Odd dealer request

[Khyren]

After one year of ownership of our SR5 premium, we have found that it is severely lacking with things we want it to have. Rather than spend time and money to fix them, we are thinking about going up to a Pro. Especially since this year's color is Solar Octane. The only thing is, my wife says that 3rd row is required.

Our current SR5 has it. Does anyone know of a dealer that's within 6 hours of West Yellowstone, MT that will be willing to sell us a SO Pro and swap in the 3rd row from our current one?

 

[Rack]

Its not as easy as you may think. there is allot of parts involved including safety belts and changing the middle seat configuration.
You might me better off trading it in on a Tahoe with a third row seat.
Search this forum for more info from others that have attempted this MOD.

 

[Humble Leader]

Our current SR5 has it. Does anyone know of a dealer that's within 6 hours of West Yellowstone, MT that will be willing to sell us a SO Pro and swap in the 3rd row from our current one?

the labour alone they will charge you will be half what you paid for your 4runner. that's if you can find a dealer that will do this which I'm certain you wont. you can try this mod yourself but honestly unless you really know what you're doing it's just not worth it. why not trade for a limited trim if you still want a 4runner.

 

[fkheath]

Its not as easy as you may think. there is allot of parts involved including safety belts and changing the middle seat configuration.
You might me better off trading it in on a Tahoe with a third row seat.
Search this forum for more info from others that have attempted this MOD.

4Runners with the third row seats also have air bags back there. Really can't move them, thus swapping out the seats is not really feasible.

 

[Forgetful]

TRD sequoia?

 

[Whippersnapper02]

It's time for a larger vehicle instead.

 

[wcjeep]

2010 and 2011 Sr5 had 3row optqional seating and manual transfer case.

Adding a locker to your current 3row Sr5 not difficult. Swapping suspension components on an Sr5 also not difficult.

 

[Khyren]

TRD sequoia?

That was my next thought but the Mrs says no to the Sequoia because it is too large. Looks like modding ours is the least intrusive option. That means adding shocks/struts, springs, remote start, adding a locker/lsd in the rear, and upgrading the sound system. The biggest complaint I have is that it rides like my overloaded and undersprung work truck. Going through our snow storage areas, alleys, or forest service roads is bloody murder because it will rock back and forth enough to almost throw you in the other seat.

 

[fkheath]

That was my next thought but the Mrs says no to the Sequoia because it is too large. Looks like modding ours is the least intrusive option. That means adding shocks/struts, springs, remote start, adding a locker/lsd in the rear, and upgrading the sound system. The biggest complaint I have is that it rides like my overloaded and undersprung work truck. Going through our snow storage areas, alleys, or forest service roads is bloody murder because it will rock back and forth enough to almost throw you in the other seat.

Some thoughts on your observations:

1. I put in OEM Audio+ speakers in my 4Runner. Much better sound, crisper highs and better lows. They are plug and play meaning no wire cutting, tapping or adapters needed.

2. Every year I do the Jeep trails in Western Colorado (Alpine Loop and other nearby trails) which are some of the most rugged roads in the country. I have never needed a locker, but do occasionally use the ATRAC button. As long as you go slow and enjoy the scenery, you will probably never need a locker.

3. Yes, the 4Runner has a soft suspension, but after owning two Jeeps with their really hard, abusive suspension, I much prefer the 4Runner. It rides like a cloud over extreme trails compared to the Jeeps. The Jeeps were right down harsh.

If you really plan on doing any off roading, a couple suggestions of things you haven't mentioned:

1. Skid plates: I got the TRD front skid right off. Glad I did for I put a big ding in it on the Colorado trails (tore off one of the red letters). Have not had other major problems but for added insurance I put on the RCI integrated skid plates this last winter; looking forward to how they do this summer.

2. Tires: The OEM tires leave a lot to be desired. There are so many good options out there. I got the BFG KO2 in E load range (those sharp granite rocks in Colorado are something else!) If you are doing trails near Moab, where the rocks are rounded sandstone, you could get by with C load rated tires.

