1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

First fake TRD Pro I have seen in the wild

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by Trail Addict, Jun 4, 2022.

  1. Jun 4, 2022 at 10:28 AM
    #1
    Trail Addict

    Trail Addict [OP] Professional Driver on a Closed Course

    Joined:
    Nov 23, 2021
    Member:
    #24350
    Messages:
    188
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2022 4Runner TRD Pro
    I am a BMW M3 owner, so I see my fair share of 335i's with M3 badges on them, but it is never when I am in my M3. The same seems to go with our 4Runner TRD Pro, I saw this while driving around in another vehicle, not our 4Runner TRD Pro.

    [​IMG]

    As you can tell from the side, the TRD pro badge is wrong. Same badge was on the rear hatch. The ride height is wrong and it doesn't have any FOX suspension (or the OG Bilsteins either). No skid plate. The front bumper looks like it could be off a TRD Off Road, but it spelled out in aftermarket "4RUNNER" instead of Toyota. And it looked like it was just taped on with black double-sided tape visible behind the "4RUNNER".

    I actually give more respect than most to people who buy SR5s and throw tons of parts at them making them better than my TRD Pro, but the second you fake it like this it grinds my gears.
     
  2. Jun 4, 2022 at 10:45 AM
    #2
    Accelerator

    Accelerator New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2022
    Member:
    #26501
    Messages:
    226
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Satellite Beach, Fla
    Vehicle:
    2022 SR5 Super White 4Runner #3
    Agreed. Too bad too as like you said, an SR5 can be modded up to be anything the owner wants it to be. No need to fake it.

    Edited to add;

    Upon 2nd look, take the fake badges off and that’s a good looking 4. Painting the OEM wheels and new tires looks good, and then flushes that down the toilet with fake badging. Dumb!
     
    Last edited: Jun 4, 2022
  3. Jun 4, 2022 at 10:45 AM
    #3
    JustATallDude

    JustATallDude New Member+

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2020
    Member:
    #14030
    Messages:
    230
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
    Gibson Single Exit Exhaust - Magnuson Supercharger - Sprint Booster - GTR Ultra2 Highs - Evil Headlights w/ Morimoto LED - Anzo Black Smoked Tail Lights - LED Interior Lights - A-Pillar Phone Mount Mod - CTH Side Mirrors - Eibach TRD Pro-Lift Springs - Falken Wildpeak A/T3s 285/70/17 - FSW F246 17x8.5 - Lasfit LED Turn Signals - DDI Seat Jackers - Apex Overland Front Recovery Points - Big Red's Turn Signal Mod and AMD Mod - R4T Blackout Turn Signals - BlackVue DR590 Dashcam and more to come...
    Hey fake it til you make it right?
     
  4. Jun 4, 2022 at 10:49 AM
    #4
    Accelerator

    Accelerator New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2022
    Member:
    #26501
    Messages:
    226
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Satellite Beach, Fla
    Vehicle:
    2022 SR5 Super White 4Runner #3
    Eh, I guess. Almost seems disrespectful to the 4R. The SR5 is a fine and capable vehicle on its own. In fact, after having a Limited and blowing out the XREAS, I decided my next one was going to be an SR5 and I was going to build it exactly how I wanted it to be and here I am.
     
  5. Jun 4, 2022 at 10:54 AM
    #5
    PVT Pablo

    PVT Pablo

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2016
    Member:
    #1694
    Messages:
    2,211
    First Name:
    Paul
    Kitsap County, WA
    Vehicle:
    2016 4Runner TRD Pro
    Not really sure why people do this. The people that own 4Runners know it's fake, and the people that don't, don't care enough to know what a TRD Pro is anyway.
     
  6. Jun 4, 2022 at 11:03 AM
    #6
    ElectroBoy

    ElectroBoy Ad astra

    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2020
    Member:
    #15823
    Messages:
    1,939
    Gender:
    Male
    Bay Area, CA
    Vehicle:
    2018 ORP
    It’s also got the OEM plastic running boards.
     
  7. Jun 4, 2022 at 12:18 PM
    #7
    McSpazatron

    McSpazatron New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2021
    Member:
    #19810
    Messages:
    4,612
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2021 4runner OR
    Dobinson IMS Warn Bumper CaliRaised Sliders 285/70 K02s
    Nobody better call me fake when I decide to buy the pro grill. That’s how they all should look.

