In the Garage: Overlanding with a 4Runner - 3 Years later

[@lunamaria1048]

Hey Overland USA! :) To deal with the power issue in my 4Runner, I put a Magnuson supercharger in her!.. I saw gains of 35% in power AND torque, just as advertised, which was about 100hp and the same rise in torque.. It made my rig feel exactly as an SUV her size should, and I can pass on highways now lol, even when fully loaded for a few weeks in the bush here in Northern British Columbia!.. The best part is it doesn't reduce gas mileage unless you drive with a heavy foot, and will slightly improve your mileage, especially when driving off road, where technical rock crawling now requires less boot... It was either order a diesel engine from Australia or do this, so my husband chose this for me.. I highly recommend one to any long term 4Runner that can afford it.. Magnuson designed this together with Magnuson, so it is made to compliment the engine like a glove. Excellent video!!.. Cheers!

[@lunamaria1048]

Land Cruiser is the #1 overland vehicle.. Particularly the 80 Series.. I put a Magnuson Supercharger in my new 4Runner and it totally tranformed it to exactly what the power should be.. I gained around 35% in power and torque and dinometered at 350hp.. That is almost 100hp gained.. It isn't over powered but feels as a SUV that size should.. Less boot on obstacles and i can pass on highways even with gear lol.. Magnuson and TRD developed it together so it works with no other mods required.. I LOVE my 4Runner as much as my 80 now... I highly recommend it!.. You mention the infotainment turning off.. I have not encountered that yet, so lucky there.. Good review :)

[@admantiom1848]

I have 2010 Fj Cruiser 6/MT with the same engine like yours, but the axles are geared with 4,56 with 285,75.R16 tires and with front winch and steel bumper/lights, ARB roof rack, rear steel bumper/tire carrier with extra fuel and water and also my rear axle is a Dana 60 which was built by chase @ East Coast Gear Supply which weighs close to 350 lbs. my truck weighs fully loaded with gears 5810 lbs and I am over the GVW and engine has lots of torque and power. By changing the final drive ratio you can regain the lost power when you are adding equipment/weight.

[@HudsonZRoamer]

This is why I am on a stage 2 protune for my 2010 Forester XT (auto NOT a CVT). So many people question why I went with a Forester as an "overlanding" vehicle. Its gets me where I need to go and it was very easy to add more power thanks to the performance aftermarket available for Subarus. Along with a lift and beefier springs, the performance enhancements countered the added weight of my kitchen setup, front/rear bumpers, winch, offroad trailer, etc. Its been a huge learning process along the way the only thing I would really like is a rear locker but other than that I am very happy. Ive been looking into Toyotas for a potential replacement once I get rid of the Forester. Thanks for the video very informative.

[@fredbrackely]

I bet its way more fun to drive as well.

[@blackjack444....]

"Bullet proof" I'm sold!

[@that1guy524]

Ha! I live in Vegas too! So glad I stumbled across your channel man! Just got myself a 2017 4Runner last October. It's my first 4Runner and have been looking around to give the 4Runner a boost in the future which i had such a hard time looking around. THANK YOU for the informative video!

[@Ruston_smith]

No problem! Make sure you join the Vegas 4runners facebook group if your on it!

[@markbergman2342]

I'm so happy with my Toyota Hilux 2.5 Turbo Diesel (Europe), only 140hp, but with the torque it has I've got plenty of power to keep it going.

[@Ruston_smith]

Mark Bergman I wish they would bring those engine options to the states. But I don’t think it will ever happen.

[@martinstrobel9297]

Toyota needs a diesel.

[@ziggy149]

I have a ‘17 Tundra that’s having a build done right now at Tactical Application Vehicles in Albuquerque. I agree whole heartedly about the GPS. It’s super frustrating a lot of times. After I recover from the finances on the build I’ll be replacing the head unit with the Kenwood replacement that has Garmin and Apple CarPlay.

[@brianbecker7219]

Ruston, any update on that performance chip?

[@SwellRunner]

Great video Ruston! Love the overview! I've been thinking a LOT about my 4Runner lately - I love love love everything about it.... EXCEPT the lack of power! After trailering with it for as long as I have, it's a huge shortcoming that I'm having a pretty hard time with! It stinks because it's the ONLY thing, and it's very difficult/expensive to overcome!

[@Ruston_smith]

Jason Koertge well if you hang in there with it I am going to get that tune this summer. Could be a great option to get some power back!

[@rostamr4096]

And I love my 2015 4Runner limited. Here is my wishlist for 2020 4Runner : 350 BHP + 8-speed transmission, faster GPS, and better resolution on the digital display, technology option like blind spot monitoring, lane departure and active crouse control.

