Limited or SR5

[m85476585]

This is not exactly true, the Limited in H4F does not have an *open* center diff, it has a *limited slip* electronically-controlled center diff. Minor but significant difference.

As you said, Limited's "H4L" is identical to the SR5's "H4", and "L4L" is identical to "L4".

It's not electronic, except that you can electronically lock it with a button. It's a Torsen limited slip differential, so it's similar to Audi Quattro systems. The limited slip functionality is all mechanical, and it's instant. Basically when you apply torque to the input side it sort of locks up (it can slip a little, so it's not rigidly locked). If you are coasting it works like an open diff.

I am thoroughly impressed with the Multi-Mode 4WD in the 4Runner but am curious as to the limitations of, or best use of, the AWD mode. Is it to be used only as an extension of 2WD in a driving rain, dirt roads, etc. or does it have more capability before dropping in 4H mode?

My concern is stressing AWD components beyond their intended use. Anybody got some technical info on this subject?

It doesn't have any friction material to wear out, supposedly never needs service except for changing the transfer case oil occasionally, and it's very strong. I haven't heard of even a single problem with them on the 4th gen. I asked about how strong it is here:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/181476-limited-slip-center-differential.html

It's way better than 2WD, and it's way better than the weak AWD systems on a lot of crossover SUVs.

The center diff helps you maintain control in the snow. See here:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/213095-need-help-h4-understanding-driving-snow.html


There are probably collectively 50 billion miles on US 4th gen 4runners (multiply the sum of 2003-2009 sales figures by an average of 100,000 miles on each) and I can't think of anyone on here complaining about the center diff. The actuators are known to be an issue, but that would be the same for any electronically actuated transfer case.

 

[m85476585]

Check out this highly technical document that describes the selection process for the center differential:
http://webpages.charter.net/a7037196/misc/trasmissione.pdf

I don't understand it all, but clearly a lot of thought went into it.

 

[dsimonl]

You guys really did it to me! I lay awake all night fretting about the SR5P we ordered. This morning we headed down to the dealership, cancelled our order, and drove home with a CPO Shoreline blue Limited. I think you are all correct, the full-time 4wd will be much better for my wife on the snowy IDaho roads.

 

[LandCruiser]

If I knew where I'd be living and what kind of driving I'd be doing most, I'd get an LE and lift it.

The full time 4WD is awesome in the snow and ice.

 

[Kennyr44]

You guys really did it to me! I lay awake all night fretting about the SR5P we ordered. This morning we headed down to the dealership, cancelled our order, and drove home with a CPO Shoreline blue Limited. I think you are all correct, the full-time 4wd will be much better for my wife on the snowy IDaho roads.

I'm glad you came on here and learned about the binding issue. Saved you from repeating my misfortune. Enjoy your AWD. What year did you get?

 

[dsimonl]

2013 w/26k miles. Love the shoreline blue color. Thanks for your input!

 

[bimrunner]

Very good question.
I do want to make some mods right off the bat. I want an slight lift/spacer, wider tires and get rid of the bling bling rims.

I don't see many LE lift pictures in the forum but there are some really nice ones. Does anyone knows of a good build based on a LE?

You can't wheel a LE. It's impossible.

 

[msp]

can you replace the 20" wheels and tires on the Limited with the 17" wheels and tires on the SR5 and Trail/TRD Pro models? The wheels on the Limited seem to be thinner than the wheels on the non Limited 4runners and it looks really weird when looking at it from the front. Also does it cause rubbing if you replace the wheels?

Yes, you can replace your 20s with 17s. For the 5th gen tire bible, go here:

Going Bigger - 5th Gen Tire Fitment Guide

It answers every question regarding tire/rim combos.

 

[Dark Lord]

Very good question.
I do want to make some mods right off the bat. I want an slight lift/spacer, wider tires and get rid of the bling bling rims.

I don't see many LE lift pictures in the forum but there are some really nice ones. Does anyone knows of a good build based on a LE?

