New to the 4Runner fam

Hi

My name is Mark. I just purchased my first 4Runner recently, 2004 4+4 V6 limited. I love it!

Wondering if I should be aware of any issues with the 4th generation models??

 

Welcome! 4runners tend to be pretty damn reliable if taken care of!

 

Mine was neglected as hell, had to rebuild almost the entire thing. Items I replaced after purchase:

Both CV joints
Both front brake rotors
All brake pads
Changed all fluids
Changed Air filter and Spark Plugs
Cleaned MAF
Replaced interior carpet
Repaired and replaced center console parts
Replaced all four tires

It has 198k and runs great, just took it on a 2k mile trip for Spring Break with the family and no worries.

 

what cvs did you use as replacements?

 

Just the Autozone replacements since this is my DD and limited budget for a while....Paid Uncle Sam 8k this year!

 

damn... ive heard so many mixed reviews on cv's, ive heard cvj is good

 

I'm hoping CVJ's are as good as I've heard they are since that's what I just switched to. I've blown 3 CV's in the last year or so and can say without a doubt that the cheap aftermarket from AutoZone, NAPA, etc are cheap Chinese junk metal. If you don't go off-road they might be okay but even then I'd be very careful since one that I blew was in conditions that were very mild.

 

Welcome. I have a 07 with 122k km and other than plugs, tires, usual maintenance (anal about that) and yearly rust proofing - road salt is a real bummer,
it runs like the day I got it. Only changed 2 front brake pads. Don't do off road though. Admire people that do and the work they put into it.
My retirement present to myself. Reliable, dependable and just turn on the 4 wheel when it snows and away I go. Many long road trips including Florida and the east coast.
Great on gas with the cruise on doing 70mph on I95. Looked at the new ones but why get rid of one of best vehicles on the road. The limo of SUVs - My two cents.
I did have the radio removed and a radio/gps/rear view camera installed (makes backing up a lot safer and easier - although my wife still manages to bang into things!) and recently a dash cam.
I'm sure you will enjoy yours.
Did I mention my dog likes it too - falls asleep on the back seat within minutes.

 

I put a CVJ on the passenger side after I blew out my inner boot. I had the inner off road boot added to the damage. Even the outer boot is bigger than stock boots. I ended up keeping my core (more like I didn't have time to send it back before 30 days) so I'll be rebuilding that one to replace the driver side when it finally goes. Need to figure out where I can source those off road boots from when I do the rebuild.

 

Try asking CVJ, the worst they can say is "no" but I suspect buying 1 isn't an issue. If you were to ask about buying 100 it would ne another thing.

Back on topic - As others have said get it up-to-date on any delayed maintenance and stay on top of it and you'll be fine. I just passed 200k a few weeks ago and have no issues. I take mine off-road a lot, it takes the abuse in stride. I've done some cosmetic damage on the rocks but it keeps on going strong. We just towed our travel trailer across the state and back and I wouldn't hesitate to pull it scross the country.

In other words - enjoy it, maintain it and you're all good!

 

Welcome to the site Mark!

 

Welcome!

From what I've read, one issue could be the head gasket leaking on the driver's side. Other than that, not sure. Congrats on the new purchase! Going to look at an 05 4runner myself today!