Possible 2015 4Runner 4X4 purchase.

[toyrun]

Hello Forum,
I have a lifted '08 Tacoma PreRunner DCSB 4.0 & I am known as TAC1 on the Tacoma World forum.

My truck last November at one of my favorite places to visit, Tail of the Dragon on the NC/TENN BOARDER:


My 4x4 knowledge is little to none so please bare with me.

I am considering buying a 2015 4Runner 4X4 SR5 or Trail Edition. This will be my 1st 4X4 vehicle ever. My wife (who drives 4 miles total daily, to & from work) will keep my PreRunner and the 4Runner will be our family/off-road/recreational vehicle. I plan to install 285/70r17 Duratracs & a 2" lift (front & back to keep some rake). I have done enough research to know that a 2" lift will still allow for a proper alignment without the need for aftermarket UCA's & it won't put a severe angle at the CV's.

I like the Trail because of the 4X4 lever vs the SR5's knob, 1 less electronic device that can break, but I don't care for leather interior, sunroof, locking diff, or the extra 4X4 options that the trail has. Has anyone had issues with the knob or the lever selector?

An SR5 with the TRAC (or ATRAC, not sure if I'm saying it right) mod which sends even traction to all 4 wheels ALMOST as good as a locker is good enough for me.

I am aware that the 4Runners towing capacity is 5,000lbs which is good for the 15 miles round trip that I tow my dad-in-laws 21' open fisherman about 6 times a year. I had the entire boat/trailer combo weighed at a weigh station and its right at 4600 lbs.

What I didn't know until yesterday is that 4Runners do not come with an auxilary transmission cooler or heavy duty alternator like the Tacomas have. WOW! That is an unpleasant surprise to me. I don't mind not having the heavy duty alternator. It's a boat trailer with 2 tail lights & a tag light. No big power drain there, but no auxilary trans cooler? Sorry but I don't quite understand that.

Well, I'm thinking of asking the dealership if they can install one for me. I want OEM so I would buy an OEM one for a Tacoma (similiar 4.0 engine and possibly the same for the transmission) from them and have them install it. I don't mind paying for this. I'd feel better going this route than doing it myself on a transmission that doesn't even have a dipstick!

For those of you with a 2" lift, do you like it? Any issues? Will I need new shocks/struts for it? If so I'd probably look into Bilsteins like what I have on my Tacoma. Monotube are a bit stiffer and help reduce nose-dive when braking hard.

If anyone can clarify any info on the 4x4 options and mods, please do.

Is the ATRAC mod difficult to do?

Has anyone had an OEM trans coolers installed at the dealership?

Thank you for your time.
Toyrun.

 

[LandCruiser]

Sounds like you need a big truck for towing but want a 4Runner.

 

[marshal]

im not sure what you mean by ATRAC mod, and ATRAC is not 'almost as good' as a locker. its good, but its not the real thing. that said, the SR5's are plenty capable without the locker. also note that the Trails ATRAC and the SR5's ATRAC are different, the trail has a more aggressive version of it.

the electronic transferase is very reliable, there shouldn't be any reason why that would cause you to shy away from looking at SR5s.

i would forego the factory transmission cooler and have a competent offroad or transmission shop install a quality aftermarket cooler, HOWE makes very nice ones.

as far as the alternator is concerned, it would not be difficult to swap a higher amperage tacoma alternator onto the 4Runner.

as far as shocks go, our standard fare suspension are the Bilstein 5100's front and rear. you can get these from many vendors, but Toytec is the general go to.

 

[Bevo]

im not sure what you mean by ATRAC mod, and ATRAC is not 'almost as good' as a locker. its good, but its not the real thing. that said, the SR5's are plenty capable without the locker. also note that the Trails ATRAC and the SR5's ATRAC are different, the trail has a more aggressive version of it.

I think on a Tacoma traction control was turned off when the locker was engaged, and it required a mod for both to operate at the same time.

 

[LandCruiser]

I think on a Tacoma traction control was turned off when the locker was engaged, and it required a mod for both to operate at the same time.

The first run FJ Cruisers were like this, too.

