SoCal BS Thread

Dezert4Runner

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Thinking about finally retiring my 400k 3rd gen from DD status. Looking at 4th Gen V8 or 1st gen GX460, but just can’t get over how ugly the GX is. I’d get a 2nd gen 4dr Taco but along with current prices and not particularly liking the styling compared to a 1st or 3rd gen Taco, I think the 4Runner is the prime candidate. Anyone have any input on the 05+ VVT-I V8 4WD T4R? I’d be looking at something stock that’s clean with reasonable (under 200k) miles for $12-15k.
 

4runner DOA

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Thinking about finally retiring my 400k 3rd gen from DD status. Looking at 4th Gen V8 or 1st gen GX460, but just can’t get over how ugly the GX is. I’d get a 2nd gen 4dr Taco but along with current prices and not particularly liking the styling compared to a 1st or 3rd gen Taco, I think the 4Runner is the prime candidate. Anyone have any input on the 05+ VVT-I V8 4WD T4R? I’d be looking at something stock that’s clean with reasonable (under 200k) miles for $12-15k.

V6 would be better on a 4th gen unless you plan on towing. That full time AWD hits into the mpg some. Otherwise just make sure the timing belt was changed regularly.
 

Dezert4Runner

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V6 would be better on a 4th gen unless you plan on towing. That full time AWD hits into the mpg some. Otherwise just make sure the timing belt was changed regularly.
My commute is relatively short so the mpg isn’t the biggest concern. Just tired of driving a slug every day with the 3.4. I’ll have to drive a 4.0 first to see if it’ll suffice.

I like some of the mid gen upgrades like tail lights and the rounded fender openings, so I think I’ve narrowed it down to a 06-09. I know that skips the early year models V6 head gasket issues, so maybe a V6 in the 06-09 year ranges will work. I never see 09’s show up in searches either, oddly enough.
 

4runner DOA

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My commute is relatively short so the mpg isn’t the biggest concern. Just tired of driving a slug every day with the 3.4. I’ll have to drive a 4.0 first to see if it’ll suffice.

I like some of the mid gen upgrades like tail lights and the rounded fender openings, so I think I’ve narrowed it down to a 06-09. I know that skips the early year models V6 head gasket issues, so maybe a V6 in the 06-09 year ranges will work. I never see 09’s show up in searches either, oddly enough.

Don't think they made too many 09s honestly. If you wanna drive a 4.0, you're welcome to come by and try the Tacoma although it's a bit lighter than the 4runner. Stock for stock they're pretty close though, plenty of power.
 
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My commute is relatively short so the mpg isn’t the biggest concern. Just tired of driving a slug every day with the 3.4. I’ll have to drive a 4.0 first to see if it’ll suffice.

I like some of the mid gen upgrades like tail lights and the rounded fender openings, so I think I’ve narrowed it down to a 06-09. I know that skips the early year models V6 head gasket issues, so maybe a V6 in the 06-09 year ranges will work. I never see 09’s show up in searches either, oddly enough.
I have an 05 with the 4.7. On 35’s and put in 4.88’s a few months ago. I’m getting 12.5-13mpg (according to my scangauge). My commute is 26mi one way on the freeway I try to keep it around 75mph/2500rpm.

Like DOA said biggest issue is timing belt. Super easy to change just a ton of shit needs to come off. Also be aware of the secondary air injection pump. I think they kind of fixed the problem on the newer 4.7’s.
 

4runner DOA

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I have an 05 with the 4.7. On 35’s and put in 4.88’s a few months ago. I’m getting 12.5-13mpg (according to my scangauge). My commute is 26mi one way on the freeway I try to keep it around 75mph/2500rpm.

Like DOA said biggest issue is timing belt. Super easy to change just a ton of shit needs to come off. Also be aware of the secondary air injection pump. I think they kind of fixed the problem on the newer 4.7’s.

In stock form I was seeing 17-20 with the 4.0, still roughly what I see with the Tacoma on 32s. I'm getting 12-14 with the 4.0 in the runner on 35s, 4.88s, and full armor. You probably get uphill a bit easier than me, but otherwise it sounds pretty similar.
 

4runner DOA

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It's not that bad. The dry heat is a lot more doable. Been cool at nights. Getting ready for the desert still. Doubt I'm doing too many trips with $6 gas.

It's far more humid this time around, at least in Anaheim but I'm closer to the beach than you are. The nights cooling down make it bearable for sure. I'm just ready for some basic weather in the low 80s.
 

4runner DOA

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It's pretty dry out here. You must be getting a bunch of moisture from coast.

Yeah, I wake up to 75% humidity in my room at 65* when I run my window fan all night. I'm in a pool of sweat but as soon as I kick the blanket off I'm freezing. It sucks. Hah.
 
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