Tacoma feels a world apart in terms of road feel. I am looking to sell my tacoma once I get a solid 3rd gen, but my confidence was really shaken after this test drive. I want something that will feel solid on the road and off. I know my Taco is 4 years newer but it felt 20 years newer on the drive home from the test drive.

Now I am not expecting a perfect 14 year old 4Runner to come along, and I fully expect to put in a lot of time catching up on maintenance items and getting the new to me 4runner back in tip top shape, but I just want to get a better idea of how much I am actually going to improve it.

Can you get a really solid feeling truck out of them? I want to feel confident in the way it handles and feels on the road!! Come on guys give me some good news and helpful stories of you guys bringing back a 3rd gen to like new status on the road. That is what I want to do, this is going to be my Daily Driver, camping, trail and all around truck. I want to enjoy the way it drives and be proud of it.

Thanks for taking a read and I am really looking forward to all of your guy's comments on this.

I felt the same way you did on my first test drive when looking for my 4runner.. When I found mine it felt world apart from the other one.

1st 1997 130k miles. Throttle was hard as a rock, had to force pedal to get it moving. Was it started going it felt very underpowered. Steering was loose and brakes where spungy. To me this all could be fixed.

2nd was my current 1996 @180k miles. Throttle was smooth, pedal moved easily. Picked up a lot faster. Steering was tight. Auto shifted solid but smooth. Felt way better than the 1st one.

Now after getting her to 260k miles. I noticed all the same issues as the 1st one. After lifting and getting her on the trail everything slowly failed. I finally got it driving like new again but took years, time and money.

 

[Sean K.]

I've owned mine since new....they aren't race cars. I have the 5 speed manual. Throttle response is fine for a 4wd SUV. I personally don't find it underpowered with stock tires....but if you're used to a truck with more power....you may not agree. I also have a very powerful (in terms of torque) Dodge Cummins 4x4. Neither are race cars and each has its pluses and minuses. I also have a lifted 4.0L Jeep TJ and for a Jeep with a lift....it also drives pretty nice. It's got the automatic though....so it's a dog, especially with the larger tires and stock gearing. It's all relative....and very subjective. If you came from a newer, more powerful (but heavier) Tacoma....your expectations will be quite different.

I think the cornering and road feel on my 3rd Gen is excellent for an SUV...IMO. Steering is good...but I much prefer recirculating ball over rack and pinion on a 4wd.

 

[stivine6]

I can relate

I've driven the newer gen 4runners and they feel world's apart. Mine feels pretty sluggish but that's expected from such a heavy car. Although with a v6 3.4 I really expected more power especially when you consider the gas consumption. Steering is typical Toyota from that era, loose a lot of input needed.

 

[SpidermanGeek]

Having never driven/owned this type of vehicle before (I've only ever owned 4cyl FWD compact/mid-compact cars), driving the 4Runner that I purchased was quite different than what I was used to.

First of all, I need to preface by saying that technically speaking, this is/was the most powerful vehicle I've ever owned. Seriously, a QuadCam V6 rated at 180HP/215LB-FT is the most powerful engine I've ever owned, lol. Anywho.... here's what I experienced.

(I should note that the previous owner lifted the 4Runner. It came with OME881/890 coils and 285/75R16 M/Ts on 1" spacers.)

Throttle was much tighter than I was used to. I don't notice it now. I'm not sure if it's because I've gotten used to it or just because I drive it more than the previous owner did and worked out the cobwebs so to speak.

The combination of mileage, lift, tires (and no sway bars) made the 4runner behave rather unpredictably on the road. LOTS of bump steer and weird tracking issues.

Power always felt adequate to my expectations. Yes, it's as slow as everyone says, but it's a 4runner. I actually don't find it sluggish, but my experience is limited.

Brakes were spongy and a little scary. Also pulled hard to the left if I slammed on them.

The steering itself felt fine. No slack, no trouble turning those 33's.