[@Ruston_smith]

Jason Rashkan I think there is a good shot at most of that except the 350 bhp, I do think will get at least a 6 speed. They would be a lot better off if they changed the gear ratio to a 4.10 and had the 4Runner drop about 500 lb’s

[@youknowit158]

Jason Koertge how does the new swell Runner 2.0 (land cruiser) handle the turtleback? Or is that going to be something only the 4runner is going to tow offroad?

[@BCD0711]

Jason, look into gearing. Less expensive than a power adder and does a great job with towing.

[@OverlandTrax]

Nice video, thanks for sharing ✌

[@serjkeshish8093]

Grate video and awesome detail thx

[@ILDAR2009]

Thank you sir for great video! Hope to buy one soon and join great community of 4RUNNER enthusiast.

[@joecusack3015]

Great video man! Got yourself a new sub!

[@Anon-ft1yb]

New sub, still working on my 5th gen 4Runner and hope to get it out on some trails soon. Looking forward to watching your other videos.

[@davidschoessow1646]

Great video. Tell me specifically, what aftermarket paint treatment did you get? Where and how has it benefitted your 4Runner?

[@Willytwoscoops]

There is one part of your video about the engine part and the weight that a lot of folks don’t do, and even you brought it up. Gears! Nitro offers 4.10’s for your truck, they have gear sets all the way up to 5.29 at this point. It used to be 4.88. I went from 3.73 in an FJ with fully armored completely, 315/75-16’s to 4.56. The transmission doesn’t hunt for gears in a hill or downshift at any incline right away, it will pull when you get in and really help ease the strain on the engine. The downside though is RPM’s which are not crazy but they are little higher. It’s a night and day and I am a believer that ya the best mod anyone can make for a rig that’s going to be kept for a long time and used for off-road travel that has a full build.

[@Ruston_smith]

Will Lashmit they do make 4.10’s? Is that something new? I had no idea and I have been in the market for a while.

[@Willytwoscoops]

Overlanding USA nope it’s been out for atleast last year. I did all my stuff through East Coast Gears

[@oscarm.4078]

Will Lashmit will the 4.10s negatively affect gas mileage?

[@Ruston_smith]

They do not have 4.10 gears it was a mistake.

[@MindzEye03rd]

Thanks for sharing. Just moved to Vegas and really want to go off road now, I have my eye on the 4runner TRD Pro as a turn key solution while I learn the ropes of off roading (really just want to take the family where no one is around and get to spots to take photos). As I did my research on it I did learn about the downfall of it's power when you start to add weight so I started looking at what tuning options where available and everything pointed to the supercharger, which is a shame because a lot of gains can be had with modifying the air intake/exhaust and tuning (I have a pro-tuned stage 2 WRX). Your comment about the garage that figured out how to crack the ECU intrigued me, has anything come of that?

[@andyham6094]

Haven’t had any problems with my infotainment or my steering wheel. My steering wheel shows absolutely no wear. And I’m at 100,000 miles.

[@SpecterMoto]

After listening to you cons with the powertrain, it sounds like you would like my 2013 F 150 FX4 3.5. Solves all your power and gearing issues.

[@eliaqum1234]

Ford is garbage not worth a penny

[@dood1954]

how do you like the Rhino Rack? Have the same on my 4R, works great for my CVT and all my gear needed for a trip. Your truck looks nice...giving me food for thought an what I need done on mine! Safe travels.

[@marczitnay]

since you're giving yourself until summer for looking into tuning, just an FYI that OVTune is looking into beginning R&D on a 5th gen 4R tune as well. He may have started already, not sure. I have his tune for my 3rd gen Tacoma and it's excellent, so if you happen to find yourself with the time to possibly wait and hold out for that, well that's an option. In addition to this, Magnusson is not the only provider of a supercharger for the 5th gen 4R. Underdog Racing Development (URD) has a whipple "Godzilla" option/kit. Also just a FYI.

[@EmpTy-kf2rq]

I’d say adding weight taxes the transmission and differential more than the engine.

[@JonKnopp]

Overlanding USA you run both the TRD Air Intake and the ARB Safari Snorkel? Any challenges getting both installed/working together?

[@Ruston_smith]

Jon Knopp ya, quite a lot actually. It’s all custom duct work connecting the snorkel to the box. The part of the box that sticks into he fender is thin rubber and won’t work with the stock tubing from the snorkel. So I had to run longer rubber tubing so it will fit directly to the box.

[@abdullaa602]

If you had to choose between a 4runner and a Wrangler JL, what will you choose and why?!

[@Ruston_smith]

Abdulla A honestly it completely depends on what you want to do with it. If your going rock crawling JL all day. Plus it will fit 35’s stock. If you are going to be doing a lot of miles and want reliability that is second to none. 4runner

[@mikekay213]

Nice review, if you could do similar for your 4Th gen and contrast the 2 would be great!

