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raghorn Offline OP
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Been thinking about getting a 4Runner as a hunting rig.
Anybody run one?
Any year models to steer clear of, or preferred?
4,6,8 cyliners?
Mods/lifts/bumpers/winches?


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I like the 99-02 models, as they were still compact in size/weight, did not have the gutless 3.0 V-6 of the previous generation, used coils in the front (easy to lift 2-3"), and the rear seats fold flat to make a big cargo area. The 95-98 models look the same but don't have the fold-flat seats. Many think of the 1st Gen solid axle models as the Grail, but a 10-15 year old 3rd Gen model is going to be more reliable and lots of them are still on the road today. I love my 99 model and purchased it for use as a hunting truck.


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raghorn Offline OP
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What kind of mileage you getting with what size tires?..........


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I average 19mpg or so in mixed driving with 22-23 on highway trips. This is with 31" tires and a 3.4L V-6. I just put on some 32" mud tires (265/75/R16) and have not run through a tank of fuel. Power wasn't affected much.


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Originally Posted by JPro
and the rear seats fold flat to make a big cargo area. The 95-98 models look the same but don't have the fold-flat seats.



Not sure what you mean, but all 4runners from it's inception has fold-flat rear seats. I have owned 1st gen, 2nd gen and 3rd gen 4Runners and still own an '86 and '01 model year. Rear seats fold flat on all of them which makes them better for sleeping setup...

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Yep, you are right, I was mistaken. They changed them up a bit in 99 to store the headrests when folded forward. I was thinking the older ones just tilted forward and didn't fold.


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I currently have a 2011 4Runner Trail, its OK. Had a 2003 Sport Edition before that - the V6 model and loved it - took it everywhere and it was great. 22mpg+ on the freeway, the new one is kind of prissy for lack of a better way of saying it. Its way nicer inside, but it sucks gas like crazy. Best I've gotten is 18 just a couple weeks ago going to Wyoming.

Except for the Dura-tracs - its stock. They are kinda nice though for a hunting rig, since I mostly hunt solo I can toss my stuff in the back and be off for a long weekend hunting.

Here is the current one.

[Linked Image]

This is the 2003 in Wyoming a couple years ago, wish I still had it:)

[Linked Image]


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I have an '08 with 130K on it and love it. Put a hitch hauler on it for hauling game.

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I'll say this about mine (actually my wife drives it), it is a 2005 V8 4WD. It is the first vehicle I've ever owned that I can say I have no intentions of ever selling it. I LOVE the thing.

In this year model range, the V8 4WD's were full-time 4WD only (you have high and low selector). As a result, fuel economy is lacking. We get around 13-14 in town, and 18 highway if we're lucky.
The only problem we've ever had with it was the front brake rotors warping. The dealer replaced them twice (with OEM parts). Finally stuck some aftermarket rotors on and that fixed the problem.

Other than that, it's been absolutely reliable. We've only got around 60k miles on it, but I'll have it till (if it ever) dies.


"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same." - Ronald Reagan
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We bought an '04 SR5 2WD V6 with 81k in August, mainly for the wife and family vehicle. We love it.

I plan on keeping it 4 or 5 years and getting a low mileage '09 (last year of that model) V6 4WD and keeping that one a loooong time.

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We had a 2001 Sport 4-Runner, V-6 with 156K miles on it and we sold it after someone rear ended it, it never was quite the same after that. I think we averaged like 21 MPG. We then bought new a 2011 4-Runner, V-6 and its a different animal. More power but it feels like a tank when compared to the 2001. Its my wife's daily driver and she gets 18.7 MPG with it. They do make great hunting rigs though. It is a reliable vehicle but I am biased as I have only owned Toyota's.

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I'm looking at '99 Limited 4x4. It has 200k on it, but has all service records from when new and looks to be in good shape. A buddy that works at a Lexus dealership snagged it for a song (all it needed was a new valve cover, timing chain and new tires)and is looking for a quick resale. With all the work finished I should be able to get it for $6k.

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The smaller 4runners like pre 02 or 03 are great vehicles. I only have Nissan pathfinders as they are not as pricey, but unfortunately they are more difficult to get parts for and they are a bit low slung.

Love Toyota and the old 4runners. Just wish the new vehicles weren't so cheesey wrap around plastic bumpers.

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We've got the 03 with v8. That is one hot rig, I won't be selling it. Wish it was 5 speed manual.

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I've got a 97 with 270,000 miles on it. I replaced the engine with a near new (50,000 miles) JDM engine for $2,000 installed. I had a headgasket leak I didn't take care of and it was cheaper to replace the engine than to fix the headgasket issues. Other than that, I've done nothing to it but replace the battery in 10 years. I still get 18+ mpg with 32" tires.

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raghorn Offline OP
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I ended up buying a 03 Crewcab Taco and am liking it so far.


B.C. don't matter.............Laffin!
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I have an 06 4Runner. V6. gets about 21 on the hiway. I just bought it in August and it only has 57,000 miles on it. I put a level lift kit in it. Absolutely love it.

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My wife just drove her new 2013 Limited home today. She's been in a Sienna for 8 years so it was time...


“There are some who can live without wild things and some who cannot.”
ALDO LEOPOLD
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Hard to go wrong with either the 3rd or 4th gen. I have used a 4th gen (02 to 09) and they are quite capable off road and in mud and snow. I would go with the 6 cylinder for the conventional transfer case (not AWD), better fuel economy. They are plenty quick with the 4.0 liter. It's a great engine.

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That Limited sure is nice - and with 20" wheels I'm already figuring on making it my hunting rig in about 6 or 7 years...


“There are some who can live without wild things and some who cannot.”
ALDO LEOPOLD

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