Hey guys, I've been contemplating trading my 2014 2dr wrangler rubicon in and getting a 2015 4Runner trail w/ KDSS. Reasons being reliability, comfort, cargo space, tow capacity. The only thing I am worried about is off-road capability in comparison to my jeep. I really enjoy taking my jeep out to Rausch Creek among some other places like up to Vermont on some class 4 roads. I realize you guys might be a little bias but how do you think the 4Runner will compare to the jeep offroad. This desision has been tearing me up insidee. I want the 4Runner so bad but am worried I am going to be making a sacrifice in this department. Been to 2 different Toyota dealer about to pull the trigger but didn't follow through.
Newby needs some advise
- Thread starter Cgullo83
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Thanks for the reply, I would definitely get some new tires and rocksliders on the 4Runner. Probably some after market skid plates. It will be a while before I could afford a lift though. I guess I realize I will be making some what of a sacrifice. The question is how big of one. Never been off road in a 4Runner, been a jeep guy for quite a few years now.
oljedi11950
New member
Totally agree with [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] & [MENTION=115334]Mistaken[/MENTION] outta the box good enough ! But it really depends on YOUR definition of 4wheeling like hard core where only the jeep shorter wheel base can go or what most of us call 4wheeling , using 4hi or lo to get us from point a to b , without breaking the crap out of our 40-50g 4r ? What I used my old 68'chevy stepside for doing crazy shite . Now I like to cruise down very rugged log roads or dirt trails . :bigok:
wfo9
New member
2dr rubicon is pretty darn hard to keep up with (especially in tight areas). The 4runner is a big bulky beast off-road.
Stock it will struggle significantly in many places the jeep will just dance right over. Main issue is departure/approach angles and size. The stock tires are also obviously a no go for difficult trails. The 4runner can get through just about anything, but it will get much more damage than the jeep.
Modified and lifted makes the 4 runner much more jeep like in its capabilities, but you still can't make it smaller for tight areas.
On the other side, all that room and comfort is fantastic. Trade offs.... Most people really like the 4runners for overall utility. Even the 4door wranglers are tiny in comparison when it comes to interior room....
Stock it will struggle significantly in many places the jeep will just dance right over. Main issue is departure/approach angles and size. The stock tires are also obviously a no go for difficult trails. The 4runner can get through just about anything, but it will get much more damage than the jeep.
Modified and lifted makes the 4 runner much more jeep like in its capabilities, but you still can't make it smaller for tight areas.
On the other side, all that room and comfort is fantastic. Trade offs.... Most people really like the 4runners for overall utility. Even the 4door wranglers are tiny in comparison when it comes to interior room....
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Paragon1
Member
The first step is being honest with yourself. Are you an off-roader who occasionally drives on paved surfaces or vice-versa? I'm betting it's the latter. It's great to own something that has the balls out capability like the rubicon has off-road, but I'd liken that to someone who owns a ridiculously expensive sports car. How often do you really "use" it for its intended purpose?
Yeah the 4R is bigger and needs a bit of help to bring it to its true potential, but that's the fun part. You can make it "yours". I had a momentary lapse of reason and let go of my 2010 4R/TE for a f150, stupidest thing I've done outside of my last 3 girlfriends. My 2010 never left me hanging and never had any issues. Period. I'm hoping the 15 TE I traded the truck in for does the same, and it's well on its way.
Now, having gone from a TE without KDSS to one that has it, believe me, it's night and day. Corners flat, no nose dives, all around comfortable. It doesn't feel like a BOF setup. basically, if you want an all-around good off-road rig with plenty of storage you can't beat the 4R. Just save up $2k for a decent wheel/tire set and another 350-1500 to cover whatever type of suspension you want and you'll be well on your way. Just keep in mind that the dealership charges 5hrs at $108 an hour to install front suspension on KDSS equipped runners.... I'm sweating the thought of a DIY as last weekend only resulted in me getting the rear shocks (5100's) installed.
Anyway, just my 2 cents.
Oh, and, it's spelled "newbie", newbie ;-)
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4RunnerAU
New member
I went from a 2012 2dr Sport to the 4runner after realizing how inconvenient it was to my lifestyle. Now my wife is pregnant. I do miss my manual transmission and the amazing availability of aftermarket part. Plus, those things are so easy to customize. Now that summer is here, i kinda miss taking the top off...but not putting it back on in the pouring rain. I don't miss waiting on my engine head to give out. Damn pentastars! I do miss waving to people and how friendly the Jeep community was to each other. Miss the wave...
The 4runner isn't as easy to customize but not bad. One gripe I had is that the smallest wheel diameter you can have is 17". Kinda miss my 15" wheel base.
I don't have any regrets. Love my 4runner. Much more practical and can't beat the purported reliability!
The 4runner isn't as easy to customize but not bad. One gripe I had is that the smallest wheel diameter you can have is 17". Kinda miss my 15" wheel base.
I don't have any regrets. Love my 4runner. Much more practical and can't beat the purported reliability!
Yes paragon1, you would be correct. As much as I would love to go out 4wheeling every weekend I simply do not have the time. Might get out a handful of times a year. Although in 3 weeks my wife and I are driving out to Ouray, CO. Along with a side trip to Moab. I would love to have a new 4Runner to make the 4000 mi round trip drive in but I know when I get there I'll be glad I have my jeep. That is as long as it doesnt break down on the way.
Hi 4RunnerAU, speaking of pregnant wives I just found out a few weeks ago my wife is pregnant also. So, this is something I am also taking into consideration. kinda like what you said, I feel like I am constantly waiting for something to break on my jeep. Now they are having a pretty big problem with the oil cooler housing cracking which drains all the oil out of your jeep onto the ground. I would be majorly pissed if this happened on my way to CO.
Jernik
New member
OK, here's another option... Get the 4runner and put some decent tires on it, and maybe some underbelly protection. Wheel it and see if it works for you. If not, you can pick up a used TJ or even a YJ/CJ for a weekend warrior (it's been a while since I've looked at that market, but you used to be able to find them reasonable). Then, if the old Jeep breaks down you're not walking to work on Monday.
Have driven in the Wrangler, but never actually been behind the wheel. Simply by its reputation, I would concede that it is the better rock-crawler...if that's what you are focused on, then yes the transition from Wrangler to 4runner will be somewhat of a let down.
However, if you are interested in doing more than just weekend rock-crawling trips (road trips, back-country exploration, daily driver use, off-road expeditions) the 4runner is a much better platform in terms of comfort, practicality and reliability.
And yes, a stock 4runner is capable of much more than most people realize...I've gotten myself out of some very bad situations (thank you locking diff) with my 4runner.
funny...I would like to get another used Wrangler.
Preferably an older YJ.
Use the 4runner as my daily/road trip vehicle.
And the YJ to get around town.
Miss my old TJ jeep, and it was amazing on the Rubicon.
You will not be disappointed with the 4runner, it is a great vehicle.
Preferably an older YJ.
Use the 4runner as my daily/road trip vehicle.
And the YJ to get around town.
Miss my old TJ jeep, and it was amazing on the Rubicon.
You will not be disappointed with the 4runner, it is a great vehicle.
4RunnerAU
New member
Congrats man! My wife is due in November.
The 4Runner just feels way more sturdy. The roar of the engine when you start it up inspires confidence. Just go 4Runner. Doubt you regret your purchase. You'll probably still do fine in Moab and not have to worry about reliability issues.
Good luck!