Now, what I have since experienced since fixing a few things in the front end....
Replaced CALIPERS, PADS, ROTORS, UBJ, LBJ, OTRE, ITRE, CV AXLES and Reinstalled the front sway bar with new links and bushings.

WOW.. night and day. A whole new truck. Feels MUCH more confident in every on-road aspect. Brakes straight and confidently. Bump Steer has been reduced by 50%-60%. Overall, it just handles much more predictably.

The transmission always seemed fine to me. Shifts when it should and smooth as butter. I wouldn't mind if it was just a smidge firmer, but that's just because I like feeling the gear shifts. Otherwise, the shifting is barely noticeable. Just a normal kind of smooth though, nothing feels like it's slipping. I can easily Brake Stand the 33s on dry pavement (disclamer, those retreaded M/Ts are rock hard rubber. Might not be able to repeat this if I had better tires).

So I dunno. I'd chalk up your experience to being just driving something that is different than what you're used to. I got used to my 4Runner pretty quickly, but hopping out of my daily driven Matrix into the 4runner felt sketchy at first just because the vehicles behave so differently. Now I'm just as comfortable in one as the other and don't "notice" the major differences anymore.

 

[T4R2014]

The throttle cables stretch over time making you believe lots of things are wrong. I adjusted them, but they stretched again. I think new cables are worth it at some point. If it rides rough, then you need suspension work. LT tires make it ride like shit as well.

Everything can be fixed, just don't expect a used 4Runner to feel like your Tacoma.

 

[4Runnin2000]

The throttle cables stretch over time making you believe lots of things are wrong. I adjusted them, but they stretched again. I think new cables are worth it at some point. If it rides rough, then you need suspension work. LT tires make it ride like shit as well.

Everything can be fixed, just don't expect a used 4Runner to feel like your Tacoma.

Maybe a dumb question. But why would LT tires make it ride like crap? Just because of how heavy the runner is?

 

[Chuckles89]

My 1998 with 268k miles drive pretty darn good. It's a lot nicer to drive than my dad's 4th gen with 230k.

Steering is tight, brakes are adequate, fairly fast acceleration, clutch is super smooth (because I replaced everything). When I got it with 248k miles, it had terrible suspension, it leaked oil, and it had a lot of clunks. With proper maintenance and tune-ups, it drives really great. I don't have any rattles or anything in the interior (except my cargo boxes that I made). My throttle response is very good.

My friend just got a 96 with 155k miles and it drives about as good as mine does. My clutch is smoother though. His throttle response is way better (and easier) than mine, even though mine isn't bad.

 

[gamefreakgc]

I have the same story as everyone else. Sloppy steering, worn-out suspension body roll, etc. etc. The throttle on mine was super mushy (still kinda is since the bushing on the throttle cable is worn out) and wasn't very impressed when I test drove it. I thought it was going to throw me out the window when I went over a speedbump. Mind you it has a supercharger.

New shocks, coils, bushings, little tweaks and adjustments and it drives much, much better. Steering is not as good as my 91 Pickup but it's ok. New rack didn't change the feel of the steering, surprisingly. If the PO drove it now he wouldn't even think it's the same vehicle.

 

[absalom]

I don't put much emphasis on 1st drive impressions or mileage, because I know I'm going to be rebuilding the entire suspension anyways.

New shocks and coils, new rack bushings, new LBJ's, new UBJ's, new LCA and UCA bushings, new inner and outer tie rods, new sway bar links and bushings. Tundra brake upgrade with all new pads and rotors, front and rear.

That's my basic suspension refresh list for any 3rd gen I get. Drives like a dream after, and yours will too.

 

[Rock_Rat]

[MENTION=146058]frm88[/MENTION] I guess I'm in a position to provide some feedback for you since I ordered mine from the factory and have made some modifications to both the suspension, gearing, and engine over the past couple of years.

