New to the 4 Runner world

Hey guys as the title says new to the 4 Runner world but have owned Toyota pick ups from before they ware called Tacomas . Have had 86 , 99 and still own a 2011 Tacoma . I know these tucks like the back of my hand . Now it's time to get to know the 4 Runner side .I am looking at getting a 2019 2020 4 Runner . So my questions are . What kind of issues am I looking at with them ? What kind of problems do they come with ? I know Tacomas have there fare share . Just trying to get to know them and what am I getting into . Lol Any and all input welcome . Thanks in advance !! Sorry for the long thread .

 

welcome aboard..and greetings from memphis

 

Welcome to the forum!

The 5th gen 4runners are pretty solid. If you test drive one and like it, you will most likely continue to like it.

There are a percentage that have an issue with the front differential needle bearing. Toyota has been replacing differentials in this case. Some have switched to an aftermarket bushing to remedy the problem. There is a thread here with plenty of information about this.

The infotainment system seems to get a lot of criticism.

Other than this, issues are few and far between. I may have missed something. I'm sure someone else will let us know if I did.

 

First let me say thank you for your reply ! Much appreciated !! Ok so if I stay away from 4X4 that should solve the differential needle bearing issue ? I did hear something about the information system constantly needing up dates .

 

You are correct. I sometimes forget that the 4runner is even available in 2WD. I wouldn't avoid 4×4 just because of the needle bearing. It can be resolved. However, if you really don't need or want 4wd, a used 2wd will be less expensive, and probably get a pinch better fuel economy.

 

Thank you ! It's good to be a part of a great family !! I look forward to learning as much as I can from you guys . I have been a member of Tacoma World for many years and have learned a lot .

 

Welcome.

 

I have a 2020 Off-Road premium with KDSS. I have not put many miles on it, and only done limited off-road travels thus far. I have had no issues. I am not a big user of the infotainment system. I usually have my google phone connected. As a result, I use google maps and listen to music or books through google. So I have not had any issues with the infotainment system thus far. The only downside for me is gas mileage, but I knew that going into it. I bought a 4R so my wife and I could travel about. A friend of mine buys cars that have been deemed totaled and fixes them for sale. He told me the Toyota 4Rs were well built and easy to maintain. So I went with one and have not been disappointed. If you can afford it, get the KDSS option. Significantly improves the ride of the 4R by minimizing nose dive when braking and body roll.

 

Another Tacomaworld transplant here. Sold my solid 2013 along with a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon to buy my 4R.

One thing to consider if you're buying used is 2019 was the last year without the electronic safety nannies that debuted in 2020. If that matters to you.

 

Thank you for feed back much appreciated ! Yeah the gas mileage dos suck on these trucks .

 

Well I still have my 2011 Tacoma . Lol
This baby will be for the wife . But I still will have fun modding it out . I would love to get a 2019 in good shape with low miles for that reason of all the sensors .

 

Welcome to the forum. Like all 4x4 rust is always an issue, but your getting a 4runner that is new enough that you wont have to worry about this issue. If you do live somewhere, I recommend getting an undercoat just so you have some peace of mind.

 

Welcome from Arizona!

 

I understand that the infotainment system is not as technologically advanced as other new vehicles. But are there specific criticisms? Just out of curiosity. I recently put a deposit on a ‘21 ORP. I did not get to know the system all that much from my test drive.

 

Thank you all for the welcome and all the the replys ! More replys and info welcomed !

 

Hi Joe, Welcome from Wisconsin, ya gotta love old Toyota pickups, I had one many years ago, hindsight tells me it was one tough little hombre!

 

Almost everything is pretty solid. Read this forum and T4R.org and you’ll get plenty of tips on maintenance and mods. The only real complaint I had with my 2018 was the headlights. The 5th Gens up to 2019, and I believe 2020 also, have relatively weak lousy headlights. Especially the low beams. You’ll probably get lots of advice about putting in LED replacement bulbs but don’t do it. They’re all crap and there’s lots written about it. Pay about $25 for two H9 Philips bulbs. Trim the tabs per the instructions as described in many threads like the one below. You can also convert your high beams to a more powerful halogen 9011.
https://www.4runners.com/threads/light-combo-recommendation.17123/#post-197813

Enjoy.

