Change in course heading of life

[xcmountain80]

I have a new addition to the family on the way in the form of a baby, which has some influence but not all on a potential for a newer 4Runner. I did have some question that might save some search time on my part for the current body style 4Runner 03-current.

1. Largest spare that will fit in spare tire spot.

2. Is there space for a dual battery tray or does an additional battery have to be remote mounted.

3. Largest tire that will fit with the OME suspension lift and perhaps a 1" body lift if one exists. I do not plan to run anything bigger than my beloved 295 Nitto Terra Graps.

4. Will my lovely 16X8 LX470 wheels fit on the current Runner or are there any years that the calipers are to large to run a 16" wheel.

5. V6 or V8 the difference in power btwn my current 3.4 and the 4.0 are night and day when driving my brothers 05 Taco.

6. Who makes aftermarket skids for these vehicles, I currently run a full set of Budbuilts on my 02 4Runner.

I think thats it for now. I know that nothing other than batteries, lights and winch will be swapable so the incurred cost will be and additional 3-5K over time.
Picture of the current 4Runner.

Aaron

 

[Mr. Leary]

The tradeoff

The new runners are more like mall cruisers than they have ever been. The V8 is great, however, and still achieves decent mpg. As far as mods, it will be even more difficult to find good upgrade parts for the new ones than the older ones. That will probably change in the next few years, but is something to consider, at least right away. You should be able to run 33s with a little rubbing, even with the lift.... pretty much the same as your 02. Common weaknesses will persist, but lack of power will not be an issue. Keep in mind that 4runners have only gotten larger over the years, so some of those trails you squeeze down in your 02 will no longer be accessible in your newer runner (I'm also assuming that with a new rig you will have very little tolerance for body damage).

Another thing to consider is the state of the economy, for better or worse. You may be able to get a really good deal on a newer one, but depending on the stability of your job situation, it may not be very safe to take on another vehicle payment, especially with a little one on the way. Trust me, there are many costs associated with kids that are unforseen.... they are very expensive.

I hope this helps. I have tried to take an unbiased approach, but I will have to admit to a fair bit of envy of your truck, and I would hate for you to get rid of it...:smiley_drive:

Good luck,

 

[xcmountain80]

Well my original thought was to just buy another 2002 with under 60k and swap out the fun parts,but after I saw what the 00-02's are going for with low miles I figured I'd just get a newer 4Runner. Yes yes an engine and tranny are cheaper than a new car but mine still has 200k + on it.

Aaron

 

[Cackalak Han]

One of the biggest improvments from the 01-02 to the 03+ is the VSC/TRAC system. My 02 Sport was horrible in the snow, as the TRAC kicked in at every take off (very dangerous!). The 4th Gens are much better. My friend has an 05 and never experienced this. Also, if you get a V6, they switched from a 4-sp to a 5-sp auto in 05. V8's got a bump in power in 05, as well.

IMO, if you're not going to tow, I'd go V6. If you are, go with a V8. You will like the extra room of the 4th Gens and the better ride quality.

I will be in the same boat as you next year, I'm guessing. This 01 Tacoma is not too bad, but I know the new Tacoma's or Tundra's would be a better candidate for kids.

 

[java]

i posted all my answers on toyota120 but i love my 4th gen, going from a second gen truck to it is awesome! i cant wheel it as hard but i have a kid now so a second set of doors and more room is nice.
the aftermarket is getting there. allpro slee budbuilt demello icon SAW they all make parts for the 4th gen. also it uses the same front suspension as the FJ so there more options for long travel etc

 

[Jacket]

Minus the option of a e-locker, most everything else would be better in an 03+ for a growing family. It's part of the reason I sold my 2000 4Runner, although in hindsight I wish I had it back. But for interior space, ride comfort and continued off-road performance, I think the 03 and up is a nice platform. I've read only a couple of articles about XREAS, and I don't really understand it in detail, but it seems like something to stay away from if possible?

 

[Photog]

I believe the new TRAIL model will have the E-Locker.

The X-REAS is easily removed, when doing a normal suspension upgrade; so if you want the larger brakes, get the SPORT model. There are plenty of 17" tires that will fill the wheel wells, and then some.

Rock sliders, skid plates, front bumpers, body lifts, suspension lifts, roof racks, a couple rear bumpers, lockers, dual batts, etc., are all available for the 4th Gen 4Runners.

Your old one only has 200k miles. Unless you have treated it poorley, it has another 100k left in it, before a new motor/tranny. Are you having some serious problems with it? It already has 4 doors, for when the little one shows up.

