New guy, couple questions

Hi guys, newb from VA here. I haven't owned a Toyota truck in a few years and I'm looking at used 4runners right now. I've been searching the site looking for a few answers. Can someone help me out please?
I'm looking at 06 to 09 models and wanted to know the differences between the the standard SR5 and the Sport model(both 4x4 and V6).
Aside from the obvious cosmetic differences, seat color, step bars vs. running boards, fake hood scoop, are there any mechanical differences?
Do both models have the 3.90 gear ratio? Do they both come with the trans cooler/tow package?
Are there any other differences, or anything I should look out for?
I'm a former mechanic and familiar with Toyotas, just not the 4.0 V6 models.
Thanks for any help.

 

Thank you sir, much appreciated.
That's an awesome looking truck you've got too! I'm going to try hard not to spend much money on mods for a 4runner either...hard not to do!

 

THAT is the stance I want. How much lift front and rear is that? 3"?

 

Looks great and I know that's a good lift, I'm just really trying to keep whatever I get as a daily driver and not a money pit. The more off road capable I make it the more I'll use it...and abuse it. Been there, done that.
I'm considering getting spacers for the front/rear to get the stance your wife's ride has. I know, poser, but, like I said above.
I need to find out what size spacers front/rear will lift it evenly. As the "leveling kits" always are noticeably lower in the back, and I hate that.
My mod list is simple, aftermaket air filter, electric fan, and all sythetic fluids, just to get a few more miles per tank.
A spacer lift and powdercoat the wheels black(as I'm only looking at black and gray 4runners).
I'm going to my best to leave it that way, and you know how that goes.
I'm into sportbikes and that costs enough, I can't afford another toy...I hate being practical.

 

Nice! Dealer down the road has one for sale. I may get it for my wife.

 

The '08 Sport 4Runner my wife drives has a different suspension than the SR5, something about fluid pumping across sides to aid in corner handling or so such - I forget the pitch Toyota used back when we bought it.

 

Welcome

 

Welcome man did you find a truck yet? We just traded in our 08 4x4 SR5 for a 2011 Trail Model love it! The 08 was a great truck with the SR5 package. It was a mall crawler as well but every ski season we put it to work in the mountain snow and it performed great. I put a set of BFG's on it if it got real bad locked in the rear diff and never looked back!! Good luck and welcome to TW

 

Yes sir I did. I wanted an 06 or newer, but I found a good deal on a 2001 I couldn't pass up.
That saved me Alot of money obviously too.
I still plan on keeping it more of a daily driver for now.
So far I've just added WeatherTech floor liners and ventshades, a Volant airbox(not very impressed with that thing), all synthetic fluids and did a trans flush.
I have a timing belt/tensioners and waterpump and electric fan to do this week also. I need to disable the day time running lights too and add a remote starter.
I'm really trying hard not to lift it up 3"!
Thanks

 

That's awesome we had a 01 emerald green sport that we traded in on the 08! Still one of my favorite vehicles I've ever had!! I'm having issues loading pics through image shack I'll edit this post later with some. Sounds like your off to a great start can't wait to see some pics! Search deck plate mod and gray wire mod on here. I don't think the 3 inch lift wont hurt a thing (mpg) either. I want to do it to my Tacoma as well! Have a good one.

 

Mine is like that only black, and I removed the running boards.
I'll search those links too, Thanks.

 

Don't think this has been mentioned, but the sport comes with larger brakes.

 

I searched those 2 mods and I'm unsure about the gray wire mod. The button on my 01 4runner dash is supposedly to lock the transfer case, and not the rear differential like the trucks. I also see nothing on the differential itself indacating that it has an electric or vacuum locker.
I would like to know the differences between the truck and 4runner regarding this.
As for the deck plate mod, I think I'll make some adjustments to the Volant I bought first. The Volant is a sealed box...poorly sealed, and thus very loud. I added a 3" piece of rubber inlet hose that fits perfectly over the fresh air duct coming out of the inner fender that fits into the stock box.
I'll go back and seal up the big rectangular opening on the Volant box so that just the hose from the fenderwell is going in, as opposed to the gaping hole 2" to 3" from it.
The inlet tube also seals poorly and needs some foam added, as well as some silicone around the lid when I'm done.
It does seem to breathe better at lower rpm too. Maybe a hp or 2, and an extra couple miles per tank, we'll see.
I find when I search for things here I get alot of related threads, but never the original post or how to's also.
Does anyone know if disabling the door/key beeper on the 96-02 models is the same as the 89-05? Which was removing a plastic square cap off the circuit board, a small magnet inside it made a connection when activated.
Thanks.

 

Yes it does, I just found that out. 96-02 have 11.7" vs. the 12.5" on the Sport.
I bought a front pair of drilled and slotted rotors with ceramic pads new on ebay for $126 shipped(stockers were warped). I just put them on today and they are a very noticeable improvement and it does stop shorter.

 

Regarding the Grey Wire Mod, it can't be done on your 01. The rear diff lock was available only from 96-00, what you have is the center diff lock. That will allow you to go from AWD to 4wd. Here is an awesome thread about it. Also check out this one for some maintenance ideas and things to look out for. I suggest you sign up at T4R.ORG if you haven't already. There is a lot of specific information for your 4runner and lift info. Congrats on the purchase as well.

 

Thank you sir! This is exactly what I was looking for!