I picked up my 2001 in Oct 2000. Back then...
Suspension was very tight. Steering was very tight with solid road feedback and all of the great characteristics you would expect from a new truck. However, it didn't drive like a truck, nor did it drive like a Lexus. It was a nice mid-sized SUV. Great family vehicle for the price. No rattles.

The throttle response was good and I averaged superior gas mileage in the 19-22 range. It was more of a utility vehicle for me rather than a sport vehicle as I had a young family and my focus was on "family" adventures. Off-road to me was the occasional forest road to go fishing, hiking , climbing etc. It was pretty much our family vehicle, and my Home Depot vehicle.

Fast forward about ten years...
I lost the "umph" I had when the truck was new. The front end still seemed pretty solid but I did get the 'ole rear-end sag as you see in so many 4Runners. Like any vehicle with age, you actually "grow" with the changes so they're not as noticeable as if you stepped into it ten year later. It was getting "tired."

In 2014 I began the transformation into the mod world...
I think one of the biggest things I noticed was the loss of power I had as the mileage racked up. I had to use my ECT or my OD switch more frequently to go up hills, I'm talking on-ramps on the freeway! I could and still do feel that my transmission is a bit sluggish. Firm solid shifts but it seems it's taking longer to find the next gear. It's a little difficult for me to make any comparisons as I've changed the gears, added armor, and I have 33's. I'm not sure how the shifting should be in that configuration. (It's usually still cold and shifts around 2700rpm) I no longer need the ECT or the OD for hills.

I have a lot of experience with fast cars (all carburetor style - Trans Am, Chevelle etc...) but my only truck experience was a 78 CJ-7 Renegade with a seriously modded 304 (5.0L V-8) and a Chevy K-5 Blazer. No experience with engine mods on the T4R.

What did I do to get the "feel" back...
An almost entirely new suspension. New steering rack bushings, UCA's, I/OTRE's, shocks and springs in the rear and coil-over's in the front. I literally felt the difference. The front end felt so much better. I still have my LCA's to take care of.

The tundra brake upgrade (TBU) is by far the best mod you can do on these. I have no idea why Toyota didn't use those calipers/rotors to begin with. No brake fade.

I did the ISR and Deckplate w/K&N (Airaid) mod hoping to get something more out of the engine but it really wasn't there. I also installed "new" equalized fuel injectors hoping to gain better fuel response. Both, I'm sure made a small difference but hardly noticeable.

I feel my transmission is still a bit slow to respond but a new transmission kit or new torque converter/rebuilt transmission from IPT will take care of that.

One of the things I think you'll notice with these 4runners as they get older, you WILL have to sink money into them to get the feel you're looking for.

If I was to remove all of the armor and put my 31's back on I think I would see and feel all of the changes I've made. It's fantastic off road.

 

[frm88]

Awesome replies so far everyone. I truly appriciate all of your feedback and information. This has really helped me get a better idea of what to expect and what my plan of action should be once i pickup my 3rd gen.

I think my only worry still is that 4 speed automatic. Curious how much it would cost to send out the valve body and torque converter to get freshened up, and how much it would help in the end.

 

[absalom]

Awesome replies so far everyone. I truly appriciate all of your feedback and information. This has really helped me get a better idea of what to expect and what my plan of action should be once i pickup my 3rd gen.

I think my only worry still is that 4 speed automatic. Curious how much it would cost to send out the valve body and torque converter to get freshened up, and how much it would help in the end.

There was a recent post that raved about the Transgo VB shift kit. Very cost effective solution. The A340F is a very stout trans, and easily replaceable if you happen to get a lemon.

Bodywork, rust, and frame alignment issues are my biggest red flags when shopping for a 3rd gen. Everything else can be easily and affordably replaced with new.

 

[Road Bull]

My vehicle continuum looks like this: 1991 Nissan Pathfinder, 1994 Honda Civic HB (4 cylinder, 4 gears), 1992 Isuzu Trooper II, V6, 1994 Toyota Extended Cab V6.

