Best 4-Runner to Off-Road || Build Walkaround

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Josh recently picked up a 4-Runner that was too good to pass up. Today, he breakdown down his build and what his plans are for the future of this 4th Gen. Let us know what you guys think and if you have any parts that you would like to see added.
#offroad #4x4 #offroading

[@glencoco5084]

I rolled my last 4th gen at 90MPH, she saved my life. Found another that same weekend and snagged it. Throwing the Bilstein/OME kit on it tomorrow and building her back out. Hands down the best vehicle I've ever owned, incredibly easy to work on and literally the Glock of the overlanding world.

[@suewang9210]

Excellent video but I just want to make a few correction for readers: 1: 4th gen was from 03 to 09 and V8 was an option in all models not just sport or limited. Besides 09 trail edition which only have v6 2: 01-02 3rd gen and all 4th gen 4Runner have “full timeble” 4WD including V6, it had the exact drivetrain as v8, you can run it in 4WD all the time and the only downside is negligible fuel economy decease. but it have an extra 2WD in the transfer case for daily where it’s more fuel efficient. 3: Lexus GX470 have the 4.7 v8 but 460 have a 4.6 V8, fyi Lexus GX is basically a 4Runner, stock to stock they have exact reliability and same off-road capability or a little better at off-road before KDSS and crawl control was introduced to 4Runner, but GX are more expensive in the used market at least from my area. although Lexus recommended premium for “Better performance” it run on 87 without any noticeable mpg decrease.

[@Koo_laide]

Yep, 4th gen refers to 03 - 09. I have a 06 v8 limited. Also considered getting the 09 trail edition. The v8 is nice for towing. They'll never put in another v8 in a 4runner. Prove me wrong Toyota

[@nuffinpersonal]

@@Koo_laide Toyota isnt even putting v8's in the Tundra anymore, you can probably give up on the 4runner ever getting a v8 again. But twin turbo v6 is superior to a v8 anyhow.

[@nuffinpersonal]

I think youre confusing the 3rd gen 4wd that has selectable awd and 4th gen v8 awd system to be similar. The 4th gen v8 awd system is a Torsen style center diferential and it isnt un-selectable other than the 4lo switch that will put the center differential into a lower gear ratio.

[@TrailBuilt]

Awesome and thank you! Lots of learning to do yet!

[@suewang9210]

@@TrailBuilt You are welcome! Keep up your great video!

[@garrettsmith941]

A man of culture. 72k mile 4th gen v8 4wd with icon lift and wheels and I couldn’t be happier.

[@TrailBuilt]

😎✌💯

[@BlazingFaith1945]

What stage of Icon and why?

[@garrettsmith941]

@@BlazingFaith1945 stage 1, because even that ran me $2800. Not including wheels and tires after. For a car I use 90% on road, it wasn’t worth it to spend 6k on suspension (stage 5 or 6)

[@SaadRahimu]

Sorry bro hate to break it to you but you have indeed screwed the whole 4th gen up. 4th gen started from 2003 to 2009 not 2001. Also, V8 alongside V6 has always been offered from day one 2003-2009 in all trims not just Sport Edition or Limited. V8 is been around in 4th gen from 2003-2009.

[@user-hy5yu9fy6q]

I enjoyed your video. According to my information the 4th Generation 4Runner goes from 2003 to 2009. I have an '06. It the best vehicle I have ever owned.

[@jimborambo958]

4th Gen is 2003 to 2009. VVTi was introduced on the 2005 V8 models. Rear diff e-lockers was introduced on 2009 models and are very rare.

[@lIlIllll1]

e-lockers the way to go if I can find one?

[@zman92630]

I have an 03 V6 4x4 T4R. Over many years, I did suspension/lift, UCAs, wheels/tires (BFG KO2's), rock sliders, skid plates, front/rear ARB air lockers w/compressor under the hood, Victory 4x4 roof rack, cree replacement headlight bulbs, and a front bumper w/winch. I couldn't be happier. Only have 145k miles on it 19 years later, and it's amazing offroad with plenty of life left! Happy for you, my friend. May you have the same happiness!

[@thekingofplay8539]

Great find! It was definitely worth that wait. Looking forward to see what you end up doing to the build in the future.

[@TrailBuilt]

You and me both!

