Toyota 4Runner

cliffy1 · July 2001

Well, I'm not a mechanic, but what I think you are hearing is the cooling fan and I think it is normal. The next time you have it in for an oil change, ask the mechanic if he can provide a better explanation.

tbird45 · July 2001

The roar you are hearing is the engine cooling fan. It has a fluid clutch that is thermostatically controlled and engages the fan as the temperature increases. If you look at the back of the fan you will see the clutch surrounded by cooling fins. As the temperature decreases,it disengages the fan and it slows down and the "roar" decreases. When you start it up in the morning, the fan is engaged and the roar is normal.

dfordanger · July 2001

Good evening,

Ok, I've decided to purchase a new '01 4Runner Limited (Glacier Metallic). It has everything, moonroof and everything possible. I've compared it to just about every new SUV (including the available '02s) I found the it feels the best even though it's not the largest or most powerful.
My initial concern was that I would not be able to fit inside measuring at 6'5" in bare feet. I thought it would be impossible with a sunroof. But neither of these were the case when I did the touchy feely at the dealership. I had more than enough room and the front power seats have to be some of the best that I've ever experienced. Some of the best lower back support in any car seat. I could sit there for hours. They are very comfy. The 4runner is fun to drive, more so than the competitors. So I went ahead and purchased at $32.5K. A decent deal I think.

Ok, my questions are as follows :

Is there a TRD supercharger package (dealer installed) available for the '01 4Runner Limited?
This was a $2500.00 option in '99. Is this still available for 4Runner ? I believe it's available for the Tacoma. This would be a nice little aftermarket tweak. Does anyone have any experiences with this configuration in practice ?

Would anyone out there have any experience with adding a brush guard to their SUV's. Is it worth it ? I intend to do some off roading but I do like the way it looks. Would you have the dealer install or go somewhere else ? Do they resist rust and corrosion well ?

Please share any thoughts and experiences that you can with me.

Thank You Very Much

jasan · July 2001

Last Friday I went to another dealer, he was able to shed a little light on the shimmy problem. According to him the shimmy is due to the large tires and Rack and Pinion, Domestic SUV's use a different steering setup. If you have ever owned a Chevorlet or Ford you probably noticed that the steering wheel had to be moved an inch or so before you actually started turning. With Rack and Pinion there isn't any slop in the steering wheel, this and the large tires together produce the shimmy. I don't know that this is fact, I did however test the theory. I Have a 2001 Dodge Intrepid (company car), while driving over some grooved pavement I let go of the wheel, the shimmy wasn't as noticeable but it was present on the Dodge as well. The Dodge of course has much smaller tires. Any supporting or denouncing info on the subject would be greatly appreciated!

mikee5 · July 2001

That is another thing I can not explain. Why is the engine fan always engaged when the 4Runner is first started up, when the engine is cold, even at freezing temperature? Thanks

preuning · July 2001

Looking to trade in '96 Ford Windstar on 2WD Patherfinder LE or 4-Runner SR5 with upgrade wheels and Sunroof.

Major Needs:
1) Carrying capacity for family trips
2) Ease of maintenance and economy
3) Future ability to tow small runabout - 19 foot or smaller

Any recommendations - I'm favoring the 4-runner because of Toyota quality but rollover of the truck-based SUV is concern.

Is anyone seeing prices below invoice on 4Rs in ATL?

cliffy1 · July 2001

See the topic entitled "Toyota 4 Wheel Drive systems explained" for more information on the roll over concerns. I realize that you are looking at a 2WD, but read the section on the VSC. That may help you in your decision.

ctec005 · July 2001

Sort of new here. Haven't posted in some time.

Experienced the shimmy and the fan roar and both are normal. On the shimmy, what the dealer told another post here about the rack-n-pinion is correct. It gives you better road feel due to less play between the rack teeth and the pinion teeth, unlike the standard steering gear box which can have quite a bit of play and therfore not tranfer each suttle bump or tire hop thru to the steering.

Also, I have found that the factory gas-pressure shocks that come on the 4-Runner seem to not be valved for as firm a ride (translated to better control) than what most expect. When I would go over a slightly bumpy surface (especially around a curve) it would feel like the rear (and the front to some extent) would sort of shimmy in the opposite direction of the turn. Not cool. What I did to correct this was to install the Bilstein high-pressure gas shocks on all four corners and it makes a world of difference. You can purchase these either thru any authorized TRD dealer (not just dealerships) or any local (reputable) parts house will have the same Bilstein unit that TRD uses. The bottom line is better control and no more shimmy.

