Things That Surprise First Time V8 4runner Owners 

What gas do you run in your 4runner?

87 octane in my 2005 for 3 years no problem.

Wife and I both had v8’s. 04 and 05. I traded mine in two years ago with 296k for a new runner. Traded her 04 in a few years back as well. I reflect back and wish I kept both lol. Such solid vehicles those v8’s. I still look online locally here in nc for potential used ones. There is one up in Jersey I saw recently online that’s for sale. An 04 with 12k miles on it which is absolutely nuts. There selling it for 33k. Great vehicles

Bought the bypass kit you recommended last year. Haven’t had an issue since! Keep up the awesome content!

Take off the manfolds and weld them on the inside where the flange meets the tubes. Fixed for life. But headers give good bump in power, especially long tube from dirtydeeds. 2uz can run on 87 octane but can can take advantage of higher octane by advancing timing.

I’m amazed at how well my 05 Sport V8 4WD drives.

Great video as always

One failure point I think that’s worth a mention is the fan clutch bracket bearing. They are notorious for seizing up causing the serpentine belt to burn up and snap Literally just happened to my 04 limited 2 weeks ago after 267k miles So when you do a timing belt water pump service make sure you replace the fan clutch bracket as well cause they updated the part with a sturdier bearing

I see MPG is all over the place depending on many things in 4Runner forums / groups. When I lasted tested my 5th gen 4Runner Limited with fulltime 4wd with same 285/70R17 tires it gave 21mpg on a short 50mile drive. I use 87oct too and my 4Runner is almost stock expect tires weighing at 5060lbs (3rd row model). City mpg test is not possible as we spend lot of time in the school lane, lot of stand still time with engine running. As for the spare tire 5th gen 4Runners do fit 285/70R17 in spare tire location.

Now I know more about it. Thank you :D

I put 20k into my 2006 v8 4 runner in the last 3 years 😅 all I have left is Doug thorley headers, borla exhaust, and a roof tent/awning. As far as the intake issues I had to get my top end rebuilt because of recalled manifold parts. It was over 3k. Also my center diff lock locked up. This is also a “common” issue if you do not regularly exercise the system. That was also over 3 grand to fix lol.

Love my 2004 4runner. 239,000 mi still going strong. I just did a "major" repair. I replaced the gas cap! Lol

Mine has the Frame Mounted Hitch it's a US 07 sport 4x4 4.7L

In my 06 2uz 4runner the throttle response is slightly sharper with 91 octane but it's hard to notice. I got 14.7 on my last tank full in normal commuting (95% city driving)

My manifolds aren’t cracked, but they are incredibly warped from overheating. I’ve fixed the overheating issue but I gotta get some of those headers😅

If you don’t mind the gas mileage to 4.7 is one of the best engines ever although it is known to have the manifold exhaust rot, which is tricky and expensive to replace. Also the starters like back behind the motor in a weird spot.

One year ownership on my V8 4Runner, need to do the bypass on the secondary air injection system. Get 11/15 mpg but luckily work is close.

We get 19 mpg in our 03 v8, nearly all highway between 55 and 75 mph. Stock tire size and suspension as far as I know

Where to see details about suspension and lifts? I have ARB heavy bumper and Bilstein 5100 unknown springs and dont like how it drives over small obstacles when have rolling speed.

I've owned 8 Toyotas and never ran premium. I did have a huge problem in my first tundra where the headlight bulb went out at just under 300,000 miles so that sucked, I had to buy a $6 bulb at AutoZone. I did make it home on one headlight so it had that going for it.

FWIK the V8 came with a "towing package" add-on. If the purchaser opted for it then you got the frame mount, if not then its the regular bumper mount.

05’. Constant EVAP codes while on 87. Installed a ScanGaugeII to delete it every time. Went back to 93, no more codes for 20k miles. I’m clueless but it’s what happened.

Just encountered the hatch defroster rear window exploding issue. Fun Times

The ‘03 had the less capable trailer hitch but they changed that in ‘04 or ‘05. My ‘03 routinely got 18-20mpg combined on stock tires and wheels. The ‘06 VVT got a bump in horse power but the torque numbers went down if I remember correctly.

I have a 2005 and it is great.

