Removing "wind deflector" on 4runner rear window - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Quattro · 02-12-2009, 11:53 AM

Hi all, my first post here. I recently purchased a 1999 Toyota 4Runner for getting the family around and light towing. I only drive it on weekends, and will probably only put 6 or 7 thousand miles on it this year.

I have removed the roof rack (since I wouldn't use it anyway), and the hood bug deflector. I'd like to remove the rear window deflector as well, but I'm not sure if that's a good idea. To me, it appears to just create drag, but I have no evidence to support that claim. I suppose I could just take it off and run a few tanks through.

I guess the intent of those things is to direct air down onto the rear glass to keep it clear of snow and dirt. There is a rear wiper, so if snow did accumulate, I could just wipe it off.

Your thoughts?

Thanks!

Daox · 02-12-2009, 12:12 PM

Hello Quattro, welcome to the site.

Do you have any pictures of this deflector?

Quattro · 02-12-2009, 12:30 PM

Hello,

here is a photo of what it looks like. This isn't my 4runner, but the deflector is the same:

Daox · 02-12-2009, 12:41 PM

I'd take it off. I think you're right when you said its to keep dust and dirt off the rear window.

PaleMelanesian · 02-12-2009, 02:10 PM

Old (80's) Suburbans had the same, and it WAS for keeping the rear window clean.

I also say take it off. It can only be hurting your aerodynamics.

sepp · 02-12-2009, 03:23 PM

lol, thats basically an airbrake. im sure that removing it will give a verry noticable gain.

btw you could try to make it horizontal, there it may help your aerodynamics?

Quattro · 02-12-2009, 03:47 PM

I don't think it's adjustable. I'm going to take it off, to try it out anyway. If the window gets really dirty as a result, I might put it back on. Thanks!

trikkonceptz · 02-12-2009, 04:31 PM

Welcome to the boards ... I own a 2006 V8 4-runner and pretty much have done the same things you mentioned. I also removed the mudflaps, which did help. My beast now averages 22mpg in the city 25-27mpg on the hwy, with the wifey driving.

Quattro · 02-12-2009, 10:44 PM

Thanks. 25-27 is quite impressive for a V8. I have a scangauge2, and I can many times see consistent 25mpg while cruising at 55. Of course it drops to 7 or 8 going up a hill...

winkosmosis · 02-13-2009, 02:27 AM

If you could angle it, it might be able to help fill in the vacuum behind the truck