    Regarding the picture, perhaps it actually is a Pro, but the owner de-pro’d it because as a humble guy, thought it was presumptuous. Maybe he figured he'd prefer to sell the fox setup, wheels and grill, but never got around to the badges.
     
    Jedi5150, brownersd, TXKK626 and 7 others like this.
  8. Jun 4, 2022 at 1:18 PM
    #8
    semprenissart

    semprenissart Mèfi

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2021
    Member:
    #24758
    Messages:
    655
    Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2022 4Runner TRD Pro (MGM)
    Westcott Sliders. Gobi no rise
    I hate the word “Pro” which is a marketing thing. MacBook Pro, iPhone Pro, TRD Pro, etc… at least the M badge is iconic. Or if one changes an SR5 badge for a TRD badge I get it. But adding the word “Pro” ruins everything IMO.

    It doesn’t bother me if anyone keep their Pro badge but definitely strange to add one.
    I actually removed mine since I hate this marketing word so much. Replaced it by the TRD stripes.
    The TRD Pro 4Runner just happened to have almost everything i wanted straight from the factory which is why I got one. I wish it was called TRD something other than Pro though

    68705AF6-2372-44AA-981F-07F2FB78E8EA.jpg

    edit: don’t know how to rotate the image. It’s not sideways in my phone library
     
  9. Jun 4, 2022 at 1:28 PM
    #9
    semprenissart

    semprenissart Mèfi

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2021
    Member:
    #24758
    Messages:
    655
    Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2022 4Runner TRD Pro (MGM)
    Westcott Sliders. Gobi no rise
    I don't think there's anything wrong with putting the pro grill on another 4runner. After all most of the "pro" additions are cosmetics. I personally like the look of the Pro grille, pro wheels, (not the roof rack, it's gotta go) and the Pro has certain stuff that other 4runners dont have other than the limited such as dual climate, etc... AND I dont have any plan on adding a lift, bigger tires, until a couple years from now so it made sense to me.

    But it's weird to have a 4runner that has a Pro badge and looks completely different than a TRD Pro, despite still looking good like said above by @Accelerator
     
    K-Paul, Thatbassguy and Accelerator like this.
  10. Jun 4, 2022 at 1:36 PM
    #10
    Accelerator

    Accelerator New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2022
    Member:
    #26501
    Messages:
    226
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Satellite Beach, Fla
    Vehicle:
    2022 SR5 Super White 4Runner #3
    Yep, the owner was off to a really good start with the mods/changes without changing the badges.
     
  11. Jun 4, 2022 at 2:13 PM
    #11
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,412
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    I don't get why anyone would do it. Like @PVT Pablo said, anyone who cares about what a TRD PRO is would know it's fake.

    I don't care if people put PRO grilles, etc on whatever trim. I won't do it, but that's just me.

    I thought about getting PRO wheels early on, but I'm so glad I didn't now that everyone has them! :rolleyes:
     
  12. Jun 4, 2022 at 2:28 PM
    #12
    Charlievee

    Charlievee New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2018
    Member:
    #8149
    Messages:
    1,287
    Meh, to each their own. I prefer to debadge vics, kept the symbol and lettering on the hatch until i can find a way to delete them without looking goofy.
     
  13. Jun 4, 2022 at 2:34 PM
    #13
    Trail Runnah

    Trail Runnah New Member

    Joined:
    May 8, 2020
    Member:
    #14189
    Messages:
    2,619
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2013 T4R Trail Edition
    Stock
    I love that my 2013 Trail is pre-TRD and doesn't have any extra badging on it. I think it looks cleaner with nothing on the c-pillar.
     
  14. Jun 4, 2022 at 2:39 PM
    #14
    Trail Runnah

    Trail Runnah New Member

    Joined:
    May 8, 2020
    Member:
    #14189
    Messages:
    2,619
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2013 T4R Trail Edition
    Stock
    I occasionally see a Tacoma TRD Sport around town that has TRD Pro badges all over it. Same thing, they're not even in the right place, and he's got a bunch of AutoZone mods on it too.