Thanks for this video! I appreciate it! I'm looking to run the MR2 & 4runner combo too. My original owner 2008 RAV4 Limited V6 is at 397,000km, and I've been "ogling" at V8 4runner's for almost a year now. Working from home since pandemic (or I'd be at around 480,000km on RAV4), so I can live with that mpg of the 2UZ. I love the look of the 4th gen, and regret not buying one in 2008. I just hate the thought of spending $20k+ on a 4runner that's as old as my RAV4. 😬 I think the determining factor for me is gonna be seeing what the 6th gen 4runner looks like (I expect that the interior will look great - I like the new Taco & LandCruiser interior - but don't have confidence in the exterior looking as good as the 4th gen).

Can the check engine light or any of the lights cause the 4WD system to be disabled ? Is that possible on a V8?

I believe they are full time 4WD because that’s how the Lexus GX’s come and the frame/underpinnings between the V8 4runner and GX470 are identical. There maybe more to it but that is my understanding.

i need your advice, I don't tow, pull or do off-road and I was thinking of lowering the truck a bit instead. I like a comfy drive with a little kick, i barely drive in the city and i love and do long trips like from Montreal to NYC, etc. So should it be 6 or 8 ? thanks

Also no manual transfer case on the 4th gen with a V8 but on a fifth gen you can get a manual transfer case

I have a 99 4Runner what gas should I run for it and should I flush the fuel system or I’m I good

it would be cool to do a 3rd gen vs 4th gen vid.

Did you ever install the block off plates with the Air injection deactivation kit.

Where were you able to find the Doug Thorley Headers? I have had trouble finding them. Love the V8 though. Best engine for a 4Runner!

its awd with hi lo transfer case and center diff lock with a viscous coupling

Just wanted to let you know that there is such thing as a 2WD V8 but they are extremely rare. I’m from CT so I have a 4WD V8 but when I went to visit family out in Phoenix, AZ, one of their neighbors who talked to because I saw had a really clean V8 4th gen. It actually turned out to be a 2WD. They said they special ordered it from the factory exactly like that when it was brand new. They didn’t need 4WD since they live in Phoenix.

03 here with a transmissions dip stick lol. On 285's at 12MPG! Overland magnaflow cat back exhaust, at 188,000 miles, I feel like if the headers are going to crack it would already have happened. Speaking of dip sticks, what was your experience with installing your headers? Ive seen people have to heavily modify their dipstick route so drastically they have to actually get a longer one.

Did you ever have balancing issues with the bigger tires?

I’m buying a 2005 V8 from a friend, and it’s in great shape other than an intermittent ticking noise that he couldn’t get the car to make while we were checking it out. He doesn’t think it’s the manifolds, says it’ll come up randomly, not really with weather changes. The only other thing we can think of is valve tapping, so we’re having the mechanic check the valves. Anything else that might be causing a ticking noise besides the manifolds? Thanks!

03 4.7 with 195xxx picked it up off a fire fighter fir 4200 cash when it had 160xxx. Sild my 2nd gen the next day for 2400 bucks had 297k owned it since high school

it a 4runner but gx460 owner. i have the frame mounted hitch but the sticker says you need a weight distribution device if you want to tow the max amount. think its 6500 lb. i’ve towed around 4000 and there is no way i’ll feel comfortable towing over 50% more than what i have already experienced.

I have the 2006 Toyota 4Runner V8 Sport Edition. I moved and shipped it to Costa Rica. It currently has 42,000 original miles. I still enjoying drive my truck, and it's design. I use regular gas, because gas in Costa Rica is about $5.00 per gallon. I get about 15 miles to the gallon on average. I don't care very much for the newer 4Runner designs, they look to boxy, and not as sporty. And, the prices have skyrocketed.

Ty

Hey I have a 2wd 2005 v8 4Runner sport edition with 137,xxx miles but I can’t find much information on it online.

I have 208000 on original plugs and 87 octane since ive owned it. Bought it at 127000

255/75/18 is a hard tire size to find in the states. i wonder if 255/80/17 would fit for a spare?