There is one drawback and that is in the installation if you are going to do it yourself. The fronts require you to have or rent a spring compressor. The rear is a slight trick in contorsionism as you have very little room or access-angle to get the hex-key and wrench that are required to tighten the bolts on the top shaft into the small space at the top of the shock tower. Crawl up under your 4-Runner sometime and you will see what I mean. That is why the factory Tokico shocks have the metal dust boots welded to the shock stem so you have something to hold on to if you replace them with factory units (I am sure the mechanics are happy about that one). But it is worth all the effort involved. It is a shame though to have to change the shocks on a new vehicle but sometimes that's what you have to do to get the ride you want.

On the engine cooling fan roar, you will hear it when cold (even in the dead of winter). If you have ever taken one apart you will understand. ( I went through this twice with my 87 Toy 4WD) It is filled with a heavy viscous fluid. The way a fan clutch is designed it allows the fluid to settle to the lower part of the assembly. So when you first start up the vehicle this fluid had to warm up a tad and begin to circulate. Once that happens the roaring noise will go away, that is until the temperature rises in the engine bay to the point where the fluid inside the clutch heats up and causes the fluid flow to be restricted making the fan clutch lock-up slightly hence turning the fan blades and making the roar once more to draw more air throught he radiator and cool things down.

Phew .. Sorry bout that long-winded reply folks. Just wanted to chip in and share my experiences.

I have read a lot of posts here with a lot of great information. It's good to see there are those who take a genuine interest in thier 4-Runners.

Good day to all.

jasan · July 2001

Thanks for the information, I can rest a little easier now.

homeputter · July 2001

Hi,
This is my first post. I have about decided to buy a 4Runner. I just read all the messages on this board for the good information. hew!

Anyway, today while looking at nice 2000 4Runner at a local Toyota dealership and getting the "rock bottom price" of $26988 from the "Director of Used Cars", he made the comment that Toyota is bringing out a V-8 for the 4Runner in 2002 (he said in a few months). He said that in the context of that he has lots of used 4Runners on the lot (thus the "good" price) and expects a flood more from trade-ins when the new 4Runner comes out. I don't know if this is sales talk or not. I find that hard to believe as I am sure that there would be some news leaks somewhere by now and someone on this board would have heard of it - like Cliffy1. But thought I would pass the info along and see if anyone else has heard anything about this.

stever · July 2001

'A redesign is scheduled for Toyota's bread 'n' butter SUV for 2002.... Look for more powerful engines in the lineup."

Future Telling

But this article may help.

Toyota to hold line on SUV

Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

jesc1 · July 2001

We are in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area - looking for a 2001 Thunder Cloud 4Runner preferably with the Oak interior, not Gray (loaded SR5 or Ltd., but not with that sport hood scoop thing).

If anyone has seen one out there recently, please let us know where - we are ready to purchase, even if we have to make a vacation out of it - we have searched only for one day, but it appears any Thunder Cloud's might be difficult to find.

Anyone know of a way to do a national search of dealer stock, or post a national request?

Also, any idea what is fair to offer dealers over invoice price for 4Runners in our neck of the woods?

Thanks again.

nerv · July 2001

Hi,

Could anyone tell me what Toyota recommends for front/rear tire pressure on a 1999 4 x 4 4-Runner w/tire size P265 70R16? I don't have a manual and the sticker on the car only gives pressures for P225.

