One of the 4runners biggest strong suits continues to be its longevity. We can easily predict the service life of some parts of the vehicle, like shocks. The rear air suspension system is prone to a few failures. On the back side of the transfer case is another set of zerk fittings for the slip yoke and the spider joint. Beware of the cords that could be exposed if your tires are low.You can get a nasty cut from exposed tire cords. Check the universal joints after every oil change. In 2006 it received a few cosmetic updates. Ive decided to lay out this info into a 4th gen Toyota 4runner buyers guide to aid anyone else out there with their search. 4runners have a no hold start system which means you dont need to hold the key in the on position to start it. Pro tip: A few heavy-duty yokes feature bearing cups attached on both sides. Mothers 06112 Back-to-Black Trim & Plastic Restorer, 12 fl. Bridging the gap between an SR5 and Limited is the Sport Edition 4runner. These are generally 7/16 or . My personal 4runner has a 4.7L V8, Doug Thorley headers, K&N filter, lifted suspension and heavy 33 tires. Coupled with transmission fluid leakage, a broken U-joint can cause damage to the driveshaft, brake line, transmission line, and many other parts of the vehicle. See related guides and technical advice from our community experts: Last and only time I have ever bought Toyota U-joints I bought them from Jess over at High angle driveline. It is best to have the transmission inspected to decide which changes are necessary. pretty sure its all 4x4's have zerks on front and rear driveshafts all 09+ prerunners do as well. Usually, U-joints are serviceable parts that can be changed without needing to replace the whole driveshaft. These didnt suffer from the frame recalls that the Tacoma did but theyre still very prone to rusting if not cared for. One rear that just needed to be cleaned up and greased, and a front that needed to be replaced. 
Greasing or servicing the bearings will not do much to reduce the damage, but it may extend the service life. All of them do it eventually and its a fairly expensive fix. Hey, Im Tim! Keep a bearing cup below any of these openings and slightly tap the yoke. If the noise speeds up when the engine speeds up, its likely that an exhaust manifold is cracked. Theres a couple companies that make delete kits to either cure a problem or prevent one in the future. You can save coins by doing the replacement yourself. This means the 4runner shares much of the frame design, suspension and even the drivetrain with these vehicles. Rotate the yoke/driveshaft 180-degrees. With the threaded rods end against the cap, set the tool to slide that cap inside. These were more of an off road specific model and were only sold as V6 4x4s. The V6 is more of a bumper-pull and tucks up nice and high. Dont get me wrong, the new ones are fantastic too. The V6 is more fuel efficient and doesnt have a timing belt, while the V8 has better power, torque, and sound while being slightly more thirsty. Many people believe this is one of Toyotas most legendary engines in terms of durability (second to the 2JZ found in the Supra). universal joint.). Even mechanics at Toyota dealerships will have a variety of responses on which greases they use; it is usually a mixed bag of these three options. Good to hear. Going under the vehicle, push the transmission yoke inside the tail shift. Glad the shop is making it right. If the grease escapes around the grease gun nozzle, remove the nozzle and re-attach it securely again. This is possibly the reason why the V6 wasnt available in the Lexus version of the 4runner (GX470). 2006-2022, ToyotaPartsDeal.com by Genuine Parts Source, Inc. Search by Part Number, Part Name, Description. This spider joint is located right in front of the rear differential. The new figures are inaccurate in my opinion since theyre lower than the original version of the motor. When it senses wheel slip, it will send as much as 53% to the front or 71% to the rear. This is caused by a combination of things. I believe this is the #1 killer of Toyota 4runners. The 4.0L V6 has an EPA rating of 17 MPG city and 21 MPG highway. Want to know everything there is to know about towing with a 4runner? Much like how the Urban Runner was an upgrade to the Sport Edition, the Trail Edition was an upgrade to an SR5.