[@grantmoon624]

A Sequoia is also a cabable Overland platform

[@taliesinangling3564]

Just heavier than the v8 4runner

[@grantmoon624]

@@taliesinangling3564 easier to find tho…

[@MrJpags]

I am looking at a new rig, is the sequoia MPG that much worse than the 4Runner v8? And yes you’re right, sequoia is easier to find and cheaper

[@grantmoon624]

@@MrJpags Not much different mpg. Also the sequoia is a better towing platform.

[@MSDistrict13]

@@MrJpags I had a 2006 sequoia with a 2 inch lift and 35s. I got about 13 mpg. The only thing is I would recommend regearing cause I could do highway speeds fine but trying to pass cars was a struggle.

[@greym6436]

My buddy has this 4runner w/ 4.7l same as that I have in my tundra. Absolutely Great rigs!

[@connerrowles125]

Awesome 4runner man!👍🏻Love to see more of your new rig on the trails!!

[@TrailBuilt]

Thanks! And me too! 😁

[@otgoffroad9594]

Can’t wait for you guys to get the Rebounds in! I’ve been really interested in a set for my FJ since I found out about them. Thanks for sharing!

[@loganurquhart11]

I love your 4 runner. One of the best looking ones I’ve seen anywhere.

[@stephenpodd4309]

05 V8 SR5 that I picked up in October of 21. Just starting to build mine up. OME heavies front and rear for suspension, 33" BFG K02s, Sherpa roof rack, Demello Off-road bumper in front. I also plan on the White Knuckle sliders. LOVE the CBI rear bumper you have and really wish I could get one, but they look to have stopped making for the 4th gens.

[@alanobrien3138]

I got 2007 sr5 v8. 240k miles and still kicking ass. Trouble free and built up nicely. I would not trade it for new v6 4Runner.

[@PittiesAndMore]

Nice pick up and nice color combo. I got a GX470 with the same engine at 150K miles that I couldn't pass up last year especially since the car market is crazy now.

[@marcodossantosp]

Nice rig dude! I have an 05' Diesel 4Runner in the DR, same color as yours :p. Dad bought it new and been mine for last 1.5 years. Awesome vehicle!

[@CdotForbes13]

you walked into a jackpot of a vehicle with all of those modifications, I am on the lookout for a clean V8 4Runner myself but imagine it's going to be like finding a needle in a haystack

[@jeremyking3986]

What are you considering clean? And at what price point? I’m looking at an 05 with 160k miles, 4wd for $8500. Or I saw a mint 07 with only 90k miles for $12k. Not sure if those are good deals.

[@IHatePikeys]

@@jeremyking3986should of bought the 05…I got a deal on an 05 pristine condition, with tb and wp replaced for 8k at 220K

[@LloydSim]

very dope! i have a 4th gen 2007 4runner too that I’m very slowly turning to an overland platform

[@TrailBuilt]

Nice!

[@InGratitudeIam]

CONGRATS!!! Nice rig!

[@TrailBuilt]

Thanks! 👍

[@mongoose1618]

Nice, I have a 07 v8 4runner ltd stock(165k miles) that runs beautifully except for a cracked manifold. i have bought Magnaflow headers, cats and muffler and is saving up to have them installed.

[@redskinfaithful]

I like it. This video gave me motivation for my 07 4Runner

[@Aldeeezzy]

Was looking for that exact truck and couldn’t find one that I liked. Ended up buying a GX470. Very good choice 👍🏽

[@TPace75]

Love your videos and the new 4th Gen.

[@TrailBuilt]

Thanks! 😎🤘

[@AZOverland2017]

Congratulations, nice rig!

[@TrailBuilt]

Thanks! 😎✌

[@jlucguerrier]

Really great looking super capable truck!

[@2-old-Forthischet]

It took me awhile and many looks, but I finally found a 2003 4wd limited 4runner with the 4.7 V8 several days ago in pretty good shape. It's all stock so I get to molest it from it's virgin state. One caution on the towing capacity. I just found out today that if the tow hitch is mounted to the bumper cross bar, then the tow rating is 5000 pounds. The 7000 pound tow rated version has the hitch apparatus mounted to the frame like most aftermarket hitches. I crawled under my 4Runner today and found that the hitch was connected to the cross bar and not the frame but not to worry, I have another tow vehicle with the full tow hitch setup.

