Just Bought a 4runner.

YamiSmurf

YamiSmurf

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Joined
Jan 31, 2004
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373
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54
Location
Mishawaka, IN
I apologize upfront for this topic not being Yamaha related, but it is Japanese related.

We're excited to be the proud owners of a gently used 03 4runner Limited-v8.
I realize it's not a sled, and I definately need one, but we can use the truck year around rather than a couple of weeks per year. Honestly, I was saving for a new sled next year. But with the weather patterns the last few years, we've elected to purchase a new used truck.

With that being said, if anyone's interested in an inexpensive 98 Ford Explorer XLT shoot me a pm. Located in SW Michigan.

YS
 
congrats! great truck. thats exactly what i would have bought if i didnt have plans for a bigger enclosed trailer. instead i got an 06 tundra double cab 4x4. i love that 4.7 v8!
 
Oh But this is a Yamaha related topic as Toyota owns a large % of Yamaha!!! 35+ ?

If this is your first toyota be prepared to feel grossly inadequate as a mechanic as there is very ;)! little that goes wrong with these vehicles!!!
 
Nice choice... make sure you get the exhaust TSB done to it if it hasn't already. The new 4runner has had some serious problems with sulfur odor leaking into the cabin. I guess some can be fixed others can't.
 
Congrats and good choice. I have an 04 v8 runner and i love it. Im sure you will be happy compared to your old exploder.

A good forum for the 4th gen. 4runners is www.t4r.org Tons of info on the TSB ajviper mentioned, and anything else you could want to know.
 
Thanks for the compliments everyone. We are extremely excited and you're right MTNMAX there's no comparison between the explorer and 4runner.

It's Toyota certified, would that mean this TSB test has been performed?

I was also told that Yamaha builds the V8 engine. Is this true?

YS
 
We test drove the 4runner 80 to 100 miles and only could smell sulphar when the rear window was cracked. If the rear window was all the way down, we couldn't smell any sulphar. So is this odor problem when the truck is all closed up, or when windows are down in different combinations?

YS
 
Usually when the window is down. If it isnt a bother to you then dont worry about it. Mine never had that problem.
 
I have 97 nissan pathfinder and in over 5 years I have replaced brakes 3 times, front struts, rear shocks ,front swaybar end links, and speedo senser. That it! Change the oil myself and keep the K+n filter clean. Will never buy anything but. Great choice! I love my mustang but the Japanese know their shhhhhhhhh! Very reliable vehical. Reminds me of my sled!
 
YamiSmurf said:
We test drove the 4runner 80 to 100 miles and only could smell sulphar when the rear window was cracked. If the rear window was all the way down, we couldn't smell any sulphar. So is this odor problem when the truck is all closed up, or when windows are down in different combinations?

YS
Click to expand...


When any of the front windows(driver/passenger) are open or just cracked. It's not ast noticeable when shut, but it still might be noticeable. A friend of mine has one and you could sometimes smell it with all of the windows closed, and it was pretty bad with the windows open.

The rear window down would obviously do it regardless of the vehicle.
 
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4Runners are nice. Ive owned an '85 SR5 with over 243,000 miles on it and a '91 SR5 V6 with over 120,000 one it and loved both of them. You arent kidding when you say an Explorer cant hold a candle to a 4Runner.
You arent kidding about the dependability of Japanese vehicles vs American ones. In the past 8 years I spent more timing fixing the Fords Ive owned than I ever fixed the Toyotas Ive owned (and they Toyotas have at least twice as many miles on them as the Fords had).
As to the sulpher issue, you might find that it goes away if you try different brands of gas.
If you want some good info about Toyotas, try www.toyotanation.com or www.yotatech.com (yotatech is mostly an off-road Toyota type forum).
 
Cap. Toyota, I also read an article/forum about changing gasoline could help with the smell. I have a buddy that's a wholesaler/distributor of both gas and diesel fuels. It's rather funny when you roll into a Shell station with the Power V gas and a mom and pop store with no specialty fuel, because he delivers to both and the fuel is exactly the same. He'll deliver to two customers from the same tanker load and the fuel comes from the exact same semi truck tank, from the exact same distribution center. I would have to find a station that receives it's fuel from a different distribition center. At least that's the way I understand it. I may be speaking out of line as it's not my profession, but that's what I've been told.

YS
 
Try maybe switching to Mobil/Esso or a Citgo. Maybe even try Kwik Trip. I know that Toyota specifies Kwik Trip "Top Tier" gas in their '05 and newer vehicles.
 
Cap'n, I may give Citgo a try, but would run out of gas and walk before I'd buy fuel/oil from Mobil. I'm definately stubborn while remembering the Exxon Valdez tragedy with their drunken skipper.

Thanks for the info. We have alot to learn about our 4runner, but look forward to it's longevity and durability.

YS
 
LOL...Fair enough. Ive had good luck with Mobil fuel and oil products (use Mobil gas and Mobil Clean 5000 oil in my truck).
As for learning, check out those forums I mentioned. Im on both and they are great forums.
 
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