Toyota 4Runner 5th Gen Brakes Are Terrible

I know the 5th Gen 4Runner is around 4,800 lbs and a body-on-frame layout, but can we get better braking modulation and stopping power?

Linear braking response is foreign to the 4Runner. You begin to press the brake pedal to come to a stop and there is hardly any braking. You press past the midway point and it's full on nose-dive braking. It's incredibly annoying to drive and for passengers to experience.

Yes, nose-diving when coming to a stop is a trait known to the 5th Gen. I assume it's do to its weird suspension layout of double wishbone in the front and live-axle in the rear. 4Runner rear-ends sit a little higher in the back which makes nose diving worse.

There are lift-kits or leveling kits that reduce rake and prevent crazy nose-diving, but I chose a different method. I replaced the OEM rear brake pads with StopTech Street Performance pads. They bite a lot harder and keep the rear end from lifting too much. I noticed stopping distances are shorter, but the downside is they dust a lot and squeak when it's cold.

I believe OEM brake pads focus on low noise and dust which is why they are so poor. I haven't encountered brake fade or irregular wear during canyon or towing, just really bad performance. I have no other choice but to upgrade to big brake kits or replace the 4Runner. Braking was OK when the 4Runner was new, but after a couple of years of wear and several road trips the weakness is glaring.

I find myself braking extremely early and still crossing the intersection line. Stop and go, daily driving is pretty bad because I don't dare get up to speed. I find myself driving like an old grandma that does 10 mph below the speed limit due to laughable stopping distances. It's too bad and I don't think I will replace the 4Runner with another one. It can have the off-road performance and looks of a traditional SUV, but shouldn't have the atrocious brakes of one.

4Runner LED Reverse Light - Philips 921 Review

Philips 12789LPB2 921 LED back up light review for Toyota 4Runner 5th Generation

I would not buy if you are looking for brightness and safety. Philips bulbs are dimmer than stock incandescent bulbs which I did not expect. They are bright and glaring to look at directly but the flood pattern is too small and dim.

The 921 LED bulbs do look much nicer and luckily the brake LED lights are bright enough so you can see what is behind you at night while reversing. I don't see any positives other than looks and longer life.

Also, it's a tight fit so you must push hard to insert the bulbs.

I will return the bulbs and reinstall my stock incandescent until I find brighter LEDs.

How to Change Engine Air Filter on a Toyota 4Runner 2010-2016

DIY: Engine air filter on the 5th generation Toyota 4Runner 2010-2016. Applies to 4Runners and with the 4.0L 1GR-FE V6 engine.

Tools:

• None

Parts:

• Engine Air Filter 
• OEM Genuine Toyota Air Filter. Part Number 17801-38051 
• K&N High Performance Air Filter if you want a washable & reusable filter that increases power and MPG.  
• TRD Air Filter if you want to stick with Toyota for a reusable performance air filter. Price is competitive with the K&N Filter.

 Interval:

• Service manual requires the air filter to be replaced every 30,000 miles or 36 months. Inspect every 5,000 miles or 6 months if driven on dirt and dusty roads. 

Steps: 

• Open hood
• Locate engine air filter box on the passenger side of the engine bay. 
• Unclamp two front clips, highlighted in red circles below. 

•  Unclamp single clamp in the rear.

• Unclamp single clamp on the right side of air box. 

 

• Open top half of air box to slide out old filter. Remove any leaves or debris that may be in the box.

• Installation is the reverse of removal. 
• Slide new air filter into air box. 
• Reclamp four clamps. 
• Done! 

Notes:
This how to may apply to Tacoma's and FJ Cruisers with the exact same 4.0L engine. Please consult your owner's manual before trying.

It is probably impossible to damage the Mass Air Flow sensor and wiring but be careful not to rip off the top portion with all your might. Just open it enough to remove the old filter.

I am going to try the Genuine Toyota Parts TRD Air Filter next interval to see if there is any difference in power and MPG. A reusable performance filter may be more cost effective in the long-run, especially in dusty climates. Also, the standalone TRD air filter is a cheap alternative to the Genuine Toyota TRD Cold Air Intake System and it does not require any installation.

I heard of dealerships charging 1/2 an hour of labor to change the engine air filter. Save yourself time and money by doing it yourself.
The owner's manual says to change every 30,000 miles. Personally, I would not go more than 15,000 miles.

I use Meguiar's Natural Shine Protectant to dress the plastic in my engine bay. I really like the natural, low-gloss shine and how long it lasts.