[@daemorootg8693]

My 05 v8 is at 292k 5.29's and 315/70/17 KM3's. I love it and don't want any other truck.

[@lonesomecricket7721]

Nice rig. 👍🏻

[@scubbarookie]

The 4th gens with a 4.7 are one of the ultimate Overlanding vehicles of all time! Congratulations! I'm excited to see what you'll be adding to this great ride. Take good care! 👍

[@Venom3303]

The 4.0 is fine too, and it’s a chain drive, so I see no reason why they aren’t as capable.

[@alanobrien3138]

Replacing the timing belt every 100K is what makes this engine go for one million miles but the real reason why the v8 is so much better is power. My wife has stock fj cruiser with stock tires. I got bull bar with winch, CBI back bumper witch is heavy as they come and am running 35 inch tires on stock 3.88 gears. My 4 Runner blows the doors off the fj cruiser off the line and up steep grades. If my tank had the v6 I would have to change the gears for sure.

[@raulbustamante8337]

My dream overlan vehicle is a 76 series land cruiser. I live in Venezuela and they're made here brand new with a lot of goodies: they have front and rear lockers and a winch right from factory! I'd like to strip down the interior to the metal, insulate it good and weather proof it with a rubber floor like the Bronco. After that the common overland mods

[@tmos1985]

Awesome ride! I've got an 05 sequoia with the same motor and the center diff lock with a-trac is very capable! Only time I've ever had any problems is getting high centered in deep crusty snow.

[@MrJpags]

Is high mileage a concern, if well maintained and no rust? I’m looking for a new rig to buy in the next 1-2 months.

[@garrettsmith941]

@@MrJpags I've seen examples of the 2uz-fe operating with no problems beyond 200k miles, however considering buying a car with high mileage is risky regardless of how "legendary" an engine is. Rust only gets worse with time so i'd stay away from any frame damage at the very least.

[@dannysanchez7205]

@@MrJpags my 07 4Runner Sport has 260k, still running super smooth. Only small issue I’ve had is cracked exhaust manifold. Common problem with the V8s

[@atlasshrugged9093]

I got a 2008 V6 just before the pandemic, the prices seriously jumped shortly after and the place I got it from kept calling me to see if they could buy it back. Glad I got it when I did.

[@MarcusRGrant]

Excellent video.

[@TrailBuilt]

Glad you liked it!

[@stevenpeterson7234]

Awesome 4runner man!! Love the 4.7 V8's!! My wife has a 05 sequoia 4.7L V8 and I love it but I love my 2.8 minimax Tacoma more!! On 35's getting 42 mpg with a 26 gallon tank over 1,000 mile range!! Cant beat it!!

[@heavyprogressive76]

Whoa wait..minimax?! Is it swapped?! I want details!! Haha

[@stevenpeterson7234]

@@heavyprogressive76 Yeah, it's swap!! I'll be coming out with some videos here soon!!

[@Xman_Hz]

Sweet rig. I recently bought a 09 4Runner that was modified by the previous owner: icon lift kit with JBA upper control arms, rock sliders, 285s, and other things like headlights. Best part is the frame it’s super clean so that’s a steal living in the Midwest. Only has 180k miles too. Ur right clean 4Runners are unicorns!

[@sapclan2896]

I had a 03 tacoma. Then, got a 13 Forester. Thinking of going back to Toyota. This review helps

[@jameskocks4734]

I have a 2005 V8 2wd. Sadly not 4wd but it’s in very good condition and is my daily. I don’t off road so it suits me fine. Even if I did some ko2’s would get me where I want to go. Which isn’t too demanding.

[@jamesvang3456]

My wife got a 05 4runner sr5 v8 7passenger…..03-04 model non Vvti aluminum intake manifolds and 05 is when they started the vvti plastic intake manifolds…has a custom fit 05 up Tacoma arb bumper winch and also towing my 90 4runner on 39.5 iroc tires Toyota axles to rubicon couple time nice

[@zackzaney1591]

Excellent.

[@curco8006]

Nice rig! I own a 04 4runner with the 2.8 diesel engine and it’s the most reliable car I’ve ever owned

[@mbailey802]

04 with a 2.8? I have an 04 surf with a 3.0L 1kd-ftv. what engine is in the 2.8 ??

