Hunting in a 4Runner

[Poser]

My 2007 4runner is sitting at 259,400 miles. I bought it at 247,000 miles 1.5 years ago. I have no idea when it was last changed, if at all. A friend from church is a manager of a local trusted repair shop and said they won't flush the fluid for me because it's too risky with the mileage. In your opinion, is it still safe to drain and fill the transmission fluid?

IMHO, yes, a drain and fill *should* most likley be fine. I have been in your exact situation before with being at 250k and an unknown history of transmission fluid changes and have done drain and fills.

That being said, there is a school of thought that, at the mileage with an unknown history, you might consider just leaving it alone entirely and driving it until the transmission fails, but that ultimately depends on what your goal is for the longevity of the vehicle.

Have you tried pulling the CarFax history? If the transmission has been serviced at a shop that may be noted in the vehicle history. Of course, not all shops submit maintenance info to Carfax, some people DIY and "transmission service" is usually the only detail you will get if you do get any info at all. If "transmission service" was performed at a dealership, it was probably a flush. You might also take the vehicle to the shop of the mechanic you were talking to and have the maintenance condition further evaluated -how dirty if the diff/transfer case fluid, for example? If other fluids appear to have been maintained, that may lead to more confidence in making a decision.

If you want to take a deep dive, check out the The Car Nut Guy youtube channel. Its a Toyota mechanic and he has some videos on this exact subject.

 

[Poser]

Airing down to 20-25psi? how much air are you guys normally running

Stock tires? stick to the mfg recommendation for highway. 4th and 5th gens are 32 psi.
If you upsize wheels/tires, you may need to do the chalk test to determine the optimal PSI. Of course, towing could change this math as well.

 

[Poser]

I did the 6112/5100 upgrade on a 4th gen and it was a significant ride improvement. I will add, however, that one of the front 6112s started leaking inside of 2 years. That doesn't mean they all leak, obviously, but I replaced the stock suspension that had 250k on it and it had never leaked and by the time I deleted the stock Xreas suspension and installed aftermarket, it was a significant investment so that was a bit disappointing.

 

[Poser]

I’ve been 4Runner shopping for the last few weeks to replace my 4th Gen V8. Looked at some sorely neglected options, but came across some real gems as well. Here’s one of the more interesting 4Runner’s I found. -would make a great, dedicated off-road vehicle, not so much a daily driver.

 

[Poser]

Looks like a pretty good daily driver to me

I think you'd need to be a total DIYer or have all of your work done at a custom 4x4 shop. If you wanted to maintain the build going forward, you're going to looking at some expensive components. The suspension kit is 5k just in components, for example. You're looking at a build that you need to ready to drop 3-5k at any given time on a 30 year old vehicle that, given the build and the location (Moab), you know has been hammered, though presumably well maintained. In my mind, that's a hobby vehicle. For a daily, you'd need to be willing to dive in on most any troubleshooting. I'd say, that's a bold move to buy that vehcile for a daily driver, but you'd be envy of a lot of sets of eyes around town.

 

[Poser]

Not too worried about being the envy of the rubber duck crowd. And I suppose it really depends how much driving you do each day.

Anymore, I'd much rather pick up a older rig and deal with the issues as they show up, than buying something off the lot

I'm with you on that for sure, but a supercharged engine is going to potentially require some weekend time.

 

[COJoe]

MHO, yes, a drain and fill *should* most likley be fine. I have been in your exact situation before with being at 250k and an unknown history of transmission fluid changes and have done drain and fills.

That being said, there is a school of thought that, at the mileage with an unknown history, you might consider just leaving it alone entirely and driving it until the transmission fails, but that ultimately depends on what your goal is for the longevity of the vehicle.

Have you tried pulling the CarFax history? If the transmission has been serviced at a shop that may be noted in the vehicle history. Of course, not all shops submit maintenance info to Carfax, some people DIY and "transmission service" is usually the only detail you will get if you do get any info at all. If "transmission service" was performed at a dealership, it was probably a flush. You might also take the vehicle to the shop of the mechanic you were talking to and have the maintenance condition further evaluated -how dirty if the diff/transfer case fluid, for example? If other fluids appear to have been maintained, that may lead to more confidence in making a decision.

If you want to take a deep dive, check out the The Car Nut Guy youtube channel. Its a Toyota mechanic and he has some videos on this exact subject.

I appreciate the advice, especially since you have been right where I am at now. I'll check out that youtube channel also.

