Question b4 buying a Gen4 Sport or Limited V8

[Gymkata]

Hey all,

I just broke something in the front diff of my Dodge Ram trying to turn around in 33+ inches of wet heavy snow. Up until now I was seriously considering getting a new 2010 4Runner, but the more I look into it, I think a Gen4 with the V8 would be a better option...not enough increase in capability to justify a 15k+ difference in price, even though the Trail Edition is sexy as hell.

I need a vehicle that is capable off-road, is comfortable for daily driving, and can tow when necessary.

My questions are:
1) Towing: The stated towing capacity for the V8 is 7000+ lbs. Can somebody here comment on the capability of the entire chassis and drivetrain to handle the stated towing capacities? Other than the V8 with the 5 spd auto tranny, what else is upgraded to handle the additional stress?

2) Suspension: If I purchase the 4Runner, I will definitely upgrade the suspension. I like the ability to drive fast over uneven surfaces, and hate the body roll inherent in factory truck/SUV suspensions. What suspension companies (that are still in business) make a quality coilover suspension for the 4Runner? I only want a couple inches of lift, if that. I have seen references here to Donahoe Racing, Sway A Way, and Downey Offroad. A quick search showed results stating the both Donahoe and Downey were out of business. Can anybody here give feedback on the Sway A Way coilover system, or ever the Total Chaos 2" long travel system?

3) 4WD: For 2005-2007, is the difference between the Sport V8 and the Limited V8 essentially a difference in trim level? From what I have read, it seems like they are. I just want to make sure it isn't like the 2010's where the Limited is different (full-time 4WD - center locking diff), and the Trail Edition gets all the real goodies (electronic locking rear diff, KDSS, and bumpers with better app/dep angles).

Sorry about the length of this. Thanks in advance.

 

[FourEyedWilly]

Just want to give your thread a kick for more answers
1) Towing: The stated towing capacity for the V8 is 7000+ lbs. Can somebody here comment on the capability of the entire chassis and drivetrain to handle the stated towing capacities? Other than the V8 with the 5 spd auto tranny, what else is upgraded to handle the additional stress?

More answers will come but the V8 does have the transmission cooler. From experience towing my boat, the 4Runner performs leaps and bounds better than my 08 Yukon ever did. (long story, dumb american car)

2) Suspension: If I purchase the 4Runner, I will definitely upgrade the suspension. I like the ability to drive fast over uneven surfaces, and hate the body roll inherent in factory truck/SUV suspensions. What suspension companies (that are still in business) make a quality coilover suspension for the 4Runner? I only want a couple inches of lift, if that. I have seen references here to Donahoe Racing, Sway A Way, and Downey Offroad. A quick search showed results stating the both Donahoe and Downey were out of business. Can anybody here give feedback on the Sway A Way coilover system, or ever the Total Chaos 2" long travel system?

Check out OME (Old man Emu) or Toytec. They have full suspensions for you. Both require the XREAS to be removed

3) 4WD: For 2005-2007, is the difference between the Sport V8 and the Limited V8 essentially a difference in trim level? From what I have read, it seems like they are. I just want to make sure it isn't like the 2010's where the Limited is different (full-time 4WD - center locking diff), and the Trail Edition gets all the real goodies (electronic locking rear diff, KDSS, and bumpers with better app/dep angles).

They are both the same. One thing, the 2005 has squared off fender wells, and standard tail lights. The 2006 up has round wells and led tails. The Limited has more interior creature comforts and I think may have a different rear suspension

Sorry about the length of this. Thanks in advance.[/QUOTE]

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I agree with the above... The only difference in rear suspension that I know of is some come with factory installed airbags instead of traditional springs on some Limiteds.

I agree that the Toytec and OME probably have the best balance of performance/cost. The others are good but expensive.

 

[MikesToy]

Just get the Limited V8 4WD. You won't regret it. Then browse thru here what every Limited V8 4WD done to get suspension higher and towing capabilities. :bluejump:

 

[SciRunner]

I think XREAS was an option on Gen 4 Limited V8s. Look for a limited w/o XREAS and lift away. The 4WD SR5 V8s are nice too but without the comforts on the SE and Limited models.

