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Holy grail of 4th gens

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by Connerliam, Feb 9, 2019.

  1. Feb 9, 2019 at 11:26 PM
    #1
    Connerliam

    Connerliam [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2019
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    6
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    Male
    First Name:
    Conner
    Vehicle:
    1998 DesertDune 4runner
    Font Suspension - Bilstien 5100 shocks and Toytec/Eibach Lift Springs Rear Suspension - Toytec Boss Shocks and Toytec 3 inch Lift Springs Wheel/Tire - Tacoma Snowflake 16s wrapped in 265/75/16 Cooper Stt pros
    What do you guys consider the holy grail of 4th gens? I am interested in purchasing a 4th gen, and currently own a 3rd gen. I just would like a little more info on what to stray from in a 4th gen and what to look for. Ideally what is the best year, options, lockers? etc...
     
  2. Feb 10, 2019 at 5:59 AM
    #2
    Hyper15125

    Hyper15125 Headlight Retrofitting Hobbyist

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2018
    Member:
    #5839
    Messages:
    168
    NJ (609)
    Vehicle:
    ‘14 SR5 T4R, ‘13 Taco TRD Sport DCLB, ‘02 SC430
    Depends on what youll be using it for. For me i liked the look of the Sports with the V8 and full time 4wd. They actually did better on fuel than the 6 in the real world and were much safer IMO with the FT 4wd. Liked it better than my 5g for sure.
     
    WMU likes this.
  3. Feb 10, 2019 at 7:09 AM
    #3
    HoBoDanny

    HoBoDanny Dude...

    Joined:
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    966
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    First Name:
    Daniel
    Kentucky
    Vehicle:
    2004 SR5 V6 4WD 4Runner
    RCI Skid Plate CBI Ditch Light Brackets Hankook DynaPro ATM RF10 265 70R17 113T Tires 1.25” Wheel Spacers TPMS Bypass Mod Hydrocarbon Filter Removed Merca decal 2” leveling kit front only Black headlights
    The V8’s are unique amongst all 4Runners. Other than that I liked mine because it’s an early V6 with a serviceable auto and sunroof.
     
    sunapeelakers likes this.
  4. Feb 10, 2019 at 3:07 PM
    #4
    DIRTBIKEDAVE

    DIRTBIKEDAVE 2nd 4Runner even better than the 1st one I had.

    Joined:
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    First Name:
    Dave
    St. Louis, MO.
    Vehicle:
    My 2nd 03' 4th GEN. even better than the 1st. V8 SPORT
    VOLANT cold air intake, LED's inside, rear, and front. tinted window shades.
    I had the V6 '03 a few yrs ago and was REALLY great. had to sell at that time and missed having it. so a few yrs later (now) cam across another '03 V8 Sport and LOVE IT! just be aware of the timing belt /water pump change at about 1K recommended (will cost$$).
     
  5. Feb 11, 2019 at 8:14 AM
    #5
    jgcaps

    jgcaps Lovin the Colorado Life.!

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    John
    CO
    Vehicle:
    2018 MGM TRD ORP KDSS 4Runner
    3" Icon Stage 2, 18x9 Fuel Beast wheels, 285/65/18 BFG KO2's, N-FAB Black Rock Rails w/removable steps.
    Had an 05' Limited with the V8.... loved it
     
    Watt maker and HoBoDanny like this.
  6. Feb 11, 2019 at 12:52 PM
    #6
    bearisasquare

    bearisasquare New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 21, 2018
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    15
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    Male
    First Name:
    Topher
    Vehicle:
    2009 4Runner Limited 4x4 V6 Shadow Mica
    Rago Modular Panels - Prinsu Roof Rack - Rago Ditch Brackets with Baja Design Squadron Sports
    Like Hyper said, depends on your use. After researching, im very happy i was able to find a later in the year generation (2009). Have the projector headlights, less engine problems, nicer interior. The V8's are nice, but working on a V6 seems easier with the way the engine bay is setup. The Trail Edition is probably the biggest Unicorn of them all. I couldnt be happier with my runner though, it was in immaculate condition, had one owner and great service records. Only bad thing was that I was in need of a vehicle while we got hit hard by Hurricane Harvey so prices were a lot higher.
     
  7. Feb 11, 2019 at 9:52 PM
    #7
    Kkelx4

    Kkelx4 New Member

    Joined:
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    6
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    Male
    Vehicle:
    2003 Limited V8 - Black Beauty
    Duratrac Skinnies on black Pro rims.
    06 and up V8 limited.
    All wheel drive with L4 and center diff lock.
    Stupid reliable. Leather. Fully loaded.
    Projector headlights.

