Hey guys, I am a new owner of a 2004 Toyota 4Runner. Here are some specs on it.
- SR5 Sport Edition
- 4.7 V8
- 37,000 miles (It’s a Florida SUV, but I live in Manitoba, Canada)
- Tow Package
- The typical options that comes with the SR5 package
- Not to sure, but I think it has the XREARS

I do have a few questions though.

1) Why (with the V8 motor) do you only have 4wd all the time? I would like the option of running it in 2WD, but I guess I should have bought the V6!

2) Which gas should I run in it? 87 or 91. Would I notice a difference with the 91 (ie: better performance or mileage)

3) To get where I live, I have to drive down about 200 miles of gravel road. It can be pretty rough at times, and my typical speeds vary from about 50mph-75mph. Should I have my center diff locked or unlocked?

4) Is there any sites or info for any TSB’s for the 2004’s?

5) How reliable are the 04’s with the V8? Is there anything I should look for, or pay close attention to?

My other truck is a 99 Ram (318, 5 speed, leather, 6” lift, 35’s, one ton axles, flares, Line-X in the box, and on the rockers) It’s a work in progress.

I am a first time Toyota owner. I’ve heard good things though Hopefully you can answer a few of those questions for me! Any other tips, advice, mods, etc, I would appreciate it! I am reading the forums, so I am trying to gather as much info as possible. Thanks for your time guys!

 

Welcome here, and congrats on a great buy. I owned a similar V-8 Limited and loved it. I'll try to answer some of your questions (X-REAS is standard equipment for the Sport model):

1) Yep, full-time only with the V-8. You'll grow to love it, more stable and always there for you in any conditions.

2) Some say 91+ will give more power and better economy. I don't know, always ran 92. I think it'll run fine with 88 though. Try it and listen for knock (it has knock sensors that help at the expense of power and economy).

3) 200 miles of gravel? Where are you again? Leave it unlocked. The Torsen will instantly transfer torque where needed and VSC/TRAC will take care of the rest unless the tires are shot.

4) Alldata.com. It used to be free. Otherwise, the dealer has the book on the shelf. No recalls I'm aware of other than early production rear air suspension locator pins.

5) The 2UZ iron block V-8 is famous for reliability. It also responds well to synthetic, returning slightly better economy. Nothing much to note except to change all the filters and lubricants on schedule while under warranty, synthetic or not. I don't recall, but your tranny may be sealed for life. If you can't find a dipstick, it is. Save receipts if you're a DIY owner.

They're phenomenal SUV's built on a modified Land Cruiser Prado frame.

The only caution I can think of is to not go into corners too hot. The X-REAS is so effective at controlling roll that you'll soon start thinking it handles like a sports car. With any kind of off-road tire you could encounter oversteer that overcomes the best efforts of VSC. Pretty exciting to have something that big getting tail-happy unexpectedly.

Otherwise, have fun and enjoy, the V-8 Sport models are special.

 

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Thanks for the response BT17R and Sharp4runr, thats pretty much what I was hoping to hear. I live in Gillam, Manitoba. If you are familiar with Manitoba, its pretty close to Churchill. (1100 km's North of Winnipeg)

I'll be running full synthetic in it (5W30 during the winter, 10W30 during the summer) As far as the octange goes, i'll run both and see what the difference is.

I'm sure I'll have a few more questions as time goes on!

here's where I live
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&hl=en...=UTF8&z=5&om=1

 

yea, what everyone else has said.

 

I would check the vehicle history. that gap between the driver side fender and the bumper looks a little on the large side. may have been in a front end collision.

 

I had the dealership fix the issue with the front bumper. It looks like it might have been in a front fender bender at one point, but the car fax history shows nothing. Its all good now though, and the bumper is straight.

Couple more questions:

How tough (durable) is the front suspension? I know its IFS, but does it hold up pretty well when the road gets rough time after time?

And is there any way of disabling the skid control and the traction control? You cant have any fun with it!! Every time you get the 4Runner sideways or want to spin the tires, the computer says no!