Thanks Much,

Yvonne

tclub · July 2001

So the question is will the new runner get a V8 and cliffy do you think they'll change the body style much (bigger). For jesc1 - in the Northern VA area I've seen several ThunderCloud 4Rs in both regular and limited.

peter78 · July 2001

I too live in Atlanta and I bought a 4Runner last March after months of shopping. Yes, the 4Runner does have greater carrying capacity. As far as ease of maintenance, the 4Runner has a timing belt that should be replaced every 90,000. I think it used to be 60,000. I don't know if the Pathfinder is a belt or a chain. I noticed that one of the spark plugs in the 4Runner looks like a semi-nightmare to change. As far as economy, I averaged 19.7 miles per gallon after 8,000 miles on regular gas. I drive easy and my lowest is 17.6 and the highest is 22.3. The Pathfinder has a more powerful engine and I would expect slightly less mileage. Both cars can tow 5,000 pounds. I guess a 19' boat is about 2,000 pounds. Yes the 4Runner does have a full frame and I would give it the edge, but I would think both vehicles would tow your boat. I think both vehicles are well built, but I would give the Toyota a edge. Yes, I noticed that the 4Runner is higher, but I like that Vehicle Skid Control is standard on the 4Runner. The manual says the VSC will beep when activated. I guess if I flip over that will be the last sound I will hear.
Last year the 2001 Pathfinder seem to sell for less than the 2000 4Runner. (The 2001 Pathfinder came out in March 2000.) Now the 4Runner is selling for less. This weekends paper had a 4Runner at Alanta Toyota for 23,000, that is 1,000 under invoice. I also noticed that Team Nissan has Pathfinders at a good price and 0.9% financing. Good luck in your search.

smoothride1 · July 2001

Jesc1 - your dealership should be able to do a nationwide search for you. I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan and I am picking one up today in that color. It is beautiful! Good Luck!!

cliffy1 · July 2001

The 2002 will not have a V8, nor will there be much changes. There will be a new Runner out this winter, but I don't know if it will be a 2002.5 or a 2003. It will come with a V8 and will be larger. There is all I have been able to confirm so far.

Thunder cloud is fairly easy to find here in Northern VA as tclub pointed out. The trick is the oak interior. Most of what is sent here is gray, unless you get the Limited which only comes with oak.

peter78 · July 2001

I am shocked that the new 4Runner will come with a V8. I guess the 4Runner will get a different set of buyers. I am glad I got the 2001 and I plan on keeping it for a long time. I was planning on getting a less expensive SUV when the price came down by quite a bit on the 4Runner. I still think it would be a wise move to get a older V6, if that is what you need.
One reason I am shocked at a V8, is that there will now be 3 V8 SUV's and only 1 V6 in the Toyota line up, if you believe the Highlander is a SUV. I am sure the new 4Runner will be a wonderful vechile.

jkk1961 · July 2001

Just got a new 2001 4 Runner, The AC fan rattles when in gear when stopped (traffic light, stop sign etc) The sound seems to be coming from the dash and stops when I turn the AC off. Is this problem easily fixed at the dealer(under warranty) or am I going to be rinning around in circles with the service dept.?

rob0975 · July 2001

It will probably give that extra power to help tow the heavy loads..I'm looking forward to getting one of these when they become available..BTW,I have a 2001 Pathfinder and have never really enjoyed the ride it gives..I've been waiting to hear anything about a more powerful 4runner,and now cant wait!!Guess i'll have to get them 4 sale signs for the PF soon!!
-Rob

rbing · July 2001

I saw a ThunderCloud at Gary McKinney Toyota in Ft. Worth about two weeks ago. I suspect it is gone

RB

stankius · July 2001

John,

I have taken my 4 runner back for the exact same problem and for a creaking in the rear passenger seat. Neither problem was fixed. I took a ride with the mechanic and he claimed the rattle was the fan that kicked in when the truck is stopped. The sound in mine does not go away when the fan is turned off, it just isn't as loud. The interesting thing is that the noise goes way when I put it in park, neutral, or give it gas. This leads me to believe the rattle is due to some vibration from the truck idling at low rpm. I never hd this problem in my 98 4Runner. As for the rear creaking, it went away for a couple of days then reappeared. I need to try a different dealership

Joe

moonbeem · July 2001

Anyone know of 2002 4Runner pics floating around?? I heard there was a redesign coming....
Thanks!

cliffy1 · July 2001

The 2002 will be the same as the 2001. There will be a redesign this winter but we don't know if it will be a 2003.5 or a 2003. No pics are available that I know of.

jf01 · July 2001

I have a 2000 Limited, and I usually inflate my tires to about 32 psi.

jf01 · July 2001

How likely will it be that Toyota will give the 3.4 V6 a vvt-i treatment? How about how much power it would be able to put out (considering the Highlander's 3.0 puts out 220 in hp and torque, the 3.4 should be about to do a little better right?)? Is it possible to put vvt-i on an engine without it, is the system just computer variations or engine modification too? And how would a supercharger affect vvt-i?