 

[Skerhunter]

Here is one

Shop 4Runner Mattress: Deepsleep 4Runner Foam + Air Mattress Bed

5" foam car camping mattress for ultimate comfort. Durable, weatherproof, easy setup. Solo or pair for cozy Toyota 4th and 5th gen 4Runner car camping.

deepsleepoverland.com

That’s awesome!

 

[woods89]

Here is one

Shop 4Runner Mattress: Deepsleep 4Runner Foam + Air Mattress Bed

5" foam car camping mattress for ultimate comfort. Durable, weatherproof, easy setup. Solo or pair for cozy Toyota 4th and 5th gen 4Runner car camping.

deepsleepoverland.com

I had no idea this existed. You are going to cost me money yet!

 

[orhunter85]

Just picked up a 19 4Runner trd orp. Coming from a 2500 with tons of room and suspension not made for forest service roads. Starting to get a few things on it ready to hunt next fall. Planning to leave it mostly factory, I don’t think I will lift it or anything. It currently has some cheap a/t tires that will do for now. Going to pick up a roof rack, and considering a front bumper with a winch. I have one of those huge pelican gun cases that’s basically so big I hate using it I’ll probably screw to the roof rack for storage.

Going to sleep in the back, will make some sort of platform. I’m short to so that will help.

Looking at options to carry an elk back across the country and I would also like to be able to store a few extra gallons of gas for just incase.

May get one of those armadillo fuel bags. They seem easier to store than any of the can options I’ve seen.

I’ve seen a few adds for those large cooler bags in, some reviews say they will leak on you. They seem like the easiest option.

Cargo carriers just seem like a pain going down forest service roads with. Also seems easy to have something stolen while traveling.

Also 100% will need to get something for apple car play.

Long time reader, first time poster. Figured I ought to contribute since I've gleaned a lot of useful information from Rokslide.

I am in the same boat in terms of hunting out of a 4Runner.

I previously used large "fish bag" style cooler bags for elk quarters. Just put them in the back with the seats down amongst all my other gear. That works but isn't perfect. They're heavy and hard to manage and don't hold ice forever.

So I recently invested in this system, which is not inexpensive obviously. But I have multiple use cases for the Pakmule and for the Yeti 210. And both items hold their resale value quite well. I purchased the Yeti 210 used on FB marketplace, the Pakmule new from them.

I have an Ironman 4x4 Stage 2 Pro Suspension kit on my 4Runner. Upgraded suspension is a must for this to work well loaded down. I haven't used it in the field yet, but have loaded it up with 250 lbs worth of weights ripped around to test it out - works like a charm. Can tell it's back there, but the car still responds, handles and brakes very safely and smoothly. I feel very comfortable with it.

One obvious concern is security. Will be workshopping an effective way to secure the cooler it to the cargo carrier beyond just pad locking the cooler shut. Granted you're not picking this thing up without a fork lift when it's loaded down, but worth noting as a draw back.

Also - agree whole heartedly with Poser's maintenance list as well as the importance of being able to air up and down on the run.

 

[coya]

Long time reader, first time poster. Figured I ought to contribute since I've gleaned a lot of useful information from Rokslide.

I am in the same boat in terms of hunting out of a 4Runner.

I previously used large "fish bag" style cooler bags for elk quarters. Just put them in the back with the seats down amongst all my other gear. That works but isn't perfect. They're heavy and hard to manage and don't hold ice forever.

So I recently invested in this system, which is not inexpensive obviously. But I have multiple use cases for the Pakmule and for the Yeti 210. And both items hold their resale value quite well. I purchased the Yeti 210 used on FB marketplace, the Pakmule new from them.

I have an Ironman 4x4 Stage 2 Pro Suspension kit on my 4Runner. Upgraded suspension is a must for this to work well loaded down. I haven't used it in the field yet, but have loaded it up with 250 lbs worth of weights ripped around to test it out - works like a charm. Can tell it's back there, but the car still responds, handles and brakes very safely and smoothly. I feel very comfortable with it.

One obvious concern is security. Will be workshopping an effective way to secure the cooler it to the cargo carrier beyond just pad locking the cooler shut. Granted you're not picking this thing up without a fork lift when it's loaded down, but worth noting as a draw back.

Also - agree whole heartedly with Poser's maintenance list as well as the importance of being able to air up and down on the run.

Very interested in the security aspect, that's what has kept me from keeping coolers external

 

[orhunter85]

Very interested in the security aspect, that's what has kept me from keeping coolers external

Super legit concern.

