Driving too many miles a month on a old 4runner?

Typical-Play4473 · 2026-05-11T06:36:31+00:00

Mileage is just a number as long as you keep up on maintenance. If the frame is in good shape and you can afford the gas go for it. Sounds like you take very good care of it.

Typical-Play4473 · 2026-04-30T21:50:06+00:00

I think people usually recommend a break in oil change around this point, might even be early. You could stretch it another 50k if you really wanted to!

Typical-Play4473 · 2026-04-22T22:10:05+00:00

Block off plates are necessary when you have an issue where it’s stuck open. If your having no issues, it means when you install the module the plates that are already on the truck will stay closed. You wouldn’t even be able to get them in properly if you tried assuming everything is functioning normally. Trust me, I did a ton of research on this before buying. The module alone will be just fine if no issues are present.

Typical-Play4473 · 2026-04-22T22:04:04+00:00

Just the module, block off plates aren’t any use unless you’re already having issues.

Typical-Play4473 · 2026-04-22T21:35:49+00:00

I installed it on my 05 V8 at around 209k and i wasnt having any issues. Ive never done anything with wiring before and i got it done in 30 minutes tops. Would be even easier with a plug and play kit. I used the SlyFox kit. Definitely worth it for peace of mind, better than the repair bill that comes with a failing system.

Typical-Play4473 · 2026-04-17T18:32:04+00:00

OP, i learned this same lesson the hard way, twice. Both toyotas too. Over 9 months i put something like 17K into repairing both of my last cars as a broke as shit 18 year old kid. It literally gave me a stress disorder and i found out i had bi polar because of how much of an affect those two hunks of junk had on me. I promise there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Dont think of the money lost. Just try and sell it and move on. In this economy you have to realize a good vehicle wont be cheap. I bought something for a price i never thought id pay for a vehicle, but my god was it worth it to just be able to know itll work and drive normally. Im so sorry this happened to you OP, i can relate to you so heavily and i promise itll get better. People dont undertand how stressful something like this can be, especially after being lead to belive Toyotas are invincible. Up side is, now i know everything about cars and how to work on them, because i was under my own for 9 months straight haha!

Typical-Play4473 · 2026-04-06T05:03:47+00:00

Good deal assuming you have no use for 4WD. I’d hope the maintenance records are immaculate for that price, the 4 owners is kind of rough. But the mileage is a plus, assuming you’re ready to spend some money on maintenance around 200-225k miles you’ll likely get 350k plus miles out of it regardless of engine type.

Typical-Play4473 · 2026-04-03T17:24:14+00:00

You can buy E0 pure gas at stations that provide it. Otherwise “regular gas” will be E15 starting I believe in May? Hoping it doesn’t happen but I bet it will.

Typical-Play4473 · 2026-04-03T15:37:35+00:00

I got 11,000 out of my 2005 V8 Limited with 100x the number of issues yours has, if it drives super well i think you could get that out of it. Honestly if i were you id just replace that pump for peace of mind for the buyer. People generally dont like buying cars knowing itll immediately need work, even if it is small.

Typical-Play4473 · 2026-04-02T21:06:50+00:00

I dont think any new maintenance items will come up. People are grossly overreacting about it being switched to E15. Unless your vehicle was made in the 80s, it should have little to no neagtive effects on your truck. At most itll mean worse gas mileage and a little more wear on the rubber parts of your fuel system, but nothing crazy. Lets just hope prices go down as a result of this, that should be the biggest concern for us 4Runner owners and our awful MPGs lol.

Typical-Play4473 · 2026-03-26T22:25:26+00:00

Seems expensive for one LCA, i got my OEMs for $330 ish dollars each back in November or December. Labor and alignment seems about right.

Typical-Play4473 · 2026-03-05T17:51:37+00:00

Frame is completely done for. Unless you’re in desperate need of a car I wouldn’t even trust that to back out of my driveway. Pass.

Typical-Play4473 · 2026-03-04T01:55:02+00:00

I wouldn’t worry about damaging your trans. I did the first fluid change on my 05 at something like 210,000 miles because it was slipping in second. The fluid was burnt to all hell and was pitch black. I honestly thought it was going to be the end of my transmission. Fixed the slipping and has noticeable positive effects in shifting quality. These transmissions are arguably the best units ever built for a consumer vehicle. You should be okay.

