Advice on new 2017 T4R 4Runner Purchase

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yellowdog

New member
After getting some super helpful advice here between purchasing a 4Runner or Tacoma. It was not an easy decision- I had the opportunity to drive almost everything I wanted from a T4R TRD Pro to a Tundra. The Trail Premium is where I think I will end up.

A few questions I would like to put out here regarding suspension and options. I see that Toyota offers a suspension upgrade to the TRD Pro Off Road grade. As much as I think the lift kits on all the 4Runners I see are freagin' awesome I would like to get the advice of those who know more about this or have done it.

Most of my driving will be getting to backcountry locations via Virginia to Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and then into the backcountry for wildlife/outdoor photography, camping, etc... I am not opposed to rock crawling, but I don't foresee that in my future.

1) I get it- ground clearance and bigger tires. Any disadvantage to lifting, other than entering and exiting? Lower fuel mileage, suspension suffer?

2) Upgrading to the TRD Pro Off Road stuff? The advantage is it is covered under warranty? Disadvantage is more expensive for Toyota to do it I assume. But I am interested in hearing what it does for the truck over the stock suspension? I have never done any performance mods on my cars- so I have no personal experience to go on.

3) Roof Rack- something I can access to stand on?

Thanks everyone- really appreciate all the input and everyone's willingness to help guide the less informed (me) through this.
 
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1. NO
2. If you want to leave it stock PRO is good if not don't waste your money
3. Gobi, Baja, FrontRunner, K9, ARB to name a few
 
Drive it stock for a while to really decide what you need. These things are pretty damn capable they way they come, although I'd say tires are the biggest limiting factor.

The TRD Pro suspension will not get you any sort of lift, if you want yours to sit higher, you'll need to pick another route. I am one of the few people who don't mind the stock suspension, I plan to drive it for a while stock then upgrade accordingly.
 
Seriously, leave it box stock.

Drive it for a year and then decide if you really, really need to lift. And if so, are you prepared to rash your new $40K vehicle out bouncing off boulders?

I have never driven a lifted vehicle that didn't compromise 95% of the driving in the process, I live in Colorado and have never needed anything more than a stock 4Runner has.

I've said it before, I'll say it again:

Box stock the 4Runner is more capable off-road than 95% of us are as off-road drivers.

Thats my .02 on the topic.
 
As others have said, drive it first and then see what you need upgraded. I think the first few upgrades that you should get are 1) Weather tech or Husky floor liners 2) Canvas back cargo liner 3) AT tires 4) Rock sliders 5) Skids. If you have those the 4R will likely take you most places you want to go and keep the insides clean and the outsides protected. If you start adding weight with stuff in the cargo area or on the roof top then yeah, you probably will end up needing a a suspension upgrade with heavier weight springs so you don't sag so much.

Also this is your truck so do what makes you happy. If you really want a lift because you want "the look" then go for it. Just be prepared for sacrifices like MPG and ride differences. I would also skip "upgrading" to the TRD Pro suspension. It's really just a Bilstein 6112/5160 setup with a very mild 1" front lift. Better to either get the real Bilstein setup or go for another aftermarket one (Toytec, Radflo, Icon, Kings, OME, etc etc).
 
Like other members suggested keep it stock until you know what you plan on doing. The stock 4runner is more than capable to do various off roading. If you plan on rock crawling I suggest you install some rock sliders to save your body from any damage.

Your next upgrade would be the tires. Stock tires on the 4runner are passenger rated and not truck rated. I had the misfortune of hitting a rock and splitting the sidewall of my tire. Not fun in the desert.

In my opinion the stock 4runner drives a lot smother on the street than my 2015 4runner trd pro. The suspension on the trd pro is a little stiff. It is really design for off roading. However I did install an Icon stage 2 on my previous 2014 4runner and was pleased on its on and off road suspension. I plan on installing the Icon on my 15 trd pro.
 
Decision between the Taco and T4R is easy. Go to TW and read about trans issues, howling rear differentials, underfilled fluids, etc. I had one with many issues and traded it in with 7500 miles. Don't regret it for one second.
 
Mello03 said:
Decision between the Taco and T4R is easy. Go to TW and read about trans issues, howling rear differentials, underfilled fluids, etc. I had one with many issues and traded it in with 7500 miles. Don't regret it for one second.
Click to expand...

Haha, well I'm so happy this forum is nothing like TW!!! Not so much because of issues with the Tacoma but the forum has always been and is still filled with 90% BS and spam. You have to filter through so many threads to find one that is remotely useful and all I ever see on TW is people arguing & bickering. It's mostly good for entertainment. At least here it's a little more civil and informative.
 
Sounds like getting the TRD pro and keeping it stock is the way to go for you. Drive it for a while, take it through its paces, then see what/where you need improvements... keep in mind, once the mods start, they tend to snowball.... :thumb3:
 
I have a Trail on the stock suspension and I haven't hit anything it couldn't handle yet. I'm not looking to upgrade the suspension until I find myself taking on trails that absolutely require it. I put KO2 tires on in stock size and that has been all the difference i have needed.

There are a lot of knowledgeable wheelers on here that are tackling some difficult trails and bought their trucks with mods in mind. But if you are new to it and not looking to rock crawl, get a Trail or TRDPro and you'll be all set for the back country roads that you describe.
 
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I bought my SR5 almost a year ago with the same intentions. To date, I have done the following:
1) New tires. I would DEFINITELY do that. Some C-rated AT tires are a must IMO if you're planning to go off-road.
2) Front windows tinted. I would definitely do that again.
3) Canvasback cargo liner. Great quality and fit. Really slippery for my dog. I might look toward Weathertech if I were to do it again.

My next upgrade will be Bilstein shocks, though I'm in no hurry to do it. I don't want much lift, but the 0.85" setting seems to fit my needs in terms of appearance, plus it will offer slightly better ride quality off road.

I think the "wait and see" advice that's been offered is good advice. I would skip the TRD Pro suspension if it were me though.
 
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