cliffy1 · July 2001

VVT-i is an integral part of many new engines. It can't be added on later though. There will be a V8 coming out this winter on the Runners.

johndoe6 · July 2001

Do you think that the I4 will fall by the wayside after the V8 appears? My guess would be NO. The 4 has a bullet-proof reputation. My '98 is a V6 and I have never driven the 4 to compare the two.

peter78 · July 2001

In the States the 2.7 liter I-4 was dropped last year. I think they are still putting the engine in the Land Cruiser in Australia. My guess is we will never see it in the States again. The real question is, will the new 4Runner have a base V6? If I read cliffy1's message right, that may well be history too, at least for the 4Runner.

cliffy1 · July 2001

I don't know if the V6 will be available in the next generation or not. Time will tell.

autonuts · July 2001

I've asked for advice before in the Townhall forum and need some more now or at the least your opinions. I have a 2000 Camry CE which has only 4700mi. on it. I leased it in Aug. 2000 on a 5 year lease. I would like to get out of this lease and into something less expensive. I know I'll take a hit on this car by getting out of the lease early but really want to do this if it makes sense. This is the situation: I could buy a '92 Toyota 4-Runner with 100,000mi. on it for $6,900. It's in great shape - no rust, brand new A/C system, everything else works on it and it is 2-wheel drive only. I know the reputation of Toyotas and as you can see, I don't put many miles on my vehicle a year. Would it be wiser to buy the 4-Runner and add the loss from the Camry lease to it and buy it out right for 4 years or stay with the Camry for 4 more years and then take a loan on it to purchase it for the residual cost of $8,000? My payments are $310/month. If I get the 4-Runner, I'll be keeping it for a long time - not so sure if I want to keep the Camry as long. I'm trying to cut my living expenses down and don't want to be tied to something for another 7 years. Any opinions or suggestions?? - Thanks!

acuranissan · August 2001

i have a chance to buy a 1997 4runner std 4x4 with 122000 miles. great shape. it is a 4 cylinder though. with a 5speed manual for $10,000-$10,500. is that good?

raybear · August 2001

Auto-http://www.leasetrader.com/e/home.asp

Acura-check Edmunds TMV.

tclub · August 2001

Does anyone know when the 02 Runner will be out. Looks like dealer lots have deminished. I've seen an increase in Jeep Liberty's sitting around.

stankius · August 2001

Looks like I killed my Trac Control. The Trac light and Engine check light has come on and has stayed on. Any one else with this problem?

Joe

cliffy1 · August 2001

The most likely reason is you left your gas cap loose. For some reason, the check engine light also trips the VSC Off light and most common reason for that is a leak in the vapor recovery system. Did you recently fill up?

autonuts · August 2001

Thanks for the info!

gdh2 · August 2001

A few questions for 4-runner owners. I am looking to upgrade from my 91 Ford Ranger, and am wondering about;
1)Just to clarify, 4-runners have a 5,000 pound towing capacity???Does that mean that they will mechanically tolerate (eg a 5,000 pound boat) that kind of load over the years. I am on my second transmission on my ranger apparently because of a 2000pound boat that I pull.

2)Any comments regarding owner satisfaction and dissatisfaction from those of you that have owned 4-runners for a while. What do you folks like and more importantly not like about your vehicle.

Any comments would be appreciated, especially from those of you that tow heavy loads frequently year after year.
Thanks,
gdh2

khuynh · August 2001

I owned a '99 Ltd 4X4 for about 2 years, and was satisfied with it. It is an excellent off-roader (I had rear diff locks), reliable, and the engine is so smooth and quiet. I was less thrilled with the bouncy ride (though this is a good trait for off-roading) and the narrowness of the truck. The current 4Runner is better than my '99 Ltd with VSC, Active Trac, Brake Assist...

