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Toyota 4Runner

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Comments

  • henmobilehenmobile Member Posts: 13
    Jere39, I noticed the hesitation at about 4K miles (I'm at 12K now). I can't say that the problem was any less noticeable in warmer weather. I think using premium gas once in a while may have helped a bit. But, given the price of gas, I like your idea of holding the service manager hostage a lot better!

    On an unrelated note, have anyone noticed a pulsation in the brakes when attempting to stop from higher speeds? Does anyone know what this might be or if a technical bulletin has been released related to this?

    Thanks!
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    As a person who leases his vehicle, I don't have personal experience with anything but factory tires. I can tell you that most of my customers who spend the time to research replacement tires end up buying Michelin LTX. From what I have seen and heard, these ride better and quieter than most, without giving up off road traction. They also seem to last a very long time.
  • mrwhipplemrwhipple Member Posts: 378
    You might look into BFG or Yokohama for all-terrain tires. Both brands offer excellent tires. BFG has the "classic TKO" all-terrain or the long trail all-terrain (which is a little milder). Yokohama has the Super Digger V or the Geolander AT (milder) & AT+ (bigger lugs) all-terrains.

    All of these tires have long wear and very good traction on & off road, wet or dry pavement, with strong sidewall protection.

    -hope this helps
  • violentgremlinviolentgremlin Member Posts: 3
    Can anyone reccomend any ideas or performance upgrades, web sites, for a 99 4Runner Sport Package (taka the alder Highlander package) with the 3.4 I V6 5 Speed.

    I bought new and it just turned 26k and it's a great car. No problems except for me scratching the paint myself like an idiot. I also cracked my windshield as to my own fault too. I added a I and N air filter but I was looking for something more than that, but not quite the TRY supercharger (although it would be nice). Maybe a chip, and would a chip void the warranty?

    I love the car but I need more go. I've owned two Celica GAS' and my buddy just picked up the new 2002 Turbot Subaru Imreza WAX and I want to get more performance without losing, the size, space, look, reliability, off road and snow capability, of the 4 Runner.

    I drove the IS300 at Edmond's live in English town NJ and may think about swapping out once it comes with a manual cranny but I REALLY don't want to.

    Thanks!
  • harry0harry0 Member Posts: 42
    This might want to talk to this guy.
    http://www.roemerp.com/
    Good Luck
    Also there is a webring at the bottom of his page that should keep you busy for awhile.
  • pisce9capisce9ca Member Posts: 2
    We are driving a 1995 Limited 4runner, lately the audio from the radio or ad player drops out when another electrical device is started, be, wipers, fan, brake lights. This is getting to be very annoying. Any history of such a problem before? Any ideas? The local Toyota service manager is clue less.

    Pisces9ca
  • emtorreaemtorrea Member Posts: 2
    Hi. I am considering a 98 Toyota 4Runner. I am 6'4" and I am worried that there may not be enough leg room or head room. Are there any tall 4Runner owners that can share their experiences with me? I am currently driving a Jeep Cherokee and I have enough room. The 4Runner seems to be a bit smaller in the front. Thanks
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    My taller customers sometimes have a hard time fitting in the Runner. It will depend on two things. First, the moonroof is on the vast majority of Runners and it may be hard to find a used one without it. That roof takes about an inch and a half of space.

    Next, your driving position makes all the difference. If you have a laid back position, you might be OK. If you need to sit upright, you're not going to like it. I've sold a number of Tundras to tall guys who were looking at the Runners. I know it isn't an SUV, but it meets the needs of quite a few buyers and tall guys fit well. You'll get a luxury ride (nicer than the Runner), a V8 engine and plenty of size. You loose room in the back seat and it isn't as easy to park though.
  • arrisarris Member Posts: 5
    I am 6'4" and have enough room in the forerunner.The moonroof will be a little bothersome if you elect to get one. The wife liked it so I got it. I can live with it.
  • kumriakumria Member Posts: 2
    Need some help in buying a Forerunner. The 4runner I am looking at is 1997 - SR5, power windows, power roof. But the only problem is the mileage. The mileage is 76,324. I was trying to find out from experienced people if this was a good buy at $16500 + tax, tag and title adding upto to $18100.
    Please advise A SAP as I will have to make a decision by tomorrow. I am getting it from a dealership in Florida.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Did you compare the price with Edmund's True Market Value? Might help you decide if the dealer is in the ballpark.