3. Suspension lift: You can do that with shocks and spring sets, or just spacers. A modest lift may be all you need. I have the Rough Country leveling kit which gave me about 3" front and 1" rear. That really is all I have needed.

Finally, I really wanted the TRD Off Road 4Runner when I was in the market, but my son talked me into getting the SR5 with third row seats; glad I did because the grandkids love the back seat (the third row seats are nor really suitable for adults).

So enjoy your ride and have fun.

 

[fkheath]

That was my next thought but the Mrs says no to the Sequoia because it is too large. Looks like modding ours is the least intrusive option.

One more thought on size. If you go on any roads with very sharp switch backs, there are only two options: the 4Runner or the short wheel base Jeeps. All others, due to their longer wheel base have to zig-zag several times to get around a sharp hairpin turn. One good example is the Toyota Tacoma which has virtually the same power train and running gear as the 4Runner, but oh how they have to zig-zag on the hair pin switch backs on Ophir pass in Colorado.

 

[Billyrides]

I see. Your wife found a color she likes better. Lol.

I have a SR5P, but we've done the suspension and wheels and quite a few creature comfort mods....most if which, would be the same if I had a Pro.

Having driven a few unmodified Pros, about the only things "better" than my current ride, is the sound system, which still isn't what I would call stellar on the Pro, the locker, which I don't use, and the fact that if I had a Pro, I would get more respect in FaceBook groups. In other words, that's a lot of jack to spend for minimal improvements, especially considering that there are options to greatly improve on any of the pros "upgrades"

 

[CutthroatSlam]

We have a ranch in Stevensville, MT. Our 2014 SR5 handles every road around and we've never had the issues you describe, but we're very experienced off-roaders.

I have a friend who formerly had a ranch in Stevensville and now has a seasonal cabin in West Yellowstone out in the sticks. Roads are only an issue when the snow has drifted high. He's a hunter and has a side-by and horses to pursue that.

3rd row seat is a waste. The 3rd row seat from my K2500 Suburban has sat in the garage at our home in Big Bear Lake, CA for the past 12 years.

Push to start? No one wants this feature. Just something else to break.

Anytime you let the wife dictate the features on work truck, you end up with a chick ride.

 

[Khyren]

I see. Your wife found a color she likes better. Lol.

Me actually. I'm the one who likes orange. But more importantly, it was Orange with a lot of the options that I was wanting to do to our current one.

I have a friend who formerly had a ranch in Stevensville and now has a seasonal cabin in West Yellowstone out in the sticks. Roads are only an issue when the snow has drifted high.

Push to start? No one wants this feature. Just something else to break.

Anytime you let the wife dictate the features on work truck, you end up with a chick ride.

It's not my ride. It is supposed to be a reliable family vehicle since we live 100 miles from anything major in any direction. But it needs to be able to deal with our winters here as well. The snow pack last winter was terrible. Our town did such a crappy job with potholes in the pack that we now have to get it aligned for a second time in 10k miles. Even with less than 5k miles, our 2021 SR5P(which has push button start) would walk sideways on the washboard out Denny Creek Road last summer at only 20mph. Another annoying thing about the springs, we can't put luggage or groceries in the back without blinding everyone on the road because the front angles up so much with even my body weight. A locker isn't exactly required, but I prefer an LSD at the very least. It helps with winter driving here since we run on snow pack all winter.

As for the 3rd row, we have already used it a few times for when family or friends come into town with more than just one person.

I work 50-70hrs/week on average and have basically no time to wrench or anywhere TO wrench. Thus why I was looking at the PRO in the Orange. Ticks all the boxes but one.

 

[MN_Pat]

That was my next thought but the Mrs says no to the Sequoia because it is too large. Looks like modding ours is the least intrusive option. That means adding shocks/struts, springs, remote start, adding a locker/lsd in the rear, and upgrading the sound system. The biggest complaint I have is that it rides like my overloaded and undersprung work truck. Going through our snow storage areas, alleys, or forest service roads is bloody murder because it will rock back and forth enough to almost throw you in the other seat.

Is the 4Runner your first vehicle in a shorter wheelbase SUV platform? I'm curious what you had before or if you're new to the area? Is it the 4Runner or expectations?