Have you thought about getting a used Lexus GX470? Most GX 's came with KDSS as an option. You get leather, taller roofline, a stick-shift for the 4WD system (vs. knob on the 4Runner). I'm not sure if there are mods for it though.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Have you thought about getting a used Lexus GX470? Most GX 's came with KDSS as an option. You get leather, taller roofline, a stick-shift for the 4WD system (vs. knob on the 4Runner). I'm not sure if there are mods for it though.

I agree, look into it. Search Lexwoody here and at T120.com

 

[M1911]

I think XREAS was an option on Gen 4 Limited V8s. Look for a limited w/o XREAS and lift away.

It was. My 2003 V8 Limited has XREAS.

Have you thought about getting a used Lexus GX470? Most GX 's came with KDSS as an option. You get leather, taller roofline, a stick-shift for the 4WD system (vs. knob on the 4Runner). I'm not sure if there are mods for it though.

Prices on used GX470s are still stupid.

 

[Gymkata]

I think XREAS was an option on Gen 4 Limited V8s. Look for a limited w/o XREAS and lift away. The 4WD SR5 V8s are nice too but without the comforts on the SE and Limited models.

Have you thought about getting a used Lexus GX470? Most GX 's came with KDSS as an option. You get leather, taller roofline, a stick-shift for the 4WD system (vs. knob on the 4Runner). I'm not sure if there are mods for it though.

Thanks everybody for the insight. I don't think I will be looking into the GX470. I am not a fan of how it looks, or the lack of aftermarket support. Also, I already have a Lexus ISF, and do not want people to think we are a "Lexus" family...hahaha. I was looking at the brand new GX460, but I don't think it is my type of vehicle. I don't want to be scared to scratch my 4x4.

I really think that a 2005+ Gen4 4Runner Limited V8 4x4 will suit my need well. I don't have to drive far, so fuel economy isn't a huge concern. Also, I will likely buy another car in a year or two, and at that time, the 4Runner would be for play, towing, and winter weather only.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Thanks everybody for the insight. I don't think I will be looking into the GX470. I am not a fan of how it looks, or the lack of aftermarket support. Also, I already have a Lexus ISF, and do not want people to think we are a "Lexus" family...hahaha. I was looking at the brand new GX460, but I don't think it is my type of vehicle. I don't want to be scared to scratch my 4x4.

I really think that a 2005+ Gen4 4Runner Limited V8 4x4 will suit my need well. I don't have to drive far, so fuel economy isn't a huge concern. Also, I will likely buy another car in a year or two, and at that time, the 4Runner would be for play, towing, and winter weather only.

I hear ya but FWIW suspension and most other stuff from the V8 Runner works on a GX470. They share a frame, axles etc.

 

[Uneek]

2) Donahoe Racing is now Icon Vehicle Dynamics.

3) That's correct. All 4th gen 4WD systems are the same regardless of trim, with the exception of the '09 Trail which has an electric rear locker. The V8 Limited had two suspension options, 1) X-REAS (same as a Sport Edition) and 2) rear air suspension that also includes X-REAS.

 

[Gymkata]

2) Donahoe Racing is now Icon Vehicle Dynamics.

3) That's correct. All 4th gen 4WD systems are the same regardless of trim, with the exception of the '09 Trail which has an electric rear locker. The V8 Limited had two suspension options, 1) X-REAS (same as a Sport Edition) and 2) rear air suspension that also includes X-REAS.

Thanks everybody for the expedient responses. I think I will have to get a 4Runner just because of this site and the access to quick info.

Uneek, I checked out Icon Vehicle Dynamics. It looks like they have some awesome suspension systems...really expensive, but very capable. I might have to look into them further.

