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Torn between models

Discussion in 'General 4Runner Talk' started by Imsotorn, Aug 4, 2018.

  1. Aug 4, 2018 at 8:23 AM
    #1
    Imsotorn

    Imsotorn [OP] New Member

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    Hi all, first time poster in the market for a 4Runner. Currently driving a 2015 Rubicon (shame on me, I know). Living in south Florida.
    Factors:
    I drive about 90 min round trip at 70-80 mph on highway daily to and from the office. Some long distance trips, and planning to get a flats boat.
    Some off-road use to find fishing spots (weekends) off the beaten path.
    I’d prefer not making major mods.

    Considering:
    Limited - not as big of a fan of the looks, “body-kit,” and ground clearance. I do love the push button start and ventilated seats (backsweat a real problem down south).
    TRD Pro - love the look of it. I like a little lift and meat on the tires. Likely not going to use some of the more advanced off road features - Never have in the Jeep
    TRD Off Road premium - I get the Look I want. Lift, aggressive front end, beefy tires
    Questions:
    1. Are they all going to handle 70-80mph daily? No matter what I’ll get a smoother ride than the Jeep. Jeeps been in shop multiple times because of the gear ratio and all the highway miles.
    2. Are all 4Runner engines/gear ratios exactly the same? I know 2wd and 4wd can vary but outside of that.
    3. Softex material, is it going to hold up for 5-10 years?

    Leaning towards a TRD model but which one is the question... Thanks for the feedback
     
  2. Aug 4, 2018 at 11:37 AM
    #2
    Unclsu

    Unclsu New Member

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    Coming from the Rub are you looking for major off road? I just got the trd off road with kdss. Most say it helps with on road. I am still early on only 60 miles. Ha I love the look and feel so far. The limited hmm it is the look for me that’s more cross over like not a fan.
     
  3. Aug 4, 2018 at 2:41 PM
    #3
    Imsotorn

    Imsotorn [OP] New Member

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    No major off-road. Never had to disconnect or anything like that. Only used 4wd a hanful of times.
     
  4. Aug 4, 2018 at 6:51 PM
    #4
    Porkchopexpress

    Porkchopexpress New Member

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    As far as I know, the drive train to include gear ratios, transmission, engine and everything are the same on all models but every TRD has a locking rear differential. They will all cruise just fine at 80 and softex should last as long as any other seat material, maybe longer.
    In my opinion, any 4runner would meet your needs so I would choose off your personal preferences.
    Maybe avoid roof racks or lifts as they might diminish high speed cruising comfort.
     
  5. Aug 8, 2018 at 8:04 PM
    #5
    WallyT4R

    WallyT4R New Member

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    Here is my opinion and why I chose the model I did. I have a 2016 Trail edition which is now known as the TRD Offroad. I did not want KDSS or a sunroof but I did want the rear locker. I also knew that one day I would want different suspension because the stock Toyota stuff (even the PRO suspension) wears out. The TRD Offroad is the same exact vehicle as a TRD PRO without all the "appearance" items and without the added price.

    My advice would be if you are going to mod the vehicle, i,e., suspension, wheels, tires, etc....get the TRD Offroad. If you are going to keep it stock and want the look of the TRD PRO (and can afford it), get that model as it holds resale well. I say this because again, both models are the same and if you are going to mod it then why pay twice for items like suspension and wheels, etc.? In the end, it is your money. I chose to keep more of mine and stayed away from the appearance package. YMMV
     
  6. Aug 8, 2018 at 8:13 PM
    #6
    Chiefcrunchy

    Chiefcrunchy New Member

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    Between North and South
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    SAF! Temporarily
    If you are torn between the pro and off road, most of the pro is just minor upgrades from the off road. You can build an offroad up to a pro cheaper then buying the pro. Many of the upgrades are cosmetic only.
    The pro suspension aftermarket equivalent coukd be bought from headstrongoffroad.com for ~$900
    Wheels-just search CL and the forum.

    As for the limited- I agree with you on not liking the looks of it, the seats are really nice but thats the only redeeming feature and therefore not enough to buy something you don't like.

