I think I'm coming back to the 4R world

StRanger7032

StRanger7032

New member
After 4 years without a 4Runner, I'm seriously thinking of getting a new one. I've had a Taco, a Tundra, and a Wrangler Unlimited since then. My nearby options are a 2016 Trail with KDSS in MGM, a 2017 TRD OR in Classic Silver, and a 2016 Trail Premium without KDSS in Barcelona Red. If the Premium had KDSS, the choice would be made already, assuming the dealership stops insisting on $2200 over invoice.

I've been poring over the "KDSS or not" type threads trying to decide if I really need it and I'm still not entirely sure. One of the reasons I sold my old 2011 SR5 was the nose dive. The non-KDSS 2016 did seem to have some, and the KDSS one seemed to have less. I would have thought they'd have fixed the nose dive issue entirely by now, but maybe its inherent to the design of the 5th Gen?

What are the thoughts about the Trail vs the new TRD Off Road? Has anything really changed other than the name? I was thinking a leftover 2016 could be had cheaper, but it doesn't necessarily seem to be the case. I'm wondering if I should just order a TRD OR and get exactly what I want. I remember the days when you had to order a Trail to get one, but it seems like they've been easier to come by lately. Sorry for the rambling post, but I'm hoping someone can give me some insight on the changes that have come since 2011 and what models people seem to like the best.

Oh, and here's my old one just to piss off the people who hated my brush guard back when I was active here from 2011-2013!
IMG_0061_zpsa5c447f6.jpg
[/URL]~original[/IMG]
 
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Welcome back. I also went from a Blizzard Pearl (2012 SR5) to a Wrangler Unlimited and back to the 4R.
 
Drove both, non-kdss and kdss.

Bought the kdss.

I'd say if you can't score a killer deal on a left over and it's not exactly what you want....order a '17 TRD OR premium with kdss.

Only real changes are the badging and wheels...and being able to order one without a sunroof...oh and they raised the price a little too..
 
StRanger7032 said:
After 4 years without a 4Runner, I'm seriously thinking of getting a new one. I've had a Taco, a Tundra, and a Wrangler Unlimited since then. My nearby options are a 2016 Trail with KDSS in MGM, a 2017 TRD OR in Classic Silver, and a 2016 Trail Premium without KDSS in Barcelona Red. If the Premium had KDSS, the choice would be made already, assuming the dealership stops insisting on $2200 over invoice.

I've been poring over the "KDSS or not" type threads trying to decide if I really need it and I'm still not entirely sure. One of the reasons I sold my old 2011 SR5 was the nose dive. The non-KDSS 2016 did seem to have some, and the KDSS one seemed to have less. I would have thought they'd have fixed the nose dive issue entirely by now, but maybe its inherent to the design of the 5th Gen?

What are the thoughts about the Trail vs the new TRD Off Road? Has anything really changed other than the name? I was thinking a leftover 2016 could be had cheaper, but it doesn't necessarily seem to be the case. I'm wondering if I should just order a TRD OR and get exactly what I want. I remember the days when you had to order a Trail to get one, but it seems like they've been easier to come by lately. Sorry for the rambling post, but I'm hoping someone can give me some insight on the changes that have come since 2011 and what models people seem to like the best.

Oh, and here's my old one just to piss off the people who hated my brush guard back when I was active here from 2011-2013!
IMG_0061_zpsa5c447f6.jpg
[/URL]~original[/IMG]
Click to expand...


I miss Texas... :violin:


.
 
Test drive, test drive, and drive some more and buy the one you like. Better drive a Limited w/ XREAS to complicate decision more.
 
Bought my 2016 in September. Non KDSS. The nose dive was there. It was more and more noticeable into owning it. Installed Bilstein 6112's (I read people with 5100's get rid of it as well) and nose dive is practically gone. Just a thought.
 
$2200 OVER invoice? NO. You are in CO. KDSS 4Runners are abundant here (and every other type ever made). Just wait a bit and be willing to drive some. I can tell you that KDSS in the CO canyons is worth every penny, but not worth paying any extra for. Also, Trail vs. TRD Off Road is a non issue, because they are the same vehicle. Don't let some dealer charge you more because of the TRD nameplate because unless its it PRO, it's a Trail renamed - and even then a PRO is just a Trail with different suspension, slightly better skid plates and tires.

-Also, KDSS has nothing to do with nosedive. Different shocks will fix that.
 
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I'll echo what others have said, kdss has almost nothing to do with nose dive. The real benefit of kdss is in general driving dynamics. Nose dive can be easily fixed with new front springs. Since you've read over the existing posts I'm sure you have seen this said before.

Some of us feel a significant improvement with kdss on-road, specifically in reducing body roll. I know I did. Others don't perceive a difference. The pro's for kdss are reduced body roll, the cons are reduced ground clearance under the front diff and potential long-term service needs. I'd recommend, like others said, to test drive both. If kdss impresses you then go with it, if not then don't. Likewise, if maximum front diff clearance or concerns over long-term service is important then factor that into the equation. Toyota has been running kdss on the land cruiser and lancruiser prado/lexus gx models for years so its a dependable system that does not require maintenance, however any increase in complexity represents a potential for needed servicing.

I'll say too that its funny how you cycled through several vehicles to come back to the 4runner. I did the same, sold my pops my built-up 2013 when he retired to baja, then owned a land cruiser and 3rd gen Tacoma before buying a 2016 4Runner. Owned a JK prior to getting into my 2013 4Runner. Still own the cruiser but sold off the taco. 4Runners are simply amazing vehicles! Goodluck with your search brother.
 
If the TRD is exactly what you want, get that. You'll spend the difference in price on trying to make a less expensive model in to what you want anyway. Good luck, and enjoy!
 
My advice is decide if you are going to go mod crazy on a lift/wheels/oversized tires/armor/etc. If the answer is yes, test drive an sr5 or trail with and without kdss and pick which one you like more.

If you aren't going to do much modding, go with the trd pro and enjoy it.

I went trail premium and I'm in the process of going mod crazy :thumb3:
 
I too hated the nose dive, and disliked the rake. 5100s @.85 cured the rake (to my eye) and reduced the ND enough to satisfy me.

The KDSS debate will endure interminably, never get a quorum, and in the end it's your driving style and wallet that will tell you. I don't drive aggressively enough to tell the difference.

Whatever you get, skip the brushguard, 'kay?
 
007Tacoma said:
Ya'll are welcome back to Texas any time. We got the room. :welcome:

Besides, Texas is just my base of operations. If I'm not home... good luck finding me. :lookout:
Click to expand...
Hehe just don't move to Austin. We're full here! JK get the 4runner that YOU like. It was a chore to get my 16 TE because they wanted to sell me the TRD OR but I knew what was up.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
 
So sorry but you spot has already been taken. Nevertheless, we thank you for your continued interest and wish you the best. :beer:
 
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