Ive never had an issue with mine, but others online have. The Urban Runner was available only in 2008 and 2009. For this part, you will have to slide under your vehicle. Repeat on the other side. Leaks from the rubber airbags or fittings on the lines are common, as well as faulty height sensors. It shares this with the Lexus GX470, FJ Cruiser, Tacoma/Hilux, Land Cruiser Prado, 5th gen 4runner and Hilux Surf. CRC 402015 Trans-X Slip-Stop Leak-Fix - 15 Fl Oz. Lubricating the driveshaft (a.k.a. A V8 with a V6 hitch should only tow 5,000 lbs to be safe.
The mechanic can be expected to choose high-quality replacement U-joints featuring a grease fitting. PIECE, BALANCE, NO. It came in three colors white, silver and black. You can edit the name of your vehicle by clicking the pencil icon on the right. Then, right next to the slip yoke fitting is another zerk fitting for the spider. Its very easy to get set up and it comes with two different reinforced nozzles for use with zerk fittings. The 4runner is currently deep into its 5th generation but newer doesnt always mean better. It is necessary to inspect for transmission leakage. Required fields are marked *. The lights behind the HVAC unit tend to burn out over time. For vehicles that need to haul heavy loads daily, it is essential to get heavy-duty U joints to pair. Kenda Klever M/T KR29 255/75R17 111Q (290007), Energy Suspension 9.8108G 3/4" Hourglass Shock Eye Bushing, K&N Premium Cabin Air Filter: High Performance, Washable, Clean Airflow to your Cabin: Designed For Select 2000-2014 Toyota/Subaru/Mitsubishi/Lexus Vehicle Models, VF2002, SUNMORN Battery Terminal Connectors, 0/2/4/6/8 AWG Battery Terminals, Heavy Duty Car Battery Terminal, Top Post Multiple Battery Terminal, with Shims Protector Cover, Genuine Genuine Toyota Brake Light/Stoplamp Switch 84340-69025, Hayden Automotive 106 Transmission Oil Cooler Hose 3/8-IN Diameter x 4.5-FT Length, Alla Lighting 912 921 LED Reverse Lights Bulbs, 6000K Xenon White CANBUS T10 T15 906 W16W 921K 922 Back-up, Cargo Lights Replacement, Extremely Super Bright 4014 30-SMD, BAFX Products - Wireless Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner Code Reader & ELM327 Diagnostic Tool - for Android Only. The system is helpful when it works, but when it doesnt its a pain. My Haynes manual says for chassis grease, an NLGI No.2 lithium base chassis grease is to be used. Lubricants can extend the service life of a U-joint but you may have to replace it down the line; keep that in mind. At the same time, remove the 2 other caps and push the U-joints polished end into the openings of the yoke. Now, lets see how you can process it without a U-Joint tool. This ensures an uninterrupted supply of power to the drive wheels. Thanks for stopping by! Many people end up ditching the system altogether when it wears out and are able to upgrade to regular high performance shocks for less money. At that point, you may not be able to get away with just a U-joint replacement; the entire driveshaft might need to be changed. After the cup is properly seated, use a hammer to secure the yoke. FRAM FT1237 Automatic Transmission Filter, AEM (AEM-28-20281) Dryflow Air Filter, Red, Cardone 66-5235 New CV Constant Velocity Drive Axle Shaft, TOYOTA Genuine Parts - Inlet Sub-Assy, Wate (16031-0P010), MATNIKS Rubber Sheet, Mesh (Textured) Finish, Black, 6x6" by 1/16 (Pack of 3) Neoprene, Plumbing, Gaskets DIY Material, Supports, Leveling, Sealing, Bumpers, Protection, Flooring, Genuine Toyota 4Runner TRD PRO Matte Black Wheels PTR20-35110-BK (Fits: 4Runner - Tacoma - FJ Cruiser) (4), Auxbeam 32" LED Light Bar 180W Off Road Driving Lights LED Work Light Spot Flood Fog Lamp 5D Lens with Wiring Harness for Car, Truck, Offroad Vehicle, ATV, UTV, Pickup, Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics, Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one, Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world, Post your own photos in our Members Gallery. VIP Security System, Courtesy Lamp Switch. The 4 speed transmission that accompanied it was carried over from the 3rd gen 4runner. *Free Ground Shipping coupon up to $200 Value. The X-REAS suspension is great when it works.
