What to do?

[DC Dude]

Based on my recent inputs about having to replace both front calipers for a ridiculous amount of $650 even though I only have about 42.5K miles on my 2003 Sports Edition, it seems like everyone agrees that road salt kicks the 4Runner's butt. :crybaby:

We're talking about underbody rust, pitting/corrosion in the alloy wheels, premature wear in the brake calipers, corrosion in the pulley mechanism that holds the spare tire, etc.

So the question is, if you were to get rid of your 4Runner, what would be a reasonable replacement that has real 4WD and a locking diff?

* Honda Pilot (not a truck chassis)
* Jeep Grand Cherokee
* Land Rover LR2 (AWD but with snow mode) or LR4 (front and rear locking diff)
* Nissan Xterra
* Ford Explorer
* GMC Yukon/Chevy Tahoe
* Other?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

If you're bent on changing vehicles what about a Pathy with the Off-Road package?

As for your list:
- Honda; Not real 4wd. My Dad has a Ridgeline, it's a good vehicle but has it's challenges with the driveline. No low-range, no 4th gear selection and the AWD system when loaded hard will leave you with a 'one-wheel-peel'. Only the right front tire will spin. The clutch-pack rear differential system is very clever but not HD enough.
- Land Rover; are you rich? Do you want to send Nigel's kids to Harvard?
- I like X-terra's but they are truly one step down in terms of refinement. I say "refinement" not durability/reliability. That's why I suggested the Pathy. The only 'downside' to the Pathy for some is the independent rear suspension vs a live axle in rear.
- Later GM's (Tahoe/Yukon) are hard to beat. With a little TLC they last well and parts are cheap.
- Jeep's: There's lovers and haters. Reliability issues seem to plague many GC's. As a rule it seems the newer the better. (Those are comments made from minimal Jeep knowledge/exposure.)
- Explorer: Not up to off-road stuff but I must admit a 4.6L late model looks attractive to me on paper. What I don't like is the ride, they ride like crap IMHO. As for 'durability' they are better than they were. I love the features but somehow I don't like the "package". It's like 2+2 only adds up to 3 somehow.

Back to your brakes. Get a quote from an Indie shop. The most expensive caliper on RockAuto Auto Parts is $157 (that has pads and hardware). All newer calipers/rebuilt ones are allegedly an improved design with better corrosion resistance.

TO THE BASHERS WHO ARE ABOUT TO POST: IMHO this is a legitimate post by a member who's frustrated (and rightly so). Keep it clean, right and constructive.

 

[DC Dude]

If you're bent on changing vehicles what about a Pathy with the Off-Road package?

As for your list:
- Honda; Not real 4wd. My Dad has a Ridgeline, it's a good vehicle but has it's challenges with the driveline. No low-range, no 4th gear selection and the AWD system when loaded hard will leave you with a 'one-wheel-peel'. Only the right front tire will spin. The clutch-pack rear differential system is very clever but not HD enough.
- Land Rover; are you rich? Do you want to send Nigel's kids to Harvard?
- I like X-terra's but they are truly one step down in terms of refinement. I say "refinement" not durability/reliability. That's why I suggested the Pathy. The only 'downside' to the Pathy for some is the independent rear suspension vs a live axle in rear.
- Later GM's (Tahoe/Yukon) are hard to beat. With a little TLC they last well and parts are cheap.
- Jeep's: There's lovers and haters. Reliability issues seem to plague many GC's. As a rule it seems the newer the better. (Those are comments made from minimal Jeep knowledge/exposure.)
- Explorer: Not up to off-road stuff but I must admit a 4.6L late model looks attractive to me on paper. What I don't like is the ride, they ride like crap IMHO. As for 'durability' they are better than they were. I love the features but somehow I don't like the "package". It's like 2+2 only adds up to 3 somehow.

Back to your brakes. Get a quote from an Indie shop. The most expensive caliper on RockAuto Auto Parts is $157 (that has pads and hardware). All newer calipers/rebuilt ones are allegedly an improved design with better corrosion resistance.

TO THE BASHERS WHO ARE ABOUT TO POST: IMHO this is a legitimate post by a member who's frustrated (and rightly so). Keep it clean, right and constructive.

RE: Honda Pilot.

I haven't read much into the NEW Honda Pilot, but it is advertised as 4WD with electronic push button locking diff.

Nevermind the price of the LR2 or LR4, is this a legitimate off road vehicle above and beyond those like it (e.g. BMW X5, Audi Q5/7, etc.)?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

RE: Honda Pilot.

I haven't read much into the NEW Honda Pilot, but it is advertised as 4WD with electronic push button locking diff. The lock button locks the center-diff and sends max power to the rear differentials clutch packs. Even with max power to the rear clutch pack they can (and do) slip under extreme circumstances as it's not a true, geared connection to the driveshaft. The front diff is mechanically connected hence my reference to the 'one-wheel-peel'. Typically what happens is the right front tire is the only one spinning when a Pilot/Ridgeline is placed in extreme circumstances. It also lacks low-range. The final 'kicker' (for me) is 4th gear is NOT selectable. Many times when you tow or in mountainous terrain it's nice/necessary to be able to manually select one-gear-less-than 'D'. Having said that, if none of those are a concern the Pilot is great vehicle.

