New here! Need insight on Limited to Off Road transformation

Hi everyone! I'm new to the group. I have owned 4Runner's for a while now. I'm looking into getting a new one. I have a 99 LT now, but I think it's on its last legs. I have been drooling over a new 4Runner for about 2 years now. Currently, I'm saving for a downpayment. I might end up with a 2022 at this rate. (Thanks Covid)

I have always wanted a brand new off-the-lot one (all my previous ones have been used). I LOVE the LT style A LOT, I look at it and I'm just in love! But I'm also interested in some off-road. I'm not sure how much actual off-road I can do with a LT, but I can't imagine it would be as much as a TRD.

I would not mind making modifications to get the Limited to where it needs to go to be able to go off-road without a problem. I'm just not sure where I would start, also what range of money it would take to get it there. I would love to see those who have made this conversion and hear/see some ideas.

Thanks!

 

@kmeeg
this guy has some nice suspension on his limited (elka I think?) he should be able to fill you in.

 

Welcome to a great forum.

 

@Daytonaviolet has converted his Limited into a TRD Bro...and has done a fine job of it!

I imagine a Limited would be just as capable off-road as an SR5, with the exception of some lower-hanging body panels for less ground clearance.

 

Welcome!

 

My Limited got Bilstien 5100 (which I don't like much and will be changed. Yet to finalize.) I need the most comfortable on road suspension setup with 2.5 lift (so the 285s won't rub).

My TRD ORP got ELKA 2.5 DC. Its a big upgrade for rough roads but I always expect more comfort on local roads at slow speeds. Like I wish I don't feel / suspension absorb all those cracks on local roads.

Here's my comment to someone asking me about my thoughts;


<Update>
How I'm planning to compare the ride comfort with an app..
(Pics from the Subaru stock suspension)

 

Welcome from northern NY

 

i felt same way. In lieu of gen6 by 2023, I opted for a used limited to hold me over until then. I converted the outside to trd options to give it more clearance. Go check out my build thread for all my changes.

 

On another note if someone looking to go off-road Limited may not be a good option unless you are willing to put more effort on changing bumpers and side trim panels.

Probably the best looking Limited IMO. If you had a Youtube story detailing swapping bumper, hood, grill, trim panels I bet you get so many views.

 

BEAUTIFUL! Yeah, I'm also thinking about the new-gen coming out. I'm so curious as to what changes they will have for them. Hopefully not something I will hate and have to get a used one after all lol I may just have to settle for another used one till then unless my old lady can last that long lol She's at 290,000 miles right now. I'm not looking to changing much of the body of the limited, mostly a lift, suspension, and the protection on the undercarriage. I'm not entirely sure how much hardcore off-roading ill be doing either, but I would like that option. I know for sure I want a lift since it floods all the time in my area.

 

totally agree. Let’s wait and see, until then let’s enjoy the 5th gen. Full time 4wd is a blast. Wifey loves driving it in the rain.

 

I am to this day totally impressed by your tenacity to change the looks of your Limited. I imagine it would be somewhat less complicated, at least in finding replacement non-Limited body panels, if someone had a more standard Limited color, i.e. MGM, white, etc.

 

I appreciate your honest evaluation of the Elka suspension. Yours is the first I've heard that stated Elka didn't ride like a dream in all road conditions. I'm sure it's great, maybe not as great in all areas after all.

 

The thing is .. blizzard Pearl color only comes in limited. So for this color, conversion includes new paint and matching issues


But fun indeed

 

My opinion may or may not change with time when I'm more experience with playing with different settings. True the ride is a huge improvement but for now I can say it does not "ride like a dream" compared to factory suspension on a luxury SUV / SAV like X5. May be equal or better than stock Subaru Ascent. But definitely need more time behind the wheel.