Made modifications or gotten a bigger engine to improve your vehicles horsepower? Make sure it is easy to pivot the joints. I started Canadian Gearhead to share my passion for Toyotas and my love for taking ridiculously good care of them. Think my 04 has clips that hold the u joint cups in. This V6 is rated at 245 hp and 283 lb ft of torque. Other option is to run the truck on a lift(with the wheels hanging) so you can listen to the drivetrain. 1 (FOR PROPELLER SHAFT). The Rear Air Suspension was only offered in combination with Toyotas X-REAS suspension. Terms of Service - I'm assuming the tires are in reasonable condition. Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by mdmt800, Sep 27, 2016. Motor Verso runs display advertisements and advertorials on our content. Hi there! Continue fastening the threaded rod to remove one cap from the yoke. At every step of the procedure, you must be extremely careful with the driveshaft. The rear coil springs are replaced with air bags that can raise and lower the rear of the vehicle. I think this is more of an issue with life in Canada rather than an issue with Toyota. Vehicles with longer wheelbases, like buses, are equipped with three or more U-joints. Im not sure how I feel about this one. Insert the grease nozzle into the zerk fitting as shown in the below photos. A few U-joints are made to receive lubrication maintenance, which can be quite helpful in lifted, off-road, or heavy-duty vehicles. A U-joint also supplements the height misalignment within the rear axle and the transmission. A worn U-joint gradually causes damage to other parts of the car including the transmission. Follow the same grease procedure as location 2. This one has been reported as a clunk sound accompanied by the feeling of something pushing the truck forward when coming to a complete stop. The V6 and V8 models both come with different trailer hitches. If the original universal joint provided decent mileage, it is best to replace it with an OEM option. If you can keep your 4runner from rusting, you can keep your 4runner forever! If you can see grease coming from under the seal at each cup on the u joint when you grease them, thats probably not your problem. Secure the caps to the new joint using tape or a rubber band. I would recommend sticking with the tow rating of your hitch rather than your engine. I believe these hotrods of the 4runner family will become the holy grail as time goes on. But in the case of the V8 model, a mid sized SUV that can tow 7,000lbs is quite impressive. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Wheels from the FJ Cruiser, GX470, 1st gen Tundra, 1st gen Sequoia and Tacoma will all fit the 4runner. Right now, Im performing this service every six months as it strikes a nice balance between convenience and adequate lubrication. They also had Bilstein monotube shocks, 16 wheels from the FJ, waterproof fabric seats, and a detachable TomTom navigation unit. This is Toyotas nifty shock system that diagonally links each corner of the truck. A car with a faulty U-joint will not run for long. Most of the changes were cosmetic since it received engine and transmission upgrades in the previous year. Once you decide the type of grease you want to use and where you want to use it, have your grease gun(s) ready with your grease(s) of choice. Toyotas 4th generation of their beloved 4runner was sold from 2003 to 2009. The differences between these were based on comfort and appearance options. As a result, the bearing dries up, metal-to-metal contact is initiated, and the universal joint bearings squeak when the rotation happens. Smack the yoke using a hammer to release any tension on the snap ring/C clip. Heres a breakdown of the differences between each 4runner model: The SR5 trim level was the entry level 4runner. This will stop the fluid leaking from the transmission. You just need to pack your driveshaft with grease and it should go away. Heres another question that seems to have a different answer depending on who you ask: which grease should I be using on my driveshaft? In my opinion, the 2006 and newer facelifted models with the V8 are the most desirable. What Happens If Your Car Is Impounded By Police: What Now? Do Not Sell My Personal Information -, By logging into your account, you agree to our. Privacy Statement - Make sure to check out that buyers guide here: A forum user mentioned that a head Toyota engineer once told him that in his opinion: the 4th gen 4runner was the best 44 Toyota had ever produced in terms of reliability, longevity, and durability.
