It is getting to be that time.....

Newbie here, needing some advise..

Just to start.. I am on several Motorcycle & Snowmobile forums & I understand the tedious questions that are constantly asked & I am sorry in advance for the long winded post, just wanting to make the best of my purchase & experience with my new trusty steed.

I Promice I will NOT start an OIL thread....EVER...LOL

I spent some time lurking & searching around here this weekend and have found SOME answers to my questions & concerns.

I am in the market for a new ride, after 9 very reliable years I am going to replace my 07 Xterra SE, (can I say that here??)

I am looking at the Trail Edition Premium well optioned out.. some details below

The Xterra has served me very well since I purchased it new, any issues that came up were dealt with by either Nissan or Gieco mechanical insurance. So the truck really does not owe me a penny after 180K miles and I am happy for that. The truck has done everything, and gone everywhere I have asked it to do when I asked it to with pretty much "0" back talk, and she still runs & rides GREAT!!!

The only issue "I" have had with the truck is the poor weight capacity in the cargo area, when new with a full tank of gas & a 6 pack in the back it would constantly hit the bump stops on the axle. She was a true grocery getter.

This was solved with a set of air bag spring helpers & I love them!!

Also installed at that time were a set of Bilstein's, love them also, best $$ I spent on this truck, cheap & easy I never regretted it one second.

First question, & a VERY important one for me.

I have a motorcycle carrier that installs in the trailer hitch, that I can carry ANYONE of my motorcycles (150-500lbs) ANYWHERE I want to go, 85-90 mph on the highway, pump them up to 25-30lbs in the bags & truck on..

How will this truck handle this loading????

Or should I just plan on installing them in this truck also??
Does anyone know if they will they fit with the setup below??

The Stealers around here are absolutely USELESS for anything other than taking your signature on the bottom line of a 2 foot long contract, I find myself teaching THEM about the truck.

So here goes.. most of the trucks available anywhere near me are either in SR5 or limited trim, I do not want either.

I am not a hardcore 4 wheeler but I do go down the path less traveled quite often, dirt roads, in the mountains, Deep snow when snowmobiling, accessing fishing holes, beach fishing & NYC roads (some may compare this to serious off roading)

I drove a TRD a bit today, & I did like it, other than the color, no sunroof (I haven't had one in a while) & the 48K the STEALER wanted for it "their rare ya know, he said..." yea ok not 48k rare.

Here is the truck I am looking to order... please chime in

2016 TE Premium w/KDSS

Should I/ Can I, go with the TRD Shock package $1700 with the eibach springs (will they fit with the KDSS) or just go with 5100 Bilsteins I know the cheaper way & I am not looking to toss $$ out the window, but I also like the fact that Toyota did the research into it all )). I am not planning to lift the truck or do any major modding to it in the future.

I read many threads on the KDSS system & I feel it is $$ well spent & I might as well get the best suspension out of the box with the warranty from the factory.

Second question:

A look under the truck revealed too me the exhaust Xover is like an outstretched chin in a boxing ring, with NO protection dead smack in the center of the truck, I saw this on both the TE P & the TRD trucks. Is there a plate that is supposed t go there that just was not installed yet?? I did not research this any further i admit it.

Third & final question...for now

Performance chips that the dealer will not get ticked off about??

Thank you for your time & experience,

Chris

 

I'm not a 5th gen expert but that is a hell of a good way to start man. I think you will be fine with the bikes on the back of the 4runner. If you thought it was a bit soft then better shocks and springs are a easy swap on the 5th gen.

There are plenty of options for skids for the truck.

Tell the local dealer to get there shit together or you will buy from someone who can. Ask around and find a dealer what will sell you one below msrp. I'm sure they are out there.

Other than that you have made a wise choice for your needs.

Look forward to seeing pics soon.

Blue

 

you may want to check out this link re suspension
http://expeditionportal.com/did-bilstein-just-make-the-ultimate-4runner-overland-suspension-system/

reviews a bilstein system that may suit your fancy. I'm toying with idea of either a 4runner trail or possibly 07 land cruiser......

 

Thank you, nice write up that seems to be the way I am going at this point.