[@curco8006]

@@mbailey802 oops on further inspection it is a 3.0 as well, but it is the KZ-TE engine

[@SaadRahimu]

I bought my 07 Toyota 4Runner V6 Limited 4WD in excellent condition with a good price few months ago.

[@chadcarrington6225]

Just did a 3inch lift ,33inch Good year Duramax, 1.5 spacers on my 2005 limited v8 4 runner.

[@shysmoov]

Nice, I wish we could see pics in the comments

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Them icon beadlock wheels are dope

[@TrailBuilt]

One of my personal favorites.👌

[@pawcrawlowens8730]

I love my 4.0 in my 08

[@hey2yogi2]

I had a 20004runner and it had the ect power and snow button, 4.7 twin cam. Drunk driver rear end mine and push it down two house. It was a really 4runner and steal body it got on the hwy carrying weight got about 25

[@ritchierichh]

4.7L V8 4R is becoming a hot commodity, especially the 06-09. It's basically a baby land cruiser. Additionally, it's not even that bad on gas. I'm getting 21 mpg hwy on my stock 08 Limited V8 with Cooper Discovery AT3 tires. Only thing I need to change is the XREAs and headers to DT.

[@TrailBuilt]

21 mpg on the highway definitely is not bad at all!

[@BlazingFaith1945]

Why 06 specifically? 05 still has vvti

[@ritchierichh]

@@BlazingFaith1945 While true, I generally regard 06-09 better in terms of exterior aesthetics. Something about 03-05 that just doesn't sit well with me and looks dated whereas 06-09 look better.

[@heavyprogressive76]

@@BlazingFaith1945 that's cool I didn't know that.

[@TheTigerBlitz]

Nice score man.

[@CB-hr6zs]

4Runner for the win

[@Joharwel]

What grill and bug deflector do you have? Looks great - would love to pick those up for mine.

[@Antreyes]

The mayo with the lime is the goat

[@diegomarin2237]

awesome build!!!! where can you find that grill???

[@distilledfreedom1840]

I've the same V8 4.7. 2003. Just passed 290k miles. The only thing that has gone wrong is the transfer case. Which was a $3k repair.. otherwise it's going strong. My previous 4runner was the 98'. Got rear ended at 366k miles. it was pristine, and a tragedy. The 4th gen can't compare to my love of the 98'. The 3rd was just way more capable off road, looked better etc. However, the 4th is far safer, and more comfortable, and if you level it or get a lift it's pretty good off road too. Hoping it will get to 400k with no drive train issues.

[@charlesnickell7257]

Great video I am am building up to different jeeps my 2002 jeep grand cherokee to be my true all out off-roader and my 2021 jeep gladiator rubicon is my overlander. And I just ordered my pro rock 44s for the gladiator rubicon and the axles under my gladiator is going under my 2002 wj grand cherokee

[@TrailBuilt]

Nice! Will be a beast!

[@nickwiesneski]

Cool overview, nice 4Runner! I've got an 08 V8 SR5 and love it for family hauling, work, and camping/trail riding :) You mentioned Flowmaster - LMK if you're interested I've got a pair of Flowmaster Delta 40 Series mufflers in my garage looking for a good home (from my 69 Mustang with a 351 Cleveland - see my vids for audio, obviously not the same but could sound great with your 4.7) I'd recommend installing a louder muffler first while keeping your OEM resonator in place - I put a Borla ProXS on mine and love it except at high RPM/WOT it screams more than I'd like ;)

[@nickwiesneski]

*I removed the resonator and didn't keep it, now wish I had so I could try putting it back in to see if it helps with the scream

[@matthorton1906]

I love how the video you keep replaying is it spinning in the mud

[@vinc156]

Nice rig. I have the exact same rear bumper on mine, but without the tire carrier. Do you know where it come from? I'd like to add it to mine.

[@denniskong338]

my 2003 v8 limited is still humming along like a brand new car with over 223k miles on the clock.

[@madwoof3932]

Couple things, the 07 came in both V6 with timing chain and V8with timing belt. Belt sb replaced at 140,000k.