The appearance of the SR5 is a bit blander than other models. Thats a pretty bold statement from someone who is possibly the most knowledgeable on the subject. X-REAS was only available on the Sport Edition and Limited models. Theyre known worldwide for both their off road prowess and legendary reliability. And theyll fix the cvs. Toyota offered 2 different engines in the 4th generation 4runner: a 4.0 liter V6 and a 4.7 liter V8. The Top 10 Reasons: Does Your Toyota 4runner Need A Trailer Brake Controller? Personally, Ive heard all kinds of answers to the question of how often you should grease the driveshaft. During my search I compiled as much info as I could find online and talked with a few mechanics and Toyota dealer employees. It happens exactly at the point when I let off the gas and have it coast in top gear. best modifications to start out with for your 4th gen 4runner here: Why Are Toyota 4runners So Popular? Cookie Policy - It might seem scary, but its actually no big deal.
It is fairly simple and requires one to one and a half hours at the most. But, the majority of times, the problem can be linked to a lack of greasing of the bearing, rough driving, or modifications made to vehicles which can affect driveshaft speed or angle. During the entire lifetime of the 4runner, Toyota has only offered a V8 for these 7 years. Knowing the condition of your car parts will help you estimate how long can you drive with a bad U-joint. Its found in the Land Cruiser, Tundra, and Sequoia as well as the Lexus GX470 and LX470. While youre under the car with your grease gun, you should try to lubricate the contact points on the steering knuckle stop. If youre currently considering one of these as your next vehicle, this buyers guide is for you. This was the year the 4runner underwent a facelift. We shift from 4 high to 4 low as well as lock/unlock the transfer case once a month. I always said that if I ever replaced my trusty Jeep Grand Cherokee it would be with one of two vehicles: a full size pickup or one of those V8 4runners. But that is not the case with U-joints.
Theres a hidden flap inside the glove box at the back that reveals an extra secret compartment, The rear window can be lowered remotely by pressing and holding the bottom button on the key fob. If you have rear height control suspension on your 4Runner, make sure to adjust the mode to normal, turn the height control to off and then turn off the engine before raising the vehicle. The transfer case actuator that shifts from 4WD to 4 low can seize up if not used for a long period of time. Your email address will not be published. Please narrow the U-Joint results by selecting the vehicle. Install the snap ring/C-slip and repeat on the other side. Vibration across the whole vehicle typically means that the U-joints have done enough damage to the driveshaft and it is now unbalanced. Paintscratch Automotive Touch Up Paint Review, Renting a Pickup Truck to Haul Getaround Review, CRC BRAKLEEN Brake Parts Cleaner Non-Flammable -19 Wt Oz (05089), Simple Green, SMP13012, Industrial Cleaner/Degreaser, 1 Each, White, How to Program a Remote Key Fob: 2nd Gen Acura CL (2001-2003) Including Type-S, Valve Cover Replacement (1GRE-FE 4.0L V6): 4th Gen Toyota 4Runner, Fixing Tire Rub on Front Fender Liners: 4th Gen Toyota 4Runner. The knock sensors will pull timing which will lower the power and keep the engine safe if any knock is present. With the grease gun I purchased, I simply had to unscrew the grease gun cap (the side where the grip is located), remove the cap to the grease tube, crank the grease gun handle back all the way, insert the tube with the open side up, screw the grease gun cap back on, then pull back on the handle while releasing the stop so that the handle presses into the grease tube. Things really fell apart there. With every rotation of the driveshaft, the bearing portion twists a little, causing the grease to evaporate or wear off the bearing cup. 17 minimum. I think any of these guidelines will suffice as I personally have gone much longer than these intervals (more than I wish to disclose) and never had an issue. Find the right size press cup fit for the driveshaft yoke and position the cup on top of the threaded rod. The Urban Runner featured different badges and the 18 wheels from the Limited. I'm Scott and I run The Track Ahead. Do Headers Add Horsepower Rev Up Your Car Today! 16 wheels will not fit like they do on the sr5. CRC BRAKLEEN Brake Parts Cleaner Non-Flammable -19 Wt Oz (05089)Simple Green, SMP13012, Industrial Cleaner/Degreaser, 1 Each, White. When the driveshaft turns, the flexible action of the universal joints makes up for the misalignment. Fits 4Runner (1984 - 2022)Driveshaft U-Joint - Repair or ReplaceA frozen U-joint or universal joint will sound like a loud clicking or popping when your Toyota 4Runner is moving. When you start, make sure you have your grease gun loaded up with plenty of grease, have a lot of blue shop towels or rags, and a cleaner to clean the areas surrounding the zerk fittings. These have become rather rare finds nowadays and can be quite sought after. We have a focus on strong photography, and engaging articles about performance, luxury and interesting cars. Get another cup that is bigger than the U-joint cups but smaller than the opening of the yoke. If you do, this can be a costly fix. Type above and press Enter to search. There really arent many major issues to worry about with the 4th gen 4runner. This isnt a big deal if you never plan to take your 4runner off road.
