Land Cruiser guy looking for a Trail, KDSS or not

[10ga]

Wow! I really appreciate all the replies, great information.

After reading over these, I think non KDSS is what I'm looking for. I like being able to do things myself and sounds like lifting a KDSS maybe something for the professional. As far as locking front and rear, when I've owned fully locked 80's I rarely needed to lock anything but the rear. My last 100 was also 3X locked and I locked it up all the way maybe 3 times, if that. My 100 had plenty of power but even with the 4.7 and 4.88 gears, I'm pretty sure the 4.0 V6 will feel like it has more power just because of all the weight I was carrying.

Here's my last 100, she was loaded out with about anything you can think of from 42 gallon sub tank to ARB lockers. I did a few things to this one but basically bought it ready to go.



This is my last 80. I started with a stock 1993 FZJ80 needing to be hauled home on a rollback but had a great bones to start with. I miss this one the most

 

[KCcarguy]

Wow! I really appreciate all the replies, great information.

After reading over these, I think non KDSS is what I'm looking for. I like being able to do things myself and sounds like lifting a KDSS maybe something for the professional. As far as locking front and rear, when I've owned fully locked 80's I rarely needed to lock anything but the rear. My last 100 was also 3X locked and I locked it up all the way maybe 3 times, if that. My 100 had plenty of power but even with the 4.7 and 4.88 gears, I'm pretty sure the 4.0 V6 will feel like it has more power just because of all the weight I was carrying.

Here's my last 100, she was loaded out with about anything you can think of from 42 gallon sub tank to ARB lockers. I did a few things to this one but basically bought it ready to go.



This is my last 80. I started with a stock 1993 FZJ80 needing to be hauled home on a rollback but had a great bones to start with. I miss this one the most

Those are two beautiful rigs! I love my 5th gen but can't help but still lust after a LC!

 

[AZTrail]

There are more differences between the SR5 and the Trail edition than are usually discussed. Here is a list of what the Trails have that the SR5s do not (applies to early 5th gens, may be a little different for the most recent 5th gens):

• Locking rear differential
• Crawl control/Multi-terrain select
• KDSS (option only available for Trails)
• Better approach angle
• Better departure angle
• Does not have the low hanging side skirts of the SR5
• Wheel rims are wider (7.5" instead of 7")
• Trail wheel rims
• Hood scoop
• Water resistant seat covers and dash
• Optitron instrument cluster
• Better roof rack
• Does not have all that chrome

Then there are a few things that are standard on the Trail that are extra cost options on the SR5:

• Upgraded audio system (USB, bluetooth, hands-free phone)
• Moonroof
• Audio and phone controls on steering wheel
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror with backup camera monitor
• 120v AC power outlets

I liked these differences and thus found the extra cost of the Trail to be well worth it.

 

[KCcarguy]

[MENTION=67713]10ga[/MENTION] , sorry but I have to ask....why would you give up those two beautiful rigs for a 5th gen? The 100 especially seems like it would be better than a 5th gen in every way.

 

[bjohnston115]

Wow! I really appreciate all the replies, great information.

After reading over these, I think non KDSS is what I'm looking for. I like being able to do things myself and sounds like lifting a KDSS maybe something for the professional. As far as locking front and rear, when I've owned fully locked 80's I rarely needed to lock anything but the rear. My last 100 was also 3X locked and I locked it up all the way maybe 3 times, if that. My 100 had plenty of power but even with the 4.7 and 4.88 gears, I'm pretty sure the 4.0 V6 will feel like it has more power just because of all the weight I was carrying.

Here's my last 100, she was loaded out with about anything you can think of from 42 gallon sub tank to ARB lockers. I did a few things to this one but basically bought it ready to go.



This is my last 80. I started with a stock 1993 FZJ80 needing to be hauled home on a rollback but had a great bones to start with. I miss this one the most

Beautiful trucks. I just bought a CPO 2011 loaded trail with KDSS and 34,000 miles for $28,000 out the door a bit over a year ago. I was hung up on getting a late model 100 series or the 4runner and it ultimately came down to the 4runner because my wife wouldn't let me spend 20k on an 'old' truck.

I also have a 1992 (3FE) cruiser and there is still something about it that makes me smile when i drive it. I love my 4runner but when it comes to toy trucks, there is the Land Cruiser, then there is the rest of them. As long as you know that you are not getting a land cruiser then you will love the 5th gen 4runner. I love mine.



....But its not a land cruiser.

 

[Brandonium]

Lovely cruisers man! I narrowed down my vehicle search to two vehicles. Either a Trail Edition Premium 4Runner or had I been able to locate one a nice minty HJ60 (or FJ if I couldn't get the HJ).

 

[mybabydaddy]

Everything stated by everyone so far seems right on the money.... Love my KDSS Trail, but I’m mostly on-road so it’s huge difference there. However, I relish knowing my Trail can handle quite a bit of stuff off the pavement as well. But based on your previous rigs, and what you’ve stated so far, I would def consider the SR5 and building it up to what you like/want. That’s not saying you shouldn’t test drive a Trail; because they are excellent right out of the box. It just sounds like you’d be happier starting with a more “bare bones” project and adding what you prefer to have on the truck.

Just my worthless 2 cents! Good Luck!

(Beautiful rides, by the way...)

 

[10ga]

Guys, first of all I want to thank you for all the help, I really appreciate it. Compared to most forums, this is by far one of the best, most would say use the search function and quit bothering us.

So here's what I wound up doing today, I bought a really nice, one owner, babied since day one, 2006 TRD Off Road, 4x4, double cab Tacoma. It fits everything I need and I have money left over to buy another FZJ80 Land Cruiser. I plan on just driving the Taco and maybe add a small lift and some bigger tires. I built the red 80 Series and I really missed not getting to do that with the 100 series. Getting a package in the mail every day was almost like Christmas for a full 6 months. Buying a stock rig and watching it transform over a few months or a year is very satisfying and almost addictive. Yes I kept grease under my finger nails, did a lot of cussing ( pesky heater hose, I had to ask for forgiveness after that night )and lots of $$ but man what a blast!

Here's the new to me Taco. Not a 4Runner Trail but I did get a rear locker and a capable Off Road rig with a few mods.

 

[bimrunner]

Guys, first of all I want to thank you for all the help, I really appreciate it. Compared to most forums, this is by far one of the best, most would say use the search function and quit bothering us.

So here's what I wound up doing today, I bought a really nice, one owner, babied since day one, 2006 TRD Off Road, 4x4, double cab Tacoma. It fits everything I need and I have money left over to buy another FZJ80 Land Cruiser. I plan on just driving the Taco and maybe add a small lift and some bigger tires. I built the red 80 Series and I really missed not getting to do that with the 100 series. Getting a package in the mail every day was almost like Christmas for a full 6 months. Buying a stock rig and watching it transform over a few months or a year is very satisfying and almost addictive. Yes I kept grease under my finger nails, did a lot of cussing ( pesky heater hose, I had to ask for forgiveness after that night )and lots of $$ but man what a blast!

Here's the new to me Taco. Not a 4Runner Trail but I did get a rear locker and a capable Off Road rig with a few mods.

Fzj80 for the win. I wheeled mine last weekend and it reminded me how much I love it. It is just so perfectly stout. The taco is a great rig and having a truck is something I will never be without again (full sized dmax for me). If I was getting something now, I'd probably go taco too.

Edit: the phh is for sure an item... oh and when I replaced the radiator without taking the fan off bc the nut was frozen on and it got stripped...and I didn't get the spare before starting...lol. It is addicting though!