 

[kylebacc]

If I were you I wouldn't go looking for a 4Runner without X-Reas. In fact, if it were me, I would only look for one WITH it. Now, seeing as I am not you, my suggestion would be to test drive one with and one with out X-Reas, and see which one you like better. Throw the trucks around a little when you do. If you are as you say you are, like me, and are not a fan of body roll (both on and off road), then X-Reas might just be the thing for you. And despite what many believe to be true on this particular forum, it IS possible to lift you're 4Runner and keep the X-Reas system. Don't tell anyone I told you though, because they might freak that they took it off the wrong way thinking that they didn't care about it, and now can't put it back on :wow2: As far as Sport and Limited, it really is a preference thing, there are no huge differences in mechanics between the two, other than that on the Limited you could get rear air suspension. I would go Limited for the heated seats, dual climate zones, and other creature comforts. I would go Sport for cool badging, hood scoop, interesting patterned seats. Either way, you won't be disappointed with a 4Runner. :driving:

 

[M1911]

If I were you I wouldn't go looking for a 4Runner without X-Reas. In fact, if it were me, I would only look for one WITH it. Now, seeing as I am not you, my suggestion would be to test drive one with and one with out X-Reas, and see which one you like better. Throw the trucks around a little when you do. If you are as you say you are, like me, and are not a fan of body roll (both on and off road), then X-Reas might just be the thing for you. And despite what many believe to be true on this particular forum, it IS possible to lift you're 4Runner and keep the X-Reas system. Don't tell anyone I told you though, because they might freak that they took it off the wrong way thinking that they didn't care about it, and now can't put it back on :wow2: As far as Sport and Limited, it really is a preference thing, there are no huge differences in mechanics between the two, other than that on the Limited you could get rear air suspension. I would go Limited for the heated seats, dual climate zones, and other creature comforts. I would go Sport for cool badging, hood scoop, interesting patterned seats. Either way, you won't be disappointed with a 4Runner. :driving:

I specifically looked for a 4Runner with XREAS, so I would get the reduced body sway. And since I live in Boston, it had to be a Limited for the heated seats. YMMV.

 

[kylebacc]

I specifically looked for a 4Runner with XREAS, so I would get the reduced body sway. And since I live in Boston, it had to be a Limited for the heated seats. YMMV.

Good point about being up north. It wouldn't even be a question if I was somewhere where it got that cold. Limited with heated seats all day everyday in 33 inches of snow!!

 

[M1911]

Good point about being up north. It wouldn't even be a question if I was somewhere where it got that cold. Limited with heated seats all day everyday in 33 inches of snow!!

I start using the seat heaters in September or October, and use them every day until April or May. I won't willingly buy another vehicle without them.

 

[kylebacc]

I start using the seat heaters in September or October, and use them every day until April or May. I won't willingly buy another vehicle without them.

And just out of curiosity, how often do you unwillingly purchase vehicles?



:biggrin2:

 

[IOP25]

I scrapped the xreas when I went to the OME suspension. Handles much better than previously. www.toytec.com/ has a lot of good options.

 

[M1911]

And just out of curiosity, how often do you unwillingly purchase vehicles?



:biggrin2:

Not very. But there was a time when my car died and I had to replace it on a budget that did not allow me to get what I want.

Currently, if my existing 2003 V8 Limited was totaled, I couldn't easily afford to buy a new 2010 to replace it.

 

[Gymkata]

Well, I limped the Dodge Ram into the nearest 4x4 shop today. They will get to it tomorrow. If it costs more than a grand to fix, I will just part the truck out and start my 4runner journey. It sucks because I have so much history with the truck. My dad bought it the day after I left his 85 Jeep Cherokee with $400 parts value when driving home from night snowboarding (13 years ago). I bought if from him 6 years later.

After the transmission died at 136k miles, I decided to install a heavy duty towing/competition transmission, and a crate 360 with an aggressive cam. After that was a coil-over long travel front suspension, and new rear leaf packs with remote reservoir long-travel shocks, and new wheels and tires...oh and 4.10 gears all-around and a Yukon LSD in the rear...etc, etc, etc.

 

[Maz]

I scrapped the xreas when I went to the OME suspension. Handles much better than previously. www.toytec.com/ has a lot of good options.

Your comment about the OME suspension is fascinating. Can you be a little more specific on what specifically you found better about the handling now? Thanks for any input.