I came to my 4ruuner directly from owning my 1994 pickup for 13 years. I sold it and miss it a lot. I wanted something that had more useable seats and something I felt could safely transport my drums. I didn't feel like buying another topper for my truck.

I drove 3 4runners before I bought my 2002 SR5. The first time driving one (non-lifted) I felt like I was sitting on a stack of books. I had gotten used to the dumb split bench seat. I felt like the seats were more comfortable, but I was not used to such a defined sitting position. LOL. I also felt that the steering felt disconnect from the road. To me it felt like it tracked well and all that, but so little effort was required to move the steering wheel. And I had power steering on my 1994 truck. Overall, they felt comfortable.

When I got serious about buying one I began to realize that you had to have cash in hand if you really wanted the one you found, or it wouldn't be there for a second showing. I lost out on a couple, but then found my 2002. I wanted as little extra plastic trim and electrical gadgets as possible. My truck was manual transmission as well as locks and windows and I liked it that way. I felt like trying an auto transmission for a change, so that opened up a lot of options. I test drove it after looking it over, looked over it some more and then bought it.

This felt like a big step for me in vehicle ownership. I had not had so many options as far as creature comforts in years. New to me was the sunroof, cruise control power windows and locks, auto locking 4WD, selectable 4WD modes.... and so on. The move from 3.0 V6 to the 3.4 V6 was eye opening in terms of new available power. I felt like I had a big deal engine. I had recently been up in the mountains with my truck before my 4runner purchase and noticed the lack of power as I lost speed and could not maintain a normal highway speed up a significant grade.

I was shocked how quiet and smooth the vehicle was compared to my truck. Surprise, surprise... It did feel like it would hope around a bit though on some of our crappy highways. I am about to lift so hopefully that will subside somewhat. Throttle response felt good. The breaks were completely underwhelming, maybe a bit scary. My truck breaks, in contrast, we're insistent in their execution. The 4runner's breaks felt vaguemail, still do. I have gotten used to it, but they felt like I was pulling a lot of weight and fighting that inertia when trying to stop. I just got most of what I need for a Tundra break upgrade, along with new rear shoes so that should change.

Overall it was a big upgrade in comfort and ability. The ride is smooth even with older suspension parts.the extra power and reliability of the 3.4 is much appreciated. I still miss my truck sometimes though.

 

[csp]

Maybe a dumb question. But why would LT tires make it ride like crap? Just because of how heavy the runner is?

The 4runner isn't heavy. LT (light truck) are made for heavy vehicles and those that tow heavy.

That said, there are load range C, D and E. Saying generically that LT tires make it ride like crap is a stereotype. You gotta be specific about what load range would make it ride like crap. Load range E most likely since they have 10 ply sidewalls that are the stiffest of the bunch.

 

[thadude12]

A little vehicle history:

1. 1998 avenger 5 spd 2.0. Fun little car. Very underpowered.

2. 2002 bmw 325ci. Loved this car. Still mad I sold it.

3. 1988 jeep Comanche 5spd 2wd. Fun truck. Basically fell apart over time.

4. 2004 Acura 3.2tl type s. Pretty fast and responsive.

just recently purchased my first Toyota about 3 weeks ago. After searching for about a month scouring craigslist and autotrader i ended up test driving 3.

1997 sr5 auto 190k- loose and rattled a lot. Brakes almost threw me off the road.

2001 limited 175k- drove "okay" brakes weren't great. Suspension was serviceable, but had trouble getting into and out of 4wd with center diff locked (found out a day later that I was doing it incorrectly :/ ) . It was a great deal and sold before I found out.