Please don't take offense at this question. I wasn't sure whether to assume you were a long time Montana mountain veteran or recently moved to West from another part of the country. Compared to a Pro it's much more economical for some shocks, struts, and maybe springs. Don't have to do it all at once either.

p.s. I'm jealous of where you live. I've been to W.Y. only in the winter, pretty awesome

 

[LimeLED]

That was my next thought but the Mrs says no to the Sequoia because it is too large. Looks like modding ours is the least intrusive option. That means adding shocks/struts, springs, remote start, adding a locker/lsd in the rear, and upgrading the sound system. The biggest complaint I have is that it rides like my overloaded and undersprung work truck. Going through our snow storage areas, alleys, or forest service roads is bloody murder because it will rock back and forth enough to almost throw you in the other seat.

Maybe adding the Fox shocks from a 2021+ TRD Pro to your SR5 would do the trick? You can often find like-new take offs for around $1200.

I have both a 2022 Pro and a 2022 ORP (same standard suspension as your SR5P). The ride and handling between the two is huge. The ORP has a lot of body roll, nose dive, and as you describe, rocks you back-and-forth. The Pro suspension is much better controlled. That said, over bumps the standard suspension is definitely softer and you feel the bump less.

 

[Khyren]

Maybe adding the Fox shocks from a 2021+ TRD Pro to your SR5 would do the trick? You can often find like-new take offs for around $1200.

Thanks for the idea! I get beat to death enough in equipment and my service truck at work. I'm used to a more stiff ride on the road so that's fine with me. Being able to handle bumps better is going to be massive.

Is the 4Runner your first vehicle in a shorter wheelbase SUV platform? I'm curious what you had before or if you're new to the area? Is it the 4Runner or expectations?

p.s. I'm jealous of where you live. I've been to W.Y. only in the winter, pretty awesome

My expectations are that my first new vehicle ever purchased would ride better than a lot of the beaters of my past. I've had a 1998 Jeep XJ, 1978 Bronco, 1979 F250, and a 1995 F150 that all beat me up less than this SR5P. Sure the F250 had stiff springs but it was meant for work.
I put Bilsteins that I got out of a salvage yard on the XJ and it was fantastic. It was stock front springs with spacers and Dorman stock replacement rear springs. It also had 29" tires on 16" Moab wheels. I did some absurd stuff in that Jeep with just an LSD in the rear. The rear springs could also handle me keeping 200 pounds of tools in the back all the time. This SR5P can't even handle a bi-weekly grocery run without squatting.
I am not new to mountain wheeling, dirt roads, or trails. I grew up in Southeast Texas and spent a hell of a lot of time doing wheeling and other shenanigans when I lived in Kentucky. Yes the mountains are different from KY to MT but aren't all that different.

 

[Grape Ape]

Just wait another year and Solar Octane will be available on the other trims.

 

[MN_Pat]

Thanks for the idea! I get beat to death enough in equipment and my service truck at work. I'm used to a more stiff ride on the road so that's fine with me. Being able to handle bumps better is going to be massive.



My expectations are that my first new vehicle ever purchased would ride better than a lot of the beaters of my past. I've had a 1998 Jeep XJ, 1978 Bronco, 1979 F250, and a 1995 F150 that all beat me up less than this SR5P. Sure the F250 had stiff springs but it was meant for work.
I put Bilsteins that I got out of a salvage yard on the XJ and it was fantastic. It was stock front springs with spacers and Dorman stock replacement rear springs. It also had 29" tires on 16" Moab wheels. I did some absurd stuff in that Jeep with just an LSD in the rear. The rear springs could also handle me keeping 200 pounds of tools in the back all the time. This SR5P can't even handle a bi-weekly grocery run without squatting.
I am not new to mountain wheeling, dirt roads, or trails. I grew up in Southeast Texas and spent a hell of a lot of time doing wheeling and other shenanigans when I lived in Kentucky. Yes the mountains are different from KY to MT but aren't all that different.

Understood, it's the SR5 4runner not your first rodeo. Sorry, I couldn't resist using rodeo with all these Texas and Montana references:clap2: