Is this the coveted 2009 Trail Edition?

[theriddler]

2009 Toyota 4Runner Sport, $19,899 - Cars.com

Is this the notorious 2009 Trail Edition that's so hard to find? It has the diff lock and Tom Tom radio, looks like a beauty in the pictures!

 

[philskeeter]

2009 Toyota 4Runner Sport, $19,899 - Cars.com

Is this the notorious 2009 Trail Edition that's so hard to find? It has the diff lock and Tom Tom radio, looks like a beauty in the pictures!

Looks to be in very good condition! and that's the one that's so hard to find. How are the service records on it?

 

[theriddler]

Not sure, I don't really go by service records anyways...condition says a lot about a vehicle to me. With 116,000 it's just now getting broke in and is probably due for a full drain of all the fluids and replacement of all the filters, timing belt, etc. I can find these when I'm not trying, it's whenever I'm looking to buy one that I can't seem to find them. Sad thing is, whoever gets this probably won't even know what they're getting (and might even complain about all the switches and won't even have a clue what they do). Hope it goes to a good home, I'll be looking for one in a couple years.

 

[ASUMTNEER]

Not sure, I don't really go by service records anyways...condition says a lot about a vehicle to me. With 116,000 it's just now getting broke in and is probably due for a full drain of all the fluids and replacement of all the filters, timing belt, etc. I can find these when I'm not trying, it's whenever I'm looking to buy one that I can't seem to find them. Sad thing is, whoever gets this probably won't even know what they're getting (and might even complain about all the switches and won't even have a clue what they do). Hope it goes to a good home, I'll be looking for one in a couple years.

No timing belt to worry about on the 4.0L. Make that "good home" your home!

 

[grahamlight]

Im in the early stages of searching out my first 4runner, can someone chime in on what else makes this a unicorn of 4th gens? I was pretty set on finding v8 trim but having the locking diffs etc.. is that not standard on other platforms?

Sorry for the noob questions but Im coming from the domestic side of 4x4 suvs and explorers and blazers are exactly the most trail quipped from the factory.

 

[theriddler]

Im in the early stages of searching out my first 4runner, can someone chime in on what else makes this a unicorn of 4th gens? I was pretty set on finding v8 trim but having the locking diffs etc.. is that not standard on other platforms?

Sorry for the noob questions but Im coming from the domestic side of 4x4 suvs and explorers and blazers are exactly the most trail quipped from the factory.

As far as domestic vehicles go, there's only 1 vehicle that I would only take off road and that is Jeep Wrangler. Of course you have the Ford Raptor but that's a different animal and not a trail rig (too big). I think that's why I love my 'Yotas...they haven't totally lost track of their off road roots. They still make a capable truck and sport utility, that being said there ARE models that have more features that make them even more capable and desirable to take off road (like the 2009 Trail Edition 4Runner and newer TRD Pro offerings). For Toyota trail vehicles, stick to the Tacomas, FJ Cruisers, and 4Runners...for a domestic the Wrangler is the only 1 that comes to mind.

 

[jonesmw10]

Only thing I don't like about the Trail Edition model is that fugly headunit... lol

 

[gm350reratliff]

That looks like a good one. Someone already installed leather too. I'd check out the 4x4 system real good before you buy it.

 

[theriddler]

Only thing I don't like about the Trail Edition model is that fugly headunit... lol

Yeah I'm not quite sure what to think of that, may be one of those ideas that looked good on paper but is probably awkward to use.

 

[theriddler]

That looks like a good one. Someone already installed leather too. I'd check out the 4x4 system real good before you buy it.

Good eye, I missed the leather seats. Was there issues with the 4wd on these models or are you just being cautious? I can't see one this nice ever going off road, probably a grocery getter for someone.

 

[jonesmw10]

Good eye, I missed the leather seats. Was there issues with the 4wd on these models or are you just being cautious? I can't see one this nice ever going off road, probably a grocery getter for someone.

Definitely good practice to make sure the actuator isn't locked up/frozen. If it needs to be replaced, it's pricey (some dealers charge $2,000+ I believe). I'd also check for any leaks underneath. Mine had a leak from the seal on the rear of the transfer case.. You definitely don't want a leaking actuator

 

[hawaiian05]

Definitely is a Trail Edition! I don't know how serious you are about purchasing it, and in no way am I trying to steer you away from it, but take into consideration the fact that it is a very limited and rare trim. Although that is what makes it that much cooler and unique, it also can bring headaches, at least from what I've seen from friend's past experiences.

