Hello 4Runner community!

I live in Calgary AB Canada and i'm currently looking at '18 TRD Offroads for purchase in the spring. This will be my 1st 4Runner and I joined this blog on the recommendation of a buddy who has owned multiple 4Runners over the years.

Originally i was looking at a used 4Runner TRD pro but since I plan on upgrading wheels, tires, suspension i figured an Offroad is the way to go.

So...any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Also, if anyone in Alberta has some advice on where to go for wheels, tires and suspension systems that would be greatly appreciated as well.

I'm stoked to join the 4Runner community!

JG

Being up north, yours will come with a few different things than the us models, depending on what you get. Good luck with your purchase.
Go Oilers.....Ha!

welcome to the forum. i was in your place a number of years ago and also found this forum after being an owner of my second runner. currently own two runners 2010 and 2020. have owned 99 LTD, 10 LTD, 11 Trail, 19 Pro, and now 2020 TRD OffRoad. All Canadian of course.

getting the Trail/TRDOffRoad is the best value in my opinion irrespective of the year - especially in Canada. 2020 year model will get you more tech and auto climate control by default. keep in mind that Canada gets what the USA calls TRDOffRoadPremium, by default. You are in the right direction. all the best.

as for the forum, best resource. i didn't know anything about cars and now i do so many cosmetic and mechanical mods myself at home with the help of everyone here. Also look into joining facebook groups.

Welcome! I have a stock 2019 TRDOR and am thrilled with it. 2108s should be very similar. I personally prefer the cloth seats, which is why I didn't go Premium. I can't advise you on tires, shocks, lift, etc., but I can say you're looking at a good platform to start with.

Best wishes! Pics when you buy, please!

Krave automotive in Calgary is the place to go for all your needs.

Welcome to t4r.
You wont regret it living in calgary.4runners love the snow and ice.i have had 4 4runners dating back too 1996 and never had any major issues with any of them.i currently own a 2010 trail with kdss and no troubles.i have proven too myself there abilities in winter conditions in BC too be stellar you wont regret buying one.

Ps reliability sums up the 4r.

Here are some threads on the comparison of the two models.

4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium vs. TRD Pro

Should I buy a Trail Premium w/ KDSS or the TRD PRO

So, what's the diff between the TRD Pro and TRD Off Road?

2018 TRD Pro or Offroad and KDSS question

2017 TRD Off Road vs TRD Pro

2016 TRD PRO or 2016 Trail Premium?

100% agree. I haven't used them yet but I follow them on Instagram and they have some really nice rigs.

Do you have any suspension, wheel/tire companies you would recommend? My plan is to upgrade the wheels/tires & suspension within 6 months of purchase if not sooner.

Any mods done on your 4Runner's? What mods would you recommend right off the bat?

Any mods you would recommend?

Another Calgary member here...

Krave is definitely the go to, although they have only been around for a few years they have really taken off.. Both owners are great and previously worked at Cochrane Toyota, so not new to the scene. You can also check out the Gear Shop, they also carry most big brands.

Stop by Krave and chat with them about how you will be using the 4Runner and your budget. They have something for just about everyone. You likely wont want to do tires before suspension for fitment, but then stock tires look silly on a lift!
Personally I added lighting upgrades right away as well..


Also, may be worth looking at dealers that still have 2019s on the lot.. there may not be a huge differenc in price between a highly motivated dealer with a 19 vs an 18 on resale.

Just piling on, another member from Calgary (well Canmore actually) recommending Krave. They've been great just to bounce ideas off of even and they put together stock-friendly runs out in the Ghost a few times a year.

I've had my truck in for a new skid plate and am planning on buying my suspension upgrade from them. They push the Elka stuff pretty hard but by all accounts it's great.

Welcome to the forum and have fun out there!

A buddy went with the Elka 2.0's from Krave and has been extremely happy. Always something to be said to go with a product that has excellent dealer support and developed in a similar climate.