[@conquerfx_]

You were close but they ran the 4th gen from 2003-09, but that’s just because I’ve been looking for one of these for over a year now with a ton of research and have my goodies list made up too😅

[@cameronreynolds6405]

Easily the cleanest yet purpose-built 4th gen I've seen! Just bought an 08 Limited 4WD and I'm curious if you know where you purchased the TRD style grill? I've seen plenty of them online but yours looks much simpler with the center bar and lettering on it instead of the honey comb style on other TRD grills.

[@lisabaker7640]

Where did you get the hood shield? I've tried two different ones and they have not worked.

[@RRPBJJ]

ive owned 3 4runners.... my 05 4th gen is still my favorite. lost her to frame rust though RIP

[@jbsilb]

What shelf system are you running that bridges between your Molle Panels?

[@zdiver1]

That was the same engine I had in my 2001 Tundra.

[@adamlfa4546]

3rd gen and 5th gen best years

[@redskinfaithful]

Nice rig! I think you made the right choice over the Jeep.

[@jeffkernen1554]

Last year I bought a rust-free 4th gen 4Runner Limited with the V8 for $10,000 and a rust-free 2000 Jeep Wrangler for $13,000. That's two vehicles for half the price of what I'd pay for one Jeep JL. But you've gotta do a lot of searching to find these gems. The Jeep I drove back to Wisconsin from Florida.

[@mikemoravec3978]

Nice rig, I got a 2003 limited v8. I think from 03-05 the v8 did not come with vvti. So the HP rating is like 30-40 HP less than yours. I hear people say stay away from non vvti. The difference is a pump that sits down by the V. Others would say one less thing to worry about going out! All I know is my ride is very capable and a ton of fun! I can't wait to see the mods you do... There are a ton of mods available for the 4th gen! Congrats on your new ride!

[@BlazingFaith1945]

05 has vvti but doesn't have updated face lift

[@RubberChickenMan007]

Vvti with the air pump can be deleted. It's the main problem with the updated engine since the filter disintegrates and clogs the engine. I have an 04 which I bought because it didn't have the secondary air pump. If I knew it could be deleted I would have bought an 05 and up for the additional power. Ended up buying a TRD supercharger that I need to install now. Brand new,OEM Toyota. They're hard to find in CA

[@joshrep1318]

For what its worth, the v8 4runners were rated at 7000lb towing with the load distributing tow package installed from the factory. If that is removed to make room for an aftermarket rear bumper and youre towing off that bumper, youre pretty much limited to the 5000lb towing capacity of the v6s which towed off the bumper also. Not that it really matters, because any 7000lb trailer is definitely too large for the 4runners short wheel base and would be super squirrely on the road; I wouldnt consider towing more than 5000lb on the stock v8 either way

[@tchou86]

did you need to do any trimming or BMC for those 295 tires?

[@martynevans3315]

Nice! That rear bumper is a rarity, indeed! Nobody makes anything comparable these days! :-(

[@TrailBuilt]

Thanks and yeah...it's a brute!

[@bradfordmcgomery9058]

Where did u get the bug shield for your 4 runner. I’ve looked and can’t find one. Thanks

[@vibarra]

Is there a video on how you did the grill mod?

[@jacobhelms4421]

I have a 2005 4Runner with the 4.7 4WD, SR5.

[@andreinvictoria]

@Trailbuit The first time you drop down to 18 PSI and do 60 mph on a washboard dirt road you'll never want to Wrangler again. It's like floating on a cloud.

[@alexisjohnson9608]

V8 mainly was offered in limited 2003 to 2009

[@shysmoov]

Just bought an 05 v8 4runner🎉

[@GaryWold]

I'm sure Mr. TrailBuilt Off-Road knows this by now, but the Gen 4 MPG indicator in my 06 3Runner v6 has always been off by 1.25 and 1.50 MPG when I drive nice.

[@justanothertuner4135]

This is sweet! I have an 03 limited with the v8. Absolutely love it! Do you know where the grill came from? I love how it says toyota

[@TrailBuilt]

The black molding strip with the TOYOTA emblem is off of a 5th gen 4Runner and custom retro-fitted to the center of the 4th gen grill and thats all it is! It will be required to cut out the existing Toyota emblem in order to fit the black 5th gen molding so only perform this modification if you feel 100% confident that your skill level is up for the task!

