What have you done to your 5th Gen 4Runner today?

Had the day off, so I wire wheeled and wire brushed some frame rust, cleaned off the areas and used undercarriage spray paint to cover them up. Happy with the results. I did notice that the drip hole for the AC runoff was VERY rusted and I am a little concerned about that...

Swapped my H 11 low beams for H 9's. They are noticeably brighter which is great. Also added Hella yellow fog halogens and installed Sirius LED reverse lights. I really like they way they all look!

The weather was very nice and it was a great day to be out working on the runner.

 

This group Buy is open till Friday.

https://www.4runners.com/threads/weathertech-digitalfit-group-buy-8-0.10911/

Off-Road Decals installed. The weather techs fit Nice.

 

Hi, what are you using for High beams?

 

Great thank you, I will look into it.

 

I left the factory high beams in for now, but will be swapping them out for Philips 9011's very soon.

 

Forgot it was in 4wd and went on the highway at 70 for a while lol

 

Kind of surprised it didn't warn you. Will have to tell my wife. Thanks!

 

There’s the little green 4 wheels on the dash. Unless you’re looking, you ain’t gonna see it! Hopefully it didn’t hurt anything

 

My hunch that the TRD Flow Accelerator
Part# PTR03-35160-AE would fit the stock lower air box on the T4 Was correct. The Part fits perfectly onto the box, and through the inner fender.

I still need to add the TRD Filter that’s been ordered.
I know this no comparison to the complete TRD CAI, but this will clean it up a bit.

 

Surprised it didn't feel different while driving.

 

I only noticed when I was in the parking lot of destination and turning full wheel. Oh wellll

 

As designed, there should be no adverse affects when in 4H at any safe speed. Last year I was traveling in 4H on the I15 in snow and icy conditions while dragging a cargo trailer. Speeds were from 20 mph in heavy snow (not plowed) to 45-50 mph on plowed but, icy interstate highways. When I was taking an exit, not many are plowed so I just left it in 4H and made wide turns. But I was always aware that it was in 4WD and kicked it out when not needed.

 

It shouldn't make any difference.

 

It does, especially if any turning is involved. 4wd vehicles should not be driven on hard dry roads at all really, but it's normally not an issue going straight. Turning is the problem. You'll be putting tons of stress on the front axles, differentials, and steering components as well.

AWD can drive and turn on hard pavement due to vicious coupling or LSD. To transfer torque from one set of wheels to the other when one starts to slip.... Or an electronically controlled clutch to allow a rotational difference between front and rear axles.

Theres more to it... But too much to type LOL Just Google how 4wd works, difference between 4wd and AWD, and why you shouldn't drive on dry pavement in 4wd...

 

Good to know. This is the one I used when I did this before installing the TRD intake. It fit but the securing tabs did not line up. I ended up using a hose clamp to hold it in place.

 

It’s not a dodge so I’m not too worried lol!

 

Thanks for the info. It’s Good that you were able to use that part when you upgraded to the Full CAI

 

Yep I bought my TRD intake in pieces rather than the kit which was $200 cheaper. This was reused since it fit perfectly and I am running an AFE Pro Dry filter rather than the TRD filter.

 

That’s a good way to do it, it came out nice.
I was able to get a good buy on the TRD filter so I went with it over the AFE.
Someday I’ll like to try that one though.

 

The Sirius back up lights are so bright that they actually help light up behind the truck for the backup camera. I could see better behind the truck on the head unit after I installed the 921 bulbs.

 

You didn't harm anything at all. If you read your manual, Toyota specifically states run the vehicle in 4wd roughly 15 miles a month. I generally wait for a rainy day and leave it in 4wd either to or from work which is roughly a 16 mile drive each way. Toyota is known for having issues with their 4wd systems when they are not regularly used and cycled so consider that your monthly 4wd usage.

 

yeah they are reallllly bright. i took your advice on these for this exact reason and am very happy with it. thank you!

 

"On the highway at 70 mph". And more than likely, not turning sharp. This is not like making a wide turn at 5 mph on wet and icy pavement.
And all but one of the 4R models doesn't have AWD. I like my direct engagement 4WD system, no b/s when I want front drive.

 

I contacted Carista about adding the sunroof options to the app, but I guess it's not possible. Seems I'll either have to see the dealer or get Techstream.

 

ANY turns with 4wd engaged on hard grounds is not good. Wet and icy pavement is more ideal than dry pavement but i still wouldnt be using 4lo unless you are in deep snow... 4hi maybe OK if NEEDED but still not something i want to do often as the system is not designed for that. AWD IS designed for that. And any speeds over 50-60 is also not ideal for 4hi. Even straight, though it wont do much damage if going straight.... 4 lo you should remain going real SLOW!!!! And NOT used on pavement.

I mean it says some of this right on the visor.... But understanding how 4wd works is even better than reading the visor info and warnings.

When turning, the wheels move at different speeds and angles. The front tires follow a different path than the rear. Using different amounts of torque. SO when a 50/50 4wd system is engaged it doesnt allow the wheels to vary from one set/axle to the other and puts undue stress on the different components.

Im not a fan of AWD, but i dont live in cold climates either, in snow thats not overly deep, and on ice, AWD is ideal. I do a lot of off road driving and AWD can not come close to 4wd in that regard. But on pavement 4WD really just shouldnt be engaged at all.

 

I use my 4wd to distribute the weight more evenly to both axles while towing. And yes, 60mph tops in 4 hi.....

 

Lots of vehicles that are meant to tow have a tow/haul mode... Unfortunately the 4runner does not. Wish it did. I never really tow anything heavy, my bass boat is far under the tow limit... But i still use the limiter, "S MODE" in 4th so its not going into overdrive.

I havent really thought about using 4hi to tow, not sure how it would change the way it distributes the weight, care to explain? I like learning new stuff.... Once engaged torque is distributed through the transfer case up to the front axles, but i dont understand how it can distribute the weight up there.

 

Well of course take the overdrive off. And I have an ECT power button that advances timing or something. Just makes sense to me to have power to all 4 wheels while towing a load. And it’s recommended the 4wd be engaged every few months to keep the fluids circulating. I don’t use mine more than I should and won’t be driving in the snow anymore. They get it plowed quick here...

 

It may distribute the load (stress) on the axles, but it will not change the weight distribution.

 

I loved my ECT on my Tacoma. Wish the new runners still had it.

Honestly I wouldn't use 4wd while towing, except when loading or unloading the boat on a steep or wet and slippery ramp... Just personally.