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Before I do something stupid . . .

Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by xdelmar, Oct 9, 2017.

  1. Oct 9, 2017 at 8:48 AM
    #1
    xdelmar

    xdelmar [OP] New Member

    Joined:
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    Member:
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    42
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bob
    Currently San Felipe, Baja.
    Vehicle:
    Prospective buyer of 4th gen
    I want to travel and camp and will do Mod's necessary to do this with a 4runner.
    Howdy y'all,
    I am looking to buy a 4 gen 4runner. I thought I would take a look at the blog to learn more about these so I know what I am getting into. I have a 1982 VW Vanagon Westfalia camper and am looking for a SUV that with a small investment can make into a camper - Not a real serious camper, but something I can travel in, with occasional stops in a motel along the way. With an open mind, I hope to learn a lot on this blog.
    Thanks,
    Bob
    1982 VW Vanagon Westfalia camper
     
  2. Oct 9, 2017 at 11:00 AM
    #2
    RonT4R

    RonT4R New Member

    Joined:
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    Ron
    Virginia Beach
    Vehicle:
    2007 4runner SR5 4WD
    Hello Bob, welcome.....:wave:
     
  3. Oct 9, 2017 at 11:01 AM
    #3
    RonT4R

    RonT4R New Member

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    Ron
    Virginia Beach
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    2007 4runner SR5 4WD
    Main thing I think everyone is going to say is inspect for rusted frames, if you go for the V6 make sure to look at 2005's and newer.
     
    Wingjammer likes this.
  4. Oct 9, 2017 at 11:25 AM
    #4
    Wingjammer

    Wingjammer New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2017
    Member:
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    Messages:
    8
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jon
    Vehicle:
    2004 SR5 4WD- V6 Blackout
    Blackout HL, TL. LED throughout. Plasti-dip emblems and some trip pieces Looking for lift, level, tires, bull bar...
    Agree on frame. I have a 2004 V6 and actually like that I don't have a timing belt to change, but maybe I will regret down the line (115k so far). If looking for 4WD, make sure it shuts in and out of H&L (learn how to do this 1st), as many never go I to hear and get jammed up (@$2400 repair). Otherwise the vehicles are some of the most dependable on the road! Enjoy
     
    Bob likes this.
  5. Oct 9, 2017 at 11:25 AM
    #5
    Wingjammer

    Wingjammer New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2017
    Member:
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    Messages:
    8
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jon
    Vehicle:
    2004 SR5 4WD- V6 Blackout
    Blackout HL, TL. LED throughout. Plasti-dip emblems and some trip pieces Looking for lift, level, tires, bull bar...
  6. Oct 9, 2017 at 8:50 PM
    #6
    xdelmar

    xdelmar [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2017
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    Messages:
    42
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bob
    Currently San Felipe, Baja.
    Vehicle:
    Prospective buyer of 4th gen
    I want to travel and camp and will do Mod's necessary to do this with a 4runner.
    Thanks, Ron
     
  7. Oct 9, 2017 at 8:52 PM
    #7
    xdelmar

    xdelmar [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2017
    Member:
    #4872
    Messages:
    42
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bob
    Currently San Felipe, Baja.
    Vehicle:
    Prospective buyer of 4th gen
    I want to travel and camp and will do Mod's necessary to do this with a 4runner.
    Ron, what is the advantage of a 2005 or newer re: the V6?
     
  8. Oct 9, 2017 at 9:20 PM
    #8
    Wingjammer

    Wingjammer New Member

    Joined:
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    Member:
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    Messages:
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    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jon
    Vehicle:
    2004 SR5 4WD- V6 Blackout
    Blackout HL, TL. LED throughout. Plasti-dip emblems and some trip pieces Looking for lift, level, tires, bull bar...
    Not to speak for Ron and of course he may have more info. As I understand it, the 2003- early 2004 V6 had a fuel system recall and took hit on CR for "perceived" reliability. If recall addressed, sounds like no further issues. Sorry B4, but was thinking only early year 4th gens had the timing chain ( which many don't like). I may have misquoted on that and all 4th V6 may have chain.
    My 2004 SR5 is new to me and I love it to date....
     