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • 4x4fun4x4fun Member Posts: 3
    In response to messages #296 and #298, I had both the driver and the passenger seat belts (belt and housing) replaced due to failure to retract. They should fix it under warranty. If your out of warranty it's about $150 for each. Unfortunately, I too banged and scratched the paint on the door jams due to the constant closing of the metal clasp in the door. Apparently, over time and use the cloth material of the seat belt breaks down and gets caught up in the retraction mechanism. Eventually, the cloth gums up the roller making it useless and must be replaced completely. So much for safety.
  • 4x4fun4x4fun Member Posts: 3
    In response to messages #297, #300 and #301 please see my message #187 posted under 4Runner Problems on 4/2/01. Join the club. Oh, and by the way, I have the Toyota Service Manager tied up in the back of my truck until this gets resolved. Just kidding. Good luck.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    He's still back there? Isn't the extra weight hurting your mileage?

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • stankiusstankius Member Posts: 17
    Can i retrofit manual transmisson into a 2001??? does toyota make manual for 2002?? It was stupid to make only auto

    In my country, i do not want friends to laugh and call me woman if i get automatic so i need manual, help????
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    Your only option to keep your masculentity is to find a new culture or buy a used one. I'm not positive you could retro fit one with the new 4WD system. Even if you could, it would be cost prohibitive.
  • nosrebanosreba Member Posts: 1
    Due to family growth, I have been looking at the 4Runner as a substitute for my CJ7. I like the look of the body and feel of the drive for the most part, but it tends to look like a soccer-mom type vehicle. I think i can alter its appearance greatly with bigger tires and a brushguard.

    I talked with a few tire-folks around here because all the 4Runners i see have the factory tires and wheels, and they claim the 4Runner has a "difficult mounting to match".

    I'm not talking a 3-inch lift kit with huge mudders - just some wheels and tires that are a little fatter.

    Anyone have this done? What specs?
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    Because the Runner uses traction control and wheel position sensors to operate its 4WD system, you might run into trouble with larger diameter tires. I'm not positive about this but it is something to consider. I'm looking at a Runner sitting in the showroom right now and I'm not sure you could stuff anything too much larger anyway.
  • rlburns1rlburns1 Member Posts: 1
    I have an opportunity to purchase a 1997 4Runner with 33,000 miles that has all of its records of oil changes. It has RB,Leather Steering wheel,Security,TrHi,Wind Def,Power,LuRa. To me the vehicle felt great. It is a 5speed manual. Is $16,000 good?
  • peter78peter78 Member Posts: 284
    Recently I have noticed that the price of new 4Runners have been coming down a little in price. Maybe it is because of the new model is coming out in 2002, or the Highlander is such a hot seller or just the general market. I found I was able to meet or beat Edmunds TMV price. I have been looking for awhile at different SUV's and I like the 4Runner the best. Now with better prices, I am no dummy, I bought one. So if your considering a 4Runner sharpen your pencils, bring your calculaters and take a serious look. (By the way, to the person asking about leg room. I am also 6'4" and it has a lot of leg room. I also noticed I needed to tilt the steering wheel closer because it was too far away. But the car is narrow and I would say hip room suffers. The arm rest is perfect for my height.) peter78
  • jere39jere39 Member Posts: 20
    4x4Fun,
    I saw your post regarding hesitation, and your reference to a thread titled 4Runner Problems. Is it somewhere other than SUV Group? Am I blind, (and my IE 5.5 Find also blind)?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Found it:-). It's over in the Maintenance & Repair Message Board.

    Toyota 4Runner problems?