For the most part, the body, interior, and electrical components are the same as an Sr5, but of course it does have the locking rear diff. My main concern would be that if something was to ever go wrong with that third member, you may run into some issues with price and availability. As far as the rest of the driver train, I'd assume it's all the same, but I'd look into it beforehand.

I had considered a Trail Edition before I bought my sport, but once I realized the potential issues that I might face with having such a rare trim, I decided against it. I figured that with the open diff's increased size, which would make it stronger, plus the fact that an ARB locker would be cheaper than the increased price of the Trail trim, it was a more feasible route. Plus the seller KNEW what he had and wanted more because of that. In this case, the seller doesn't appear to know, given the ad doesn't say anything about "Trail Edition."

Again, not trying to discourage in any away. That thing looks clean and is definitely worth checking out if you're in the market for one. Just make sure you know what you are getting into before hand. I have a friend with a 22RE-T (turbo model) and I see how much struggle he has to go through to finds parts for it, given it is such an odd/rare commodity. Of course, different circumstances since his is engine related and over 25 yrs old, but figured it was worth mentioning.

 

[theriddler]

Definitely is a Trail Edition! I don't know how serious you are about purchasing it, and in no way am I trying to steer you away from it, but take into consideration the fact that it is a very limited and rare trim. Although that is what makes it that much cooler and unique, it also can bring headaches, at least from what I've seen from friend's past experiences.

For the most part, the body, interior, and electrical components are the same as an Sr5, but of course it does have the locking rear diff. My main concern would be that if something was to ever go wrong with that third member, you may run into some issues with price and availability. As far as the rest of the driver train, I'd assume it's all the same, but I'd look into it beforehand.

I had considered a Trail Edition before I bought my sport, but once I realized the potential issues that I might face with having such a rare trim, I decided against it. I figured that with the open diff's increased size, which would make it stronger, plus the fact that an ARB locker would be cheaper than the increased price of the Trail trim, it was a more feasible route. Plus the seller KNEW what he had and wanted more because of that. In this case, the seller doesn't appear to know, given the ad doesn't say anything about "Trail Edition."

Again, not trying to discourage in any away. That thing looks clean and is definitely worth checking out if you're in the market for one. Just make sure you know what you are getting into before hand. I have a friend with a 22RE-T (turbo model) and I see how much struggle he has to go through to finds parts for it, given it is such an odd/rare commodity. Of course, different circumstances since his is engine related and over 25 yrs old, but figured it was worth mentioning.

Very true and agree 100%...that being said if I were to see one at a local dealership I would probably fold like a cheap lawn chair and still get it! haha

 

[hawaiian05]

Very true and agree 100%...that being said if I were to see one at a local dealership I would probably fold like a cheap lawn chair and still get it! haha

Very true too! The two that I saw during my search were not local, but had they been, all my talk probably woulda went out the window!!
So you gonna check this one out?

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

My buddy had one that he sold not to long ago. If I did not already have my 5th Gen I would have hopped on it. He barely had any miles on it.

 

[chmura]

For the most part, the body, interior, and electrical components are the same as an Sr5, but of course it does have the locking rear diff. My main concern would be that if something was to ever go wrong with that third member, you may run into some issues with price and availability. As far as the rest of the driver train, I'd assume it's all the same, but I'd look into it beforehand.

I had considered a Trail Edition before I bought my sport, but once I realized the potential issues that I might face with having such a rare trim, I decided against it. I figured that with the open diff's increased size, which would make it stronger, plus the fact that an ARB locker would be cheaper than the increased price of the Trail trim, it was a more feasible route. Plus the seller KNEW what he had and wanted more because of that. In this case, the seller doesn't appear to know, given the ad doesn't say anything about "Trail Edition."

You do realize that the rear of the 4runner is exactly the same at the FJ Cruiser in that year? That said you can get parts from the FJ cruiser with locking diff. Not hard at all. You can get all parts from Toyota anyway, so I still do not understand your reasoning that parts would be hard to find?

Also I have owned a 2001 Tacoma 4x4 TRD with the factory rear e locker. Sold it last year and the locker worked perfectly. It was a 14 year old truck. Nothing goes back with Toyota's rear differentials unless you are running 35 inch tires or get water in the diff than your carrier bearings go out.

I personally think you you were just finding excuses not to buy the trail. Maybe because it was more expensive at the time. I'm not sure. But there is no way that you will have a hard time finding parts for the 3rd member on the 4runner trail. :frusty:

 

[hawaiian05]

You do realize that the rear of the 4runner is exactly the same at the FJ Cruiser in that year? That said you can get parts from the FJ cruiser with locking diff. Not hard at all. You can get all parts from Toyota anyway, so I still do not understand your reasoning that parts would be hard to find?