As long as theyre maintained and kept free of rust, theres no reason why they wont last for 500,000 miles (804,000 kms) or more.
Greasing or servicing the bearings will not do much to reduce the damage, but it may extend the service life. All of them do it eventually and its a fairly expensive fix. Hey, Im Tim! Keep a bearing cup below any of these openings and slightly tap the yoke. If the noise speeds up when the engine speeds up, its likely that an exhaust manifold is cracked. Theres a couple companies that make delete kits to either cure a problem or prevent one in the future. You can save coins by doing the replacement yourself. This means the 4runner shares much of the frame design, suspension and even the drivetrain with these vehicles. Rotate the yoke/driveshaft 180-degrees. With the threaded rods end against the cap, set the tool to slide that cap inside. These were more of an off road specific model and were only sold as V6 4x4s. The V6 is more of a bumper-pull and tucks up nice and high. Dont get me wrong, the new ones are fantastic too. The V6 is more fuel efficient and doesnt have a timing belt, while the V8 has better power, torque, and sound while being slightly more thirsty. Many people believe this is one of Toyotas most legendary engines in terms of durability (second to the 2JZ found in the Supra). universal joint.). Even mechanics at Toyota dealerships will have a variety of responses on which greases they use; it is usually a mixed bag of these three options. Good to hear. Going under the vehicle, push the transmission yoke inside the tail shift. Glad the shop is making it right. If the grease escapes around the grease gun nozzle, remove the nozzle and re-attach it securely again. This is possibly the reason why the V6 wasnt available in the Lexus version of the 4runner (GX470). 2006-2022, ToyotaPartsDeal.com by Genuine Parts Source, Inc. Search by Part Number, Part Name, Description. This spider joint is located right in front of the rear differential. The new figures are inaccurate in my opinion since theyre lower than the original version of the motor. When it senses wheel slip, it will send as much as 53% to the front or 71% to the rear. This is caused by a combination of things. I believe this is the #1 killer of Toyota 4runners. The 4.0L V6 has an EPA rating of 17 MPG city and 21 MPG highway. Want to know everything there is to know about towing with a 4runner? Much like how the Urban Runner was an upgrade to the Sport Edition, the Trail Edition was an upgrade to an SR5. Ive never had an issue with mine, but others online have. The Urban Runner was available only in 2008 and 2009. For this part, you will have to slide under your vehicle. Repeat on the other side. Leaks from the rubber airbags or fittings on the lines are common, as well as faulty height sensors. It shares this with the Lexus GX470, FJ Cruiser, Tacoma/Hilux, Land Cruiser Prado, 5th gen 4runner and Hilux Surf. CRC 402015 Trans-X Slip-Stop Leak-Fix - 15 Fl Oz. Lubricating the driveshaft (a.k.a. A V8 with a V6 hitch should only tow 5,000 lbs to be safe.
