Hi,
I’ve been lurking in the forum for a while absorbing as much info as I could but I still have a few questions. Because of that I didn't commit to a 2011 Limited w/ 17K miles on it early in the week and today it sold Anyway, I'd appreciate you opinion/advice on the questions below. I know it's a lot and this is my first post, sorry for that.

1 – I believe there are no differences between the 2011, 2012 & 2013 models of the Limited, but just to double check, was anything changed/improved over these years? (especially mechanically)

2 – Coming from 3 Subarus, I’m used to drive with permanent 4WD, and I like that. I know that the LTD can be used with the 4WD all the time but is it really meant for that? I mean, seeing the control to turn it on and off makes me wonder. I know that know controls the HI/LO but still...

3 – Wheels & Tires: I’m not going to be 4wheeling or anything like that but I like to go camping and I do quite a bit of mountain biking and XC running, in the winter too (Northern NJ) so, I’m looking to put some wheels and tires for light trail, mud and snow use. Quite honestly, a big part of why I’d like to change the wheels & tires it’s looks too. So, again I looked over dozens of threads here and got pretty close to what I want but I still have a couple of questions.
I’m inclining for 275/65 18 tires. I found posts of a few people that have done this but all had some kind of lift or wheel spacers installed, and I’m looking to leave the suspension stock. Also, I didn’t find info on the width of the wheels they are using. The stock wheels are 7” and the TE wheels are 7.5” wide. I'd like to go with 8” wide wheels with those tires but I don't know if I will get rub, even after doing the fix of moving the inner plastic piece forward. Any thoughts on the wheel/tire combo and the fit?
For tires I was thinking about Duratracs and have no idea for wheels brand, except I’d like them to be black mate and not too expensive

4 – If a 1” lift and/or 1” wheel spacers would allow me to use the 275/65 18 tires and 8” wide wheels, what would be the effect of those modifications in ride quality and performance? Also, would I need to modify anything else? I think I saw in some threads that maybe I have to put an extension for the steering column and/or raise the radiator? Are there any potential issues with these mods and the electronics part of the car? I don’t care too much about the error in speed reading.

Thanks a lot in advance!

1. One major difference is the option for Entune for 2012+

3 & 4. I have 18X8 Rims and 275/65 18 (Coopers). I don't have any rubbing, and I have done ZERO modifications to the suspension and fenders, no wheel spacers. Getting the right backspacing on the new wheels will be a factor in the "fit"

Ride quality: the 20s felt more stiff and slightly more nimble. Though you gain comfort over bumpy roads, bumps and dirt when you go camping.

Issues: none yet, though I have only had them for about 3K miles. Mi will recommend that you are patient with balancing the wheels, had to take mine in twice.

Hope that helps.

Thank you for the info. Very useful! One more question, if you don't mind, what's the offset on your rims?

Idon't think they make a 1" lift. 2" is min unless you have found a spacer lift. Never heard of steering column or radiator extension for the 5th gen 4Runner. I guess you find those in the same aisle with the muffler bearings and headlight fluid lol.

Yes, when I was referring to a lift I was talking about a lift through spacers. I think in the thread I read they were talking about 1.5" spacers and I just assumed 1" spacers would be available too.

Obviously, I don't remember the correct term for the "steering column" but I do remember reading in one thread there there some kind of extension needed for some part of the steering, if you lifted the truck. I also remember reading about discussion about the need or not to raise (not "extend" as you say) the radiator if the truck was lifted (most people said no, but I still wanted to check).

Anyway, thank you for your useful comments.

They make a "differential drop" relocation bracket kit for those with a suspension lift over 3" if I recall correctly. Most on here have confirmed that is not needed below that height if it is a suspension lift and not spacers. I too have seen the 1 1/2" spacer lifts to purchase but nothing below that height except where a few guys have machined their own. Someone might make a steering box relocation kit and a radiator spacer kit but I have not read of any. I just used the word "extend" because you did lol. Hope this helps.

Edit - you asked for the offset... +15
Backspace - 5.25, possibly around 5.35

Direct link to wheel (WHEELS | KMC Wheels)

Backspacing chart - http://hubgarage.s3.amazonaws.com/ph...son_detail.JPG

Thank you for your input (now seriously ). And yes, it looks like I did say "extend" the radiator. As a disclaimer I also said in the OP that I wasn't mechanically inclined