Junkers88

No I don't own one yet, I'm in the process of getting my vehicle "slush" fund where I want it and then have to sell my 89 4runner (lifted/locked front and rear/b...e....a....utiful) to help fund the 03 4runner build. This is what I should have done with my last build, take some time, save some money, buy and install once and be good.

Ok I did some reading on the 03's and like the looks of the 4.0, any known issues? Like the old 3.0 ate head gaskets, does the 4.0 have any issue like that so far? Looks like all of them (SR5, Sport and Limited) run the 265/75/17's and I'm wondering what size tire can be stuffed into the fender wells. I'm planning on ARB's front and rear and zero lift other than a larger tire. I'll make more ground clearance with under belly armor and some skid plates. Lower COG and all that.... Having said that are any of you running say a 285/75/17? If so what is the effect on mpg, speedo accuracy, etc?

Next. Armor... I've found some front bumpers and a rear or two but nothing addressing the tranny/t-case or front/rear diffs. There is a sticky at the top of this but it's a little outdated since it references Downey Off-road and we know they are out of business.

Something else. The 4.0 v6 vs the 4.7 v8? V6 has better hp and lower torque, V8 has better torque and lower hp, couldn't find anything solid on mpg though. So those of you that have one or the other please chime in. Would it be better to have the 10 extra ponies under the hood but 17 fewer foot pounds of torque with the lighter all aluminum V6 or the other way around with the heavier V8? Options on upping the hp/T?

Thanks folks. If this goes well I'll buy once, upgrade once and be done with the build.

ARK_SWAMP_RIDER

The 4.0 is a great motor overall. It's not quite as refined or smooth as the 4.7. Great improvement over the previous models, there's no known issues that I'm aware of that are directly tied to the motor. 4th gen 4runners are pretty bad about having frozen brake calipers, that's the main issue that comes to mind. I'm at 160k miles on my 03 (v8 though), nothing major, just routine maintenance.

I prefer the v8. As mentioned, it's must smoother, quieter, and more refined. The difference in power is minimal, but the torque is definitely a plus. The gas mileage difference is ~2mpg on average from what I've seen. The biggest difference between the two is that the v8 is full time 4wd and the v6 is selectable. If you prefer one over the other, this may make your decision easier. I have heard of a couple engine failures with the v6, no idea what the cause was.

As for performance mods, outside of a supercharger there's not much that's worthwhile. The typical exhaust and cold air intake doesn't provide any real gains. There are headers available for the v6, but not the v8.

Stock size is 265/65/17. Without a lift, a 255/75/17 or 265/70/17 (both ~32") is about the biggest you can fit without major trimming. In order to run a 285/70/17 (~33"), you'll need a 3" lift and most likely wheel spacers to clear the UCA. Depending on the tire, you may have to chop the body mount, more aggressive AT's and most MT's will rub here if you go with the 285's.

As for armor, that's something I'm not real familiar with. Seems like bud built and man-a-fre are names I've heard tossed around though.

BigBluePile

iTrader: (3)

I'm running 270/65R17 BFG AT's on the wifes '06. Leeetle bit of rub but nothing ridiculous. The speedo is off a smidge, however, you can correct that by splicing in a box to change the signal. PM Scuba about what he used because I can't remember. The 4.0 is a strong motor, we just rolled over 75k in ours and it still purrs like a kitten. The ONLY thing I HATE aboot my '06 is the inablity to turn off the traction control. However, the downhill assist and selectable 4WD is incredible. I would tackle the artic with this thing.

Ultimately, I want an ICON stage 5 suspension lift.
http://www.iconvehicledynamics.com/s...d-Stage-6.html

Junkers88

Thanks for the information folks. We're headed back to Idaho in a couple of hours to spend some vacation time and plan on doing some looking while we're there.

Logan that damn kit is 5500$!!!!

Junkers88

Ok we're narrowing the field. Leaning towards an 05 or a tad newer. Heard good things about both the v8 and v6 so we haven't decided on one or the other yet although I'm leaning towards the 6 for the ability to select 4wd instead of full time. We had kicked around the idea of a Trail Edition but decided the money we'd save on an older one would go towards an ARB rear (maybe front also), OBA tank and some other little things.

This is the direction I'd like to go.

DIHOWARD

121K and no problems here, just maintenance and a few modifications as parts wear out. I wanted to get a little more lift from the day I purchased mine in '03, but had to wait untill the suspension had some wear on it. I too went with the ICON stage 1 lift with Chaos UCA swap. I'm running a 285/65/17LT Cooper STT. V6 is the way to go, I added an intake and exhaust, maybe added 10 -15 HP. Gas mileage is as good as can be expected 21/16, just depends on how I'm driving that day.
You won't regret it, besides, there's alot of cool mods now that the 4th gen has been out for awhile, there was nothing out there in 2003.

LarsDennert

I didn't know they had the v6 in 03. Initially only the v8 was available.

92dlxman

my mom has an 03 with the v6. yes i said my mother. 135xxx on the clock, and hasnt had anything but oil-changes somewhat regularily. she recently crashed it into a ditch hard enough to hit the other side before anything else. replacement of plastic parts and that damn thing runs great. i could have wheeled it out but one of the tires came off the bead when it hit lol

if a motor can survive my mother plus a good collision, its a good motor.

i also have the v6 in my 08 taco, 80,000 on it, runs great. my bro has the v6 in his 05 taco,
45,000 severly abused, runs great

coming from a former 22re owner, the 4.0 is plenty powerful. and i say that with experience with all three trannies offered behind it.

mpfjax

I have a 2003 V8 2WD with 209,000 miles and it still runs great. As for maintenance, I have changed the oil and transmission fluid regularly and I have done the timing belt/water pump twice. Also I have serviced the radiator and rear differential regularly. The brakes have been completely redone twice and this last time I had to change the front calipers. Recently I had to change the front hub bearings (maybe related to the heat from the calipers). It still rides tight and runs like new. Gas mileage is 15-19 depending on conditions.
The V6 gets better gas mileage, but does not pull a boat or trailer as well. Also the motor sounds louder in front of the dash if that makes since.