'Limited' not recommended for Off-Road?
- Thread starter devildog92
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CoolMax
New member
275/65/20 Dura Tracs
So, if I understand what I've read on this thread...
* the Limited does fine for offroading -- but will need some mods for better medium and advanced trails.
* The X-REAS does NOT keep you from doing a reasonable lift.
* The Limited still has ATRAC, but not the Crawl, Multi-Terrain, or Rear Lock.
* And the lack of the extra traction controls doesn't really diminish off-road capabilities that much.
Do I have all that right?
I've been quite torn on the Limited vs Trail choice because there are so many amazing videos showing how Crawl or Multi-terrain got even experienced off-roaders out of a jam.
But, I WOULD rather have the full time 4WD, the X-REAS suspension, and keyless start of the Limited. I just worry I'm giving up too much to get it.
NOTE: I'm a total Noob. Never done any off-roading other than fire trails. But, I watch the videos of people doing it and find it appealing.
* the Limited does fine for offroading -- but will need some mods for better medium and advanced trails.
* The X-REAS does NOT keep you from doing a reasonable lift.
* The Limited still has ATRAC, but not the Crawl, Multi-Terrain, or Rear Lock.
* And the lack of the extra traction controls doesn't really diminish off-road capabilities that much.
Do I have all that right?
I've been quite torn on the Limited vs Trail choice because there are so many amazing videos showing how Crawl or Multi-terrain got even experienced off-roaders out of a jam.
But, I WOULD rather have the full time 4WD, the X-REAS suspension, and keyless start of the Limited. I just worry I'm giving up too much to get it.
NOTE: I'm a total Noob. Never done any off-roading other than fire trails. But, I watch the videos of people doing it and find it appealing.
JSparky
New member
Yep, that's pretty much all on the money. Generally speaking, to me, the biggest detractor of a stock Limited offroad are the lower bumpers, not the lack of crawl control. Aftermarket locking differentials are a common upgrade for offroad vehicles and the 4runner is no exception, and I'd take lockers over crawl Control any day of the week. Not detracting from the power of that technology, but if I had to choose between the two it'd be lockers.
If you're new to off-roading I will say that many people are amazed at what you can get through in a stock 4runner of any trim. Heck you should see what Rav4's and CRV's can do. I'd get the one you feel most comfortable in and if you get more serious about off-roading tackle that bridge when you get there. You can always add on an aftermarket bumper down the road. It is also possible to swap Limited bumpers for SR5/TRD bumpers if the colors match (there are some Limited specific colors last I checked).
Hope that helps, sounds like you've done a lot of good research so I'm sure you'll figure it out soon enough.
That's a great share! I really appreciate it. It's a big help.
If your goal is to go to very difficult trails, then the Limited is not your choice. if you wish to go where most folks would never tread, the Limited, with decent AT or MT tires will take you there. And back.
I have taken stock vehicles all sorts of places that folks swear we will never get out of. And the Toyota 4WD system is one of the best. Get the limited, get some AT tires for it, and have fun! Tire choices is another thing all together, and there are plenty of threads on here for that! I have a Limited with BFG ATs (275/55-R20) and it works great!
Toffees
Member
All of the 4x4 4Runners do fine off-roading, but each has a different setup with different benefits/warts.
The Trail/TRD Off-Road and the TRD Pro come ready "out of the box" for going off-road. The SR5 is fine but may need new tires (Trail too, maybe, I'm not sure what they come with now).
The LE needs new tires and is best with new wheels and tires. It has reduced departure angles because of the different front and back end panels, but it's the same underneath. The FT4WD is a bonus for many, but it won't make much difference on the trails.
The XREAS is a complete system, and so if you replace any part you're probably replacing the entire system. You can do a spacer lift, but read up on this first before deciding whether to go that route.
Do you mean a stock Limited? If I was willing to swap out bumpers (for better entry/exit clearance), upgrade the suspension, and add a rear locker, is there anything else about a Limited that's... limiting?
A rear (and possibly front?) locker would solve that, right?
Any idea where I can read up on just what components the XREAS encompasses?
And is the XREAS BAD for offroading? Or just not as capable as a suspension that's built for offroading?
And is there a replacement for XREAS that still handles city and highway driving well. (by "well", I mean somewhat close to what XREAS provides.)
e60ral
Banned
the main thing you will need to change for better offroad performance is the front and rear fascia, side skirts, and wheels/tires
you can add a rear locker later if you want, but atrac is pretty good
if you want the limited get the limited, then find an I4WDTA certified trainer near you and take a 4wd offroad driving course to learn the basics.
you can add a rear locker later if you want, but atrac is pretty good
if you want the limited get the limited, then find an I4WDTA certified trainer near you and take a 4wd offroad driving course to learn the basics.
Jhalko
New member
Get the LE, all that other off-roading stuff you might want can be changed without crazy expense, the full time 4wd, push button start and other bells and whistles that come on a LE would be nearly impossible to change.
Toffees
Member
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/54365-what-xreas-exactly.html
It was in some 4th gen 4Runners and now the 5th gen LE (as well as the Land Cruiser I believe)
RedYota1388
New member
I’d say the biggest question about using a limited would be; (do you intend to go off road by alone or with a group). When off road you may run into situations that you won’t be able to get out of without A-Track and or a Locker or help from another 4x4 That’s a situation none of us want to be in.
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I’d ask that same question no matter what vehicle you bring. Limited have A-trac, just missing a locker. But even lockers won’t always help.