My initial thoughts are that if the cooler is empty and I have to leave my vehicle unattended for a long period of time, I can put the cooler in my rig. Dry weight of the cooler is 60 pounds. And then when needed: pad locks to lock the cooler shut and a bike chain lock from one of the pad locks to the cargo carrier. Carrier is attached to the hitch with a ratcheting lock pin.

 

[huntcookwrite]

Super legit concern.

My initial thoughts are that if the cooler is empty and I have to leave my vehicle unattended for a long period of time, I can put the cooler in my rig. Dry weight of the cooler is 60 pounds. And then when needed: pad locks to lock the cooler shut and a bike chain lock from one of the pad locks to the cargo carrier. Carrier is attached to the hitch with a ratcheting lock pin.

You can grab one of these and run a bike lock through it to the pakmule: https://www.cabelas.com/p/yeti-locking-bracket

 

[Jakeb]

Update

Bought a new set of 265’s (cooper rugged trek)
Then got 5100’s all around 2.5” front 1” rear
Now I wish I went with 285’s ha, I put about 25k a year so I’ll likely go bigger soon enough.

Got a front bumper and winch (rough country was the cheapest)

Hamilton head unit with CarPlay

Amazon cargo mats that cover back of the 2nd row seats

Will be getting rock sliders and a roof rack sometime soon

Overall I’m really liking it. Sooo much nicer to drive around everyday. I was worried about the ride with the lift and I’m completely satisfied with it. Zooming into parking spots is so much nicer than my big truck was. I’ve been averaging about 18mpg on the dash, haven’t cared enough to math it. I’m sure at some point I’ll miss having a truck bed, but I don’t think it will be as big of an issue as I thought.

 

[justinspicher]

Update

Bought a new set of 265’s (cooper rugged trek)
Then got 5100’s all around 2.5” front 1” rear
Now I wish I went with 285’s ha, I put about 25k a year so I’ll likely go bigger soon enough.

Got a front bumper and winch (rough country was the cheapest)

Hamilton head unit with CarPlay

Amazon cargo mats that cover back of the 2nd row seats

Will be getting rock sliders and a roof rack sometime soon

Overall I’m really liking it. Sooo much nicer to drive around everyday. I was worried about the ride with the lift and I’m completely satisfied with it. Zooming into parking spots is so much nicer than my big truck was. I’ve been averaging about 18mpg on the dash, haven’t cared enough to math it. I’m sure at some point I’ll miss having a truck bed, but I don’t think it will be as big of an issue as I thought.

Pics or it didn’t happen…..

 

[Jakeb]

 

[Jakeb]

Pics or it didn’t happen…..

I’ll have to get another with the bumper on

 

[NightfallLR]

I've had 2, a 16 TRD and a 19 TRD Off Road Premium. The 19 was easily the most capable off road and deep-in-wilderness platform I have ever driven. With both my 4runners I didn't need aggressive tread or anything to cross low rivers or creeks and was still heavy mud capable somewhat.

In a 16 2500 High Country now (a lot more power and towing capabilities) but have had to go through several tires/suspension heights to get to where I needed to be.

I wish the Sequoia was better really.

 

[BBarnett13]

Very interested in the security aspect, that's what has kept me from keeping coolers external

For those concerned about the security aspect of external coolers, I use a hitch lock for the cargo carrier, master lock python for the cooler and padlock for the lid.

 

[Poser]

Update

Bought a new set of 265’s (cooper rugged trek)
Then got 5100’s all around 2.5” front 1” rear
Now I wish I went with 285’s ha, I put about 25k a year so I’ll likely go bigger soon enough.

I bought a 5th gen recently with a 3 inch lift on it and 285s. Since it was a limitied, it originally had 20 inch rims on it which were later switched to 18s. However, the previous owner did not change the size on the spare tire so it has a ~15 year old spare tire on a 20 inch rim. Since it is a AWD system, you would cook the differential if you used that spare tire. The 285s on it are Falken Wildpeaks with about 20k on them.

My plan was to put Mickey Thompson Baja ATs on it in 285 and then put one of the Falkens underneath as a spare, but, I learned that 285/18s are an oddball size and super expensive as a result. To buy a set of Mickey Thompsons + a wheel for the spare was almost $2500 including some discounts. It actually ended up being about $700 cheaper to buy the MTs in 275 + another wheel AND an additional spare tire in 275 because the 285s were so pricey due to the fact that its considered an oddball size. May be a different case for 17 inch wheels, but that's what I encountered for 18s.