I've heard that the rear wind deflector helps keep dirt/ grime from collecting on the back of the 4Runner, but I've got the OEM RWD and the back of my rig is always filthy after a good rain.

Wassup?! Is it only for looks? Is there a better aftermarket RWD?

I'm thinking about taking it off to see if there is a difference.

thanks,
4Runna

 

If you take it off it will get dirtier than is does now. That has been proven.

 

Yea, it is beneficial, but to a limited extent. Down side is that it also causes more drag, reducing your gas mileage - though I'm not sure how significantly.

 

Anyone know where to get a deflector for a 1st gen? A nice one, not one of those one-size-fits-none strips of aluminum. Thanks.

 

I heard it keeps the exhaust fumes to minimal too (with the back window open while driving).

 

I think the one on my new sport works pretty well, especially coupled with the funky water-shedding glass. It gets dirty but not even close to as dirty as the back of my Montero (with no spoiler) used to get.

 

I have toyed with the idea of adding something like that to my campershell. My rerarward view disappears instantly when I hit wet road. I also thought about trying to put a wiper and washer on there. Maybe someday, I have too many unfinished projects going on right now.

 

Even though it looks like a big sail in the wind that is going to ruin your gas mileage I don't think that is the case at all. Any time air travels over the body of the vehicle and then rolls off the end you get turbulence. By directing the air down onto the body you get cleaner glass but more importantly less turbulence on the trailing edge of the vehicle. These spoilers minimize fuel loss from drag caused by turbulence.

 

The RWD works, and I think the Jaos rear spoiler might work even better. But I'm not too sure. I know for a fact that the RWD works though because my roommate's RWD-less 4Runner's rear window gets dirty a lot faster than mine, and totally gets covered with water when it rains.