The limiteds still have ATRAC, though, right? Just not the locker. Or am I confused?
EDIT: I just read the answer and flea1983's post, above. Thank you both!
mrblah
Senior Member
The limited will get you anywhere you want to go, as long as you don't need lockers. Atrac's is pretty good for most situations (within reason).
As most have mentioned, the limiting factor on the limited is the body kit hangs a bit low. 20inch tires/rims can't really be aired down much, and the m/t or a/t tires tend to cost a lot in 20 inch sizes.
As far as X-reas, only beef people have with it is, its not upgradeable. You can't replace components without replacing the whole thing, and if you want to lift it without replacing x-reas, you are limited to spacer lifts.....which depending on who you ask is not the greatest solution for a vehicle that you plan on abusing offroad.
Other than the above, I love x-reas/fulltime AWD for a 4runner that will see mainly highway roads and service/gravel roads. The limited was my second choice after the Trail/OR trim.
As most have mentioned, the limiting factor on the limited is the body kit hangs a bit low. 20inch tires/rims can't really be aired down much, and the m/t or a/t tires tend to cost a lot in 20 inch sizes.
As far as X-reas, only beef people have with it is, its not upgradeable. You can't replace components without replacing the whole thing, and if you want to lift it without replacing x-reas, you are limited to spacer lifts.....which depending on who you ask is not the greatest solution for a vehicle that you plan on abusing offroad.
Other than the above, I love x-reas/fulltime AWD for a 4runner that will see mainly highway roads and service/gravel roads. The limited was my second choice after the Trail/OR trim.
2nd Chance
New member
Jump on my thread and you can see I swapped the TRD suspension and few other mods on my limited.
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T4R limited is off road worthy
I have a 2012 limited. It is 99% equal to the trail and trd editions. The bumpers on the newer limited are too bulky and will scrape/hit. the tires are for street driving.
If you want serious off road capability then you should buy something cheaper and put a serious suspension and tire combo on it. You shouldn't care about scratches or dents for serious offroading. So a $45k limited or $40k trail or $50k Raptor or Powerwagon or $45k wrangler are not good options for serious offroading.
I changed to trail wheels/tires and removed running boards. Will get Bilstein 5100s for extra height and rock sliders for cheap insurance. I'm gonna buy an old Taco or 3rd gen T4R and put a 6-8" increased travel lift with 35" tires. If I dent or scrape it I won't care and won't fix it.
I have a 2012 limited. It is 99% equal to the trail and trd editions. The bumpers on the newer limited are too bulky and will scrape/hit. the tires are for street driving.
If you want serious off road capability then you should buy something cheaper and put a serious suspension and tire combo on it. You shouldn't care about scratches or dents for serious offroading. So a $45k limited or $40k trail or $50k Raptor or Powerwagon or $45k wrangler are not good options for serious offroading.
I changed to trail wheels/tires and removed running boards. Will get Bilstein 5100s for extra height and rock sliders for cheap insurance. I'm gonna buy an old Taco or 3rd gen T4R and put a 6-8" increased travel lift with 35" tires. If I dent or scrape it I won't care and won't fix it.
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Sporin
New member
I've been shopping used, and after two 4th gens, I've been a bit torn on a 5th for next time.
I'd love a newer truck, but the full time 4WD ability is very important to me here on the constantly changing winter roads of Northern New England. ALL the 4th gen 4x4's have it. It's always in 4Hi with a V8, and you have the 2WD/4HI/4LO option in the V6's (I've owned both).
However, the only 5th gens with the full-time 4WD are the Limiteds so this thread was a good read for me.
I would say that the full-time 4WD is the BIGGEST difference, and the only one that's easily replicable in the other models.
"Trails" are now "TRD Offroad" in 2018 parlance but it's all the same stuff (Rear locker, CRAWL, etc).
You can add tires, wheels, air lockers, armor, etc. to any rig. But adding a true center diff for full-time 4WD isn't something most folks will want to do.
Last question... am I correct that the 2010-2012 Limiteds have the same bumpers as the other models? The lower/fancier LE bumpers came with the refresh, right? I think for my use (I'm not doing heavy offroading in a $25k truck) a 2011 (or so) Limited with a nice set of 17" wheels and good AT's would be perfect for me.
I'd love a newer truck, but the full time 4WD ability is very important to me here on the constantly changing winter roads of Northern New England. ALL the 4th gen 4x4's have it. It's always in 4Hi with a V8, and you have the 2WD/4HI/4LO option in the V6's (I've owned both).
However, the only 5th gens with the full-time 4WD are the Limiteds so this thread was a good read for me.
I would say that the full-time 4WD is the BIGGEST difference, and the only one that's easily replicable in the other models.
"Trails" are now "TRD Offroad" in 2018 parlance but it's all the same stuff (Rear locker, CRAWL, etc).
You can add tires, wheels, air lockers, armor, etc. to any rig. But adding a true center diff for full-time 4WD isn't something most folks will want to do.
Last question... am I correct that the 2010-2012 Limiteds have the same bumpers as the other models? The lower/fancier LE bumpers came with the refresh, right? I think for my use (I'm not doing heavy offroading in a $25k truck) a 2011 (or so) Limited with a nice set of 17" wheels and good AT's would be perfect for me.
Last edited:
Miguelon
New member
YEP! 20s ARE dumb! Only an idiot like Ivan Stewart would offroad a Toyota with 20s.
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