    There's a certain subset of enthusiasts in my area that like to modify their vehicles by tacking on as many extra emblems, fake chrome trim, hood ornaments, and as many fake scoops and fender vents as they can. A lot of them do it to older 4Runners and Tacomas, but there's also an F-150 and Explorer Sport Trac modded up like that too.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  15. Jun 4, 2022 at 2:50 PM
    #15
    Yoytota

    Yoytota New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2022
    Member:
    #26294
    Messages:
    402
    Gender:
    Male
    FL
    Vehicle:
    SR5 4X4
    Badging has gone downhill after they stopped putting Toyota and 4wd on the mud flaps
     
    heathTPR, MooreKen, Arcturus and 22 others like this.
  16. Jun 4, 2022 at 2:56 PM
    #16
    donnermel

    donnermel New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 30, 2021
    Member:
    #24036
    Messages:
    117
    Gender:
    Female
    First Name:
    dita.yota
    Truckee/Tahoe
    Vehicle:
    ‘16 Trail Premium Super White w/ KDSS
    Dobinsons lift and UCA, RCI sliders and front engine skid, H9 bulb swap, Sprint Booster, KnN air filter, Canvasback covers, Raingler cargo net, AVS Window Shade deflectors, Heritage Grill with raptor lights Summer Wheels: Ryder RR03 matte gunmetal with Falken Wildpeaks 285/75/17 Winter Wheels: 18” KD Wheels with Blizzaks Rack is OEM - but changed to black with LFD crossbars Diode Dynamics Ss3 fogs
    I’m all for the “pro look” grill, letters/ no lettering is no difference for me- it’s kind of a way to express ones self. But adding TRD pro side badges is just unnecessary.
     
    True North and K-Paul like this.
  17. Jun 4, 2022 at 3:22 PM
    #17
    Trail Addict

    Trail Addict [OP] Professional Driver on a Closed Course

    Joined:
    Nov 23, 2021
    Member:
    #24350
    Messages:
    188
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2022 4Runner TRD Pro
    Exactly, like it would be different if the faking it scammed an opinion towards your vehicle in some way, but everyone would know or doesn't care.
     
  18. Jun 4, 2022 at 3:31 PM
    #18
    trlhiker

    trlhiker Lazy Bum

    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2019
    Member:
    #11913
    Messages:
    2,265
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    1992 4Runner SR5 V6 4X4
    I wonder if he bought it like thinking it was a Pro and paid the Pro price for a fake?
     
    heathTPR likes this.
  19. Jun 4, 2022 at 3:34 PM
    #19
    Trail Addict

    Trail Addict [OP] Professional Driver on a Closed Course

    Joined:
    Nov 23, 2021
    Member:
    #24350
    Messages:
    188
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2022 4Runner TRD Pro
    Yeah so my fear is for every fake M3, fake TRD Pro, it could have been some shady car dealer who threw some badges on and sold it for TRD Pro prices
     
    brownersd and Thatbassguy like this.
  20. Jun 4, 2022 at 5:11 PM
    #20
    hvac guy

    hvac guy New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2022
    Member:
    #26538
    Messages:
    200
    Gender:
    Male
    He's also missing the "Pro" roof rack as well
     
    GoSlow and K-Paul like this.
  21. Jun 4, 2022 at 5:48 PM
    #21
    achtung6

    achtung6 New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2020
    Member:
    #12655
    Messages:
    238
    Exactly!
     
  22. Jun 5, 2022 at 8:43 AM
    #22
    Taco4R

    Taco4R New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 29, 2021
    Member:
    #20622
    Messages:
    279
    Vehicle:
    2022 TRD ORP Classic Silver Metallic
    I view TRD an an accessory line - if you want a heritage grill (that's what it should be called) on your SR5 that is perfectly normal. TRD wheels, skid plate etc - these are all options in my opinion, the Pro just happens to come with them from the factory.

    The actual TRD Pro badge however is tied to a specific trim and price point and now we get into not only poor taste, poser flexing but possibly outright shadiness if this guy ever puts it for sale.

    TRD ORP w/KDSS is arguably better than the Pro anyway so for me the Pro doesn't carry the came clout with 4Runner as it does maybe with a Tacoma or Tundra.
     
    Jgarcia3, djb1, Old Tanker and 6 others like this.
  23. Jun 5, 2022 at 9:02 AM
    #23
    Jynarik

    Jynarik I like boobies

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2019
    Member:
    #10510
    Messages:
    2,183
    Gender:
    Male
    Austin Texas
    Vehicle:
    2019 trd pro voodoo
    Lmao. Back when I was in the mustang group (16 year old me), people would put cobra badges on their v6’s
     
  24. Jun 5, 2022 at 9:14 AM
    #24
    Tmiesowicz

    Tmiesowicz New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2021
    Member:
    #24881
    Messages:
    1,254
    Gender:
    Male
    The better half of New York
    Vehicle:
    2022 sr5 premium 4x4 (sold) 2022 ram classic tradesman 5.7L 4x4 (current)
    Same like someone putting a Denali badge on a regular Yukon, or slap a SS on a regular trailblazer or Monte Carlo lol
     
  25. Jun 5, 2022 at 9:51 AM
    #25
    BearBio

    BearBio New Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 2021
    Member:
    #21264
    Messages:
    1,056
    First Name:
    Greg
    Vehicle:
    2019, Dark Blue SR5
    Roof rack, side bars
    Just happy with my SR5 Premium=best of both world's. Head turner and does everything I ask it to!
     
