Newbie- 2011 4runner SR5

[pay1973]

Hello,

Getting ready to purchase a 2011 4runner SR5 in blizzard white (pick up on Friday), I have to admit I was and am still a little skeptical about it. I do allot of hunting in really rugged terrain, really rocky terrain with ruts, mud and a couple steep hills, you have to creep back the old logging trail.

The 4runner I am getting is so nice looking lol, don't look like a true off road vehicle, I have always had trucks and have never had a problem getting back to camp.

How is the true bone stock off road ability of the 4runner SR5, I know little late now, but the salesmen and most everyone I have talked to assure me the 4runner is really good off road in stock form, the salesman said it would go anywhere my 2010 Silverado crew cab 4wd will go and maybe better?

Any info I can get will be great and thanks for listening!

 

[4FL]

The 4R is in my opinion a supreme off-road machine.

Like you, I came from full size trucks, previously owning a built 96 F-350 PSD, and going off-roading with that thing everywhere.

The 4R is made for off-roading, whereas the full-size trucks are more for hauling and mild terrain. The 4R has an advantage in that is is smaller and has a better suspension; an F-350 suspension is not the most flexible, and depending on where you live/off-road at, will not fit everywhere.

With off-roading though, a lot depends on the driver.

 

[pay1973]

Agree with the driver part, I grew up in the hills of WV but never had a SUV type vehicle always trucks, I know the tires aren't the greatest on it, Dunlop AT20's, but I believe I will manage for this year, my brothers bone stock 2013 Jeep wrangler sport with similar tires (donuts I call them lol no tread) went back to camp with no problems.

I just look at it and think man that looks like a luxurious type vehicle not a off road machine lol, but everyone tells me it will surprise me.

 

[BobsTrail]

T4

Believe all the good stuff about the off-road ability, it`s true.
This is not much of a hill, but went up in 4H and never slipped a wheel and that`s with stock Dunlops.

 

[wfo9]

I really doubt you will have any problems at all, but hard to say for sure without seeing the terrain.

What did you think the salesman would tell you. LOL

The main issues you might face are
- Stock tires will have minimal traction and durability offroad.
- The approach, breakover, and departure angles are meh on a 100% stock sr5
- if you face extremely slick wet conditions like deep mud, you might be wishing for a rear locker

The atrac works fantastic in slow crawl situations, but it does not provide much help in deep mud or sand where momentum is key.

All these limitations (except for putting in rear locker) are easily overcome with pretty basic modifications. I would start with real AT tires and possibly a 3" suspension lift. Almost every owner who does significant offroading with their sr5 4x4 ends up with those two modifications. At that point it should take you anywhere you need to go. You will probably find yourself never needing the rear locker or anything else.

One thing to consider as a first free mod is removing the front air dam extension. It will get ripped off early on if you attempt large obstacles. The rocker panels also hang down pretty low on the 2011 sr5 and are very easy to remove (but it looks a bit unfinished without them). And remove running boards if you have those.

 

[Ol'Baditude]

The 2011 4Runner SR5 is an amazing off-road vehicle. The wheelbase and weight distribution along with the 4wd systems that come stock on the vehicle will power you through more than you ever imagined possible; even more so if you choose to go with a tougher, more aggressive tire.
I'd highly recommend a good 2-3" suspension lift as a first mod, somewhere down the road though.

 

[pay1973]

Thanks guys, I am taking everything in.

I leave in 3 weeks, for this year she will be in stock form, budget restraints for right now.

I will take it easy and play it smart when driving back there, the terrain is really rocky, un-level (slopes, dips, up and down) and a few places I may have clearance problems not sure yet, there is some mud but not like 2 foot deep, now if it rains hard there will be some deep ruts that wash out and can get deep and nasty, now if it snows that's a whole other story, will have chains and such lol.

I guess we will find out lol, I will take some pics up there and post the results.