Toyota 4Runner

69mach1

My early 2003 4Runner Sport with the medium gray cladding and bumbers was side swiped on the left rear corner edge leaving a goove about two inches long. Is there a product that can used to fix / fill-in the goove that is simialr in color to the bumper?

mac0822

I saw a Red 2003 4Runner on Ebay that was red. Do they make a red 4Runner? If so, how can I get my hands on one. I don't see anything about a red 4R on toyota.com. Thanks for the help!

kjack100

The only fourth generation red 4Runner you are going to find is an early model year '03 SR5 with the gray cladding. I believe Toyota did away with "impulse red pearl" as a color choice when they went with the all color-keyed cladding April of last year.

pat84

I remember seeing a red 03 4Runner on the dealers lot in Dec 03, when I bought my Titanium Sport version with gray cladding. The gray cladding looks fine on that color,IMO,
  The early 03 4Runners were all V-8's. The 6 didn't come out until later in the model year.

turqchicago

Consumer Reports says that for the newly-designed 2003 4Runner, "The V6 version's first-year reliability has been poor; the V8 model's, excellent."
There is no further commentary I can get from CR. Anyone have any insights, or had any issues with the 2003 V6? Has this issue been corrected in the 2004 models? Thanks!

jaredmsd

This has been discussed at length in this board (search for cosumer reports). Simply speaking, the 4runner had 1 recall, but only on the first 12,000 vehicles or so (I got that number off the top of my head, but it is something small) so CR rated it poor. So I would take CR's report with a truck sized grain of salt.

baki44

I just got Truck Trend magazine and their winner is under 35K category (4-door)SUV is 4RUNNER.
Also Money magazine select 4-Runner as a best mid-size SUV. It is hard to say about CR rate, may be they release their data very early. But I have
04-4Runner so far I don't have any problem. Truck Trend have also in side the magazine full page very good article about 4-Runner.

bryancos

Suggest you order one of the hardwire kits from Escort. Either the smart cord or plain direct wire will work w/ the Passport 7500:

http://www.escortradar.com/accessories.htm

Rather than wire to the center console, you can also just tap an accessory fuse on the driver side panel.

servo_fan

I've searched all the Edmund's topics, and the web, (even google couldn't find it for me!), but I can't seem to find out what the gearing ratio is on my '97 SR5 4x4, V6, manual transmission. It came with 225/75/15 tires originally. We don't have the original sticker, or even an owners manual.

I found the following page, which contains a table that decodes the C/TR/A/TM codes that can be found on the vehicle information plate, (found on the drivers door frame on my 4Runner). Based on my axle code, A02A, it implies that I've got a 138mm diameter ring gear and a 3.36:1 gear ratio, but the full code isn't listed.

http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/other/4_axles.html

Can someone here can tell me what the most common gearing for a '97 4x4, V6, manual trans, with 225/75/15s would be?

Thanks!

cpm496

Originally got it's name from the Firestone tire debacle. However, has retained this moniker due to it's exploding value. I know there are scientific discussions here on residual value, but as an unscientific approach, simply view the offered prices of an '02 Explorer, vs an '02 4runner. Any extra $ spent on 4R @ time of purchase is returned 2X+ with the DISMAL resale of Ford. And Jeep, for that matter.

bbates

I just took delivery of an '04 Runner that came with a double decker cargo option. This is something I really don't need and I'd actually prefer to remove it so that I can install Husky cargo mats. Can anybody tell me if these can be removed? My dealer didn't know and Toyota customer service wouldn't tell me (?!?!)...all they would tell me is that it was installed at the port of entry, not the factory.

kheintz1

My '03 4Runner Limited also came with this cargo option, but I can tell you that if you simply fold it down and lock it, the Husky liner will fit just fine over top of it. I have a complete set of Husky mats as well as the rear cargo liner in my truck, and they fit well, although the rear seat mats must be situated carefully, since they're molded just so. Also, I've heard from other members that the rear shelving system can be removed, but there are available parts needed to cover the exposed inserts, etc. Let me know how you make out.

Also, the rear, double decker cargo shelf can be useful in some situations, but if you use it, the Husky liner must be temporarily removed. My biggest complaint about the 2nd shelf is that there's a large gap between the end of it and the rear hatch. Thus, if any items placed on top of this shelf slide to the back and off of it, they tend to spill out when the rear hatch is opened. This can be avoided by opening the rear hatch window first, and then extracting any spilled items, before opening the rear hatch.

stever

Hmmm, doesn't the top shelf have a built-in net like the one in my Quest had? (had, because I found my shelf useless and tossed it).

