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There are write-ups in other forums describing the procedure. The write-up in the Toyota repair manuals is unfortunately very brief, and describes the greasing of "double-cardan" joints that the current generation 4Runners no longer have (at least my V6 multimode system doesn't have them!). I suspect this is a defective carry-over from previous repair manuals, as the new repair manuals don't describe the Torsen differential at all.
I don't know why they suggest lubrication of the prop shafts and checking of the bolt torque so often, but I do it anyway. Maybe a dusty/dirty environment and/or off-roading would justify all this attention. Frankly, I think most dealers skip this part of periodic maintenance and just *say* they did it.
As for gas mileage, my V8 gas milage is very sensitive to speed and hills. At 55 you can get 20+, at 60mph 19 mpg, at 70mph typically 17mpg on the highway. One time I did get 20 mpg on a fairly level road averaging 70mph. But typically the average is 17 mpg for all around driving both in the town and at higher speeds on the highway where it is not flat.
Are the folks with 05s 4x4 getting any better gas milage with the V6 or V8?
Have a great Holiday
Being interested in a mid size SUV I looked at the 2005 V6 4Runner Limited and like it a lot. However, being 6'5" I simply don't fit in one with a moon roof. No problem, I thought, I would just get one without as it is listed as a line item option on the sticker.
However, the dealers around here don't have any Limiteds without a moon roof. One dealer says they should be getting some and will call me but the other says that a moon roof on a Limited is a forced option meaning that all units produced get the moon roof even though it is listed as an 'option'. They said they can TRY to order one but it would take 30 days to know if my order was accepted (e.g. if Toy will build the truck the way I want) and then 2-4 months for delivery at full MSRP. Since Carmax is selling them for $400 UNDER invoice I am not about to pay MSRP and wait 5 months.
Any insight on getting a unit without a moon roof?
Thanks. D
At 6'1" I too would prefer a 4R w/o moonroof. In the end it may be a deal breaker for me.
Since the 4runner is made in Japan, I was quoted 4 months lead time with $2500 off MSRP.
I too am looking at the Limited, with rear air but no moonroof.
I am also looking at the Lexus GX470. It's a few inches higher inside, but the rear door swings to the side instead of up.... and there is the cost....
I think the key is to call Toyota direct once you find a dealer willing to place an order at a fair price. For me that was Koons.
Gerry
I had no problems finding a dealer in Phoenix that was willing to special order a V8 Limited at a good price. That was four weeks ago and the dealer still has not received an acceptance of the order from Toyota.
About those factory orders:
Do you know what happens if you change your mind and don't want he car anymore ?
Legally can you be forced into buying the vehicle ? If you don't buy, will you have to waive your deposit ? And perhaps pay more in damages to the dealer ?
Cheers
What they'll do is mark it up a bit and simply sell it to someone else.
Check out Any Questions for a Car Dealer? - if you do a discussion search in there, you should find some posts, since this comes up now and then.
Steve, Host
I must admit, that the Tahoe was nice, but the 4Runners are much better built. Spent to much money on repairs of the Chevy, but never on the 4Runners. Now today, my wife feels the 4Runners is much to large for her to drive, so she wants a smaller vehicle that does better on gas. We are looking to buy a Prius. But then again she is 5'4" tall and about 125 pounds & I am 6'7" tall and 240 pounds. Thats why we may differ in what we want or need.
Happy Holidays to all.
According to Edmunds "Price it with options" screen, such an option is not available for SR5 models. The same is true with carsdirect.com, which shows that only limited models have this option.
Some local dealers,however, have SR5 models with side/curtain airbags , according to their online inventory.
Can someone please shed some light on this? Also, what is a "curtain" airbag? Is it OK to carry an infant child in the back seat if the vehicle has curtain airbags for the rear seat?
Many thanks and happy holidays!
The pump and the accumulator are on the engine side of the firewall, roughly in front of the steering wheel. The accumulator is a small pressure tank, and it stores energy to provide the power brake function and other stuff like ABS and traction control and stability control.
Lots of folks don't realize that the 4Runners no longer use the vacuum brake boosters that have been the standard for so many years. The system is now electrohydraulic, and I suppose that's a good thing overall.
It can cause some strange sounds, though. When the motor activates to recharge the accumulator every few brake cycles, you may hear it. For my 4Runner it's always been a faint hiss that lasts several seconds. It shouldn't be too loud, and I can imagine how it might vary a little from vehicle to vehicle. However if it's too loud or changes significantly, I'd have the brake system looked at. The pump or the accumulator or some other (likely expensive!) part may be failing.
I do not run my tires to the wear bars. The first time they start to hydroplane in the rain, they are history.
Santa gave me a flat tire for Christmas. I picked up a piece of glass in the side of my tread. It was flat when I came out to it in my driveway. It was non-repareble. I replaced my spare with the Bridgestone REVO on/off road tire. My spare is now better than my other 4. I don't see all season tires as desirable on a vehicle for off road use.
I am going to all 4 of the REVO when the current tires are worn out. That will be in about a year. I didn't drive for about 2 months because of back surgery. I did go out and run it up to temp a few times in the driveway though.
What are the known problems with these, things that happen to most all of them? I heard a kind of knocking sound in the front end and the dealer told me it was "slack in the driveshaft, at the universal joint. Happens to all of them, but won't be a problem." Is this so? Or is he just trying to make a sale? Unfortunately, I can't get an extended warranty on it because of the mileage.
Also, what is the service schedule for 4Runners? For example, my Explorer had to have the transmission fluid changed at 30k. The dealer said that this one was just serviced, new timing chain, water pump, etc. I know it was gone over pretty well since it's "Certified," or at least I'd like to think it would be.
Bottom line, would this be something I can rely on for the next 5 years or better to only have to change the oil and put in gas? Or will major things start happening to it around 150, 175, and 200k? All your comments, suggestions, ect are greatly appreciated. Thanks!!
idntnvu
Steve, Host
Thanks
It's just my opinion, but if you can get a manufacturers extended warranty (if available) instead of an aftermarket ext-warranty you'll have less issues should you ever need to use it.
Pay the $15 or whatever for a CARFAX report. It's worth every penny. Good luck.
where is the filter located for the interior of the truck?
clunking noise after stopping, it feels like the trans catches up with the stopped vehicle, i was told it was normal.
I would like to do a coolant flush, is it absolutely necessary to put in Toyota coolant, I was told it is a good idea since it is different than aftermarket stuff.
oil changes, I use Mobil 1 due to learning that 4runners have a gunking issue, but I change my oil every 5-7,000 miles, am I doing the right thing?
Tranny fluid; When should I have this flushed and replace filter? How about the 4 wheel drive transfer case, does that hold different fluid?
Plugs; what are some recommended plugs? any aftermarket or stay with Toyota?
Anyother suggestions to lookout for?
Thank you for any and all suggestions
alwayslearning
Thanks!