Advice wanted for 4Runner purchase w/ future mods help

[mvp324]

I made this post: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3012043-post10888.html

And after talking to a few salesperson, I came to my choice in just getting the basic Off-Road Premium with a Sun/Moonroof. I talked with a 4wheel parts guy and a local shop guy, and what I gained from those conversations is that getting KDSS would not be a useful choice since I would be interested in getting a 3" lift (maybe 4) done along with a different suspension. Also the Predator Pro Step bar would not be ideal since the steps could get snagged up real good on something while out on trails.

A few of the questions I wanted to ask the more experience folks who modified their 4Runners would be what mods would be best to start off with? Also I am considering getting a matte black wrap done, so I don't know if that is something that should be done first or near the end. The 4Runner I have in my head I want to end up looking similar to this: DrivingLine Article

The mods/brands I know I want is a Safari Snorkle, Gobi Rack, and a WARN winch. I'm unsure of what skid plates, front/rear bumpers, suspension kits would be ideal. I've read through the list of vendors, and I was able to see a few and a few dead links.

:blah:

 

[mynameistory]

Whew, slow down. There's a really good chance that if you're new to 4Runners, Toyota 4x4's, or off-roading in general: you won't need ANY of that stuff.

The 4Runner comes in super basic trims.

SR5 is basic and an excellent platform to start from. Guys who know they will gut the truck to add custom suspension, gears, air lockers, and big tires usually start here because they're replacing everything anyway. It's also still a very capable truck right out of the box.

The OR has the same suspension with a few electronic goodies and traction aids added for off road. KDSS (an option) is analogous to an automatic swaybar disconnect system.

The Limited is full-time AWD with a lockable center diff (turning it into 4WD). It has hydraulically linked shocks (XREAS) to make the truck roll less on curvy roads. It is also the only 4Runner with push-button start and ventilated seats.

The Pro is the same thing as an OR, except with fancier shocks and you can't order a sunroof or KDSS.

All of them are extremely capable off road.

Onto lift/suspension systems: Why do you want to lift? What are your goals? There's a very good chance your truck can out-drive you already. Meaning, you'll be scared to go over an obstacle but your 4Runner won't. I suggest taking it out on some trails and getting comfortable with its limitations before just putting "the biggest gol-derned lift I can fit on this thing, yeehaw!"

The lifts you're talking about will exceed the limitations set by factory geometry, drivetrain, and suspension components. Guys with real long-travel setups can easily spend the price of the truck over again on capable long-travel. They laugh at guys with hockey puck lifts and bad alignment, and for good reason.

Snorkel? Why? Are you crossing 40" streams often? What are your GOALS?

Gobi rack? Sure. Be prepared to pay a couple thousand to wait in line for 6 months on a steel tube basket.

Winch? OK. What about a buddy with a tow strap first? If you get stuck a lot, consider a come-along as a cheap investment. Using a winch correctly requires training and know-how in order not to break windshields or crack heads open.

If you're just naming accessories that you think are cool and they'll make your truck stand out, don't bother. Everyone else already has that stuff.

My advice? Again, take the truck out. If you're just cruising around on fire roads, that's a lot of money wasted on accessories you're not using. The next step (for any automobile) is to step up to a set of real tires. You'd be surprised how far you'll get out there.

 

[mvp324]

Words of Wisdom.

Thanks, for the post. And you are right, I'm pretty much just going headfirst into the deep and not realizing how far it goes. I need to curb the need to go all out. A very noob mistake to make.


Versions

• SR5: experience folks will get a SR5 strip it and make it look all sexy.
  
• OR: I like the CRAWL feature as I'm new to off roading and I figure it can be helpful to me. I now understand what the KDSS does, looks like a neat feature, however I don't think I'll be getting into those situations where one part of the 4runner is on higher ground than the other.
  
  Do you or anyone else know what the major differences is b/w OR and OR Prem?
  
• Limited: Full-time AWD that can become 4WD. I tried to looks up what you said, but it seems to find results only for Full-Time 4WD vs AWD. Looking at this article from The art of manliness My biggest take away is:

  AWD vehicles don’t have the option for a locking center differential, so they don’t provide as much traction in slippery scenarios as 4WD vehicles. While AWD can help improve handling on normal driving surfaces, and can improve traction on rainy roads and a bit on snow-covered roads, you wouldn’t want to take an AWD vehicle off-roading. That’s what trusty 4WD is for.

• Pro: no interest for me here.

