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?

 

[N2TRKYS]

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?

The Gobi is awesome.

The 5100s took the brake nose dive away.

The reverse light kit is definitely worth it. Choose the brightest bulb they offer.

With coolers on my 4-wheeler trailer. However, I could’ve easily put it in the back of my 4Runner.

 

[mtnwrunner]

Link to a leveling self inflatable mattress??

 

[PeteinMT]

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

 

[Jakeb]

Question about roof racks coming from a person who knows absolutely nothing about them. It seems like there are 2 different types. The basket type (gobi, Baja rack) and then the crossbar type (Sherpa, prinsu).

My uneducated thought seems like the basket type is way easier to strap different items to and way more versatile. The crossbar type needs you to basically buy some type of bracket or connector to strap stuff too. And doesn’t seem like you could easily strap something that you haven’t planned on throwing up there.

Is this actually the case or am I overthinking it? I can get the crossbar type for a little cheaper, but I will pay more for a basket if it actually is more versatile.

As of now I’m really close to getting a bajarack.

 

[KenLee]

Eye opening isnt it. I rolled a bronco years back and between rifles flying outta windows and the factory jack ripping outta the wall an ping ponging around...Made a guy think about what all was in there

Rollovers are much more boring when drunk

 

[eddielasvegas]

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. View attachment 1010654

You aren't joking about having the budget, but sure looks well built and sturdy.

Is it rock solid (meaning no wobble, rattles, etc.) when loaded or when empty?

Eddie


P.S. I have not heard of this carrier but I must add this to the list of T4R accessories.

 

[coya]

I have a prinsu and they have tie down rings that can be attached to the rack quick

 

[huntcookwrite]

You aren't joking about having the budget, but sure looks well built and sturdy.

Is it rock solid (meaning no wobble, rattles, etc.) when loaded or when empty?

Eddie


P.S. I have not heard of this carrier but I must add this to the list of T4R accessories.

I’ve never had any issues with wobbling or rattles and have put it through the wringer fully loaded on 6+ hour drives regularly. I have their original model and it’s been going strong for 5+ years with zero maintenance besides some occasionally WD40 on the pin and lock.

 

[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.