robbocop

I have a question regarding towing with the 4Runner. I just traded my 1998 Durango for a 2004 4Runner Limited, with all the bells and whistles, including Nav. I am a little confused from the manual regarding towing.

I have a 17' bassboat w/40HP motor - total weight 2700 - 3000lbs. with gear. With the Durango, I had to drive with overdrive "off" so it wouldn't shift into the high gear. It appears accoring to the owners manual that with the 4Runner I can tow in 5th gear and just go with it, no special rules for driving. Just the same as if I wasn't towing.

Also when "pulling" the boat out of the water, should I use the lowest gear for the steep ramp incline out of the water?

Is this right?

I have 800 miles on the 4Runner and I know I have to break in for at least 2000 miles. That is no problem, as here in Massachusetts, the ice won't be out til April or May anyway.

Thanks for the help in advance, this is a great resource for me as a new and happy 4Runner owner.

Also, probably a silly question but I keep seeing references to "OEM". What is "OEM"?

MTL_4runner

OEM = Original Equipment Manufacturer
OME = Old Man Emu - they manufacture suspension components for toyota SUVs

bulldog-yota

Robbocop,

Which 4Runner do you have the V8? 4x4 or 4x2?

The towing limit was 5000 lb but was increased to 7000 lb in 04.

With the 4Runner just keep in drive as normal, the transmission will "adjust" itself. The 4th Gen transmissions are pretty good. It also has an oil temp sensor that will warn you if it overheats. You shouldn't have a problem.

If you have the 4x4 use 4Lo when towing the boat out of the water, and the use the lowest gear (L). I would suggest that you also lock the center diff. This way you will have the maximum pulling power and should be able to do it with relative ease.

As to run in, I have spoken with various engineers, and they all say that run in periods on modern vachiles is not really neccasary, with modern out and manufacturing tolerances. My experience has been that vechiles do tend to start performing a bit better at 10k miles, but using it hard from day one is not a problem. Note using not abusing.


OEM is Orginal Equipment Manufacturer. Normally if people refer to OEM parts, it means Toyota parts.

Enjoy your new Runner!!!!

bulldog-yota

Oh yes welcome to the forum!!!!!!!

BT17R

Welcome here! Since you have five speeds it's the V-8 with full time 4X4. It won't have any problem in 4H, but bulldog is right, it'll be even easier on the drivetrain in 4L. No worries about towing in 5th. Your rig is standard with separate engine and tranny coolers. If you come to a steep hill, you might anticipate the downshift and flip the gear selector over to 4 just for fun and engine braking on the other side.

If you have the air suspension, pressing the "down" button with the engine running will squat the rear for ease of hitch coupling. If you forget to raise it again, it will automatically above 7 mph.

Break-in procedures are covered in the owner's manual and couldn't be easier. Basically, easy on the brakes for the first 200 miles, easy on the engine for the first 1,000, done.