    I have the sr5 premium w/ softex and it holds up great still looks brand new(2years old),
    And just drove cross country, got pulled over for doing 83 in 70, it was only at 2k rpms didnt even feel like it was working hard, I had 2 paddle boards on the roof and loaded with gear. So 75 is No trouble for this motor/drivetrain.

    My vote is trd offroad and swap the parts you dont want. Save yourself the $ and make it what you want with the inital savings.
     
    Last edited: Aug 8, 2018
    cjrunner, Soapy TRD and WallyT4R like this.
  7. Aug 9, 2018 at 5:54 AM
    #7
    Soapy TRD

    Soapy TRD New Member

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    Go with the Trd Off Road Premium. I picked up a TRD Pro suspension with less than 1K miles on it for $750 the shop I use is charging me $250 to swap out and alignment
     
    jgcaps likes this.
  8. Aug 9, 2018 at 5:59 AM
    #8
    billnourse

    billnourse New Member

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    Bloomfield, NM
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    Toytec Ultimate lift, SSO Slimline bumper and 10,000# winch, emblem blackout, hood scoop wrap.
    Most of the Pro's features are cosmetic and not worth the extra money. The Off Road or SR5 with a suspension upgrade would fit your needs, if you even wanted the lift. The SR5 does not have a rear locker, but for your intended needs that would not be an issue. Softex seems to be good. 70-80 MPH, even with my 2 1/2" lift is not an issue and I often get 19 MPG at that speed.

    I went from a Rubicon to an ORP and there is no comparison when it comes to ride, handling and comfort. So far the ORP will do everything that the Rubicon would do. Ground clearance is very near the same, but the 4 Runner needs some lift to equal the Rubicon's approach and departure angles.

    As for the Limited, I don't care for it because of the full time 4wd, and it just doesn't look as capable as the SR5 or OR.

    Bill
     
    Kyblack76 and WallyT4R like this.
  9. Sep 6, 2018 at 11:42 AM
    #9
    Chrispchicken9

    Chrispchicken9 New Member

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    Easy, get the limited. The full time 4wd system is the same they have in the land cruisers and all previous generation land cruisers through the decades.
    Sure the Beverlyhills body panels are a bit much but everything else can easily be upgraded. Also enjoy all the luxury features the limited has to offer.
    It’s a shame they only offer their full time 4wd system in the limited.
     
  10. Sep 6, 2018 at 1:16 PM
    #10
    ruiz4251

    ruiz4251 "but it was funny huh?"

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    ICON custom stage 6 3"; 33's; gobi rack; SSO bumper; SSO high clearance; Rigid lights; 10k X2o winch; AFe intake; brola cat back; tint; aftermarket sound; opor sliders; pedal commander, viper smart start mobile tracker, Canvasback Liner; Rago rear window molles; victory 4x4 center console molle; cbi front skid steel; cbi aluminum tran skid; rci fuel aluminum skid; rci dif skid; rago rear shock skids; rci lower link skids; tenton workshop shift knob; yoga shop grenade trans knob;alpha rex headlights; USR blacked out tails; USR turns to turns; blacked out sequential mirror turn
    trd off road premium. i drive its predecessor and it handles 70/80mph perfectly fine. keeping it as is will handle light off road no problem. yes you can pick up the pros left overs for cheap. if you go up in tire size make sure your wheels are balanced using a flange plate adapter
     
  11. Sep 6, 2018 at 9:22 PM
    #11
    WallyT4R

    WallyT4R New Member

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    My 1989 FJ 62 had a part time system like my Trail does now and it is the system I would rather have. I believe the FJ40's were part time also. On 4runners, I think the limited gets worse mileage (not much worse) due to the all wheel drive and I can do without the push button start crap on the limited also. Other than that the limiteds are purdy nice.
     
  12. Sep 7, 2018 at 12:39 AM
    #12
    ruiz4251

    ruiz4251 "but it was funny huh?"

