Hey everyone, I've mostly been a spectator here, but I have a question.

I would quite like a new project car, something more street-biased and fun than my 4runner, but before I go buy a non-running car, I want to learn how to tow.

1) Does my truck have enough power to tow a car maybe about the size and weight of, say, an E30 or Corolla SR5? I have a 98 4runner 4x2 Auto with the 2.7

(yes, I know it is the weakest of the 4runners, but I was cross-shopping 2nd gen 4x4s and just liked this one much more)

2) I would probably be towing with a two-wheel dolly, for ease of storing it when not towing. Will my brakes and transmission need to be beefed up beforehand? And if so, how much so?

Any input or personal experiences from you guys would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

I have the 22re and i tow logs on a 4ft by 8ft trailer and i have towed my 4wheeler 2 dirt bikes on the trailer and 1 in the bed of my truck. Yes it is a strain on the 4 cyl but it gets the job dun. In my opinion you can haul tow what ever you want find you 4runners capablities and go with it and have fun. And far as brakes go hit them way b4 you normally would. Thats my opinion on the subject and im sure there somepeople that wouldnt strain there trucks/4runners but i got a toyota for a reason they can take one heck of a beating and keep on ticking

 

I wouldn't imagine you could tow much of anything with the 3RZ. I've got the 5VZ and a two place snow machine trailer with one ATV on it, have to use fourth gear on the highway at 65. Forget about fifth gear. And if you live in the hills like me, good luck. Don't get me wrong, love the 3RZ and 5VZ, but ive got my Ford to tow with :-).

 

Sure! Why not!!!


Pfffffttt.



I towed this from San Antonio to San Diego with no issues.
Yaris, 2200. Trailer, ~2000. Truck full of stuff, car full of stuff, we'll say we were pushing 5K.


Truck is a 99 2.7, 5 speed, 2WD.
It stopped okay with liberal engine braking.

 

Well Scuba I stand corrected. Your 2.7L apparently owns my 3.4L.

 

You shouldnt ever be using overdrive when towing anyway (autos or manuals)

 

Done it for 10 years on flat ground never had a problem.

 

What gears do you have? I can tow fine w/4.56's.

 

[quote=los danarito;51684784]

I would quite like a new project car, something more street-biased and fun than my 4runner



More fun then your 4runner..... is there such a thing?!?!?! are you MADD!!!!?!?!?!?!?!? lol

 

It would be much easier with a manual trans, but stopping is the biggest concern whenever i tow anything with my 3RZ. Stock brake setup isn't setup to stop more than the vehicle.

It can be done, watch your temps and following distance, and have lots of patience...

 

It can be done, watch your temps and following distance, and have lots of patience...[/quote]
x2 on that

 

my dad use to use both my tacoma and my pickup to tow some of our farm equiptment. i've towed our Baler (piece of farm equiptment) with my 3RZ tacoma with 4:10's and my 94 22RE 2wd pickup with 3:42's. both trucks are 5 speeds and the baler weighs close to 3,300 lbs.

 

If you are in Cali, you should be fine. But if you go east all the guys with diesel F350s hauling a utility ladder around would laugh you off the road.

 

As some people say toyota's are bullet proof and super tough but what you need to know is they are not IDIOT proof and will die on you if you abuse it.

I learned the hard way, when you tow with an AUTO trans (regardless of engine size but more so when you have a smaller engine) you should invest in an auto trans cooler. You will be putting more stress on your transmission and you should protect it.

When towing you should drive slow, brake early and practice backing up in an area that's wide open and has nothing to run into. Also make sure your tire pressure is good all the way around especially in the back. You don't want your rear tires too soft and squishy.