The 5000 pound limit is the absolute limit, and I would not recommend towing at this limit for a long time. I did tow a 4400 pound trailer for about 200 miles one time, and the 4Runner did fairly OK as long as I stayed below 55 mph (you shouldn't go faster towing anyway). It struggled with this weight over hills, though. Generally, Toyota/Lexus SUVs and trucks don't have towing as their forte, and if you plan to tow 5000 pounds regularly, I recommend you invest in another vehicle.

peter78 · August 2001

After years of being on the Consumer Reports "Recommended" list, the 4Runner was not included in the April 2001 Car issue. Well, in the September issue, Consumer Reports put the 4Runner back on the "Recommended" list. It tested 6 SUV's, 7 if you include the Mitsubishi Montero that went up on two wheels. One thing that was interesting to me, was that Consumer Reports said they really like the VSC (Vehicle Skid Control) on the 4Runner. They said the VSC help the 4Runner go through lane change test the fastest of the 6 SUV's tested.
Interesting reading, especially if you are in the market for a mid size SUV.

sdeame · August 2001

I am looking at either an SR5 or Limited to buy ASAP.

Based on the rebates, can I buy for 1500 under invoice for instock vehicles? Has anyone bought recently? What kind of deal did you get. I am not sure about lease or buy. I am in the Boston area

stankius · August 2001

Cliffy,

The VSC will not engage at all, even when I spin the rear wheel on gravel. The truck is going back, again, to Toyota for warranty work.

Joe

alucia · August 2001

This week I purchased a 2001 SR5 for just about $1500 below invoice, with the rebate, from a dealer in the Boston area (Boch, in Norwood). I say "just about", because there was a trade-in involved, but I received a reasonable trade-in allowance for my car.

Invoice - $1500 should be readily available at most dealership in this area.

sierrapk · August 2001

I now have slightly over 25,000 miles on my 2000 SR5 4WD with "Highlander" sport package, auto trans and locking differential with the 4:30 ratio. So far, this is the most trouble-free vehicle I have ever owned. With lots of off-road driving and trailer towing included in those 25,000 miles, the only trouble has been a loose mounting bolt on one of the foglights (a "port installed" option). Despite the latest Consumer Reports magazine reporting 16 MPG during their test of the 4WD model, I have achieved a long-term average of 18.64 MPG since new, with a low of 16.13 MPG and a high of 22.55. Remember, this is with 4WD, the lower-than-standard gearing, and the big 265R16 tires. I am extremely satisfied with this vehicle, but do not recommend it for towing over 3500 pounds, especially over mountain grades. For comfortable freeway cruising, outstanding off-road capability, and solid reliability, this vehicle can't be matched.

ron200 · August 2001

I have a 2000 4Runner that the audio unit gives out static noise when the engine is running. The noise would be gone as soon as I turn off the engine. I took my car to the dealer and had the Toyota factory specialist to look at. He said it is normal and other year 2000 models would have the same noise. Unfortunately at that time the dealer didn't have any 2000 4runner in his lot that I could compare with.

I want to ask if anyone who has a 2000 4Runner SR5 that has a similar problem. And what would be a solution to this problem since Toyota doesn't think it's a defect.

Thanks.

henmobile · August 2001

I had the same problem. It drove me crazy. On my first visit to the dealer, they said "the problem couldn't be duplicated." On a second visit they heard the static and without hesitation replaced the audio unit under warranty. In my opinion your dealer is feeding you a line.

gdh2 · August 2001

Does anybody have any new reliable information regarding a v8 for 2002???

Is 34,900 reasonable for a completely loaded 01 limited 4-runner with convenience package, rear seat heater, gold package????

Please respond if you have any asweres. Thank you ahead of time.
gdh2

tiler · August 2001

Kelly Blue Book has prices for the 02 4 Runner. No V8.

carvoice · August 2001

Three weeks ago in San Francisco Bay Area (Walnut Creek) I purchased 2001 SR5 in thundercloud. MSRP was $31,750.00. After haggling the dealer sold for $1,700 under invoice. I think we got an extra $200 off the usual $1,500 below because we bought a Sienna there a year ago. Great vehicle. The only complaint is jiggly ride noted by others. Gas mileage is good so far. Excellent mileage coming down from Tahoe, but generally has been about 17.5 overall, with mixed city and highway. My salesman told me Labor Day Toyota will offer the $1,500 rebate plus 3.9% financing. This was available 4th of July week end. Good luck.

raybear · August 2001

$1,700 UNDER INVOICE?!!

Toyota 4Runner

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