[@Ruston_smith]

Might have to do that!

[@vegaswajeel1]

If you are planning on buying a 4 runner what model do you reccomend buying? The best value? And what are the top 3 mods that should be bought?

[@Ruston_smith]

Right now I would say a 4th gen is the best value. Anything from 2003-2009. First 3 mods, suspension, tires, rocksliders and skids

[@mixflip]

I am gearing up for the overland expo 2018!

[@trailspinTV]

mixflip excited to see everybody!

[@soulsurfer8797]

Why not change the gears. Optimize your load and stay away from tuning it as I personally know three guys that “unlocked” their ECU’s and ruined the motor due to airflow issues stemming from the ECU remapping. Please note Toyota does a 80 hours non stop running test on ALL engine and add ons such as previously offered TRD superchargers. Thus, as you noted you have a 190K truck with zero issues. Remember one of the most important overland considerations is remote vehicle travel with HIGH vehicle reliability. Just my two cents. Thanks for the review.

[@950Brandon]

Agree! that Entune system cold down issue is so annoying for roadtrips! And it always shuts down when it is playing my fav. songs. I have a limited, the gas mileage is so bad, the interior is dated, the 5 speed transmission is laggy, lack of safty features and old school car pad… But I never regret about buying it over highlander and my old Venza. If ppl who are not doing too much offroading, limited is good with awd, dual climate control. Oh, just too much chrome on it, maybe change to a heritage grill too.

[@Ruston_smith]

Brandon Yeung I will say if you get something like a Sprint Booster it helps a lot with the slow issues.

[@950Brandon]

Thx! I was thinking it, did you get one? If you did, how was it? Cause it is not cheap at all lol. I am up at Canada, the off road culture is not as hit as in the States and mods are so expensive and lack of options.

[@Ruston_smith]

Brandon Yeung yes I have one and honestly it’s my favorite mod on the truck. It truly makes it so much more enjoyable to drive.

[@950Brandon]

Thx!!! I will definitely get one then! Huge thx!

[@Gettinbentoffroad]

Overlanding has always been a thing just has had very many names over the years

[@jimwhite4270]

He never implied it wasn't tool, he indicated it's becoming more and more popular. Did you fail basic English?

[@kawr4x449]

Great video, did you get your TRD grill from a dealer?

[@Ruston_smith]

Alex F. I got it from an aftermarket supplier. Look them up trailstandardoffroad.com/shop/

[@joshglintahow3061]

I'm surprised you didn't mention the headlights. Those things suck. I have a flashlight from 1984 that's brighter than those things.

[@Ruston_smith]

I don't really have any complaints about the headlights.

[@travistovani9892]

Front grille looks good. TSO PRO GRILLE!

[@FireRunner1075]

Curious on why you didn't get a trail edition, Price? I to have a 2007 sport and the wife has the 15 limited. I do wish they would bring back the multi mode 4wd. I did have a 06' with the V8 I do miss that.

[@Ruston_smith]

John yeah it was all price, the truck was a courtesy car at the dealership I bought it from and had 4K miles on it when I bought it. So they cut me a really good deal. So it wasn’t ever a consideration for anything else

[@FireRunner1075]

Can't blame you there. :-) I still feel like our old 4.0 has more pep. Only thing I can think of is the 5th gen are heavier.

[@Ruston_smith]

John yeah I feel the same way about ours. Fun facts, the 4th gen hits peak torque at 3800 instead of 4400 in the 5th gens and it weighs 500 lbs left. So that’s what I think it is

[@youknowit158]

You can try the scout app so you can use the phones GPS the entune... It just doesn't have good ratings...I haven't tried it yet

[@Ruston_smith]

youknowit158 Scout app on the Entune system?

[@chrisblanchard4938]

Very informative video. I love my 2016 TE 4Runner.

[@emilcaruso3088]

do you have any personal experience with the super charger.. is it worth the expense?

[@Ruston_smith]

I have driven a 2013 with the supercharger. It is pretty nice but my suggestion would be to wait a little longer as they are still playing with the tune and making more power.

[@emilcaruso3088]

subscribed

[@yanglu9555]

@@Ruston_smith , this is great info. Wondering when they are going to up grade the engine for more power!

[@warrioroverlandadventures6409]

Go Knights Go!

[@Alan62651]

Which engine do you have? I am a real fan of the Toyota V8 family, a la 4.7, 5.7, so I am looking at earlier GX, LX, and Sequoia as platforms for overlanding. I realize emissions and economy are forcing the smaller blocks and V6 implementations, but I am not a fan. The Lexuses and Sequoia offer more comfort/quality options in the seating. As for steering wheel grip even in my Lexus LS430, I use a wheel cover... Since I have owned older Lexus models. I suffer with some really OLD infotainment options, LOL.

