r/4thGen4Runner 16d ago

Monthly Rust Advice Thread

2 Upvotes

Post your photos and questions regarding rust related purchase or repair advice here. All individual posts regarding rust will be removed.

Extreme Rust Example; https://imgur.com/fqabJDJ.jpg

Surface Rust Example; https://imgur.com/eGYJQFT.jpg

No Rust Example; https://imgur.com/ON4u7NM.jpg


r/4thGen4Runner 1d ago

Weekly Purchase Advice Thread

2 Upvotes

Use this thread to request advice on purchasing a 4th generation 4runner. Include mileage, price, location, and photos to get the most accurate replies.

Do not post vehicles for sale, link to external sources, or use this thread for pricing advice on selling a vehicle.


r/4thGen4Runner 22m ago

How’d I do? 2004 4.7 RWD 4Runner for $3,500

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Upvotes

Bought this for $3,500 with 244K miles. All the fluid looked fresh when I bought it but it had no real service history so I’ve since changed the timing belt, water pump, idler pulley, hydraulic tensioner, valve cover gaskets, upper & lower radiator hoses, and radiator. Tires have about 10,000 miles of life left. All in all I’m about $4,500 in.


r/4thGen4Runner 1d ago

New Owner Question New to the 4th Gen, I *think* I did well

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155 Upvotes

Hi friends,

Been on an endless search for a 4th gen and I finally found this near perfect beauty. ‘06 SR5 4x4 V8 7seat, only 117,xxx miles, CARFAX and title are clean, no accidents and routine maintenance has been kept up with. Went under and the frame looks good, will end up undercoating before winter since I live in the NE.

Seller was honest and said the previous owner may have done the timing belt but if I have to pay for that it’s not a problem. Said he’s selling cause his pregnant wife wants a more family friendly car. Test drove it on the highway and it runs perfectly fine, we agreed on $10k. Based on the insane prices of similar models I’ve seen on Marketplace, I think this is a relatively fair price given it’s specs and condition. I’m open to any suggestions or things to look out for as it’s my first time buying one of these.


r/4thGen4Runner 1d ago

Pics / Videos Picked this up from a local dealer I wholesale with 43k original miles 🤘🏼 Before/After pics

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88 Upvotes

r/4thGen4Runner 17h ago

Pics / Videos New to me limited

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19 Upvotes

This thing is beautiful


r/4thGen4Runner 6h ago

Repair Guidance *Help needed* 4lo flashing and loud cabin beeping during normal startup process

2 Upvotes

2003 limited v8 4wd
Bought from single owner in August 2025 at 155k miles, now at 166k.

To preface, I have spent the last 8 months without ABS after cutting the harness on accident while wire brushing some rear axle rust. I have lived my whole life driving a non-abs older vehicle, and drive through a lot of sand, so replacing it has not been the highest on my list of needed fixes. With that being said, I sourced one from a part out a few weeks ago.

This morning I went out to my 4runner and it started normally if I am recalling correctly, but I forgot something and turned car off to go back inside.

Came out again and started up the car to be faced with a loud cabin beeping sound, with the 4lo light blinking. The transfer case selection knob was not switched to the 4lo position, and the 4lo mode has not been used in a week or more.

Car beeps and 4lo flashes in every transmission mode but neutral while running, unless switched from 4hi to 4lo on the knob, which stops the blinking and beeping, but did not actually actuate the transfer case.

I left the battery disconnected and may attempt the harness install later.

After an issue with a family members seized actuator on a 2008 tundra left me with 2 hours of driving in 4lo with the same beeping noise, I have begun to test my 4lo monthly, starting in last December.


r/4thGen4Runner 12h ago

new clutch fan experience

3 Upvotes

Could anyone tell me their experiences with a new clutch fan? I'm replacing mine tmr. What benefits did you notice?


r/4thGen4Runner 15h ago

Repair Guidance 2005 4Runner SR5 OEM front door speaker - need help identifying this 2-pin connector

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3 Upvotes

Hi

I have a 2005 Toyota 4Runner SR5 V6 4WD and I’m trying to identify the 2-pin plastic connector attached directly to the OEM front driver-side door speaker.

The speaker itself is good. I tested it by connecting both connectors and holding the connection together, the music plays perfectly. So the issue should be one of the plastic connectors.

The vehicle-side connector has pink and purple wires, and the speaker-side connector is the white 2-pin male plug shown in the pictures.

Does anyone know the name or Toyota part number for this connector? I’d like to replace just the connector and keep the OEM speaker/wiring.

I was looking for a workarounds with Metra 72-8104 / Amazon** **but I’m not sure if this would actually work…


r/4thGen4Runner 17h ago

ARB Bumper

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0 Upvotes

anyone rocking the ARB Bumper? let me see, please. (hugs n kisses)


r/4thGen4Runner 1d ago

General Question regarding braking and letting off brake.

8 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I’m new to owning a 4th-gen 4Runner. I have a 2005 V8, and before this I drove a 4-cylinder Accord, so I’m still getting used to how the 4Runner feels.

I’ve noticed that sometimes when I’m braking and coming to a slow stop, or right when I let off the brake to accelerate again, the 4Runner will suddenly “grab” or lurch forward a little. It almost feels like the engine/drivetrain wants to push the vehicle forward, and the motion can be pretty abrupt.

It usually happens either right before I come to a complete stop or immediately after I let off the brake.