Anybody else had replaced their LCA (lower control arms) yet? I just got back from my usual 5k maintenance/oil change, inspection stuff (I have 178,673 miles on 4th gen) and mechanic recommends I should replace the LCA cuz it's leaking and 'thinks' the ball joint is non-greasable anymore unless they fully inspect it, but they're confident it needs replaement since it's really old. I told them in a few months I'll come back and call them (my 4runner isn't my daily). Unsure if I should go for OEM or aftermarket though. I have a 1-yeard old 3-inch lift for mine and also a 1-year old after market UCA

Just ordered My Sherpa Rack And Side window Pannels and Roto Pax Mounts and gas and water

Did our timming belt on our 03 v8 at 200000 kms it was around $1500 at the dealer belt was about ready to blow but it was 20 years old 😂😂

my 05 v8 4runner has that tick with an obd code p0430 so im sure my exhaust manifold is cracked or my cat is shit. other than that maybe my o2 sensor?

There was a TSB on the rear driveshaft for 4th gen 4rs (causes the clunking issue).. it was covered under warranty by dealer until 10 or so years ago

Thankyou for sharing! In the market for my first Toyota product, I want a used v8 4th gen 4runner. Something that will tread snow and go offroad no problem.

I'm running 315/70R17s.... 18L/100km

The 4.7l v8 4runners have no 2wd and there AWD because of the torque and Power availability to make them safer on wet roads and Awd system is Stronger

87! It’s still so expensive lol

did you maybe think of selling the 4runner?

V8 4Runner is. GX470 which is a Land Cruiser in other countries less gadgets less weight better wind dynamics so it will get better mpg

Do you prefer the 03-04 V8 or the 05+ V8?

15 mpg highway on long road trips, completely stock. City's like 9-10.

A vehicle rated for "UP TO" 7,000 pounds towing should NEVER tow that amount. Engineers will tell you to subtract 30% of the maximum for safe and reliable towing that will not put undue stress on the vehicle. Therefore, a vehicle rated for 7,000 should only be towing 5,000 pounds.

I can tell you from personal ownership of a 2007 4 runner with the 4.0 liter v6 I can without trying to totally roast my rear tires. But sense I have BFG at ko2's on my runner I'm not putting my foot down too hard at all to roast my rear tires.

As far as I understand the VVTi V8 IS an interference engine if the timing belt breaks. The non VVTi (early version) isn't interference. But always use the ORIGINAL Toyota belt (mitsuboshi)...yes its spelled correctly. DO NOT use 3rd party belts including Gates. Something about toyota belts just last loooong past the life span. There is an AISIN timing belt kit on Amazon that has the OEM parts with the belt, water pump and so on. Same manufacturer as/for toyota.

Can you swap a 2wd to a 4wd?

I looked at my V8 4Runner tow hitch and no, I'm not towing anything with it. The hitch on my little red wagon looks better.

You said they don't make a 2WD 4Runner, but I have a 2006 V8 RWD.

The full time 4wd V8 is because it shares driveline components with the GX470.

Lol every time electric car enthustists brag about how much money they save on gas. I had to hold my breath pretend im invisible. Yea every grade 94 full pump is $100 But there is not a single seconds that I regret and know deeply i will hold on to my 4th gen 4runner till the day i die. I literally celebrate her birthday like a milestone every year. Yep she is a healthy 21 this year. Couldnt be more proud 🎉

Wow only 15mpg I get 21mpg to 19mpg every week

Your reasoning for why the V-8 do not have 2wd selection is a little off because they do have 2wd V8s. the reason you can’t put a four-wheel-drive. V8 into H2 is because there is no room for an ADD diff under the front of the V8. Also the pre facelift V6 have frame mount rear hitches

Anyone else have a horrible smell when the punch it, or when they are going up hill? What could it be?

I run mid grade

Found a 05 v8 4runner for $4,500, the kicker is its only 183,000mi. This channel will serve me greatly thank you :)

That's really bad mpg. Doesn't seem like a good value to me if you shop around at all

The v8 in 4Runner is tuned for 87. The same engine in GX 470 is tuned for supreme and you are asking for trouble if you run 87. One more reason why 4Runner is better than GX.

Thank you I have short Doug thorley headers and mechanics that installed where a piece of shit 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

I get 12mpg 😂

RUN 87--- and every 5 years or so run a tank of gas through with some of Dad's MOONSHINE in it.. (it will burn blue by itself- and it will CLEAN any carbon inside and remove it totally)...(I've overhauled engines that had this run through it- and they are ALWAYS clean as brand new.. :)

Old heads will die on the hill that v8 engines are superior. Turbo charges v6 engines make more power, better on gas, and are cheaper. Same as how electric cars are superior to ice in every way.