4R Secret Finally Revealed

I think the full time transfer is better for a larger variety of off-road. That gives the Limited at least better potential off road, once proper wheels/tires are fitted.

Even though part-time transfer cases function as if they are a locked full-time transfer case (and we all like the idea of “locked”), I think a center diff will keep you from breaking traction in looser situations. This makes it better able to get through tight “turny”obstacles without the tire slip a bound up part-time case could experience. So I guess all the ads saying all-wheel drive/full-time 4wd is more “sure-footed” is pretty accurate.

 

Last year of GX470 was what, 2008? So about the same time J100 LC was done.

 

2009, but yes. Also the full-time 4wd FJ has a manual transfercase through 2014. I'm unsure if it was available ROW after that.

 

I never heard of a "Prado" until this thread, and had to google it. lol. I feel like a newb.

 

Only with the 6 speed manual. I wish I was out of school a few years earlier so I could buy a new one but by the time the rest of priorities were settled it was discontinued :/

 

Next up: subscribe to 4WD 24-7 on YouTube.

Their trip this year to Cape York was awesome.

 

I believe the 6 speed manual was the only one available with a full time tcase

 

And statistically 100 percent of all divorces start off in marriage.

 

I get all the hate for the chrome on the Limited. I think us older guys (I'm 59) - even if we don't really love it - are OK with it because the cars of our youth were covered with it. The cool cars that our dads, and friends dads, drove - and that we drove in high school (late 60's - early/mid 70's Chevelles, Grand Torinos, Buick GS, Olds Cutlass, Mustangs, Camaros, etc...) were covered with chrome on the exterior and had all kinds of fake wood on the interior. I really wanted FT 4WD and real leather seats - so I accepted all the chrome/fake wood and extras that come with the Limited - and I'm fine with it. The Limited certainly does not have the "offroad" look, but I don't off road, at least not intentionally/recreationally - however it is more than capable and will get me anywhere I would want to go in just about any conditions - and its a 4Runner, which to me looks better and is superior than nearly all the other 4WD SUVs. I kind of like some contrast rather than the monochrome look. However, if I could choose - I would replace the mirror finish chrome parts with parts that have a more dull, anodized aluminum look - kind of like the finish on the Limited roof rack rails and the fake aluminum finish in the interior. I wouldn't pay extra or put effort into changing it though

 

You can Jerry rig automatic climate control probably if you really want it. You aren't missing anything on the 'real leather '... It's not Lexus leather, and it's not all that luxurious. I'd prefer the softex now that I've driven it a while. I was all uppity about real leather until finally coming around to softex. Now, the Corinthian fine leather in a 2003 Lexus is worth it, but the 4runner doesn't offer that.

Chrome sux. 20" wheels are awful.

I think you made the right decision.

If I didn't just have a personal hatred of money and despise having it around me I'd probably be in the same boat, but the full time 4wd and wonderful opportunity to get rid burdensome cash keeps me coming back to my ugly chromed monstrosity.

 

I'd agree with wheels and the automatic climate controls. I had it in all my vehicles before this and never used it.
For softex in summer, I'd have preferred leather. It gets too hot! And I am talking Boston summers, I can not imagine how bad folks in florida/texas have it with these seats.

 

My dead dog would have avoided you......nasty!

 

my ORP on 17 inch wheels and factory tires and KDSS rides like it's on clouds. Every mm of sidewall counts.