  9. Oct 10, 2017 at 1:58 AM
    #9
    Caltech90

    Caltech90 New Member

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    I think the '03-'04 had head gasket issues IIRC.
     
  10. Oct 10, 2017 at 4:16 AM
    #10
    RonT4R

    RonT4R New Member

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    Virginia Beach
    Vehicle:
    2007 4runner SR5 4WD
    ^^^^ Head gasket issues
     
  11. Oct 21, 2017 at 7:36 AM
    #11
    xdelmar

    xdelmar [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2017
    Member:
    #4872
    Messages:
    42
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bob
    Currently San Felipe, Baja.
    Vehicle:
    Prospective buyer of 4th gen
    I want to travel and camp and will do Mod's necessary to do this with a 4runner.
    Some really good info has been posted. Thanks to all. So I ask this question about the 4th Generation V6 engine: Since the engine and heads are aluminum (I think), are they susceptible to overheating problems resulting in issues such as head warping? Is that why you recommended year?
    Thanks,
     
  12. Oct 21, 2017 at 4:25 PM
    #12
    Wingjammer

    Wingjammer New Member

    Joined:
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    Member:
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    Messages:
    8
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jon
    Vehicle:
    2004 SR5 4WD- V6 Blackout
    Blackout HL, TL. LED throughout. Plasti-dip emblems and some trip pieces Looking for lift, level, tires, bull bar...
    I think the issue with some is the coolant leak into cylinder #6 by design.
     
  13. Oct 21, 2017 at 8:54 PM
    #13
    xdelmar

    xdelmar [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2017
    Member:
    #4872
    Messages:
    42
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bob
    Currently San Felipe, Baja.
    Vehicle:
    Prospective buyer of 4th gen
    I want to travel and camp and will do Mod's necessary to do this with a 4runner.
    OK. Got it. I think I read on this Forum somewhere, that there was a redesign of Cyl #6 which seemed to correct the issue after 2005 or so.
    Wingjammer, how do those blackout headlights work for night driving?
    Thanks!
     
  14. Oct 21, 2017 at 9:03 PM
    #14
    Wingjammer

    Wingjammer New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2017
    Member:
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    Messages:
    8
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jon
    Vehicle:
    2004 SR5 4WD- V6 Blackout
    Blackout HL, TL. LED throughout. Plasti-dip emblems and some trip pieces Looking for lift, level, tires, bull bar...
    They are actually quite bright. The blackout is only the background. Lenses are clear and lights shine unintruded. I like the look that reduces the footprint of the factory lights.
     
  15. Oct 21, 2017 at 9:10 PM
    #15
    Wingjammer

    Wingjammer New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2017
    Member:
    #4871
    Messages:
    8
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jon
    Vehicle:
    2004 SR5 4WD- V6 Blackout
    Blackout HL, TL. LED throughout. Plasti-dip emblems and some trip pieces Looking for lift, level, tires, bull bar...
    Here is photo of headlights (hopefully)242bb2c44a50dbee011466d45ebf1d04_962813a028231fe45e2aca0c3e02562418309804.jpg
     
    BassAckwards likes this.
  16. Oct 22, 2017 at 8:59 PM
    #16
    xdelmar

    xdelmar [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2017
    Member:
    #4872
    Messages:
    42
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bob
    Currently San Felipe, Baja.
    Vehicle:
    Prospective buyer of 4th gen
    I want to travel and camp and will do Mod's necessary to do this with a 4runner.
    Thanks!
    Interesting Headlights. I will have to look on the I net for a night photo showing the light pattern.
    BTW, have you had a head gasket replacement on ur '04?
     
  17. Oct 23, 2017 at 2:55 AM
    #17
    Wingjammer

    Wingjammer New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2017
    Member:
    #4871
    Messages:
    8
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jon
    Vehicle:
    2004 SR5 4WD- V6 Blackout
    Blackout HL, TL. LED throughout. Plasti-dip emblems and some trip pieces Looking for lift, level, tires, bull bar...
    To date HG seems okay and no coolant loss. Crossing fingers though. Here is pic with lights on if that helps.24f512bc4d92143db94822a87dce9c29_d9fe5f8dc7bd72bda191cac936bca4ba5016df4c.jpg
     

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