New 4Runner quandary Advice/thought please

[firepilot]

Hey Guys,

We are looking at consolidating the fleet. Currently have a 2014 FJ Trails Team, and a 2008 4Runner Limited.

We want to sell them both and get a newer 4Runner. My biggest hurdle is the wife who will drive the 4Runner part of the time hates the look of the 2014 2015 front end with the exception of the Limited.

If I get a limited what will it do compared to the FJ? I am pretty sure the stock tires aren't going to get me real far and I'm not into the 20"wheels, or the chrome but some strategic Plasti Dip can take care of that.

We head down lots of gravel roads, and some rougher roads in the forest that state High clearance vehicles only. I hate to scratch up a nice limited but it will head into the hills.

We aren't headed to Moab or doing any hard core 4 wheeling, or rock crawling.

Can a lift or leveling kit be added to the limited with Xreas suspension. I will search the forum on that.

I found a 2012 Trail with KDSS and a 3"revtek lift about an hour and a half from here with 21,500 miles for 37,950 or something high on it. I offered $36,ooo. It is a very clean rig and has a dealer warranty.

We had a deal going and while their offer on the 4runner was pretty fair they low balled the crap out of me on my FJ.


Kind of a ramble but my question is, is anyone actually taking the limited out and off roading it? If so point me to a few threads please.

Thanks

Phil

 

[Jeremy556]

Kind of a ramble but my question is, is anyone actually taking the limited out and off roading it? If so point me to a few threads please.

Paging [MENTION=89562]bimrunner[/MENTION]

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Here are some of my old post. Once I get it lifted I will do harder trails but it works great on easier trails with just the tire upgrade and full gas tank skid plate.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/181948-some-desert-pictures-my-new-ko2s.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...ride-trying-warm-up-freezing-norhterners.html

 

[1engineer]

Look up harper7 and bimrunner and phillyd2. There are several others too. Any 4wd 4runner will go the places you describe with no modifications whatsoever and on stock tires to boot. If you want to do anything to the limited get some 17" wheels and some decent tires and call it a day. That vehicle will take you a lot further than your courage will lol.

 

[bimrunner]

Limited 4runners can't go further than the mall.

To lift it, you have to remove XREAS but doesn't sound like you really need to lift yours if you are going to just do gravel roads... Even the LE is a high clearance vehicle in stock form. I'd see if you need a lift before you change that up. You can sell LE wheels fast for enough for a nice set of 17" wheels and add the rubber you want.

 

[firepilot]

Thanks

Keep them coming,

Looks like Bimrunners might have a hard time with those speed bumps.

Phil

 

[Jhalko]

I did easy trails with only swapping out the stock 20" rims for 17" and my current goodyears. Worked just fine but the bumpers do hang a little low compared to other models. At 35-37k why not just get a new truck.

The lower rocker panels might be an issue off-roading but easily replaced if you want. Those auto running boards might be worth it if your wife is short.

 

[mattr]

I have yet to have any problems with my stock LE, that's not to say I'm not going to modify it anyhow to do some harder core stuff, but I have no hesitations about taking it to some pretty gnarly places even with street tires on it (my winters on now are Michelin X-Ice.)

I sold the 20's last week for enough to pay for some new AT's for the summertime fun to come. It is a pain that the X-REAS isn't liftable, for some of the places I need to go I will need a lift, but I knew that going in to it. The creature comforts available on the LE are pretty awesome once you get used to them. I was worried about the low front and back end on it but it hasn't caused me any grief so far.

 

[wfo9]

Be careful with this transaction. Your FJ should be worth really really good money. They are selling for original sticker prices (low mile 2014s...)

Personally, I would take my time and find a nice trail edition 2010-2013 or just let the looks of the newer ones grow on your wife. Most women hate it, but I think it grows on everyone.

Like other said, The limited can be modified just like all the others. They are all basically the same thing, but the limited is full time 4wd and the trail has a rear locker from the factory. The trail is also the only model with the optional KDSS.

 

[firepilot]

Thanks,

I walked after the first offer on the FJ. It is a ultimate edition and the 4Runner was at an Honda dealer. They didn't have a clue.

In no hurry but the 2012 trail is pretty hard to find.

Love the FJ but warming to the idea of more room and real back doors.

 

[Big Murth]

Trading in FJ for a LE?

From what it sounds like you're wanting to do, I'd go with the advice you received and try to find a very late model or new Trail. Mine's a '14 Trail Premium model, and I did not get KDSS on mine---preferring the practicality and value of the Premium edition's features that I use every day (interior appointments, audio system, etc.)....plus it's got the superior running gear for those infrequent times you need some grunt off road. And, it's the only 4R that has a "mechanical" transfer case shift mechanism---no electric solenoids to crap out on you at the worst moment. And, comes with 17" tires/wheels.
I bought mine through the buying service that Costco provides, which is $100 over invoice. My '14 stickered in the low $39K range, and I saved over $2,000---no muss, no fuss. Start shopping that FJ around and get the Tojo dealer to locate a new Trail for you. Get a written buy quote from CarMax (I did), and you'll be amazed as to what the sales manager might do, when they see how well prepared you are re: your trade-in, if you don't end up selling it first via private party.
Good luck!

 

[firepilot]

Thanks for all the comments and replies. I talked to the local dealer and got what I wanted for both my rigs. I paid a touch more than I wanted for the new 4Runner but I am good with the deal.

So good by FJ and 08 Limited, hello 2015 Magnetic Grey Limited. See how it goes Monday but I included a TRD Pro wheel and tire package.

Reading the TRD wheel thread we will find out Monday what the dealer can do. They do have an Inferno coming in next week so maybe they can use the vin. We shall see.

Anyway pics tomorrow, was a long day.

Phil

 

[AudiTech]

I go off road with my Limited http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/192283-auditechs-adventures-mall-crawlin.html

 

[firepilot]

Thanks,

I was looking at your thread. Nice looking truck.

Phil

 

[firepilot]

Hey All,

Well here is the 4Runner we got last night. Wheels and tires this week hopefully and on we go.

After the FJ which was great, I think I'm going to like some of the creature comforts the 4Runner has. The wife took it for a drive and she likes it as well.

Things have changed quite a bit on the limited since 2008 when we bought the last one, and 2003 when we bought the first one.

Phil