The mechanic can be expected to choose high-quality replacement U-joints featuring a grease fitting. PIECE, BALANCE, NO. It came in three colors white, silver and black. You can edit the name of your vehicle by clicking the pencil icon on the right. Then, right next to the slip yoke fitting is another zerk fitting for the spider. Its very easy to get set up and it comes with two different reinforced nozzles for use with zerk fittings. The 4runner is currently deep into its 5th generation but newer doesnt always mean better. It is necessary to inspect for transmission leakage. Required fields are marked *. The lights behind the HVAC unit tend to burn out over time. For vehicles that need to haul heavy loads daily, it is essential to get heavy-duty U joints to pair. Kenda Klever M/T KR29 255/75R17 111Q (290007), Energy Suspension 9.8108G 3/4" Hourglass Shock Eye Bushing, K&N Premium Cabin Air Filter: High Performance, Washable, Clean Airflow to your Cabin: Designed For Select 2000-2014 Toyota/Subaru/Mitsubishi/Lexus Vehicle Models, VF2002, SUNMORN Battery Terminal Connectors, 0/2/4/6/8 AWG Battery Terminals, Heavy Duty Car Battery Terminal, Top Post Multiple Battery Terminal, with Shims Protector Cover, Genuine Genuine Toyota Brake Light/Stoplamp Switch 84340-69025, Hayden Automotive 106 Transmission Oil Cooler Hose 3/8-IN Diameter x 4.5-FT Length, Alla Lighting 912 921 LED Reverse Lights Bulbs, 6000K Xenon White CANBUS T10 T15 906 W16W 921K 922 Back-up, Cargo Lights Replacement, Extremely Super Bright 4014 30-SMD, BAFX Products - Wireless Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner Code Reader & ELM327 Diagnostic Tool - for Android Only. The system is helpful when it works, but when it doesnt its a pain. My Haynes manual says for chassis grease, an NLGI No.2 lithium base chassis grease is to be used. Lubricants can extend the service life of a U-joint but you may have to replace it down the line; keep that in mind. At the same time, remove the 2 other caps and push the U-joints polished end into the openings of the yoke. Now, lets see how you can process it without a U-Joint tool. This ensures an uninterrupted supply of power to the drive wheels. Thanks for stopping by! Many people end up ditching the system altogether when it wears out and are able to upgrade to regular high performance shocks for less money. At that point, you may not be able to get away with just a U-joint replacement; the entire driveshaft might need to be changed. After the cup is properly seated, use a hammer to secure the yoke. FRAM FT1237 Automatic Transmission Filter, AEM (AEM-28-20281) Dryflow Air Filter, Red, Cardone 66-5235 New CV Constant Velocity Drive Axle Shaft, TOYOTA Genuine Parts - Inlet Sub-Assy, Wate (16031-0P010), MATNIKS Rubber Sheet, Mesh (Textured) Finish, Black, 6x6" by 1/16 (Pack of 3) Neoprene, Plumbing, Gaskets DIY Material, Supports, Leveling, Sealing, Bumpers, Protection, Flooring, Genuine Toyota 4Runner TRD PRO Matte Black Wheels PTR20-35110-BK (Fits: 4Runner - Tacoma - FJ Cruiser) (4), Auxbeam 32" LED Light Bar 180W Off Road Driving Lights LED Work Light Spot Flood Fog Lamp 5D Lens with Wiring Harness for Car, Truck, Offroad Vehicle, ATV, UTV, Pickup, Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics, Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one, Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world, Post your own photos in our Members Gallery. VIP Security System, Courtesy Lamp Switch. The 4 speed transmission that accompanied it was carried over from the 3rd gen 4runner. *Free Ground Shipping coupon up to $200 Value. The X-REAS suspension is great when it works.
