Darren

I'm curious, what is the purpose of the vent-thing that sits behind the side of the bumper in the back left corner, of which the slits are apart of inside? The reason I ask is that for the past couple years or so, I get an extreme amount of dust that enters the cab through there on dirt roads, especially on washboard roads where I figure that flap is bouncing open quite a bit letting a miniature dust storm come inside. Yes, it gets very bad, and my interior is ever covered in a layer of dust. The only thing I can figure is that it might be used to reduce cabin pressure at times, but I doubt that is the reason. I will have to seal the vent slits off on the inside to eliminate this, but was curious as to its function. I'm looking forward to being enlightened.

Thanks!

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2002 4Runner

MyColorado.org (CO landscapes, destinations & trip reports)

psraff

"The only thing I can figure is that it might be used to reduce cabin pressure at times"

That's exactly what it's for. Everytime you close your door you're slamming mass amounts of air into your Runner. It needs to go somewhere.... I thought it was too big also until I had my back bumper off and I closed the driver door. I was amazed on the amount of pressure that came out. Plus I may be wrong, but if you have your air on and it's set to suck the air from the outside instead of the inside.... If you didn't have that vent, where would the air go?

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Shannon Rafferty

'99 Runner SR5
Kenai, Alaska

Profile & Details on my '99 4Runner

Bighead

Hey Darren...long time, no see.

I wonder if a modified air filter could be mounted down there (inside the body) to reduce the dust in the cabin.

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Lance
2001 4Runner Limited 4X4 -- Stock Sonoran Steel
2004 Land Cruiser -- OME Medium Lift | Nitto Terra Grapplers

blarchitect

Not sure but this vent is exhaust and not intake so you would be cleaning the air as it exited the cabin.

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Wanted: Square end caps for dark tan 4Runner cargo cover.
Wanted: 96-98 4Runner Clear bumper lights.

cglickman

The vent is designed for exhaust, but it also does intake air at times, as evidenced by the dust build-up. I have the same issue, and I went to Wal-Mart and bought some filter material and cut it to size and inserted it into the hole behind plastic fins on the vent housing. I haven't had the opportunity to try it on really dusty roads/trails yet, but I'm hoping it helps a bit. Can't hurt...

Darren

Thanks, Shannon. I didn't even think about closing the doors. That makes sense. The problem I'm having really does seem to indicate something is not right at all.

Indeed!

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2002 4Runner

MyColorado.org (CO landscapes, destinations & trip reports)