After 30 years

After over 30 years of owning pick up trucks I decided for a change. It was hard to pull the trigger but I finally did yesterday. Got this 2020 4Runner Venture Special Edition. I hope it treats me as well as my Tundras have

 

That’s a sweet ride!!

 

Right now I dont have any. Just going to enjoy. I’m retired and my wife and I travel a lot so going to put a few miles on it before I make changes. Rtt maybe

 

Damn fine ride

 

Congratulations

 

That 4Runner will treat you just fine. I have a 17 in MGM.

 

Looks great. I bet that will be a wonderful "road trip" car. Once I retire we are looking forward to doing the same.

 

Seems 4 Runners are really making a comeback. everyone had one in the 2000s with all the soccer moms buying SUVs. Then crossovers hit (minivans that look like SUVs) and the 4runners got a little scarce for a while, but now I'm seeing a ton of them again. Always loved the 4Runners.

 

4runner sales have increased every model year for quite a bit now. That's why Toyota has changed very little on them.


Enjoy the new rig, @Wvmoonshiner

 

Looking good! I think you'll enjoy it!!!!

 

Nice rig. I think right off the bat, like tomorrow, get the rear windows tinted. When you're out on the road, it's always best to keep things out of sight and out of mind.

 

My wife has a 2015 trail edition, loves it: great vehicle, superior to the Tacoma IMO, super functional, nothing not to like.

Well, she's going to get another before too long, and I want her to upgrade to the premium seats. The Tundra seat is soooooo much more comfortable for a big boy.

The 2015 is becoming our official 'work vehicle'.

Great choice!

 

I had my 4runner for 10 months, spent a grip of $$$ trying to make it drive right (Dobinsons lift frnt/ back, JBA UCA, SCS wheels, Falken wildpeaks, pedal commander etc) I just lost my ass trading it in for my Tundra. I hope it meets your expectations, I truly do but suggest you drive it for a couple months and confirm shes a keeper before you start the mods. I had mine looking sweet, I got compliments everywhere I went. It was crazy, never had so many compliments on a vehicle. Looks wise it was a keeper- drive wise Zero power and heavy/ awkward as sin I finally couldn't take it anymore and traded her in. Most disappointing vehicle I ever bought, we had a 2000 model that was fun to drive and a great vehicle. IMO soccer MOM mobile (unless the put a V8 in them).
I dont know how all these overland guys make their rigs move after they raise and install their tents, racks and storage??? BTW, traded in my 2014 Tacoma for it- The Tacoma for me was a better vehicle (probably bc of weight). So far the best Toyota Ive owned (6) has been my 2006 Tundra crew cab TRD, great all around truck, wish I wouldnt have sold her!

 

Congrats. Enjoy your new ride.

 

Strange. That 4.0 has almost 300hp nowadays. I really can’t imagine one being slow and underpowered. What size tires were you running?

 

Join us over at 4Runners.com !

 

I was only one size up from stock, they were Falken wildpaeaks tho. Heres some pics
Before new shoes:

After SCS and Wildpeaks:

Overall stance:

 

I should say, it has low end "torque" kind of power but not power to move you quickly. Here in Central Texas people drive crazy, they get on your tail end and drive very aggressively and erratic, I constantly felt like I was "struggling" to keep out of the way with this rig. Finally came to the conclusion I had to drive in Sport mode and if I had to do something quickly (pass or speed up) forget it, wait till its clear and then make your move. The truck will get up to speed.....EVENTUALLY!
I am more of an offensive driver (coming from California) and this truck made me a defensive driver (not my comfort).

 

Super nice 4R!

 

Awesome ride! I love 4Runners and GX460s. One of those will be my next vehicle purchase. Congrats.

 

Hmmmm. Our 4Runner has plenty of pep, no trouble passing, never noticed a lack of power.

We love the size too. Not a big boat, gets in and out of places easy, goes anywhere [and we've had it anywhere on jobs too, btw].

I think they're cheap for their functionality and reliability.

 

I hear ya Dude, I guess its all subjective. I know the lift and heavy tires I installed didnt help matters.

I will say that I came to this site from the 4runner forum and its a pretty well know topic that the 4R is lacking power and has poor handling. They predominately suffer from body roll and nose dive.

Hey, at the end of the day, not trying to knock any ones choice, I just wish "I" would have waited before dropping the $$$ to try and change the inherent characteristics of this vehicle. I even mentioned this post to my wife at lunch and her first comment was, "Hahh!, Good luck!...... going from a Tundra to a 4runner....."! I guess shes still salty about going thru my 4Runner build only to end up trading it in 10 months later at a HUGE loss (mostly my mods) for the Tundra.

 

Nice!! 100% made in Japan and rocking the good ol 4.0.

 

The nose diving is bothersome to me and there could always be more power but overall the 5th gen is a great 4runner. Ive had 2nd gen, 3rd gen, 4th gen, and 5th.

 

Sounds like it needed a Pedal commander. Made my Tundra come alive!

 

"I had my 4runner for 10 months, spent a grip of $$$ trying to make it drive right (Dobinsons lift frnt/ back, JBA UCA, SCS wheels, Falken wildpeaks, pedal commander etc) I just lost my ass trading it in for my Tundra. I hope it meets your expectations, I truly do but suggest you drive it for a couple months and confirm shes a keeper before you start the mods. I had mine looking sweet, I got compliments everywhere I went. It was crazy, never had so many compliments on a vehicle. Looks wise it was a keeper- drive wise Zero power and heavy/ awkward as sin I finally couldn't take it anymore and traded her in. Most disappointing vehicle I ever bought, we had a 2000 model that was fun to drive and a great vehicle. IMO soccer MOM mobile (unless the put a V8 in them).

My post was so winded, I think you missed that I had installed that MOD too.

As to Using PC to bring life to the performance- Big difference making a V8 5.7L engine come alive as opposed to making a V6 4.0L (that BTW the vehicle weighs 6K pounds) come alive.

 

I have the similar tire in 20". I think they are garbage. Put it on a dynamic balance and they are out of round. Took a lot of weight to balance but that doesn't compensate for the current condition. Tires came on the truck and can't wait for them to get changed.

 

I used to think you were crazy but now, now I don't.
Falkens are overrated. Made in Thailand. HA.

 

My friend as a 4 Runner. Because of him, 6 other people in his office have also bought a 4 Runner. You made a wise choice. Tons of mods available for them too.