How is a V8 4Runner as a Tow Vehicle?

Here's a different pic of the 4th Gen 4Runner factory transmission cooler, small but it had one:

RTCastillo wrote:

crcr wrote:

RTCastillo wrote:

JoshuaH wrote:
Thanks everyone, great info.

I didn't know they stopped putting the V8 in the 4 runner. Also great info on the hitch.

I was wondering about the v6 4Runner, just didn't want to go too small, that is why I was thinking the v8.

Do these have transmission coolers stock?

It does not have a transmission cooler. I did a water-whisk test in a rest area in Tejon after the Grapevine climb and it was just a very slight sizzle. Heard from other 4runner owners that Toyota's generally have strong transmission. This is my 3rd 4runner and there is no need to ask me why, lol.

The 4th Gen V8 models definitely do have a small OEM transmission cooler. I don't recall if the V6 had one or not.

There is none.

Japanese have the minimalist and simplicity mind set. They don't over do features -- meaning, they only put in there what you'll need assuming you will be operating it within the vehicle's parameters.

The 4th Gen V8's DID have an OEM cooler, though it is small. I removed mine on my 2008 and installed a larger one. It sits down low in front of the radiator. I don't recall if the V6 models had one or not. Here is a pic of the OEM trans cooler on the 4th Gen V8:

falconbrother wrote:
Another option: Look for a Tahoe or Suburban. They are everywhere, parts are cheap, they all come with V8s, they have a history of long term ownership (there's a blue million 9th gen Suburbans still on the road), they keep going and going, many of them will already have the tow package from the factory, front and rear climate control, etc, etc.. The average tow weight rating for a Suburban is 7200lbs as it sits with no modifications. Many of them are higher than that.

Granted, Toyota makes a good vehicle. But, I'm not loyal to a brand. Most manufacturers have some good runs and bad runs. If I were looking for a Toyota it would be the Tundra. In SUVs Suburban or Expedition. Trucks, long list..

Yea I've thought about that, problem is my Father-In-Law is a HUGE Ford fan, make fun of Chevy kind of person. He does it for fun but I would NEVER and I mean NEVER hear the end of the jokes if I bought a Chevy.

And to be honest, I've driven a service vehicle for the last 20 years of my employment, all either Ford and Chevy. They were always in the shop, it was rare to make it until an oil change was due before something else broke down. It usually went like this, well since it is in the shop, it will be due for an oil change soon, might as well do that while it is here.

Not saying I would never buy a Ford or Chevy, but it would have to be a really good deal. And I know every brand has it's bad runs, but I think your odds are a lot better with a Toyota. I haven't ruled out a Sequoia either (SUV version of the Tundra) and when the time comes I will be on the lookout for one of those too, but I really don't think we need anything that large, and the 4Runner even with the same engine gets about 2-3mpg more than the Tundra from what I've read, I know not a lot but it helps. This vehicle will also be my wife's daily driver which is usually just to work and back but it wont be "just" the tow vehicle, otherwise I wouldn't care as much about the mpg.

I like the Tundra trucks as well but we need an SUV to fit our needs.

I really appreciate the good information from everyone, has been very helpful.

Another option: Look for a Tahoe or Suburban. They are everywhere, parts are cheap, they all come with V8s, they have a history of long term ownership (there's a blue million 9th gen Suburbans still on the road), they keep going and going, many of them will already have the tow package from the factory, front and rear climate control, etc, etc.. The average tow weight rating for a Suburban is 7200lbs as it sits with no modifications. Many of them are higher than that.

Granted, Toyota makes a good vehicle. But, I'm not loyal to a brand. Most manufacturers have some good runs and bad runs. If I were looking for a Toyota it would be the Tundra. In SUVs Suburban or Expedition. Trucks, long list..

crcr wrote:

RTCastillo wrote:

JoshuaH wrote:
Thanks everyone, great info.

I didn't know they stopped putting the V8 in the 4 runner. Also great info on the hitch.

I was wondering about the v6 4Runner, just didn't want to go too small, that is why I was thinking the v8.

Do these have transmission coolers stock?

It does not have a transmission cooler. I did a water-whisk test in a rest area in Tejon after the Grapevine climb and it was just a very slight sizzle. Heard from other 4runner owners that Toyota's generally have strong transmission. This is my 3rd 4runner and there is no need to ask me why, lol.

The 4th Gen V8 models definitely do have a small OEM transmission cooler. I don't recall if the V6 had one or not.

There is none.

Japanese have the minimalist and simplicity mind set. They don't over do features -- meaning, they only put in there what you'll need assuming you will be operating it within the vehicle's parameters.

RTCastillo wrote:

JoshuaH wrote:
Thanks everyone, great info.

I didn't know they stopped putting the V8 in the 4 runner. Also great info on the hitch.

I was wondering about the v6 4Runner, just didn't want to go too small, that is why I was thinking the v8.

Do these have transmission coolers stock?

It does not have a transmission cooler. I did a water-whisk test in a rest area in Tejon after the Grapevine climb and it was just a very slight sizzle. Heard from other 4runner owners that Toyota's generally have strong transmission. This is my 3rd 4runner and there is no need to ask me why, lol.

The 4th Gen V8 models definitely do have a small OEM transmission cooler. I don't recall if the V6 had one or not.

I owned a 2008 V8 4Runner. Yes, they have an OEM trans cooler, but I put a bit larger one on. I towed a 21' Rockwood Mini-Lite, it had a slide, I don't recall the weight. The 4Runner handled it fine, though I wouldn't tow anything any bigger than that.

They are a rock solid vehicle. If you're going to tow, don't settle for a V6 model, find a good used V8 model, they made them as I recall through 2009, though I don't think there are many 2009's with the V8. 2003 to 2008 or 2009 were the years that offered a V8. I also once owned a 2009 V6, and the hitch on the 4th Gen TR4 V6 is rinky dink, and you would need to replace it with a frame hitch for serious towing. The V8 models came with a really good frame hitch.

I knew of one guy who had over 450,000 miles on his V8 4Runner, and still going! You could also buy a used Land Cruiser -- they had the same great V-8.

Good Luck!

JoshuaH wrote:
Thanks everyone, great info.

I didn't know they stopped putting the V8 in the 4 runner. Also great info on the hitch.

I was wondering about the v6 4Runner, just didn't want to go too small, that is why I was thinking the v8.

Do these have transmission coolers stock?

Seems no need if you are staying within tow limits.

bgum wrote:
An after market tranny cooler can be added for about $200 part and labor. Do it yourself for $30-50 .

This I got to check out. Thanks!

An after market tranny cooler can be added for about $200 part and labor. Do it yourself for $30-50 .