Made modifications or gotten a bigger engine to improve your vehicles horsepower? Make sure it is easy to pivot the joints. I started Canadian Gearhead to share my passion for Toyotas and my love for taking ridiculously good care of them. Think my 04 has clips that hold the u joint cups in. This V6 is rated at 245 hp and 283 lb ft of torque. Other option is to run the truck on a lift(with the wheels hanging) so you can listen to the drivetrain. 1 (FOR PROPELLER SHAFT). The Rear Air Suspension was only offered in combination with Toyotas X-REAS suspension. Terms of Service - I'm assuming the tires are in reasonable condition. Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by mdmt800, Sep 27, 2016. Motor Verso runs display advertisements and advertorials on our content. Hi there! Continue fastening the threaded rod to remove one cap from the yoke. At every step of the procedure, you must be extremely careful with the driveshaft. The rear coil springs are replaced with air bags that can raise and lower the rear of the vehicle. I think this is more of an issue with life in Canada rather than an issue with Toyota. Vehicles with longer wheelbases, like buses, are equipped with three or more U-joints. Im not sure how I feel about this one. Insert the grease nozzle into the zerk fitting as shown in the below photos. A few U-joints are made to receive lubrication maintenance, which can be quite helpful in lifted, off-road, or heavy-duty vehicles. A U-joint also supplements the height misalignment within the rear axle and the transmission. A worn U-joint gradually causes damage to other parts of the car including the transmission. Follow the same grease procedure as location 2. This one has been reported as a clunk sound accompanied by the feeling of something pushing the truck forward when coming to a complete stop. The V6 and V8 models both come with different trailer hitches. If the original universal joint provided decent mileage, it is best to replace it with an OEM option. If you can keep your 4runner from rusting, you can keep your 4runner forever! If you can see grease coming from under the seal at each cup on the u joint when you grease them, thats probably not your problem. Secure the caps to the new joint using tape or a rubber band. I would recommend sticking with the tow rating of your hitch rather than your engine. I believe these hotrods of the 4runner family will become the holy grail as time goes on. But in the case of the V8 model, a mid sized SUV that can tow 7,000lbs is quite impressive. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Wheels from the FJ Cruiser, GX470, 1st gen Tundra, 1st gen Sequoia and Tacoma will all fit the 4runner. Right now, Im performing this service every six months as it strikes a nice balance between convenience and adequate lubrication. They also had Bilstein monotube shocks, 16 wheels from the FJ, waterproof fabric seats, and a detachable TomTom navigation unit. This is Toyotas nifty shock system that diagonally links each corner of the truck. A car with a faulty U-joint will not run for long. Most of the changes were cosmetic since it received engine and transmission upgrades in the previous year. Once you decide the type of grease you want to use and where you want to use it, have your grease gun(s) ready with your grease(s) of choice. Toyotas 4th generation of their beloved 4runner was sold from 2003 to 2009. The differences between these were based on comfort and appearance options. As a result, the bearing dries up, metal-to-metal contact is initiated, and the universal joint bearings squeak when the rotation happens. Smack the yoke using a hammer to release any tension on the snap ring/C clip. Heres a breakdown of the differences between each 4runner model: The SR5 trim level was the entry level 4runner. This will stop the fluid leaking from the transmission. You just need to pack your driveshaft with grease and it should go away. Heres another question that seems to have a different answer depending on who you ask: which grease should I be using on my driveshaft? In my opinion, the 2006 and newer facelifted models with the V8 are the most desirable. What Happens If Your Car Is Impounded By Police: What Now? Do Not Sell My Personal Information -, By logging into your account, you agree to our. Privacy Statement - Make sure to check out that buyers guide here: A forum user mentioned that a head Toyota engineer once told him that in his opinion: the 4th gen 4runner was the best 44 Toyota had ever produced in terms of reliability, longevity, and durability.
The appearance of the SR5 is a bit blander than other models. Thats a pretty bold statement from someone who is possibly the most knowledgeable on the subject. X-REAS was only available on the Sport Edition and Limited models. Theyre known worldwide for both their off road prowess and legendary reliability. And theyll fix the cvs. Toyota offered 2 different engines in the 4th generation 4runner: a 4.0 liter V6 and a 4.7 liter V8. The Top 10 Reasons: Does Your Toyota 4runner Need A Trailer Brake Controller? Personally, Ive heard all kinds of answers to the question of how often you should grease the driveshaft. During my search I compiled as much info as I could find online and talked with a few mechanics and Toyota dealer employees. It happens exactly at the point when I let off the gas and have it coast in top gear. best modifications to start out with for your 4th gen 4runner here: Why Are Toyota 4runners So Popular? Cookie Policy - It might seem scary, but its actually no big deal.