I've wheeled my 2015 Limited stock at Moab. Granted they weren't the hardest trails and it was limited (no pun intended) by the approach angle, but I did manage to tackle some obstacles.

 

[Quentin]

Aghhhhh, should have bought a Limited! [emoji24][emoji24][emoji24]

 

[-JD-]

FWIW I bought a trail edition in 2011 and ended up trading it a few years later. Should have gone for the limited. Nothing wrong with the truck I just started to regret not getting some of the niceties that come on the higher trim level. Auto climate controls, heated (now vented too) seats, better stereo headunit, proximity key system, leather, full time AWD. My trail edition just started to feel a bit 'basic' for a 2011 that cost over $40k.

Now I'm seriously considering getting back into a 4Runner and am looking at the limited, which is what I should have done the first time. Toyota's packaging options frustrate me. What I would really like is a loaded up limited with a locking diff and the KDSS suspension. Is that too much to ask?

Also, does anyone know, when lifting the limited do you have to remove the X-REAS? If so, is it a difficult process?

 

[1engineer]

FWIW I bought a trail edition in 2011 and ended up trading it a few years later. Should have gone for the limited. Nothing wrong with the truck I just started to regret not getting some of the niceties that come on the higher trim level. Auto climate controls, heated (now vented too) seats, better stereo headunit, proximity key system, leather, full time AWD. My trail edition just started to feel a bit 'basic' for a 2011 that cost over $40k.

Now I'm seriously considering getting back into a 4Runner and am looking at the limited, which is what I should have done the first time. Toyota's packaging options frustrate me. What I would really like is a loaded up limited with a locking diff and the KDSS suspension. Is that too much to ask?

Also, does anyone know, when lifting the limited do you have to remove the X-REAS? If so, is it a difficult process?

Yes it's too much to ask lol. Just like the guy who wants a TE with full time 4WD. If I remember you get frustrated easily. Buy a LE, add a locker and add a lift. Removing XREAS is easy. Many have bought a LE and turned them into amazing trail rigs. Look up [MENTION=89562]bimrunner[/MENTION] or [MENTION=106242]Miguelon[/MENTION] as those are two with LE's that went about it in different ways with great results. Glad to have you back! You can use a spacer lift if you don't want to remove XREAS.

 

[Miguelon]

FWIW I bought a trail edition in 2011 and ended up trading it a few years later. Should have gone for the limited. Nothing wrong with the truck I just started to regret not getting some of the niceties that come on the higher trim level. Auto climate controls, heated (now vented too) seats, better stereo headunit, proximity key system, leather, full time AWD. My trail edition just started to feel a bit 'basic' for a 2011 that cost over $40k.

Now I'm seriously considering getting back into a 4Runner and am looking at the limited, which is what I should have done the first time. Toyota's packaging options frustrate me. What I would really like is a loaded up limited with a locking diff and the KDSS suspension. Is that too much to ask?

Also, does anyone know, when lifting the limited do you have to remove the X-REAS? If so, is it a difficult process?

You can do what I did and run a Daystar spacer lift and keep the XREAS you JUST bought. Run through the XREAS and about the time warranty runs out, upgrade to an ICON STG 7

 

[Dark Lord]

FWIW I bought a trail edition in 2011 and ended up trading it a few years later. Should have gone for the limited. Nothing wrong with the truck I just started to regret not getting some of the niceties that come on the higher trim level. Auto climate controls, heated (now vented too) seats, better stereo headunit, proximity key system, leather, full time AWD. My trail edition just started to feel a bit 'basic' for a 2011 that cost over $40k.

Now I'm seriously considering getting back into a 4Runner and am looking at the limited, which is what I should have done the first time. Toyota's packaging options frustrate me. What I would really like is a loaded up limited with a locking diff and the KDSS suspension. Is that too much to ask?