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • jf01jf01 Member Posts: 88
    I have a couple questions. First one involves the sunroof/moonroof (what is the difference anyway? three questions...), when I tilt it up, I notice there is a black plastic "tray" that moves forward. Would this, by chance, be something to catch water in case someone were to leave the moonroof tilted up? If it is, where does the water go/drain? If it isn't do you have any idea what it is? Second question, or maybe fourth, anyway, I put in a pair of extra foglights on my 4Runner. The only changes I made to add them were to put a switch in and attach a wire to the battery. The lights already have a fuse attached to them, but could this cause any problems with the battery or electrical system? Could you tell me what parts of the warranty I may have voided, if any? Thanks for your time.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    I wish I could answer any of your questions. I have no idea what the little tray is for and where water would be drained. I also have very little information on aftermaket items for Toyota products. Sorry.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    Toyota just released its incentives for the month of April. In the Central Atlantic Region, we now have $1000 customer rebates on the 2001 Runners. This is in addition to the price reduction that kicked in over a month ago. I assume this is due to the new model coming out next year. This only applies to VA, MD, PA, WV and DE. I don't know what other regions are offering.
  • jere39jere39 Member Posts: 20
    Thanks, I should have looked there before asking, that is the logical next place to look after this group.
    Regards,
    Jere
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Well, logically it could belong here too :-) The search tool doesn't always find numbers in words like it should (but we're working on it).

    Steve
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  • badjeep1badjeep1 Member Posts: 8
  • tolentinotolentino Member Posts: 3
    I've seen where some folks were experiencing a bump after rolling forward from a stop. Is there a definitive cause and fix?
  • zellmozellmo Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2000 SR-5 4Runner,I am getting, what I think,is a brake grinding noise when stopping abruptly. I thought it was just the noise from sliding on ice or snow, but I just got the same noise stopping on sand. Also my stopping distance seems too far for the speed that I am going. Anyone else getting this LOUD brake noise, Thanks.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Future Telling

    "A redesign is scheduled for Toyota's bread 'n' butter SUV for 2002". Edmunds doesn't predict whether that includes a new skin or not. Anyone else?

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    The ABS system makes a loud grinding and clicking sound when it engages. It is normal. You need to worry if you ever stop hearing it in a panic stop.
  • smarxsmarx Member Posts: 3
    I want to supercharge my 1998 3.4 L with TRD supercharger. I have heard that the is insufficient fuel delivery with this setup that requires new injectors etc. Any insight would be helpful. Is this only on older models
  • hydrodreem1hydrodreem1 Member Posts: 1
    I own a 97 sr5 2wd and I'm starting to notice that the rear end is sagging. Can anyone assist me with this annoying problem.
  • abduliabduli Member Posts: 1
    Consumer Reports a black eye on engine trouble on 4 runners from 92 to 94 year models, any truth to that?
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    Those years were the ones that had head gaskets going out. Most of them have already been replaced under warranty even if the original warranty had expired.
  • bolucaboluca Member Posts: 32
    I had a 93 4 runner, went through 3 head gaskets, Toyota paid for 2 of them. We also have a 93 pickup that has gone through 2.
    I would stay away from pre 1997 4Runners and pickups with the V6. A head gasket is over $2000.
    I sold it and went with a PAthfinder after the 3rd one. Too expensive.
  • jf01jf01 Member Posts: 88
    I'm considering getting some Bilstein shocks. I read about someone in the 4Runner maintenance message board doing this and he said that the ride and handling were much better than with stock shocks. Is this correct? I would think that with stiffer shocks, ride would suffer. The 4Runner does have a tendency to kind of "jump" on bumpy or uneven surfaces, and I heard that stiffer shocks would help to eliminate that. Anyone really know about shocks? The Edmunds tech center doesn't really talk too much about shocks. By the way, the other 4Runner owner said he used Bilsteins because that is what TRD uses. Any info about these shocks or shocks in general would help. Thanks.
  • mrwhipplemrwhipple Member Posts: 378
    The Bilsteins are great. They are progressive rate gas shocks. This enables a smooth ride and then it reacts depending on how hard of a bump it encounters. This is especially noticable when cornering. They will stiffen up a bit more to prevent body roll, then smoothen out as the vehicle straightens out. Steering becomes more responsive. It's a much more controlled feeling in the vehicle overall. Much better handling. They get even better off-road. Most noticable when going through woop-dee-doos. You won't have any more bouncing. They will take a lot of abuse. The shock will pull and release according to the terrain, thus allowing the vehicle better traction with the ground.

    Bisltein has a limited lifetime warranty on their shocks. Iv'e put over 125,000 miles on the same set and they're still going strong.