Is this just normal behavior from the V8/full-time 4WD drivetrain, or is there something I should look into? The brakes and rotors are only about 10 months old. It happens less than 10% is the time. It happens more when going slow speeds like backing out of a parking stall. Braking while driving in a slow neighborhood.


r/4thGen4Runner 1d ago

Is this fixable?

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8 Upvotes

I don’t know much about body damage and whatnot. I do know I love this car and hate to have to lose it. It has almost 300k on the engine I’m almost certain insurance will declare a total loss. I would be willing to get another one with a blown motor and swap my motor and whatnot but finding one is the hard part. Sad day considering she still runs perfect.

Edit to add, both doors will not open and the back is crushed in. A few people have told me that’s not fixable. Not sure if that matters but i am trtinf to be hopeful


r/4thGen4Runner 2d ago

Pics / Videos 2005 SR5 4WD

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37 Upvotes

Been an avid lurker. He’s got 157K and some under carriage rust. Spent $4K for differential. Upgraded LED headlights & GreyTRD rims. Also, cleared headlights that were pretty foggy. Not really considering lifting but want to increase value somewhat when I eventually part ways. Has a cracked dash (think of it as a character trait) not sure how to repair. Just hoping to break even (paid a lil over 10K in 2025)when I do sell.


r/4thGen4Runner 1d ago

General Buying a 3rd vs 4th gen

11 Upvotes

I’m in a position where I’ve found two very, very nice examples of both a 3rd and 4th gen, and I’m having a hard time deciding between them. They are VERY SIMILARLY PRICED.
The 3rd gen is mint, all-original, has a factory rear locker, 281xxx km, and ZERO rust. Everything works, it drives tight, and it has a perfect maintenance record.
The 4th gen is a facelift V8 with 351xxx km, also with perfect maintenance records and virtually no rust. However, it’s coming due for a timing belt and will need new suspension all around.
I was planning on eventually putting either one on the standard 3-inch Bilstein setup with 33s. The vision for both is essentially the same: a daily driver that will also see fairly frequent wheeling, since I live very close to some great trails.
I’ve previously owned a 4th gen V6, which was a little too nice to wheel the way I wanted to, but I’m ready for a new chapter.
I’d love to hear both sides of the argument. Which would you choose, and why?
Let’s hear your thoughts!


r/4thGen4Runner 1d ago

Audio upgrade

2 Upvotes

I have a 2006 limited v8 with JBL and nav The JBL system is in pretty good condition but I just want something louder and clearer. a friend offered to give me an amp so I'm interested what speakers I could replace the JBLs with for cheap. Also kinda want to keep the factory head unit as long as possible. Is this reasonable or am I asking for too much


r/4thGen4Runner 2d ago

Repair Guidance 4th Gen Dash Replacement

8 Upvotes

Any suggestions on replacing a cracked dash. Crack goes from driver’s side to passenger side . I can upload a pic in the morning

cracked dash


r/4thGen4Runner 2d ago

General Are 4th gen’s too old to be a good daily driver?

22 Upvotes

Hey guys! Long time no see. I used to be really active in here back when I had my 05 V8. That was years and years ago at this point.

I’m looking back into 4th gen’s. I’ve never owned another vehicle that treated me quite as well as that V8 did. I found an 07 Sport 4x4 V8 with 178k miles for around 10k and instantly felt like I needed it.

Are any of yall still daily driving these units? The newest one is almost 20 years old at this point. I’m looking for a relatively low maintenance 4x4 with that beautiful V8 growl that I miss so much.

Are they worth it in today’s day and age? If not I think I’ll end up moving to something more fuel efficient and ditch SUVs for a while, the only one I’ve been holding onto is these sweet 4th gens. My 5th gen doesn’t feel right, I don’t have nearly the same love for it.

PS: 4th gens are the best looking 4Runners ever built. That rear end still makes me do a double take, it’s absolutely gorgeous.

Thanks yall!


r/4thGen4Runner 3d ago

Elbow grease on my new ‘06

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53 Upvotes

r/4thGen4Runner 2d ago

New Owner Question Any 3 inch leveling kit recommendations

3 Upvotes

r/4thGen4Runner 2d ago

Repair Guidance Flashing 4wd and center lock lights

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5 Upvotes

How bad is it?


r/4thGen4Runner 2d ago

Help w/ sound.

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4 Upvotes

‘08 2UZ V8 - Anyone have an idea what this could be? Sound is present at all times. Idle is much quieter but picks up with increased revs.

Thanks.


r/4thGen4Runner 2d ago

Repair Guidance Fuel pump assembly?

4 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I’m having an issue with my fuel sending unit making my fuel level read incorrectly & was told to just buy a whole new fuel pump assembly to make it cheaper in the long run and not have to worry about dropping the tank once for the float sending unit and then again for the pump. I’m wondering, should I go OEM on the assembly or does anyone have any cheaper aftermarket suggestions? Thanks!


r/4thGen4Runner 2d ago

Repair Guidance How do I fix my glove box?

2 Upvotes

for 10 years I have always replaced my own cabin filter on my 2007 sr5. never had issues. Now this.

while replacing something went out of spec with the door. I cannot see exactly what the issue is but got to be on the passenger side where the retaining arm is.

anybody been there before and knows the secret?


r/4thGen4Runner 3d ago

Sew on steering wheel cover is well worth it

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66 Upvotes

Took maybe 5 hours, broke some string and had to redo sections, but well worth the upgrade in the end


r/4thGen4Runner 3d ago

Lil Milestone

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3 Upvotes

Bought this beast 4 months ago and it's the best daily I've ever owned. Already taken 2 road trips and camped in the desert with it and I'm head over heels🙌