 

Hi to everyone,

So who out there is amazed with the new Broncos, and ev hummer ? Will this discourage future 4runner enthusiasts , or not really just curious what everyone thinks .....thanx

 

Different price point for sure and it will be hard to compare until they’ve been out for a few years. Aftermarket options and re-sell value is a huge part of owning a 4Runner and that takes years to develop.

I’m definitely interested to see what Toyota does in the ev space. It’s the future, whether we like it or not.

 

If you want best reliability try to avoid KDSS (optional on TRD Offroad) and XREAS (On Limited)

KDSS -

When I was looking for a TRD Offroad I specifically wanted to avoid KDSS. The common issue I see KDSS leaks. As far as I search its a $3K - 4K job. (You can find more info on this on both 4Runner and GX forums)
KDSS is a good system for nose dive and body roll control as stock. But since every one put lift this can be handled with a good suspension setup. I have a cheap OME lift which has no nose dive or body roll. I'm also waiting for the ELKA 2.5DC setup which should give me more control and comfort also added flex. If you get something like Kings you will get even more flex.

Without having KDSS will open more options for skid plate options, sliders, suspension setups, etc.. Also if you live in a NE with rust problems you won't get rust issue on the control valve box under the driver door. I also saw a track bar issue hitting with KDSS on a lift.

I tried to find a TRD ORP (or non premium) with no KDSS and no moon roof but no luck finding one satisfy both conditions. The ones with no KDSS and no moonroof didn't have heated seats when I contacted dealers near me. (where I live we get hail storms so wish I have no moonroof. I might put a 3M-Scotchshield tint on my moonroof for little protection).


XREAS -

If you decide on a 4Runner Limited the XREAS is not an option. All Limiteds got XREAS. But unlike KDSS you can remove XREAS as it is independent to suspension system and won't give any dashboard lights. The main reason I had to remove XREAS was the XREAS struts were not long enough for a lift (not even a 1.5 lift at the back. I did 2.5 lift front and 1.5 rear). However it was a easy swap. I did have to pay little extra for the shop to remove XREAS. Even though my Limited was brand new XREAS was useless to sell since you cannot save them when its removed.

 

I have been reading these forums for years and this is the first time I have heard about issues, other than lifts, with KDSS.

 

My buddy gave me the tip about this issue when I was looking for my TRD OR / ORP. So I started searching for it before I buy.

Here's some examples:

 

KDSS has zero effect on nose-dive. It only affects side to side body roll and increases suspension articulation in off-camber situations.

The off-road premium comes with heated fake leather. The off-road does not.

It seems very few and far between.

 

I like the KDSS on my ORP, it’s worth it to me. If it breaks I’ll have it fixed. Or install a different suspension. It’s money either way. Everybody has different priorities.

 

I have heard that the KDSS has had issues especially when lifting . Thanks for the info !!

 

I think you are talking about KDSS lean when lifting. That is a simple problem which can be fixed easily or can be avoided when lifted properly.

 

Plenty of lifted 4runners with KDSS and no problems, mine included. And, I love that a lifted brick can handle so well and still benefit off-road.

Now, if you're planning heavy suspension modifications, rock crawler rig, etc, skip it. At this point you're going to delete sway bars anyway, so you'll no longer benefit from it.

 

Lol yeah Tacoma word has helped me out a lot and also ! It is a great forum when it comes to Tacomas ! It has also cost me a lot with all the mod ideas . HAHAHA

 

Yeah no heavy suspension mods here . Just a leveling kit or even a 2 in lift with a nice wheel and tire package .

 

If you are a DIY KDSS may not be a scary thing. I've seen video where one guy repressurize KDSS system with cheap tools (hydraulic pressure pump) when he got the KDSS warning on dash due to low pressure error code. Worst case you can fix it at the dealership and the cost is almost same as a good suspension lift cost.