Brand new 2014 Trail Premium

[Big Murth]

After much deliberation and the reality of budget constraints, I opted for a Trail Premium (no KDSS) instead of a Trail "with" KDSS---just felt the nicer interior amenities, Nav-Audio, sunroof would provide more value over the long haul (at least 10 years;-) than the KDSS in a more spartan base Trail trim....but yes, I hate the stupid hood scoop, too.

Couple of questions for ye all: feel it's a good idea to get the rock sliders (and skids??...is there a difference?), and when resources allow, a solid front bumper, brush guard-something to protect those expensive headlights, etc.). Shrockworks seems to sell some impressive looking stuff, but seem to be the top of the price-range among the competition. I'm looking for something that has a full-length under the doors small step, as I have to haul customers around a bit from time to time---would love to hear your recommendations.
Also, beyond the factory skid plating---it seems there's some other vulnerable areas that could use some protection from foreign and immobile objects---would love input on what you suggest there, too.

One last question (for now)....if I invest in a Hi-Lift jack, realistically, where would I be able to use it until I get stout aftermarket bumpers---I can just see the crumple-rubber bumpers being useless for jacking anything. Any ideas?
Thanks in advance 5th Gen 4Runner people!
Big Murth:mod:

 

[philsey]

cat fight

[MENTION=55815]Okki[/MENTION]

 

[Stifler]

congrats on the new rig but you'd better unass that avatar!:uzi:

 

[Okki]

Any time, anywhere, MY cat can still get you!

For answers to a lot of your questions, see my build thread. :clap2:

Okki

 

[3wbdriver]

One last question (for now)....if I invest in a Hi-Lift jack, realistically, where would I be able to use it until I get stout aftermarket bumpers---I can just see the crumple-rubber bumpers being useless for jacking anything. Any ideas?
Thanks in advance 5th Gen 4Runner people!
Big Murth:mod:

If you get a slider with kick out tubing there is an adapter for the hi-lift jack that would cradle the tubing on the slider. You would probably still want a thick blanket or something to slip between the jack and the door sheet metal just to be on the safe side.

 

[tamerunner]

What color did you get? If we match I'll trade hoods?????

 

[Jeff M]

What color did you get? If we match I'll trade hoods?????

I was about to say, the OP will have ZERO PROBLEMS finding a significant number of people that would be more than happy to swap hoods with him! :thumb:

 

[Desert Dawg]

I was about to say, the OP will have ZERO PROBLEMS finding a significant number of people that would be more than happy to swap hoods with him! :thumb:

Exactly, the hood scoop was one thing among others that drew me towards the Trail over the SR5 or Limited. Also, I for one didn't see much difference in the Trail Premium since I got Nav/Backup camera too except for not having the leather and sunroof (which dropped the roof by over 2 inches and prevented me from fitting in either the Trail Limited or Premium anyway...lol).

Anyway, congrats to the OP on the new ride and enjoy!!!!

Regarding the small side steps with full length bars, have you looked at n-Fab's wheel to wheel sidesteps? I just ordered a set of these as I think they look good, affordable, offer a tad of extra protection, and help with entry or roof access when needed.

http://autocustoms.com/images/product/large/477_6_.jpg

 

[classic72]

Exactly, the hood scoop was one thing among others that drew me towards the Trail over the SR5 or Limited. Also, I for one didn't see much difference in the Trail Premium since I got Nav/Backup camera too except for not having the leather and sunroof (which dropped the roof by over 2 inches and prevented me from fitting in either the Trail Limited or Premium anyway...lol).

Anyway, congrats to the OP on the new ride and enjoy!!!!

I agree Desert Dawg... funny how people's taste's are. For me they both looked good.. not impartial to either. I saw in your build thread how you also mentioned the new front bumper drew you to the 14's... again, same here. I have read the negative from a few people... but in person/real life I have had nothing but compliments from every person I have met including those at the Jamboree this year. I get positive looks from people everyday. I actually think this more aggressive look fits what the 4Runner's personality and heritage is and continues to be. :thumb3:

To OP -- IMO I would stay away from any form of brush guard... most will do more damage than help... get a good bull bar or steel bumper. Right now Shrockworks and soon Demello are it. I spoke with ARB two days ago and they are working on one as well but sound further out.

 

[jmarthsr]

Congrats on the new ride. I too have a Trail Prem without kdss. Kdss was, is, near impossible to find in the Gulf states area. I have some Bilstein 5100s on the way to help with the front end "brake dive". Thats the only thing I am not a fan of. Otherwise after 6 months of ownership I love it.

 

[wfo9]

Couple of questions for ye all: feel it's a good idea to get the rock sliders (and skids??...is there a difference?), and when resources allow, a solid front bumper, brush guard-something to protect those expensive headlights, etc.).

One last question (for now)....if I invest in a Hi-Lift jack, realistically, where would I be able to use it until I get stout aftermarket bumpers---I can just see the crumple-rubber bumpers being useless for jacking anything. Any ideas?
Thanks in advance 5th Gen 4Runner people!
Big Murth:mod:

Rock sliders protect the body (rockers) from damage on technical terrain and act as a lift point for a hi-lift. They allow the truck to slide over big stuff without much body damage. They are typically not a fantastic step for getting in and out of the vehicle if that is what you are looking for. They usually add about 110 lbs to the dry weight of the truck. Skids protect the underbody (oil pan, tranny, gas tank). They can also add well over 100 lbs depending on material thickness and coverage. Aftermarket bumpers are typically 250+ more lbs. You can end up with a tank (in more than one way) very quickly, so keep that in mind.