Loose items on the shelf would make good projectiles if you had to make an emergency stop!

Steve, Host

toyboxx

The cargo shelf can be removed and then there is ~$150 in parts you will need. Anew trim piece on the floor behind the rear seats and two new wells where the tie-down hooks are. After that you will still have some carpet gaps along the edge of this new trim piece. So to do it completely right you would also need the new cargo area carpeting and I'm sure that is not cheap. I just took the cargo shelf out but did not replace any trim.

You may be able to find someone who wants the cargo shelf to swap with. Then noone will have to pay and both get what they want.

Anybody want to swap with me? I have the grey interior.

my2cents

After further review of this subject I will have to retract my previous conclusion, on an earlier posting, that black #202 paint was not clearcoat. I thought it odd but the info I could find led me to believe it was the base coat with no clear finish. Although paintscratch.com lists it as black while all the other colors are identified as clearcoat, I have gotten add'l info from paintworldinc.com that black 4runners build 1997 or later are clearcoat. They sell black #202 basecoat and then you apply a clearcoat over that to match the original paint. Unless someone else comes up with a better story I'll now stick with the clearcoat conclusion.

kheintz1

I truly appreciate your taking the time to further research the clearcoating issue, and to offer your follow-up comments. Again, I really appreciate your input.

ned

I have a 2004 4runner sr5 v8 4wd and everytime i hit a pothole it makes a harsh rattling sound (audible only when the window is open). this is the first new car i've had in 12 years and the first 4runner, so i am not sure whether this noise is normal for a new 4runner or whether it should be checked out by a mechanic. anyone have any thoughts?

iontrap

I've heard the same noise in my 04 SR5. The only time it happens is when one of the windows is open.

jonnytight

hi, i have a 99 4runner sr5 and i had a question. when are the sparkplugs due up for a change? its been about 45k miles and i havent changed them once. what kind of plug should i get?...do the splitfires and all those fancy plugs make a difference?

im asking this because the gas milage on the car has been getting lower this past year and i wanted to know if there are any suggestions to this...thanks

erisarep

Replacing the spark plugs is part of the 30,000 mile service and every 30,000 thereafter according to my manual. I have a 2000 SR5 with the V 6.

Galileo757

The spark plugs are due for a change at 30,000 miles and use the factory OEM plugs which are nippon denso multi-ground plugs or nippon denso iridium plugs. Changing air filter and keeping the tires air pressure at max helps. My city started using reformulate gas a few years ago and lost 1 to 2 MPG. I would stick with the recommended plugs, the manufacture would have used the splitfires and all those fancy plugs if it helped with the federal fuel mileage.

jonnytight

how often does the air filter have to be changed?

thanks
jon

kheintz1

The air filter should be changed every 15,000 miles, or sooner if it looks dirty and you often drive in very dusty environments.

clseib

I don't think the table you are looking at works for 3rd gen 4runners. I researched similar topic recently and found this:

http://www.off-road.com/4x4web/toy4x4/v1n84.htm

Towards the bottom of the page there is a post that claims A03A is 4.100 and A04A is 4.300. I think A02A is probably 3.909 which I think was standard on 3rd gen 4runners.

bbates

Kheintz1 and Toyboxx thanks for the feedback on the cargo shelf issue. It's a bit ironic that I'd have to pay $150+ to remove a $150+ option that I never wanted...oh well, guess I'll just stick the Husky liner over the folded down cargo shelf and see how that works.

Aside from a few nitpicky issues, man, this is an awesome automobile!

bbates

I know that 3m makes a clear film that can be applied over your painted areas to protect against rock chips, etc. - I actually used some on my 97 Rodeo and it held up well for the 7 years I had that car. Have any of you tried this yourself on your Runner?

rogers12

NIPPON DENSO K16TR11 or NGK BKR5EKB-11

ned

I had my toyta dealership mechanic check it out and he thought it was from the skidplate banging on the front differential. He put some foam padding between the skidplate and the differential and it seems to have helped a little. Please let me know if you find a solution to your rattle!

ukbloke

I have the 2003 4Runner in red, and have never seen another one like it. The red is more of a subdued maroon or brick colour, rather than the usual write-me-a-ticket red. It has a fairly unique set of options but was not a custom order ... SR-5, 4WD & V8, but no sun-roof, with the side air-bags, and the sought after gray cladding!

My wife and I love our 4Runner, especially as they don't make them like this one any more.