Lift/suspension systems/Various Mods

• Why I want a lift: Aesthetics
• What are my goals: Mostly go on to trails or off-roading to remote spots to go camping like I did when in boy scouts
• My current vehicle: 2007 Jetta 187K miles My previous vehicle 1998 Rav4 N/A mileage (maybe 100K when my sister got it) :brick: I just now (2 hours after I started this post) got what you meant by my truck can out drive me, you meant the 4runner will surprise me in what it can do at stock. :doh:
• "the biggest gol-derned lift I can fit on this thing, yeehaw!" - :laugh: My small town heritage cries at the accuracy of me doing this, granted I don't think 3-4 is that big of an increase
• Snorkel: Aesthetics :roll: but Here in Charleston, depending on where you park your car or area the area can flood with heavy rain, nothing major (like in feet), but 4 to 6 inches, which has affected me enough times with my jetta. However with respect to trails, if there is a small creek or river, that I can cross I want to make sure I can cross it without flooding the intake.
• Gobi Rack: I tried to find the Baja racks that were in the vendor link but I had no luck. I like the look of it, but from your comment you feel it is overpriced for what it is. With that in mind, do you have any alternatives you can share?
• Winch: good info, skip out on for now, just look into tow straps and avoid putting my self in a position where I would need a winch.
• Name dropping: I'm not, those are ones I searched through this forum and the listed vendors who have parts for 4runner. I really have no idea who is quality or overpriced. Hence why I'm here to get sound advice from enthusiasts.

I appreciate the thought about the mods and how I'd look like everyone else, and that's probably true, but I'd still feel happy about it. Again, thanks for your frank and honest opinion. I guess going all in right away is a waste of time and effort. When I should just do some basic things like a wrap and getting a nice set of wheels and tires, and just have fun with the ride till I figure out what I truly need vs what I want.

 

[mynameistory]

Difference between standard and premium on SR5 and OR: standard has cloth seats, premium has Softex (Toyota's synthetic leather that is hard wearing, easy to clean, and breathes a little better than real leather). Premium also has heated side-view mirrors (toggled with rear window defrost). I think those are the only differences from what I remember. The sunroof might only be available on premiums, but don't quote me.

The AoM article is a good primer. You're right, most of the time they are referred to as full time 4WD, which is basically the same thing as AWD. AWD has a center differential so that it all wheels can be driven on pavement without binding. Great for snow or adverse weather.

The Limited has this feature, except it ALSO has a lockable center differential. Basically, on the Limited truck: when you turn the knob, your truck goes from AWD to 4WD. AWD is great for snow and gravel roads, 4WD is great for obstacles and general off-roading.

On the other 4Runners, they are part time 4WD. That means during normal driving, only the rear axle is being driven (2HI). When you turn the knob or pull the shifter, it engages the front wheels. However, unlike the Limited, there is no center differential. That means that you can bind up the drivetrain on dry pavement. So it still works great for snowy roads, you just have to be careful how you use it. Put it back into 2HI when you get back onto dry pavement.

Going back to lifts: 3" is about the limit before you start getting into really exotic hardware. The price of the lift increases exponentially with the size and quality. It's not quite as simple as adding blocks or pucks. Spend some time researching before you pull the trigger.

Personally, I got my Trail/OR with KDSS and all the other goodies, because I'm staying mostly stock. I picked up a set of shock/coils taken off from a Pro for cheap (someone swapping their truck on some big dollar stuff), which is about 1.5" over stock and very plush. But I don't have to alter any factory parts like control arms, extended brake lines, etc. Very mild and good bang for the buck.

You can get a snorkel, nothing wrong with them. But you will pass the point of no return because you have to cut a hole in your steel fender!

Just take your time and modify when you see the need. There's a lot of folks who get way over their head too fast, and then they sell their truck because it got too expensive or they found that they didn't even go off road. Sometimes you'll even see guys parting out all of this expensive custom stuff for dirt cheap, so that they can return their leased 4Runner without dealer penalties!

 

[mvp324]

You can get a snorkel, nothing wrong with them. But you will pass the point of no return because you have to cut a hole in your steel fender!

So the snorkel is going to happen. It rained a good bit yesterday and last night that on my normal driving route I had to turn around 3 times due to flooded road ways, one out of 4 areas I saw was nicely blocked off due to a police sub station being near by, the other 3, heh. I saw 3 cars at the fist flooded area that brought back pain, so I noped right the **** off. Trucks were making u-turns, I think the only vehicle who didn't give a shit was an 18 wheeler.

I'll read the rest of your post later and edit the post for any responses. But yeah, that snorkel is going to happen. Also if you are curious google "kayaking charleston flooded streets." That happened while I was working in AFG I think.

 

[Toffees]

So the snorkel is going to happen. It rained a good bit yesterday and last night that on my normal driving route I had to turn around 3 times due to flooded road ways, one out of 4 areas I saw was nicely blocked off due to a police sub station being near by, the other 3, heh. I saw 3 cars at the fist flooded area that brought back pain, so I noped right the **** off. Trucks were making u-turns, I think the only vehicle who didn't give a shit was an 18 wheeler.

I'll read the rest of your post later and edit the post for any responses. But yeah, that snorkel is going to happen. Also if you are curious google "kayaking charleston flooded streets." That happened while I was working in AFG I think.