 

[marshal]

well look at me, all behind on the times and shit

 

[craaaazzy]

keep in mind that 2016's are arriving and inventory on 2015's are dwindling. i just bought my 2015 this past weekend (white SR5 4x4 non-preminum w/ nav, sliding cargo, steps, hood and door protection, and tint) for $33,700 as a reference (msrp ~ $38,000)

 

[Engineer]

All good advise above, I’ll add my 2 cents

*ATRAC vs. Locker, not as good but my general opinion of debates like this is if you have to ask if you need a locker you are likely not going places that require one (I realize that is not what you were asking but treat it as a want vs. a need) - I fall into the category of buying it and not needing it, but it has helped a few times without a doubt
[MENTION=104049]marshal[/MENTION] is there Toyota literature on the systems being programmed differently between the SR5/ Trails, that’s news to me

*Transmission cooler, 15miles round trip I wouldn’t even bother, if you are really concerned drive slow and if the transmission temperatures do get elevated I ASSUME that you would through a code/check engine light which would be a good indication to slow down. If you want one for comfort It wouldn’t hurt but I don’t think I have ever seen an OEM cooler installed here. If it is integrated into the radiator it may not be possible or at least $$$ vs. just an aftermarket option

*Alternator, as you mentioned it’s not needed. There is a thread someone where on here IIRC that had an upgraded alternator but I think there were some issues with the install, no idea if it was resolved or not but worth a quick search if you ever decide to go down that path.

*Shocks , sound like a perfect candidate for Bilstein 5100’s from your choice of vendor

*Electronic vs Lever actuated Transfer Case: While I fall into the camp that loves my lever and was one of the main reason I bought the trail I would not say its worth it over the cost of the SR5 if you don’t value the other things that come with it such as trail wheels, hood scope , black interior trim, front and rear silver valence trim. crawl control, KDSS option, etc………to everyone those options etc are worth more or less, I liked the looks of the interior and exterior much better on the trail and had no plans to upgrade wheels so for the cost difference the Trail was the best value IMHO.

 

[marshal]

[MENTION=96008]Engineer[/MENTION]

im not sure, I've heard it from multiple reliable sources that the Trail received the ATRAC that the FJ Trail Teams was programmed with, which was much more aggressive than the standard ATRAC.

 

[Engineer]

[MENTION=96008]Engineer[/MENTION]

im not sure, I've heard it from multiple reliable sources that the Trail received the ATRAC that the FJ Trail Teams was programmed with, which was much more aggressive than the standard ATRAC.

Maybe [MENTION=66389]BlackWorksInc[/MENTION] can help us out,

....OP, sorry for the thread high jack.

 

[LandCruiser]

[MENTION=96008]Engineer[/MENTION]

im not sure, I've heard it from multiple reliable sources that the Trail received the ATRAC that the FJ Trail Teams was programmed with, which was much more aggressive than the standard ATRAC.

I thing there are two things at play.

There was the old ATRAC (v.1) used on Toyotas in the 2000s, then the "new" ATRAC-II came out and was implemented into vehicles like the FJC.

Early versions of ATRAC on the FJ Cruiser (like on my 2007 6MT) didn't work with the locking diff and you had to do a hack to work around it.

The first Trail Teams FJC had the Toyota factory "ATRAC mod" that first allowed to use ATRAC and the rear locker.

Not sure if that's what you are referencing?

 

[Bradysdad]

As far as the leather, only the trail Premium has the faux leather which is waterproof and easier to clean than the fabric.

Just go on Toyota's web site and compare the difference between SR5 - SR5 Premium - Trail and Trail Premium.

I was looking at a Trail Premium, couldn't find one and ended up getting a great deal on a TRD Pro last week.

 

[Engineer]

As far as the leather, only the trail Premium has the faux leather which is waterproof and easier to clean than the fabric.

Just go on Toyota's web site and compare the difference between SR5 - SR5 Premium - Trail and Trail Premium.

I was looking at a Trail Premium, couldn't find one and ended up getting a great deal on a TRD Pro last week.

Nice Avatar Photo......even if its a TRD! :yield:

......just kidding

 

[Bradysdad]

Nice Avatar Photo......even if its a TRD! :yield:

......just kidding

:laugh:

I am new to the entire world of 4Runners. Not quite sure why the TRDPro vs all others rivalry but I'm certain it is somewhat like the chrome wheels vs black wheels thing on other sports car forums. A matter of user opinion??