Mark.

toyotaguy21

I've got a 03 4runner sport and love it. However she who will not be named has just driven into an overhead bar that restricts too tall vehicles in to parking garages. Luckily just one plastic corner cover has broken. The dealer wants 170.00 $Canadian for it. Not sure if its just the plastic corner cover or more of the roof rack bracket for that price. I've looked on some of the aftermarket part sites but no luck so far. Anyone know of where I could get this for a better price? Need silver passenger side front. Thanks in advance.

pat84

Have you thought about checking out salvaged auto yards ?. they may have one. Some have web sites. Just a thought.

toyboxx

partznet.com sells parts as cheap as you will get factory parts. Check t4r.org for a list of other suppliers

iontrap

Thanks ned, I'll check it out.

jonnytight

ned, i have also heard a rattle from my 99 4runner sr5...its seems to be coming from the back of the car...maybe something is loose in the exhaust system....anyone also have this problem?

thanks

goltgo

Sivi -

I would have written sooner, but I have been on vacation and just ran across your posts #9675 and #9679 regarding the third row seat. Just to clarify, my post #9664 was in response to AJD's post #9660 in which he asked why Toyota could put a fold-away third row seat in the Highlander but couldn't do the same in the 4Runner. I wasn't complaining about the inability of the 4Runner's third row seat to fold away - just trying to explain why I thought it couldn't. I'm also not one who was eagerly awaiting the addition of this option since it takes up valuable space (as you mentioned) and I've heard that it is not that comfortable except for children and for short trips.

kjack100

Husky makes mats for all three rear varieties: with cargo tray, w/o cargo tray, and third row seat versions. Each has a different item number. The "with cargo tray version" fits over the tray laid down, i.e., it's molded to take the different depth in the corners into consideration.

Here is a good link that shows all three versions. Good company, shipped quickly.

http://www.suvxccessory.com/xccessory/2003-toyota-4runner-liners-- mats.html

brian2

I'm considering the SR5 vs the Sport. I've test driven the Sport and found that there is absolutely no front foot room (apparently due to the XREAS suspension). Under the dashboard you can usually place your feet up on the firewall, but it seems that you must keep your feet absolutely flat on the floor. Has anyone else noticed this. It is the only thing keeping me from buying the Sport, bu tlike the look and added features. Any thoughts from those who actually have the Sport or who have compared the two? Any thoughts would be helpful.

lildevil23

Hi All,
A great help with all the posts.
Just signed the papers for a 4Runner Sports V6(4*4)from Westchester(NY),wife test drove Highlanded and the 4runner and chose the former!! I was overjoyed..the least to say!!

The vehicle will have the moonroof, rear spoiler, running lights, cargo double deck. Along with that a dealer option to install Lojack System1/a remote passive alarm/ 2 year prepaid Toyota Auto care maintenance.

Any comments/ suggestions? Also can anybody give some suggestions on the dealer options? I know the sports edition has a engine immobilizer, so am not sure about the Lojack system(seems you need to pay monthly subscription??..need to researchon it myself) or the remote passive alarm. Any input will be highly valued. Thanks..NY,USA

Paid $30375 on MSRP with out the door cost at $33052

polartoy

In reply to Brian 2, my wife also noticed the lack of foot room on the limited the moment I brought it home. Almost made me take it back. You are correct, that it is poorly designed so one has to have either very small feet, put them sideways, or flat. I solved it by raising the passenger seat up with shims under the seat mounts and using longer bolts. This with a little extra bolster at the front of the seat, has put her in a much more relaxed and comfortable position. In the last year, we have driven now 50,000 km and no complaints.

dirtdriver

Been thinking of doing the same thing. What did you use for shims?

polartoy

I used some thick aluminium washers I had drilled for the bolts, stacked. The seat got raised about 3/4 inch up front and only 1/4 at back. Gave her a better position as it raised her knees and allowed her to sit a little more chair like. Worked well enough that she let me keep the car.

beercoll1

I have a 2003 v8 sport 4-runner with the X-REAS Suspension. I do not have any problem with placing my feet in a comfortable position. I have owned the truck for 13 months, and have 22000 miles on it. The vehicle is my principle mode of transportation, so I use it quite a bit. I also do not have small feet(size 13 W), nor am I a small person (6'1, 280).

pat84

I also have the V-8 Sport. I have size 13 feet and am 6-1. I lean my right leg against the tunnel for the transmission. I put my left arm on the arm rest,holding the steering wheel, and rest my right arm on the console holding the gearshift. I have driven like this for a 7 hour trip to the beach to drive out in the sand.
   I am quite comfortable, with lots of foot room.

brian2

Thanks for the feedback. It is the passenger side footroom that is constrained. Definitely a consideration if traveling with a long-legged passenger. Will be considering modifying the passenger seat, or maybe just go with the SR5 and add on most of the features like larger wheels and changing to a lighter interior (although the hood scoop is definitely nice). I'm wondering what changes will be in store for the 2005 models. They should be coming out in the next 2 or 3 months. Any word on features?

alfster1

Regarding the Lojack System, it is a one time purchase. There are no monthly fees. I don't have it personally, but it is highly rated, although expensive. Also, having it might only provide you with a small discount (smaller than the company advertises). I think you would be better served upgrading your alarm to either the Toyota RS 3200, which includes a shock sensor, or a similar system from Clifford.