2001 sr5 280k auto- saw it while driving past a dealer and thought wth and test drove it. Was much better as far as suspension (did later notice rear end sag slightly when loaded in rear). Brakes STOPPED but we're a bit wobbly. Engine ran great when moving. Had a low and somewhat rough idle (500 rpm). Steering felt very good, tight and responsive. I also loved the way it set up more than other SUVs I have driven. I fell in love and bought it.

At first, like others, pedal felt sticky or stiff, but later went away on its own. Rough/low idle was fixing by cleaning MAF, changing fuel filter, changing PCV valve, and cleaning TB. I changed plugs, wires, air filter, and did oil change prior, with no effect to rough idle. I installed brembo rotors with akebono ceramics and the brakes are great now.

Overall I am extremely satisfied, although I kinda wish I had bought something with lower miles as I am second guessing a lot of parts which are likely okay.

Hope this helps!

 

[BrandonF]

My experience:

I've owned my current 98 5spd V6 for 4.5 years. Started at 288,000km, now at 384,000km. Before that, I owned a 97 5spd v6 with only 180,000km for about 6 months. Despite the low mileage of the 97, it was not taken care of. It felt sloppy, the interior was dirty, and it got abysmal gas mileage (11-12 mpg with little to no mods). My 98 on the other hand felt awesome when I bought it. This really goes to show the difference that vehicle care makes opposed to mileage.

I've also spent some time driving my two friends' 06 and 07 tacomas. One is a manual and the other is an auto, both v6's. Even though they are a generation newer than the 4runners, I honestly didnt like them. Maybe I'd just need more time to get used to them, but I disliked the visibility while wheeling and the roofline makes the interior feel very confined. The steering, brakes, etc felt comparable to my 4runner. The manual tacoma had noticeably more power than the 4runner, which is expected. The auto also felt noticeably more powerful but his lift gives him terrible axle wrap so you have to be pretty gentle on the throttle. The ride offroad in the tacomas also felt noticeably better than the 4runner.

Thats my 2 cents from my experience!

 

[Crowcifier6]

I don't put much emphasis on 1st drive impressions or mileage, because I know I'm going to be rebuilding the entire suspension anyways.

New shocks and coils, new rack bushings, new LBJ's, new UBJ's, new LCA and UCA bushings, new inner and outer tie rods, new sway bar links and bushings. Tundra brake upgrade with all new pads and rotors, front and rear.

That's my basic suspension refresh list for any 3rd gen I get. Drives like a dream after, and yours will too.

I see your wisdom is strong, and your vices are few. Many dollars to invest in what you recommend, sensei.

 

[Technoplasm]

my truck and my fathers, a 2002 and a 2000 respectively, feel COMPLETELY different, so keep looking.

If I had been in the market for one and my dad's were the only one I'd test driven, I'd be very disappointed. Hard gas pedal and soft brakes, rough ride, feels hollow and unresponsive

If mine were the only one I'd driven, I would be thrilled and I'd have a very high standard for other similar vehicles. The steering is direct, road feel is good for what it is, gas pedal is smooth and the truck is very peppy and really comes to life when you're on the freeway. It feels good, rides good, and is very comfortable. more comfortable, convenient, and just overall nice than a 4x4 has any business being IMO

definitely drive a few different ones.

 

[absalom]

I see your wisdom is strong, and your vices are few. Many dollars to invest in what you recommend, sensei.

left strut - $175
rt strut - $175
rt ft coil $125
left ft coil - $137
outer left tie rod - $48
outer right tie rod - $48
LBJ left - $90
LBJ right - $90
UBJ left - $35
UBJ right - $35
UCA bushings rt - $25
UCA bushings lt - $25
LCA bushings rt - $43
LCA bushings lt - $43
front SWY br link left - $78
front SWY br link right - $78
sway bar bushings - $16
inner tie rod end left - $44
inner tie rod end right - $44
TBU upgrade - $350

Grand total - $1,704

Not bad considering you end up with nearly a new truck after.
All parts OEM, except for inner tie rods, and rotors for TBU.