 

[FurthurOnTheFly]

I've only been off road in one of the newer 4Runners once, and I can say for the most part it did quite well. I really liked the downhill assist that you can get, that is a fantastic option and works really well.

The biggest thing I hated about it was the hood...man it is LONG. I felt like I was off roading in a 70's El Dorado or something!

 

[xcmountain80]

I believe the new TRAIL model will have the E-Locker.

The X-REAS is easily removed, when doing a normal suspension upgrade; so if you want the larger brakes, get the SPORT model. There are plenty of 17" tires that will fill the wheel wells, and then some.

Yeah then I'll have to ditch my coveted LX450 wheels .

Rock sliders, skid plates, front bumpers, body lifts, suspension lifts, roof racks, a couple rear bumpers, lockers, dual batts, etc., are all available for the 4th Gen 4Runners.

Good news a new money pit for my wife to shake her head at. Though she doesn't complain when it gets us to the top.

You old one only has 200k miles. Unless you have treated it poorley, it has another 100k left in it, before a new motor/tranny. Are you having some serious problems with it? It already has 4 doors, for when the little one shows up.

Nope nothing wrong at all just need a little more space, and power. All the add on power systems super charges and turbo's cost close to 5K to get them done correct the 1st time. So I think a newer one would be nice even though I said I'd never sell it, I'll just have to get my 1989 LC one day, another day.

Aaron

 

[xcmountain80]

I've only been off road in one of the newer 4Runners once, and I can say for the most part it did quite well. I really liked the downhill assist that you can get, that is a fantastic option and works really well.

The biggest thing I hated about it was the hood...man it is LONG. I felt like I was off roading in a 70's El Dorado or something!

Yeah my brother has dinged a few gas station poles (the ones right in front of the doors) because it's hard to determine where the front end ends.

Aaron

 

[rdb4Runner]

I have a new addition to the family on the way in the form of a baby, which has some influence but not all on a potential for a newer 4Runner. I did have some question that might save some search time on my part for the current body style 4Runner 03-current.

1. Largest spare that will fit in spare tire spot.

2. Is there space for a dual battery tray or does an additional battery have to be remote mounted.

3. Largest tire that will fit with the OME suspension lift and perhaps a 1" body lift if one exists. I do not plan to run anything bigger than my beloved 295 Nitto Terra Graps.

4. Will my lovely 16X8 LX470 wheels fit on the current Runner or are there any years that the calipers are to large to run a 16" wheel.

5. V6 or V8 the difference in power btwn my current 3.4 and the 4.0 are night and day when driving my brothers 05 Taco.

6. Who makes aftermarket skids for these vehicles, I currently run a full set of Budbuilts on my 02 4Runner.

I think thats it for now. I know that nothing other than batteries, lights and winch will be swapable so the incurred cost will be and additional 3-5K over time.
Picture of the current 4Runner.

Aaron

1. From what I've read your 295 won't fit in the spare location, but CBI can make a nice swing away rear bumper for you:ylsmoke::costumed-smiley-007

2. You should be able to fit a second battery in the engine bay, however a dual battery tray with a V8(batteries side to side) doesn't seem like it will fit

3. With your preposed combined lift I think 295's will be a bear to fit....again, from my research not personal experience

4. Some trims of 4Runners can only run 17's, usually sport and limited...but I think that can vary depending on what packages were purchased from the dealer(my SR5 has stock 17in wheels, not sure if I can downsize or not)

5. V8 all the way...period:victory:

6. You can get budbuilts for your 4th gen too

---Shrockworks, ARB and Demello all make nice homes for your winch when you swap it over:smiley_drive:


t4r.org and toyota120 have all these answers and much more readily available

 

[xcmountain80]

Thank you I have become a fixture on toyota120, I've already began to budget a 2 year build to bring the new runner up to par. I've seen quite a few batteries mounted pass. side near the firewall and thats where it will go. I'm going to have to part my truck and trade it in I'm afraid, as the eco still sucks. Yeah I've grown accustom to my 295's but had already been thinking about downsizing, I Know the 285 are quite capable (really).

Aaron

 

[rdb4Runner]

Thank you I have become a fixture on toyota120, I've already began to budget a 2 year build to bring the new runner up to par. I've seen quite a few batteries mounted pass. side near the firewall and thats where it will go. I'm going to have to part my truck and trade it in I'm afraid, as the eco still sucks. Yeah I've grown accustom to my 295's but had already been thinking about downsizing, I Know the 285 are quite capable (really).

Aaron

Sounds like a build to look forward to. As for the tires it seems a lot of people like the 255's on their 4th Gen's also. I wouldn't mind a second battery in mine, but I need to buy a fridge first.