Clifford (and other) manufacturers of after-market security systems also have a tracking system similar to On-Star, although it is very expensive and I believe it does require a monthly fee.

Depending on where you live in Westchester, you might not want to make any security changes at all

dirtdriver

--Suggest you look under the dash of that SR5. It may be built the same way as it appears to be part of the A/C system that hangs down low. This is a common problem in many vehicles and have had it before in other Toyotas. Seems that the designers forget about the "passenger". Ie the limited adjustments on the passenger seat.
--If you get the manual seats (non-leather) and plan to raise the driver seat up expect it to constantly self lower.You will know it has lowered as the mirror will appear to be out of adjustment and set too high. Have talked with Toyota several times on this issue. They claim there is no fix. I perceive it to be a safety issue as the mirrors eventually are out of adjustment and loss of proper vision could result in an accident.
--Dont hold your breath for any major changes in 05. The vehicle is too new by Toyota standards. Cosmetic at best.
--Hood scoop actually reflects sunlight into your eyes at sunset when driving toward the sun and is non-functional. If you have any plans of real off roading, I dont mean Nordstroms parking lot, stick with the 16's. There are no real off road tires at 265/65/17. They are all P metric with thin sidewalls,ie glorified highway cruisers.
--If you want to wait, new Pathfinder,Xterra and Jeep GRand Cherokee on the way for 05 which should give Toyota a bit of competition.

pat84

There is ample foot room for the passenger in my 4Runner. My wife is only 5-7" and has plenty of room.
   Bridgestones now offers the Dueler All / terrain REVO in 265/65/SR17. Tiremax rates it as the top A/T tire.
   The Pathfinder did not used to have skid plates. Look at the ratings on the current Xterra here at Edmunds.
   Jeeps have had reliability problems. I've owned two CJ-5's I bought a Nissan 240SX at a Jeep / Nissan dealer. They had a get together at the dealer every month for new owners to meet the service and parts and body shop managers. They told the new Jeep owners to wait until they had 4 or 5 complaints before they brought them in for warranty work.
  None will match the resale value of the Toyota.

dirtdriver

--Your comments are well taken.
--Granted for some there is enough foot room. Brian2's original post indicated there was not enough room in the Sport version passenger footwell due to the XRES suspension. Looking under my dash the suspension has nothing to do with it. It is the location of A/C equipnent. In fact an A/C vent is there. So going to a SR5 as indicated does not solve the problem. I ride as pass in my vehicle and with size 14's there is not enough footwell space, but it is fine when driving. Will be raising the pass seat to get more seat height and better foot placement on flat floor. Actually trying to get a right side drivers seat from Japan as it has same adjustments as our left driver seat.
--Yes the Dueler Revo 265/65/17 is an excellent tire. Bridgestone told me they have no plans to make a LT version in the near future if ever. My Firestone dealer has them on his personal truck and loves them. Suggested I should not buy them as I do off roading,as mentioned not it Nordstroms parking lot.Since they are a p-metric they are essentially, as mentioned, a glorified highway tire. If one does no off roading or light gravel driving, they are unquestionably and excellent choice. Especially since they have the Uni-T composition for wet weather.
--Agree about the reliability and resale factors. Moved on from Ford, Chev , Olds, Nissan, Subaru to 3 Toyotas so far. That's why I have a 4Runner. Just mentioned a few new options that will be available to those interested. Most never go off road and actually a 4Runner, more for off roading, may not meet their expectations for some features ie flat foldaway third seat. 4Runners are trucks with solid rear axel not IRS,that sit up on the frame, thus no floor pan down between the frame rails where foldaway seats are placed.Pictures and info are posted at http://www.rockcrawler.com
Click on the blue "home" button.
"I Love My Truck"

ladyofluxury

How is everyone doing mileage wise in their 4Runner? Average mpg?

nedzel

a mix of city and highway. I've got a 2003 V8 4WD. YMMV.