Also, does anyone know, when lifting the limited do you have to remove the X-REAS? If so, is it a difficult process?

It's my understanding XREAS needs to be removed. I plan on doing the same with my Icon Stage 1 soon. I bought the Limited for several reasons. Main reason is the center differential. The other reasons are a series of things I wanted on the Limited, that didn't come on the Trail (vented seats, climate control, keyless entry, leather interior). Things on the Trail I didn't necessarily care for (crawl control). Things on that come on the Trail I want that don't come on the Limited, but could later be added (lockers).

Yeah, the Limited has the big rocker panels and all the lame chrome, but that can easily be fixed. You can't put a center differential on a Trail very easily.....

On a side note, I love the amenities that come with the Limited. I thought to myself, I spend more time inside the vehicle driving it than I do outside looking at it, so until I get those modifications done, I don't care about the chrome and such on the outside... I appreciate the leather interior, and the keyless entry.

 

[Miguelon]

It's my understanding XREAS needs to be removed.

Why?

 

[Dark Lord]

Why?

Well if you're doing spacers it's not required, but if you're doing a full lift such as an Icon/Toytec/Fox what have you, from what I've read the general consensus is that you have to remove it.

 

[Miguelon]

Well if you're doing spacers it's not required, but if you're doing a full lift such as an Icon/Toytec/Fox what have you, from what I've read the general consensus is that you have to remove it.

Ok, that is correct. I just wanted to make sure you did know that the XREAS is a very capable suspension for off road AND it's buttery smooth on the highway. It isn't mandatory to rip it out in order to have a great deal of fun off road.

 

[Dark Lord]

Ok, that is correct. I just wanted to make sure you did know that the XREAS is a very capable suspension for off road AND it's buttery smooth on the highway. It isn't mandatory to rip it out in order to have a great deal of fun off road.

Oh I completely understand that. I just opted for the Icon because based on the reviews I read on it was that ride differences were somewhat negligible.

 

[rok medic]

I wheel 15 Le it does awesome sand ,rocks , mud I never lock it ! And is awesome the way it levels out on the hwy very fast cornering on country roads like 70 and I have no idea if I'm not paying attention I wouldn't be afraid of it , but if I was going to buy one again I would get a new trail with kdss I almost did and wish i would have listened to my wife she wanted me to get a trail edition . and it was 5k cheaper, but at the time

i wasn't planning on having so much fun off road but the limited's are very nice they have air con seats and nav . It just depends on what you are going to do with it if you wheel a lot I would do the trail if mostly a hwy I would get the limited full time 4x4 that being said next year or so I'm getting myself a 5th gen new style trail .

 

[DMBseekup]

I purchased my first 4Runner in October 2015. I was also trying to decide between the Limited and SR5P. I live in Michigan and plenty of snow and ice here, so I was leaning towards the Limited only because of the AWD. However, I had an Xterra, so I knew the SR5 4x4 system would be fine.

I test drove both back-to-back and was concerned about the 20" tires on the Limited, but the dealer was willing to change with the SR5 I was also testing. As I was getting out of the Limited, the automatic floorboards came out (similar to when I opened the door to get in). That was the point that I decided there was no way I could own that Limited.

I bought a Super White 16 SR5P and it is amazing in the snow. I immediately switched the tires to Michelin LTX MS2. I got caught in a big storm in Wisconsin a while back - it's a tank. Yes, you have to be mindful of being on the dry pavement, but it's not a huge thing, at least I don't think so. In the end, it was less about the cost of the Limited and more about all the fancy stuff that came with it. I liked the AWD - didn't like the 20" tires, vented seats were okay (I liked the leather), wood trim was old and odd looking, I don't like auto climate control all that much, but when those floor boards came out, that was it - no sale. If it didn't have that option, I still think I would have ended up with the SR5P all things considered, but the boards made it feel very very fancy to me. I'm not knocking anyone who likes the fancy stuff - it's cool no doubt - just not my kind of SUV is all.