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.

Toyota 4Runner - KDSS Worth it?

KDSS is an absolutely must have and I can't imagine a 4Runner TRD Off Road without it.

Many people on forums ask if KDSS is necessary and what is the difference. I test drove a couple 4Runners with/without KDSS and the contrast is staggering. I highly recommend you test drive both for an extended period of time and get on the highway. Go over a few speed bumps or choppy pavement and notice the way the 4Runner handles.

Body roll without KDSS is almost unbearable while turning in an intersection or making large degree turns. With KDSS, body roll is still there but it's under control and comfortable for daily driving. Highway driving is much more tight and its noticeable that KDSS is working on interchanges or going through cloverleaf loops. The tires don't squeal as much and it doesn't feel like tipping over at the speed limit.

Bad pavement choppiness and movement is minimized and doesn't beat you up. It's still a stiff and truck like ride with the 4Runner's body on frame and live rear axle, but it's more livable with KDSS. Unfortunately, the nosediving during breaking is still there with all suspension setups.

I test drove a 4Runner Limited with X-REAS for a short time and didn't notice any large differences with KDSS 4Runners.

There are some issues with KDSS:

• TRD Pro skid plate needs some fabrication to fit due to KDSS system
• If it breaks, it will be expensive to fix
• May not work with large lifts or suspension changes
• Some reports of clunking. I haven't had any clunking noises, but some creaking when going off-road. The creaking is probably normal while KDSS is operating. 
• Some reports of leaning to one side. 

If you are leasing a 4Runner, KDSS may not be a big deal. KDSS will improve trade-in and resale value because the option is uncommon at the dealerships in my area. 

Toyota 4Runner Rear Differential Fluid Change Tips

I performed the 30,000 mile rear differential service on my 5th Generation 4Runner and here are some tips.

• Fill and drain plug size is 24mm. I highly suggest a shallow socket since the sway bar is in the way of the fill plug. 
• Removing the spare tire allows the best access. I recommend this because the spare will be in the way for filling.

• 36 ft/lbs torque for fill and drain plug. This is the first time I serviced the rear diff. and the plugs were extremely over torqued. I used a breaker bar to break the torque. 

• 75w-90 Red line oil is what I chose. This oil can be used in the 4Runner's transfer case and front differential. I used a little over 3 quarts so I recommend buying the gallon package. 

• Buy the gasket kit for transfer and differential service. It's easier than hunting gasket part numbers and quantity. 

• It's going to get messy and differential fluid stinks. Wear old clothes that you can throwaway after the job and have plenty of cardboard or absorbent to soak up spilled oil. 

It's a simple job, just remember to remove the fill plug first and then the drain plug. The oil from the factory turned dark grey, almost black and there was a ton of gunk on the magnetic drain plug. I am really glad I changed this out and filled it with Red Line oil. 

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.

Toyota 4Runner Trail OEM Wheels

Factory 17" x 7.5" Wheels
Offset 15
Bolt Pattern 6 x 139.7
7-Spoke Alloys
106mm bore

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.