    -hope this helps
  • johndoe6johndoe6 Member Posts: 12
    What is the cost of replacing the stock shocks with Bilsteins? Would they improve the bouncing and jarring on rough roads? Thanks for your input.
    HP
  • mrwhipplemrwhipple Member Posts: 378
    I think the Bilstein shocks run somewhere around $50 a piece. Some dealers run special deals on them from time to time. You can check their website www.bilstein.com for more info on dealers in your area. They have a main number for a western & eastern regional office.

    You won't have nearly as much bounce off-road with the bilsteins. They way the valving (progressive) is set up, the harder they're hit, the more they react. You would probably want the monotube design shock. I think the twin-tube design is for strut style applications.
  • thirdsuvthirdsuv Member Posts: 209
    Scrolled up through a couple hundred posts and could find no info about 2002 redesign. Anybody have any links to info?

    Main questions?
    #1) Is it going to be wider?
    #2) Will it be less tippy?

    In other words, are they going to follow the trend of making it more car like? I wish they'd just slap the Highlander body/interior on the frame.

    cheers
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    Define "less tippy". While I have absolutely nothing on the 2002 Runner, I am curious as to why you think the 2001 is tippy. The '96 through 2000 actually was pretty decent in this respect although not as stable as unibody SUVs. The addition of the VSC system made huge strides to improving stability.
  • thirdsuvthirdsuv Member Posts: 209
    Well my impression is that is quite tall and narrow and would tend to lean pretty severe on hwy ramps and such. To be honest, my last ride in one was probably an early 90's model.

    The Seq will do for this year but our 92 explorer is probably gonna give up the ghost soon and a 2002 4-runner this time next year would be about right.

    Personally, I think I'd enjoy the Highlander better but since I'll be towing 2,000 pounds every now and than, I can't help but think that a 4-runner would probably have twice the lifespan.
  • sierrapksierrapk Member Posts: 19
    It sounds impossible but its absolutely true! I was reading through Volume #1 of the Toyota factory service manual for year 2000 4-Runners and came across the Cruise Control section on pages 517-613. There are separate descriptions of Denso and "Ford made" cruise control modules. A co-worker and I both have recent 4-Runners('98 SR5 and 2000 SR5 4WD). We both checked under our hoods, and both vehicles had the "Ford made" cruise control module, which was labled "Made in Mexico". I then stopped at our local Ford dealer, opened the hood of a '98 Escort, and found the EXACT same "Made in Mexico" cruise control module mounted on the Escort's cheesy little 1.9L four-banger. I have NEVER heard ANYTHING about Toyota buying component parts from Ford, much less Mexican-made Ford parts. I was feeling smug after learning that all 4Runners are assembled in the Lexus factory in Tahara, Japan, but now I'm not quite so sure. Has anyone ever heard anything about Toyota buying major component parts from Ford? Toyota's previous alliance was with General Motors (Prizm/Corolla, etc). Check your own SR5 for this "feature".
  • hiluxsurfhiluxsurf Member Posts: 34
    Anybody knows how to disable the Daytime Running Lights on the 2001 4Runner? I tried the fuse then the relay but they also disabled the headlights.

    Thanks
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Hi all,

    I have added a link on the left hand column of the screen to the Toyota Racing Development topic in the Aftermarket & Accessories message board. Feel free to stop by in there and participate as well.
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    You may want to read through Town Hall's Daytime running lights topic.

    Hope this helps!

    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
  • harry0harry0 Member Posts: 42
    I can turn off my running lights on my GMC pickup by clicking my emergency brake ONE CLICK. I'm still trying to figure out how to do it on my 2001 4 Runner.
  • harry0harry0 Member Posts: 42
    My 2001 4 Runner had it's first trip to the doctors on Friday. I noticed a wet spot on my garage floor under my 4 Runner. I looked under my car and noticed my shock was all wet. I couldn't tell if it was coming from the shock or if my brake line was leaking and splashing on the shock. I drove to my dealer Friday morning and asked if they could put it on the lift to check it out. They said the shock was leaking and they could change it now. I had a new shock in 1/2 hour and I was on my way. I thought the service was great,but I was wondering why would a shock leak in the first 2000 miles. Just a fluke?
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