If anyone cares to share....I would be appreciative.

 

[JEMP1003]

OP

Another thing worth considering is either stiffer rear coils or air bags since the boat is close to the towing "limit" you rear end WILL sag..
[MENTION=131012]Bradysdad[/MENTION] It's not the trim level, but the attitude some people have.. I also agree that is a cool avatar

 

[marshal]

Not sure if that's what you are referencing?

the information that i keep hearing said that the Trail Teams FJ's had a more aggressive ATRAC. not ATRAC 2 or anything, just more aggressive. i can only assume it was calibrated for the more aggressive E Rated BFG's. and in turn with the 4Runner being heavier than the FJ, they incorporated it into the Trail versions.

regardless if this ends up being false or not, the trail still has a locker. a locker is a locker, ATRAC is good but it can't keep up with true mechanical lock.

 

[toyrun]

Sounds like you need a big truck for towing but want a 4Runner.

Sounds like you are right. Hahaha. I guess I do need a bigger truck/suv but I really like the 4Runner. I've seen 4Runners at the ramp with bigger boats then my dad-in-laws boat so I assume they can handle the load but I don't want to do that. I guess I can use the PreRunner for that if I have to. I still want the 4Runner.

 

[toyrun]

im not sure what you mean by ATRAC mod, and ATRAC is not 'almost as good' as a locker. its good, but its not the real thing. that said, the SR5's are plenty capable without the locker. also note that the Trails ATRAC and the SR5's ATRAC are different, the trail has a more aggressive version of it.

the electronic transferase is very reliable, there shouldn't be any reason why that would cause you to shy away from looking at SR5s.

i would forego the factory transmission cooler and have a competent offroad or transmission shop install a quality aftermarket cooler, HOWE makes very nice ones.

as far as the alternator is concerned, it would not be difficult to swap a higher amperage tacoma alternator onto the 4Runner.

as far as shocks go, our standard fare suspension are the Bilstein 5100's front and rear. you can get these from many vendors, but Toytec is the general go to.

My locker comment came from a post in Tacoma World. My PreRunner is the Plain Jane model so I don't have ANY traction assistance except for my mechanical LSD which I bought for $1,100 from the dealership. It was open diff originally. So all this electronic traction stuff is new to me.

I'll post the "post" below. Comment #7. I'm sure you are right. Nothing beats an actual locked differential. But, if I get the SR5 I would like to maximize its traction capabilities.

"The list, below itemizes the drive modes... we have nine!

1) 2WD: VSC and TRAC active, engine regulated ('Limited Slip Lite').

2) 2WD: 'AUTO LSD' ('TRAC OFF MODE'). No engine regulation for 'strong' limited slip.

3) 2WD: 'VSC OFF MODE' (TRAC is off for 'open differential').

4) 4WD-Hi: VSC and TRAC active. No engine regulation for 'strong' limited slip.

5) 4WD-Hi: 'VSC OFF MODE' (TRAC is off for 'open differentials').

6) 4WD-Lo: VSC and TRAC are both off in L4 ('open differentials').

7) 4WD-Lo: 'A-TRAC' on gives a 'locker-like, super strong' limited slip, front and rear.

8) 4WD-Lo: Rear Differential Locked and open front differential (A-TRAC off).

9) 4WD-Lo: RR DIFF LOCK + A-TRAC on, 3 MPH limit."

Thank you for the info. I feel better going with the SR5.

Also, I never even considered going to an off-road shop or a transmission shop. That's a great idea. Now, to find a reputable shop in Miami. Wish me luck on that one.

5100's are awesome. I'll go that route. I've dealt with ToyTec before for my Tacoma and they are very good.

Thanks again.

 

[toyrun]

I think on a Tacoma traction control was turned off when the locker was engaged, and it required a mod for both to operate at the same time.

I've read the same.

The first run FJ Cruisers were like this, too.

Didn't know that.

well look at me, all behind on the times and shit

Haha! Don't worry. You are all light years ahead of me!

 

[toyrun]

keep in mind that 2016's are arriving and inventory on 2015's are dwindling. i just bought my 2015 this past weekend (white SR5 4x4 non-preminum w/ nav, sliding cargo, steps, hood and door protection, and tint) for $33,700 as a reference (msrp ~ $38,000)

Good to know. Thanks