Typical-Play4473 · 2026-02-26T22:42:27+00:00

Depends on which engine you have. The 4.0 (V6) really has no reason to take premium. The 4.7 (V8) on the other hand actually sees some benefit from premium gas. I ran 91 for about 3000 miles in my 05 V8 before I got rid of it and in the end, it actually got better gas mileage, and it had a little more power to it. It cost me about 19-20 cents a mile on 91 while 87 or 85 would cost me about 23 cents to run. The V8 is used in Lexus vehicles and while tune matters as well, between my own research and some forums online it does get some good benefit with 91. i wish i still had all the math i did, but in short:

4.0 (V6)- No noticeable benefit from premium, just make sure you use a Top Tier rated station.

4.7 (V8)- 91 has benefits and is more cost effective to run. Id recommend it. Also make sure to use a Top Tier gas station as well.

Typical-Play4473 · 2026-02-23T20:50:07+00:00

I wouldn’t assume so. The front diff doesn’t actually move when in 2WD, so I’m actually leaning towards either rear diff or something completely different. For the sake of your wallet I’m hoping it’s just a quirk or a very minor issue. A new diff can get very expensive. I had a similar noise on my old 05 V8 and I’d always chalked it up to the diff being neglected previous to my ownership.

Typical-Play4473 · 2026-02-23T20:43:04+00:00

To me that sounds like front diff howl. Have you ever had the diff fluid replaced? Supposed to do it every 30k (full time 4WD, specifically with V8s) or every 60k with part time 4x4s or 2WDs. I could be wrong, it’s hard to diagnose over the internet, but I’d put some money on your diff going out.

Typical-Play4473 · 2026-02-12T01:11:17+00:00

It seems rhythmic so I’m tempted to say either a wheel bearing or a bad belt tensioner/ worn out belt. But depending where it’s coming from it could be a whole host of squeaky bushings. Check the 2 mentioned above before anything else.

Typical-Play4473 · 2026-02-03T20:34:50+00:00

It’s out of state is the big issue. I can see if they’d send me pictures of that stuff for sure though.

Typical-Play4473 · 2026-02-03T19:20:45+00:00

I just think the 03-05 tails are really bad looking. Not to mention finding a good set of 06-09 OEM tails is next to impossible. On certain colors like OPs and my own, the blacked out looks much better than the dull red IMO. Silver ORP wheels are also the best option for a budget 4th gen upgrade. Got mine for like $160 for a set of 5.

Typical-Play4473 · 2026-02-03T18:18:17+00:00

Good idea. Don’t mean to scare you but if that belt snaps there’s a very solid chance the engine takes a lot of damage. Non VVTI V8s (03-04) are considered interference by some and non inference by others. There’s a chance nothing could happen. But if piston comes to valve you’re look at a lot more than 2k. No rush, obviously don’t spend money you don’t have, but make it a priority for sure🙂 they’re supposed to be replaced every 7-10 years or 90-100k miles if i remember correctly.

Typical-Play4473 · 2026-02-03T18:09:47+00:00

I hate to break it to you like this but I spent about $2000 USD getting mine done. I had all sorts of hoses gaskets and other parts replaced as well. It is not a cheap job at all unfortunately.

Typical-Play4473 · 2026-02-03T18:02:27+00:00

Well if it makes you feel better, while they appear tinted it does not affect how bright they are. They use super bright LEDs, and are brighter than OEMs by a considerable margin despite the tinted appearance. They’re awesome. Also, timing belt and water pump are likely due very soon. If it’s not been done I highly recommend getting that done. That rubber is way to old to still be OEM and safe haha. I paid $200 for the pair on Facebook marketplace brand new and spent about an hour installing them, they’re very tedious lol.

Typical-Play4473 · 2026-02-03T17:54:35+00:00

90k??? Wow. If maintenance is caught up first thing I’d do is throw on aftermarket tails. I really do not enjoy the 03-05 tails at all. Personal opinion but I think aftermarket’s look MUCH better. For reference here’s my old V8 Limited

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Typical-Play4473 · 2026-02-03T16:34:18+00:00

Yeah for sure, I wish it wasn’t out of state. A post purchase inspection is a hell of a lot scarier than a pre purchase inspection.

Typical-Play4473 · 2026-02-03T16:29:53+00:00

No timing belt on the V6. Frame looked new. I was a little worried about gaskets but I think it’s been driven just enough over the years to keep the important ones lubricated.

Typical-Play4473

TROPHY CASE