Also I have owned a 2001 Tacoma 4x4 TRD with the factory rear e locker. Sold it last year and the locker worked perfectly. It was a 14 year old truck. Nothing goes back with Toyota's rear differentials unless you are running 35 inch tires or get water in the diff than your carrier bearings go out.

I personally think you you were just finding excuses not to buy the trail. Maybe because it was more expensive at the time. I'm not sure. But there is no way that you will have a hard time finding parts for the 3rd member on the 4runner trail. :frusty:

Maybe I have been misinformed, and if so, I'm sorry for incorrect information. My understanding was that the FJ locking rear and the trail ed rear were different sizes & ratios... Again, I may be wrong.

I also owned a Tacoma ('04 TRD 4x4) with the locking rear that I recently sold with 100k on it and the locker/diff worked great! Not saying anything bad about Toyotas at all as I'm very biased towards them (worked as a Toyota certified tech for 5 yrs). Again, I was just throwing it out there, given I have two friends with older Toyota pickups that struggle to obtain parts due to the rarity of their trim level... not saying that parts aren't obtainable, but may have some obstacles down the road when the vehicle gets aged.

Not trying to bash the trail edition in any way. I see that you have one and I'm happy you enjoy it! If you noticed my last reply, I said that had I seen one locally, I probably would've folded and bought it because I do think it is a pretty cool setup in stock form.

 

[chmura]

Maybe I have been misinformed, and if so, I'm sorry for incorrect information. My understanding was that the FJ locking rear and the trail ed rear were different sizes & ratios... Again, I may be wrong.

I also owned a Tacoma ('04 TRD 4x4) with the locking rear that I recently sold with 100k on it and the locker/diff worked great! Not saying anything bad about Toyotas at all as I'm very biased towards them (worked as a Toyota certified tech for 5 yrs). Again, I was just throwing it out there, given I have two friends with older Toyota pickups that struggle to obtain parts due to the rarity of their trim level... not saying that parts aren't obtainable, but may have some obstacles down the road when the vehicle gets aged.

Not trying to bash the trail edition in any way. I see that you have one and I'm happy you enjoy it! If you noticed my last reply, I said that had I seen one locally, I probably would've folded and bought it because I do think it is a pretty cool setup in stock form.

I was curious and I went on Toyota Motor Parts - Genuine OEM Parts at Low Prices

I put in my 4runners VIN in there and than I looked up a 2009 FJ Cruiser.

This is what I found about the entire Rear Axle Housing Assembly.


HOUSING ASSY, RR AXL

2009 TE Part Number: 42110-60840
2009 FJ Cruiser with rear Locker part number: 42110-60840

Same part numbers.

Parts WILL NOT be hard to find for the 4runner TE. Toyota basically took parts from the FJ Cruiser to boost up sales the last year of the 4th gen 4runner.

I believe somewhere in 2010-2011. The rear of the FJ Cruiser changed to the same as the 5th gen 4runner. It has a bigger housing I believe.

 

[hawaiian05]

I was curious and I went on Toyota Motor Parts - Genuine OEM Parts at Low Prices

I put in my 4runners VIN in there and than I looked up a 2009 FJ Cruiser.

This is what I found about the entire Rear Axle Housing Assembly.


HOUSING ASSY, RR AXL

2009 TE Part Number: 42110-60840
2009 FJ Cruiser with rear Locker part number: 42110-60840

Same part numbers.

Parts WILL NOT be hard to find for the 4runner TE. Toyota basically took parts from the FJ Cruiser to boost up sales the last year of the 4th gen 4runner.

I believe somewhere in 2010-2011. The rear of the FJ Cruiser changed to the same as the 5th gen 4runner. It has a bigger housing I believe.

Ah ok I see. Looks like I stand corrected. Just to completely verify and clear the issue, does the actual diff itself on both the '09 TE & the '09 FJ have the same part number? I can see how the axle housing is the same size, but what about the actual diff itself? Or did that part # include the fully assembled and installed diff?

Thanks for clarifying chmura!

 

[theriddler]

I'm gonna pass on this one, trying to pay cash as opposed to financing one and don't have $20K laying around. I'm ok either way and SR5, Trail Edition or Sport...you can always mod it to your liking. Except for that unique Tom Tom radio, haven't seen too many of those offered by the aftermarket (none to be exact). Trail Editions seem to have some "collector" value to them...kinda like having a turbo Supra or Mr2 as opposed to a normally aspirated one.