[@jonathan.lavoie]

@@TrailBuilt the grill looks great! Would love to see a video on how it was custom fit/cut.

[@Kortanov1987]

Can say something about your front grill, it is looks like DIY swap of 215 and 285 models grills

[@andreapiro7098]

Josh can you comment on your front end facelift stuff? what grille and bug shield is that?

[@TrailBuilt]

I know everything was custom on it! You would have to message him on Instagram to figure out specifically were the parts came from.

[@DeezyStone]

Where did you get that grill?

[@michaelsantos1802]

What brand is your LED Fog lamps?

[@bobbrown4069]

I just purchased a 2008 4Runner Limited with the V6

[@docmc6557]

Where did you get your grill from? I can’t seem to find one

[@noahpickerill3749]

Jeep wranglers are definitely way too pricey, I'd rather pay 8 to 15K for one of these with the way car prices are rn. You made the right move for sure 👏

[@TrailBuilt]

Totally agree!

[@eduardomendoza2769]

I have one for sale 142k miles. V6 clean carfax Limited Sport model. In WA State

[@daviddickinson2676]

How do the Icon Rebound Pros prevent the bead from separating on the inside of the tire?

[@ricksmith7659]

I'm wondering the same and what about air leaks from all those screws over time. I'm suspect

[@DanielRodriguez-ep4gz]

Where did you get the bug deflector 😫

[@trdrockwarrior_sport4432]

And you should put method wheels 305 in bronze it would look so sweet

[@lukeventers4755]

I just got an '05 4Runner with the 4.7L V8. I'd like to do headers for it. Any idea on the cost? And what about knock-around winter rims? I'm looking at several sets of Toyota rims that have come off of Tacomas to put on here. Tire suggestions for winter tires? (In town driving, not offroad.) (Not in the Montana winter, haha. Even this bad boy would get stuck!)

[@TrailBuilt]

I would almost run specs close to this 4Runner in our gallery. Clean setup, tires that can handle the weather, and a fairly inexpensive leveling kit if you were looking to upgrade your suspension ever! The cost on the headers varies I have seen it be as expensive as $1300 to $900-ish from shops! www.trailbuiltoffroad.com/wheel-offset-gallery/1868115/2021-toyota-4runner-icon-alloys-rebound-rough-country-leveling-kit

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

4th gens are from 2003 to 2009 and 1996 to 2002 is a 3rd gen

[@tony6925]

Nice rig. Got my 03 v8 limited awd with 164k back in 2017 for 5400. Got 2” lift and 285x75x16 , gobi rack, exhaust. It’s got xreas suspension which will be my next project to replace. Any recommendations for what to replace with?

[@TrailBuilt]

Depends what kind of driving you do with your 4-runner! I would say Rough Country and Icon both have some great kits for a decent price! www.trailbuiltoffroad.com/store/suspension?sort=popular&year=2003&make=Toyota&model=4Runner&drive=4WD&saleToggle=0&qdToggle=0

[@RandomVideos_today]

How are you getting that mpg

[@toyotabrony]

I still wish they offer this billet prof 4.7L V8 on a 5th gen 4Runner. The 4.0L V6 still excellent engine. But 4th gen 4Runner V8 are straight up badass. ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@TrailBuilt]

Truly surprised they don't!

[@toyotabrony]

@@TrailBuilt it be a wise move from Toyotat to slap A V8 on 5th gen 4Runner

[@hypnoticz9]

Omg, I just splooged all over myself.

[@zachwoelfel]

🔥

[@damonaniton]

I am curious how much they had to chop to fit the 295's. I have an 05 and have not decided if i want a bigger tire or not yet.

[@TrailBuilt]

Really not much. The caster is adjusted positively to move the tires forward as to not interfere with the body mount or corner of the fender. There was just a little bit of trimming done to the front fender, but that's it. 😎✌

[@AlexM-np1cx]

@@TrailBuilt no body mount chop?

[@BlazingFaith1945]

@@AlexM-np1cx It doesn't sound like it.

[@potterytool7444]

Can’t go wrong with a 4runner

[@TrailBuilt]

Absolutely agree with you there!

[@merrittmcdowell8675]

What's wrong with rolling with a 2000ish Jeep cherokee With select-a-drive transfercase?