    One of the best engines you'll find in a Toyota. 2uz-fe 4.7L V8 with VVt-i

    More get up and go than the 4.0L V6 and ironically better economy to boot.
     
    jgcaps and Hyper15125 like this.
  8. Feb 12, 2019 at 5:19 PM
    #8
    SCGX470

    SCGX470 New Member

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    Male
    Vehicle:
    '05 GX470
    5100's, Eibach Front Springs, Dobinson rear springs (air bag delete)
    Hoping I don't get flamed but, here is an "out of the box" suggestion... Check out the GX470 which is called a Land Cruiser Prado in other parts of the world but is actually a 4Runner V8 with some luxury options thrown in, 3rd row seats, and a taller roof. It has FT 4wd with 4H and 4L and a center diff lock. Lockers were never an option for these though :(. Because it is not a Toyota, they can be found for substantially cheaper than a Toyota 4Runner, the same is often true for the LX450 and LX470. I am new to 4x4 and new to Toyota but recently bought a GX for $8k with 160k on the clock and was a southern truck and very well maintained. I am thrilled with it. I bought mine because I like the idea of a mechanical 4wd selector rather than an electronic actuator. I love the VVT-i motor with the 5 speed tranny and it does okay on MPG (not great though). Just a suggestion.
     
    Vonhetzer, jgcaps and Watt maker like this.
  9. Feb 13, 2019 at 4:17 AM
    #9
    Hyper15125

    Hyper15125 Headlight Retrofitting Hobbyist

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2018
    Member:
    #5839
    Messages:
    168
    NJ (609)
    Vehicle:
    ‘14 SR5 T4R, ‘13 Taco TRD Sport DCLB, ‘02 SC430
    They are nice trucks, Ive seen builds of them. Just like the V8 4Runner with a little more class. Id rock one.
     
    Watt maker and jgcaps like this.
  10. Feb 13, 2019 at 6:09 AM
    #10
    jgcaps

    jgcaps Lovin the Colorado Life.!

    Joined:
    May 30, 2018
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    Messages:
    923
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    CO
    Vehicle:
    2018 MGM TRD ORP KDSS 4Runner
    3" Icon Stage 2, 18x9 Fuel Beast wheels, 285/65/18 BFG KO2's, N-FAB Black Rock Rails w/removable steps.
    I agree... nice rigs they are.
     
  11. Feb 13, 2019 at 4:26 PM
    #11
    SCGX470

    SCGX470 New Member

    Joined:
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    Messages:
    2
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    '05 GX470
    5100's, Eibach Front Springs, Dobinson rear springs (air bag delete)
    One odd feature worth mentioning is it has a rear door instead of a hatch. AND, it opens the wrong way (hinged on passenger side). One benefit to this however, it I can open the rear door and step on the trunk floor to reach my roof rack.
     
    igtyr6 and Watt maker like this.
  12. Feb 14, 2019 at 7:40 PM
    #12
    Vonhetzer

    Vonhetzer New Member

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    Ben
    Northern Indiana
    Vehicle:
    2017 TRDORP, 05 SE V8, 97 SR5, 19 Taco TRDP, 05.5 Jetta TDI
    05+ with the VVTi V8, great torque and fun to drive. Plane on replace both exhaust manifolds if it is 150k plus miles. Pretty common problem. I ended up doing full exhaust, headers with cats plus second set of cats and magma flow stainless cat back.
     
  13. Feb 14, 2019 at 7:42 PM
    #13
    Vonhetzer

    Vonhetzer New Member

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    Ben
    Northern Indiana
    Vehicle:
    2017 TRDORP, 05 SE V8, 97 SR5, 19 Taco TRDP, 05.5 Jetta TDI
    Oh I think 09 had a one year only 4th gen Trail Edition with rear locker. Only came in V6 however.
     
  14. Feb 26, 2019 at 2:52 PM
    #14
    mr5vtps

    mr5vtps New Member

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    Charles
    Vehicle:
    2008 Titanium Metallic 4x4 Urban Runner
    Stock
    I'm pretty happy with my 08 Urban Runner. It's in fantastic shape with only 147k on the clock. The V6 is crazy reliable and the vehicle goes anywhere. This is my first and last 4runner as I won't let this one go.
     
    Watt maker likes this.
  15. Feb 27, 2019 at 5:05 AM
    #15
    Queach

    Queach New Member

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    Feb 23, 2019
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    Male
    First Name:
    Kyle
    Vehicle:
    2004 V8 Toyota 4Runner
    3 inch suspension lift, bigger 285/70/17 Tires, Roof Rack, Light Bar, brush guard. Just some accessories.
    I drive a 04 SR5 V8 which I find pretty rare.
     
  16. Mar 3, 2019 at 9:19 AM
    #16
    Kkelx4

    Kkelx4 New Member

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    6
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2003 Limited V8 - Black Beauty
    Duratrac Skinnies on black Pro rims.
    You notice any difference in fuel economy after doing this? Just curious, mine is 15years old but only has 100k miles, so it'll need to be done soon i imagine...
     
  17. Apr 22, 2019 at 8:09 PM
    #17
    RomaniGypsy

    RomaniGypsy New Member

    Joined:
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    Male
    Vehicle:
    2004 4Runner SR5 4WD, 2014 Prius v, 1972 Cadillac Calais
    Not long before I bought mine in December 2017, I saw a 2009 Lexus GX470 for sale with less than 10,000 miles and an odometer picture to prove it. They wanted twenty-some-grand for it but compared to a new 4Runner or a one-year-old model with that many miles... it would have been quite a deal. Someone snapped it up quickly because it didn't last long on the website.

    If ever there'd be a holy grail, that'd be it... a seriously low-mileage piece in near-new condition.
     
    jgcaps likes this.
  18. Apr 22, 2019 at 10:01 PM
    #18
    4runningMan

    4runningMan New Member

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    New Mexico

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