Tacoma World Transplant

Hey everyone,

I decided to head over here from Tacoma world. I currently am driving a 1st gen Tacoma which I love. However my wife and I have a baby on the way and we want a vehicle that will actually fit a car seat in the back seat. I still want rugged off road capability and Toyota reliability. We also have a small camping trailer that we tow. I am hoping to find a V8 4runner in decent condition. I would prefer a 2005-2009 but if I found a '03 - 04 for a good deal that would be fine too. I test drove a few and have decided the V8 is a must. My question for you all is what sorts of things should I be looking out for that are 4runner specific? I know about frame rust issues (i.e. my tacoma) but is there anything else I should avoid?

 

Welcome! The V8's are known to have issues with the exhaust manifolds cracking and leaking. Also in the later years the secondary air pump can sometimes give out. There are bypass kits around for that, I have one from Slyfox on T4R.org but I haven't installed it yet. Also the 4th gen front brake calipers are known to seize so watch for that. I didn't when I bought mine and ended up replacing them with 5th gen fronts. Otherwise it's just the basics with rust, CV boots, wear items, and all that. These tend to rust on the lower radiator support so look out for that. Hope you find a good one! I've owned every generation of 4Runner except the first and the V8 is my favorite engine by far.

 

Welcome.

 

Welcome to the forum! I'm on Tacomaworld as well.

I had an '03 V8 and other than maintenance issues, the steering column universal joint ceased up somewhere after 200K. It was inexpensive but a bit of a pain in the ass to replace. I'm sure it was just a result of 15 years of salty roads.

That truck was pretty bulletproof. I traded it in with 257K in 2017. It was on the second battery, original starter, original alternator, etc.

 

Welcome from SoCal!

 

I’m a Tacomaworld transplant too. As far as V8 exhaust manifolds being an issue, they’re problematic on Fords as well, which is not to diminish it as a real issue. But fix them and it’s no big deal. If you need a V8, go for it.

 

Thanks for the info everyone. I will keep this all in mind while looking. I think I am going to save a bit more to get a nice one when I see it. It will be used to tow a camper so I want to find one I feel like I can trust to do that well.

 

Welcome from FL.

 

I believe the v8 has a timing belt versus a chain.