  26. Jun 5, 2022 at 9:57 AM
    #26
    glwood54

    glwood54 Stop making me buy stuff!

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2019
    Member:
    #10964
    Messages:
    5,536
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Gary
    Albuquerque, NM
    Vehicle:
    2019 OR, KDSS, RSG sliders, Eibach shocks, 265/70 Falken Wildpeaks
    The pre-2019 Pro had the same roof rack as all the other models
     
    jester243, Mtbpsych and Thatbassguy like this.
  27. Jun 5, 2022 at 10:14 AM
    #27
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2017
    Member:
    #3777
    Messages:
    4,451
    First Name:
    Jake
    California
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5P
    That things probably an SR5, based on the wheels.

    There's a guy who parks next to me at work that has a pre-2015 5th gen.

    I thought he had a bunch of fake TRD Pro badges all over it until I looked a little closer and noticed it said TRD BRO.

    At least he has a sense of humor.

    15822-39c2c1dcb6a57a455c47987a99106b37_805d4acc9ecbd5eb45e0f2c4ed39358f0b767629.jpg
     
  28. Jun 5, 2022 at 10:26 AM
    #28
    K-Paul

    K-Paul Looking for a water crossing

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2021
    Member:
    #23237
    Messages:
    1,062
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Corbin Dallas
    Vehicle:
    SR5 4WD
    Worse when you see a 2001 Mustang with a Nissan GT-R badge

    :anonymous:

    The only reason I replaced the grill on my 4runner is that I like the OG look of having TOYOTA spelled out much like on an FJ. I have no care to replicate another trim.

    As an SR5 owner, to me its just nice to build the truck to your vision outside of adding the trim pieces to a different model. And as already stated above, those of us who know the difference frown on it and those that do not dont care anyway.
     
    4runGirl88 and semprenissart like this.
  29. Jun 5, 2022 at 10:55 AM
    #29
    semprenissart

    semprenissart Mèfi

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2021
    Member:
    #24758
    Messages:
    655
    Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2022 4Runner TRD Pro (MGM)
    Westcott Sliders. Gobi no rise
    i agree with you here

    This always makes me laugh when I read this. It sure is better for you. Most likely not for me. KDSS would be worse for someone like me for my needs compared to the stock fox suspension from the pro. Which are worse than many aftermarket options.

    It’s just as cringy as hearing people with a pro saying they have the best possible 4Runner and look down at others who don’t have a pro. Can’t stand it personally…

    Whatever you think is best for you, that great, but it might not be best for someone else.
    Just like an SR5 or a limited is the best for someone else but not good enough for you . For many, it’s better to buy an SR5 and build it with front and rear locker than using Atrac on your OR or my Pro.
     
  30. Jun 5, 2022 at 10:55 AM
    #30
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2018
    Member:
    #5853
    Messages:
    4,622
    Gender:
    Male
    May be its just me who don't give a damn about TRD Pro.

    From poor workmanship on the wheel alignment, wheel balance. Sunroof leak. The automatic climate control is no different than manual controls where I have to keep changing temperature, fan speed. Roof rack with same crossbars and just 110lbs weight with extra wind noise. Even small things like turn indicator on mirrors so it indicates to people on the side on turning or Toyota been so cheap not even giving A/T spare tire. Even TRD Pro wheels have same width as SR5 right? 7in vs TRD ORP has wider wheels for bigger tires. Don't want to keep on an on complaining. Just wanted to tell I don't give a damn about TRD Pros. Me personally would like an SR5P with 7 seats put a good lift, tires, twin lockers front and back, skids and sliders. I think nowadays SR5 allows to have that multi-terrain camera system? (not sure). Again its just my opinion.

    To be honest when I come next to another non TRD Pro at a traffic light / parking lot, back of my brain thinks,
    "I wonder what would that owner think about mine? 'Look at that idiot who overpays for that same 4Runner?'".
     
    deltabravo, wingo, brownersd and 2 others like this.

Products Discussed in

To Top