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    ICON custom stage 6 3"; 33's; gobi rack; SSO bumper; SSO high clearance; Rigid lights; 10k X2o winch; AFe intake; brola cat back; tint; aftermarket sound; opor sliders; pedal commander, viper smart start mobile tracker, Canvasback Liner; Rago rear window molles; victory 4x4 center console molle; cbi front skid steel; cbi aluminum tran skid; rci fuel aluminum skid; rci dif skid; rago rear shock skids; rci lower link skids; tenton workshop shift knob; yoga shop grenade trans knob;alpha rex headlights; USR blacked out tails; USR turns to turns; blacked out sequential mirror turn
    oh. what a bout just waiting.....you want best of both worlds get the coming soon nightshade
     
  13. Sep 7, 2018 at 5:55 AM
    #13
    Kyblack76

    Kyblack76 New Member

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    I'm on Bill's team up there ^^^, I dont care at all for the limited. So I won't comment on purchasing that. Ugly as shit imho, and wouldnt want full time 4wd.. just me.

    Do you want pleather seats and a sunroof? Get the premium.
    If that ish dont matter to ya, (didnt to me, I didn't want either, and got the off road, as i did want a rear locker) and wanna save a lil coin, get the off road. Cant go wrong with either mate. You'll dig either. This, I do know.
     
    WallyT4R likes this.
  14. Sep 7, 2018 at 8:24 AM
    #14
    rkwfxd

    rkwfxd New Member

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    I wanted a Pro and would have bought a Pro until I found So. Calif. dealers were asking $7,000 - $15,000 OVER MSPR. Screw that! I did additional research and found the TRD Off Road Premium was a better vehicle for my use and needs anyway. I wanted KDSS and sliding rear deck. I did not want a sunroof. I found the exact vehicle I wanted on a dealer lot for a couple grand UNDER MSRP. Now we are talking. I want larger / wider tires and the TRDORP wheels are 1/2" wider than the Pro wheels so they are better for wider tires and the wheels protect the valve stems better. I also wanted turn indicators in the mirrors and Homelink which the Pro does not come with. I also have plans to modify my suspension so it did not make sense to me to pay extra for the Pro bits. I love my Runner. As far are your use is concerned, I would for sure get a model with locking rear differential. I have had a boat and I like the extra traction on the boat ramp that a locker can provide. I think any model 4Runner will be more refined that your jeep and more reliable and more comfortable during a daily commute. And I used to own a jeep. Good Luck.
     
  15. Sep 7, 2018 at 10:33 AM
    #15
    Chrispchicken9

    Chrispchicken9 New Member

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    Part time 4wd is garbage - it's only good in snow and in dirt/gravel. It's more stuff to break, and believe me it will, especially if you plan on using 4wd on pavement in light snow or rain.


    Part time 4wd will give you 50/50 power front/rear which is awful for your truck in light snow or rain. Part time 4wd systems in general are built weak.
    Full time 4wd will give you a center differential, variable power from 45 front/ 55 rear to 55 front /45 rear region. So it's great for pavement AND off-roading conditions. Also the center differential can be locked to give 50/50 front/rear.

    Having owned a '96 land cruiser, 04 tacoma, and 02 tundra, the full time i4wd is the way to go. Tried and True, proven over the land cruiser generations.

    If you're going to buy a true TOYOTA 4RUNNER get the full-time 4wd with center locking differential, the rest are for little boys.
     
  16. Sep 7, 2018 at 10:46 AM
    #16
    Chrispchicken9

    Chrispchicken9 New Member

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    Just to clarify,
    Toyota's Full-time 4wd is much different than an AWD system.

    Full time 4wd has a center differential, variable around 45/55 power to front/rear to 55/45 power to front/rear region.
    An AWD system does not use a center dif, instead is built into the rear differential and is able to send power to front wheels (and is much weaker). -You only get like 5/95 power to front/rear up to 15/85 power to front/rear..
     
  17. Sep 7, 2018 at 9:10 PM
    #17
    WallyT4R

    WallyT4R New Member

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    Is this a serious post?:tinfoilhat:
     
  18. Sep 7, 2018 at 9:14 PM
    #18
    WallyT4R

    WallyT4R New Member

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    Yes I am aware of how the various systems work. I guess I made a mistake by writing "all wheel drive" instead of "full-time 4wd":notsure:
     

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