It is fairly simple and requires one to one and a half hours at the most. But, the majority of times, the problem can be linked to a lack of greasing of the bearing, rough driving, or modifications made to vehicles which can affect driveshaft speed or angle. During the entire lifetime of the 4runner, Toyota has only offered a V8 for these 7 years. Knowing the condition of your car parts will help you estimate how long can you drive with a bad U-joint. Its found in the Land Cruiser, Tundra, and Sequoia as well as the Lexus GX470 and LX470. While youre under the car with your grease gun, you should try to lubricate the contact points on the steering knuckle stop. If youre currently considering one of these as your next vehicle, this buyers guide is for you. This was the year the 4runner underwent a facelift. We shift from 4 high to 4 low as well as lock/unlock the transfer case once a month. I always said that if I ever replaced my trusty Jeep Grand Cherokee it would be with one of two vehicles: a full size pickup or one of those V8 4runners. But that is not the case with U-joints.
Theres a hidden flap inside the glove box at the back that reveals an extra secret compartment, The rear window can be lowered remotely by pressing and holding the bottom button on the key fob. If you have rear height control suspension on your 4Runner, make sure to adjust the mode to normal, turn the height control to off and then turn off the engine before raising the vehicle. The transfer case actuator that shifts from 4WD to 4 low can seize up if not used for a long period of time. Your email address will not be published. Please narrow the U-Joint results by selecting the vehicle. Install the snap ring/C-slip and repeat on the other side. Vibration across the whole vehicle typically means that the U-joints have done enough damage to the driveshaft and it is now unbalanced. Paintscratch Automotive Touch Up Paint Review, Renting a Pickup Truck to Haul Getaround Review, CRC BRAKLEEN Brake Parts Cleaner Non-Flammable -19 Wt Oz (05089), Simple Green, SMP13012, Industrial Cleaner/Degreaser, 1 Each, White, How to Program a Remote Key Fob: 2nd Gen Acura CL (2001-2003) Including Type-S, Valve Cover Replacement (1GRE-FE 4.0L V6): 4th Gen Toyota 4Runner, Fixing Tire Rub on Front Fender Liners: 4th Gen Toyota 4Runner. The knock sensors will pull timing which will lower the power and keep the engine safe if any knock is present. With the grease gun I purchased, I simply had to unscrew the grease gun cap (the side where the grip is located), remove the cap to the grease tube, crank the grease gun handle back all the way, insert the tube with the open side up, screw the grease gun cap back on, then pull back on the handle while releasing the stop so that the handle presses into the grease tube. Things really fell apart there. With every rotation of the driveshaft, the bearing portion twists a little, causing the grease to evaporate or wear off the bearing cup. 17 minimum. I think any of these guidelines will suffice as I personally have gone much longer than these intervals (more than I wish to disclose) and never had an issue. Find the right size press cup fit for the driveshaft yoke and position the cup on top of the threaded rod. The Urban Runner featured different badges and the 18 wheels from the Limited. I'm Scott and I run The Track Ahead. Do Headers Add Horsepower Rev Up Your Car Today! 16 wheels will not fit like they do on the sr5. CRC BRAKLEEN Brake Parts Cleaner Non-Flammable -19 Wt Oz (05089)Simple Green, SMP13012, Industrial Cleaner/Degreaser, 1 Each, White. When the driveshaft turns, the flexible action of the universal joints makes up for the misalignment. Fits 4Runner (1984 - 2022)Driveshaft U-Joint - Repair or ReplaceA frozen U-joint or universal joint will sound like a loud clicking or popping when your Toyota 4Runner is moving. When you start, make sure you have your grease gun loaded up with plenty of grease, have a lot of blue shop towels or rags, and a cleaner to clean the areas surrounding the zerk fittings. These have become rather rare finds nowadays and can be quite sought after. We have a focus on strong photography, and engaging articles about performance, luxury and interesting cars. Get another cup that is bigger than the U-joint cups but smaller than the opening of the yoke. If you do, this can be a costly fix. Type above and press Enter to search. There really arent many major issues to worry about with the 4th gen 4runner. This isnt a big deal if you never plan to take your 4runner off road.
As long as theyre maintained and kept free of rust, theres no reason why they wont last for 500,000 miles (804,000 kms) or more.