Hunting in a 4Runner

[COJoe]

ts a bit of a balance. I am aware that some mechanics will not service a transmission that has gone 100k without a change as, at that point, there is too much risk for creating issues. (its also the case that Toyoats dealerships will be more than eager to take your money for a flush even though you haven't changed the fluid in 200k miles). A irregular system flush can lead to the same issues. There is also a chance that changing the fluid (drain and fill) too often can lead to the same issues since you are likely cycling out the vast majority of the fluid. Some amount of that dirty fluid, in the simplest possible terms, is "holding things together."

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?

 

[Kurts86]

I’ve been using a 4Runner the last 3 seasons and here is my take.

They basically don’t need anything besides good AT tires. Any modifications that add weight or wind resistance quickly kill a 4Runner or Tacoma. I only use my roof basket for instance on trips I need it, otherwise it comes off and the highway fuel economy goes up 1.5-2 mph’s. It’s really nothing to turn a 19-20 mpg 4 runner into a 16 mpg 4Runner on the highway.

I have the leveling inflatable mattress for mine and it’s amazing to camp in solo. It’s basically an RV and UTV combined.

I have dented the stock steps and I would like rock sliders and some light skid plates after off-roaring in CO, WY, MT and AZ.

The cup holder inserts are pretty annoying as they stick to your mug and not the 4Runner.

 

[huntcookwrite]

@Jakeb - regarding the cargo carrier - get a one piece rack with a 2” rise/lift on the main beam. The one piece rack eliminates annoying squeaks and rattles. The 2” rise provides enough ground clearance to not mess with your departure angles. And the cargo carrier can be sized to easily hold a full size 150 quarter cooler, enough to haul frozen meat in on the trip home.

View attachment 1009757

If you have the budget, upgrading to a pakmule is 100% worth it. I keep mine on my 4Runner most of hunting season and barely notice it’s there. Then hauls coolers, deer, Christmas trees, skis, kids crap — everything no problem.

 

[Jakeb]

Gobi roof rack
Bilstein 5100 shocks all around set to level the front
BFG KO2 in stock size
Baja Design Squadron Pro driving combo fog lamp replacement(in yellow) I did the plug and play kit so I could use the factory fog lamp switch
Tail as Turn reverse light kit(this is a game changer)
Ultra LED bulb replacement for high and low beam headlights
Husky floormats, including the cargo area
Green bulbs in the door lights
Southern Style Offroad hybrid front
bumper with a 20” BajaDesign lightbar
Southern Style Offroad rock sliders
Warn 8000 lbs winch and replaced the cable with winch rope for weight savings

I may have missed something. It’s not alot compared to what some folks do, but it’s gotten me to several turkeys, mule deer, and elk out West since I’ve had it. LolView attachment 1010192

Nice! Thats pretty similar to what I’m planning. How do you like the gobi rack?

How did the 5100’s affect your ride? Is it much stiffer?

The reverse light mod is interesting. I’ll have to look into it.

How did you store the elk meat?