[@Ruston_smith]

Alan Land it’s the 4.0 v6 unfortunately.

[@mattysco]

alot of peeps say it dips when stopping and unstable on corners. any thoughts on that since youre a real legit owner?

[@Ruston_smith]

So the nose dive is a real thing, only stiffer after market springs will fix that. As far as being unstable in corners, I never had an issue with corners until i got into the mods and in particular took off the sway bars. But that is normally the case with any vehicle that lacks sway bars.

[@andyham6094]

It drives like a truck. Simple as that. If you really hate the nose drive I suggest a crossover. Body on frame won’t be as smooth as a unibody.

[@TrashTierOperator]

what's the red connector between the intake tube and the airbox?

[@EmpTy-kf2rq]

I’d say adding weight taxes the transmission more than the engine.

[@saltybadkid9002]

What tires are on this 4runner?

[@voodooblue6162]

How long did you wait to start to throw mods(changing the suspension system, installing front bumper,etc)on you 2015 4runner after you bought it?

[@AW-xv7dq]

For someone doing a review you should really know the name of the holy shit bar. You're welcome.

[@brianjones1151]

I really wish Toyota would make their Diesel Engines available in the US !! They are just as Reliable anad powerful as their Petrol Engines with the benefit of 2 to 3 times the Fuel Economy !!! It's called 'having your cake and eating it too' !! Frigging EPA !!!

[@dirtlifemagazine]

I live in Las Vegas too.

[@MountainHobbler]

I was a huge 4Runner fanboy until I test drove one. I just could not deal with the lack of grunt on top of the crap MPG.

[@BigpoppaKC]

Ditched Toyota after 11 trucks and three 4- runners that past 28 years... just picked up a 2018 ZR2 2.8 babymax.. front and rear lockers... love it!!!! 28mpg hwy...

[@longbow0728]

Which company is offering the ECU Tune for the 4runner? Thats something I'm very interested

[@Ruston_smith]

Can’t say at the moment but it will be out early summer

[@rippspeed1]

is it orange virus ???

[@Ruston_smith]

rippspeed1 no it isn’t. This one isn’t on the market yet.

[@rippspeed1]

keep us posted brudda

[@marczitnay]

for what it's worth, I know that Orange Virus is looking to come out with a tune for this vehicle. He may have started R&D already

[@oNeptun3]

You look like rob Kardashian

[@Aman-rp7yj]

That steering wheel problem is odd. Especially for only 80k miles

[@ryanmartinage]

Im betting on Toyota screwing things up even more by bringing the 3.5L to the next gen 4R. They need to fix the litany of things you have to do to run larger tires AND flex without rubbing. The powertrain is a turd when anything involving towing or weight is concerned. I really wanted to love my 5th gen but it just feels like its intentionally held back from its potential. Sold it and get a Jeep. Maybe in the future Toyota will stop insulting its enthusiast base in the USA. Bring some of the different non soccer mom Land Cruisers to the USA. Give us a solid front axle offering. Give us something you can add larger tires to AND use them. Gearing options.. Just anything! I feel like unless you pay 80k for a Landy in the future, there wont be any real enthusiast vehicles left in Toyota's lineup for the US. I mean they did duck tape a FJ roof rack and a "dust air intake" aka snorkel to the new TRD Pro... *sigh*

[@RazeG4m1ng]

I'm sorry, but your response makes no sense. You talk about how bad it is at towing, but it's not designed to tow large loads, and then you talk about buying a jeep (and if I'm assuming correctly by your post, you probably bought a Wrangler which is equally crappy at towing, and pretty much all Jeeps suck at towing.) Your complaint about "flexing" you should have known when you bought an IFS vehicle. A solid axle will always flex a lot better than IFS, and the flip side of that is for 99% of driving while not flexing is worse than an IFS. The JK wrangler is equally crappy at having power and is a slow moving brick as well with horrible gas mileage. And gearing options? Only the Rubicon Wrangler has better gearing. the Trail and PRO's come with 3.73s which is only bested by the Rubicon's 4.10s with a hefty price tag. It really sounds like you just wanted a Jeep and are justifying your purchase.

[@koopspook]

@@RazeG4m1ng grand cherokee good for towing

[@RazeG4m1ng]

They do better than the wrangler, and will probably pull everything you need to like a boat or small camper. But if your really needing to tow anything of real substance and want to keep longevity of a vehicle just step to a truck. I wouldn't want to be constantly towing with a grand, wrangler, or 4runner.