Nevermind the price of the LR2 or LR4, is this a legitimate off road vehicle above and beyond those like it (e.g. BMW X5, Audi Q5/7, etc.)? Yes, all LR's except the little one that shares a platform with the Mazda Tribute/Ford Escape are very capable.

If feeding Hans's family is an option a year or two old Toureg may be of interest. They take a huge hit when they roll off of the showroom floor and they're kinda cool to me. I would fear the maintenance costs but you can buy one for $.60 on the dollar which (in theory) leaves money for maintenance.:cheers:

 

[Maritimer]

The used 2001 4Runner I bought has had rust coating underneath every year since it was new. I had the safety done today and the guys at the shop were really impressed with the condition of things. Really great shape they said. I have rust down below for sure, but it's a fact of life up here. I wiped some of the coating off part of the frame and the under body with my finger, and the metal looks brand new. Getting it coated again in October.

 

[JeremyM]

We're talking about underbody rust, pitting/corrosion in the alloy wheels, premature wear in the brake calipers, corrosion in the pulley mechanism that holds the spare tire, etc.

So the question is, if you were to get rid of your 4Runner, what would be a reasonable replacement that has real 4WD and a locking diff?

* Ford Explorer

For MY 2011 the Ford Explorer has moved to the Taurus unibody chassis, four wheel independent suspension and no longer is available with a two-speed transfer case. In short - not real 4wd - though the are trying their best to 'fake it' in software with multiple terrain modes.

I guess the real question though is what options similar to the 4Runner are there that handle rust better and I'm afraid I don't have any input there.

 

[li_runner]

Rust is a fact of life when your truck is used in a salty environment. You have to account for this and increase the maintenance intervals to counter the effects it will have. You may have low miles however you have a 7 year old truck, and unless it is stored indoors in a garage it's likely the environment vs. the mileage (which is really low for the year).

Have you put any effort into rust-proofing? Maintenance? Do you clean off the salt/sand as the conditions allow?

I'm unsure if any other vehicle will fare better if the underlying problems are not found. I understand the 4Runner rusts, but so do all trucks. I think Toyota has done better jobs with rust prevention on other models but I've also seen much worse on previous trucks I have interacted with. Do you feel you cannot overcome this problem? Or do you just wish to see if other trucks offer better coverage to combat corrosion?

 

[KidVermicious]

Yah, the new Explorers are pretty much crossovers.

My 2000 Explorer has been great for me. No match for a Runner in stock trim, but a little lift and a locker for the rear would bring it up to par. If you're looking to a truck, the F series FX4 has a factory elocker.

If Landrover is on your list, why not look at Landcruiser?

Meant to add, are you handy with a wrench at all? If you can bleed your brakes, you can replace the calipers yourself.

 

[DC Dude]

Rust is a fact of life when your truck is used in a salty environment. You have to account for this and increase the maintenance intervals to counter the effects it will have. You may have low miles however you have a 7 year old truck, and unless it is stored indoors in a garage it's likely the environment vs. the mileage (which is really low for the year).

Have you put any effort into rust-proofing? Maintenance? Do you clean off the salt/sand as the conditions allow?

I'm unsure if any other vehicle will fare better if the underlying problems are not found. I understand the 4Runner rusts, but so do all trucks. I think Toyota has done better jobs with rust prevention on other models but I've also seen much worse on previous trucks I have interacted with. Do you feel you cannot overcome this problem? Or do you just wish to see if other trucks offer better coverage to combat corrosion?

Before this past winter with Snowmaggeddon down here in the DC area, I scraped most of the rust off and sprayed a coating of primer/paint.

I can't say that I religiously wash/hose the car down after every drive through salt slush. It's too tough in the cold weather to hose anything down since most people winterize their house spigots.

I'm just wondering whether there are better options out there than the 4Runner at about the same price.

What do people think about the Nissan Pathfinder?

 

[DC Dude]

If feeding Hans's family is an option a year or two old Toureg may be of interest. They take a huge hit when they roll off of the showroom floor and they're kinda cool to me. I would fear the maintenance costs but you can buy one for $.60 on the dollar which (in theory) leaves money for maintenance.:cheers:

I've read that the V6 is underpowered while the V8 is a gas guzzler.

Plus, the bad PR about VW's service is almost a nonstarter.

 

[DC Dude]

Yah, the new Explorers are pretty much crossovers.

My 2000 Explorer has been great for me. No match for a Runner in stock trim, but a little lift and a locker for the rear would bring it up to par. If you're looking to a truck, the F series FX4 has a factory elocker.

If Landrover is on your list, why not look at Landcruiser?

Meant to add, are you handy with a wrench at all? If you can bleed your brakes, you can replace the calipers yourself.

Yeah...I'm pretty handy and I'm a mech. eng. What it boils down to is time and effort required.