Read, read, read
Google the forums to see other drivers' experiences
Then ask good questions

I don't think the snorkel will provide the results you want
Chances are, you don't need the 3" lift, but that's up to you (how large are the tires you want to run, and how do you want your truck to look?)
KDSS is something you need to learn about to see whether you want it or not

**sorry, just read your second post and you've made some good observations along these lines; most of the mods you want are looks >> function, which isn't a bad thing. probably the limited is out, unless you like the way that pig looks, but the FT4WD is an interesting alternative. There are more than a few here who do tremendous stuff in mostly stock 4Rs, see what they have done and are doing. And that's my recommendation: buy the 4R you think fits your needs, get better tires (don't wait as long as I did!), and go see what works and doesn't, and buy mods that make you better.

 

[bonesholmes]

I'm relatively new here. Got a 2017 Limited in August of 2017, but I wanted to thank mynameisstory for the brilliant posts and info. I live in SC...and we flood badly...travel to Charleston at least once a month. I think the handling on the Limited does fine in the rain, flooding, etc. I also have a mustang, so my opinion may be a tad biased. I honestly don't think the snorkel would help with our flooding, but if you intend on going off road and doing other things with it that is a different story.

Not gonna lie I like the AC ventilated seats in this bloody heat.

The only thing I will probably swap out in mine are the rims and wheels. Looking at some TRD pro rims...Hubby wanted the old school definition of a bush package....but I'm not keen on that as brush packages probably do more harm...its either that or ARB bumpers...but I kinda like my parking sensors and really don't see the need for it...except in Miami...

 

[I4CUTigers]

So the snorkel is going to happen. It rained a good bit yesterday and last night that on my normal driving route I had to turn around 3 times due to flooded road ways, one out of 4 areas I saw was nicely blocked off due to a police sub station being near by, the other 3, heh. I saw 3 cars at the fist flooded area that brought back pain, so I noped right the **** off. Trucks were making u-turns, I think the only vehicle who didn't give a shit was an 18 wheeler.

I'll read the rest of your post later and edit the post for any responses. But yeah, that snorkel is going to happen. Also if you are curious google "kayaking charleston flooded streets." That happened while I was working in AFG I think.

I live in Charleston. You do not need a snorkel for our streets. If you want to buy it because you think it will make you look cool, go ahead. You’d be better off doing a diff breather rather than a snorkel, but nobody can see a diff breather in the engine bay, can they?

 

[1manmafia]

how many miles are too many?

I'm heading south to view a 1997 Runner SR5 with 216K on it. After chatting with the owner a few weeks, it has little to no rust(even bumper), garage kept and minus some fading on the bumpers, looks to be in great shape for the year. I obviously wont know until I get down there but I'm wondering if the mileage is high for the price she is asking...$3500. KBB says between $2K-$4K. I will start low but any advice on the mileage would be much appreciated.

thanks!!

 

[Dadof10]

The 4Runner comes in super basic trims.

SR5 is basic and an excellent platform to start from. Guys who know they will gut the truck to add custom suspension, gears, air lockers, and big tires usually start here because they're replacing everything anyway. It's also still a very capable truck right out of the box.

The OR has the same suspension with a few electronic goodies and traction aids added for off road. KDSS (an option) is analogous to an automatic swaybar disconnect system.

The Limited is full-time AWD with a lockable center diff (turning it into 4WD). It has hydraulically linked shocks (XREAS) to make the truck roll less on curvy roads. It is also the only 4Runner with push-button start and ventilated seats.

The Pro is the same thing as an OR, except with fancier shocks and you can't order a sunroof or KDSS.

Thanks for this summary of these packages. I'm just getting started looking at 4Runners and this can be confusing.

 

[mynameistory]

Thanks for this summary of these packages. I'm just getting started looking at 4Runners and this can be confusing.

Do you really have 10 kids? You might need two 4Runners.

 

[Choice]

Super useful information here, thanks guys! Just starting my search as well.

 

[SnoRnR]

Have you ordered the Gobi? I'm at week two. Secretly hoping it comes for a trip in July. People reporting 20 weeks so not getting too excited.

 

[Parkie]

Hi there! New to Toyota and especially 4Runners. I was an automotive mechanic for more than 30 years. I looked at several Toyotas over the years, but car dealers and salesmen managed to drive me to other brands. My bad luck, I guess. We just bought a 2019 Off Road Premium on Friday and so far we love it! We don't plan to modify it beyond a grille guard and better tires right now. This is the quickest I have ever joined a forum after a vehicle purchase. I visited here several times prior to purchase and appreciate the good advice I found here. I may never be a real active member on here, but I will insert my .02 when it seems helpful! Looking forward to many years of service from this truck.
Tom

 

[Parkie]

Ooops! I should have posted a new thread, not replied. Rookie mistake. Any way to move this to the new members main thread?