Is this a good idea?

[Ape Runner]

I have a trail with KDSS. Wife now wants a 3rd row to participate in carpooling. After much deliberation it seems the best option is buying an SR5 and adding a rear arb locker. I’ll miss having MTS, but don’t use CRAWL control. The rear locker is a must have and the SR5 has A-TRAC. I think I’ll miss KDSS too. But with an air locker out back I’ll also now have on board air.

What am I not thinking of?

 

[spartacus]

With the air locker in the back difff of the sr5 you can do some serious rock crawling.

 

[NorthPark]

The best idea is to probably to step up to a GX

 

[Jetboy]

FWIW - if used is okay - I'd take a look at a GX460 and add a rear eaton e-locker. ARB is okay, but my bet is the eaton will be a lot more reliable over time. And if you need a 3rd row - the GX has a nicer middle row with two captain's chairs instead of a bench as an option. You also get 3rd row with KDSS. And you can add MTS/Crawl via a plug and play module that isn't too expensive. Much easier than adding in a 4Runner. Plus the used GX market is pretty close to used 4Runner. And it's a 3rd row with KDSS.

Downside is all the craptastic plastics on the GX. If you're really planning on doing a lot of offroad time - the GX needs work on the plastics and that can be anywhere from free (box cutter) to pretty $$ for swapping Prado bumper covers. It's also a bit harder to find things like winch options.

One last thought - the SR5 is pretty good without a rear locker. If it's not a huge need, it might be worth trying it without the rear locker first and maybe it'll do what you need with just ATRAC.

 

[STX4Runner]

With carpooling you'll be having kids crawling over the seats or having to drop one of the middle row seats to get in the back. The third row in a 4Runner is minimally useful.

 

[ahtoxa11]

I'd hate to have to get into 4Runner's third row.

 

[spartacus]

3rd row is pretty useful for us. We have had adults sit back there, as long as they don't have a belly.

 

[itr1275]

For what it's worth,

Option 1
Get the Limited. Yah I know it's limited because of <fill in the blank>; however, there are some everyday upsides. You spend most of your time on the road.

1. You get full time AWD and still have 4Hi & 4Low. It make driving in the weather fun instead of slightly sketchy at times.
2. You can get heated and cooled seats with real leather.
3. Better handling for everyday use
4. Third row option
5. Push button start
6. Auto on/off headlights

Downsides
1. The fancy suspension is limited in lift unless you remove the whole thing. Then you loose the better road manners.
2. You will need to add the locker, which is still the same as the SR5.
3. Crappy factory tires for off road, like the SR5
4. Lacks a transfer case skid plate, like the SR5
5. Chin spoiler bumper leave limited aftermarket bumper options

Option 2
Buy her something else with a third row like a mini-van and you keep your rig.
2011 Honda Odyssey EX-L For Sale In Santa Clara | Cars.com

 

[arehman11]

Have you considered buying the parts to add a 3rd row to yours? I know people sell those on here from time to time.

 

[Ape Runner]

Is the GX the same underneath? That is, can I swap over my icon suspension, rci skid package, and victory 4x4 roof rack?

 

[Ape Runner]

Just looked at the GX. It’s out. I think the exterior is ugly and the interior is even uglier.

I’d add a 3rd row to mine. That would be ideal but the swap seems pretty involved, no? As in I need a donor car for the side plastics?

I’ll keep researching.

 

[NotaTRD]

I’m not sure I see the benefit just to participate in carpool, but if it makes sense to you and your wife then that’s what matters.

Full disclosure, I had the BPS replaced once under warranty last summer, no issues since. That said, my ARB rear locked SR5 has been great. ARB’s customer service was great to work with and they reimbursed me for everything. If you go with ARB, call them up and get the newer version of the bonded piston seals to replace the ones that come on the unit before install for peace of mind.

I can’t speak much to the Eaton e-locker or their customer service other than what I’ve read through other’s experiences. Like with anything, the internet will yield positive and negative experiences with either. If I had to do it all over again, I’d still go ARB. Just my 2 cents based on my experience.

 

[fkheath]

Have you considered buying the parts to add a 3rd row to yours? I know people sell those on here from time to time.

The middle row seats are different on the three row model to allow getting into the back row. Thus, you would have to get both the middle row and the third row seats, not just the third row.

 

[fkheath]

One last thought - the SR5 is pretty good without a rear locker. If it's not a huge need, it might be worth trying it without the rear locker first and maybe it'll do what you need with just ATRAC.

ATRAC is turned off in 4WD low where you really need the traction.

I agree that the SR5 is pretty good off road without KDSS or a rear locker. I have never been stuck in my SR5, but then I may not be as brave as some people.

 

[Ryance39]

I'd go limited. The biggest thing I miss in my 99 is the AWD feature.
Any reason not to consider a 100 or 200 series LC? If I had to have a 3rd row, didn't want a GX, and had to have a locker, I'd be in a Land Cruiser all day long.

 

[arehman11]

The middle row seats are different on the three row model to allow getting into the back row. Thus, you would have to get both the middle row and the third row seats, not just the third row.

Good point, I didn’t think about that. My new vote would probably be moving up to a GX.

 

[Cymon]

ATRAC is turned off in 4WD low where you really need the traction.

I agree that the SR5 is pretty good off road without KDSS or a rear locker. I have never been stuck in my SR5, but then I may not be as brave as some people.

Small correction but traction control is turned off, ATRAC is available. ATRAC is only available to use in 4Low. If driving in 4 low you want traction control off so that power is evenly distributed. Press the ATRAC button in 4Low and it works similar to the crawl control sensing wheel slip and applying the brakes to the wheels that are slipping redistributing power. The only difference between ATRAC and Crawl control is driver input is necessary... think difference between off-road cruise control (Crawl Control) and no cruise control (ATRAC).

 

[Ape Runner]

I'd go limited. The biggest thing I miss in my 99 is the AWD feature.
Any reason not to consider a 100 or 200 series LC? If I had to have a 3rd row, didn't want a GX, and had to have a locker, I'd be in a Land Cruiser all day long.

This was the original plan but spending $75k even for a used one still feels excessive to her. I actually think the landcruiser is the best possible solution.

 

[NorthPark]

ATRAC is turned off in 4WD low where you really need the traction.

I agree that the SR5 is pretty good off road without KDSS or a rear locker. I have never been stuck in my SR5, but then I may not be as brave as some people.

You can't turn on ATRAC in 4low on an SR5 or am I missing something here?

 

[5thToy]

You can't turn on ATRAC in 4low on an SR5 or am I missing something here?

As Cymon mentioned a few posts up, it's the other way around. ATRAC only works in 4LO.