School Me- 2009 Trail Edition vs 1999 Limited
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Inv4drZm
Senior Member
Once you test drive it you'll know but the basics:
Both will do about the same offroad capability wise with both having the rear locker from the factory, but the 09' will have lots more power and be more comfortable for longer road trips due to its larger size, and probably get the same fuel mileage.
I think the Trail Editions only came with the V6 so you're missing out a little on the cool factor of the V8 but not a huge amount in the real world.
Both will do about the same offroad capability wise with both having the rear locker from the factory, but the 09' will have lots more power and be more comfortable for longer road trips due to its larger size, and probably get the same fuel mileage.
I think the Trail Editions only came with the V6 so you're missing out a little on the cool factor of the V8 but not a huge amount in the real world.
Bumbo
New member
I don’t own a 3rd gen, but I have been in them… I think you will notice the difference.
I think the 2009 will have better on-road manners, rides better, more power, bigger & more comfortable interior, climate control, better console (my opinion).
The 2009 does have more electronics and features, pro or con depending on who you ask.
I don’t know enough about the 3rd Gen 4WD system to give you a proper comparison, but what is included in the 4th gen is pretty nice, very good on and off-road functionality. I consider my 5th gen a downgrade from my 4th Gen SR5 as far as that is concerned.
The 2009 Trail edition can operate in 2WD, AWD, 4WD, and Low Range (AWD or 4WD) as it does NOT force lock the center TC in addition to the rear diff lock.
I think the 2009 will have better on-road manners, rides better, more power, bigger & more comfortable interior, climate control, better console (my opinion).
The 2009 does have more electronics and features, pro or con depending on who you ask.
I don’t know enough about the 3rd Gen 4WD system to give you a proper comparison, but what is included in the 4th gen is pretty nice, very good on and off-road functionality. I consider my 5th gen a downgrade from my 4th Gen SR5 as far as that is concerned.
The 2009 Trail edition can operate in 2WD, AWD, 4WD, and Low Range (AWD or 4WD) as it does NOT force lock the center TC in addition to the rear diff lock.
Inv4drZm
Senior Member
About ATRAC some people hate it pretty hard as it kinda slows you down when braking different tires during a loose rocky hill climb for example but I think the general consensus is it's quite a lot better than open diffs. It doesn't have an 'off' switch like the FJ's have but you can pull a wheel speed connector in the engine bay to turn it off if you want to try it turned off. It works best with really steady throttle at 2k RPMs or so.
Its a good system paired with a rear locker and you'll need a full set of offroad mods before you'll out-wheel that system (35" tires w/ full lift).
I've done some crazy obstacles and I've always though it was a good system, keeping your vehicle mostly stock and doing light trails you shouldn't have a problem with it.
Update: Real World Differences
I am the OP. Have now purchased an 09 Trail Edition. Here are my impressions of the differences between the 99 Limited and the 09 TE:
Main two differences:
1) Ground Clearance - 99 crushes the 09 in ground clearance. Even with a lift the 09 will have a tough time getting close.
2) Power - The 09 has power in more of the right places. The 99 needed to be driven to get the most power to the ground. 99 needed downshifts when towing. 09 does all the work for you. Push the pedal and go. 09 wins the power contest easily.
Other differences:
- Off Road - 09 is more capable 4wd wise due to ATRAC. The 99 is much more agile and has more clearance. I would pick the 99 off road until I got into the most technical situations. 99% of the time I would pick the 99 off road. Its that 1% that I would be grateful of the 09's capability.
-On Road - 09 hands down. Bigger, smoother more refined.
To sum up the differences I would say: The 99 is more of a basic play oriented no frills vehicle, built to be used off road whenever you want. The 09 Trail Edition is a vehicle with slightly less off road capable design although the ATRAC feature does help cover most of the gap. The 09 is built with a far more comfortable interior for your on road driving. They are both great vehicles.
I am the OP. Have now purchased an 09 Trail Edition. Here are my impressions of the differences between the 99 Limited and the 09 TE:
Main two differences:
1) Ground Clearance - 99 crushes the 09 in ground clearance. Even with a lift the 09 will have a tough time getting close.
2) Power - The 09 has power in more of the right places. The 99 needed to be driven to get the most power to the ground. 99 needed downshifts when towing. 09 does all the work for you. Push the pedal and go. 09 wins the power contest easily.
Other differences:
- Off Road - 09 is more capable 4wd wise due to ATRAC. The 99 is much more agile and has more clearance. I would pick the 99 off road until I got into the most technical situations. 99% of the time I would pick the 99 off road. Its that 1% that I would be grateful of the 09's capability.
-On Road - 09 hands down. Bigger, smoother more refined.
To sum up the differences I would say: The 99 is more of a basic play oriented no frills vehicle, built to be used off road whenever you want. The 09 Trail Edition is a vehicle with slightly less off road capable design although the ATRAC feature does help cover most of the gap. The 09 is built with a far more comfortable interior for your on road driving. They are both great vehicles.
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Inv4drZm
Senior Member
4.5" of wheelbase difference and the factory running boards will make the 09 look like it has less ground clearance. Since the suspension arm geometry/ cv design in the front is practically the same you should be able to lift both to the same amount, just the 09 is lower from the factory.
Mguilicutty
New member
Have to agree w/ the OP here. I have both a 99 limited and an 08 V8 limited in my driveway and the 08 is such a nicer daily vehicle. Smooth, quiet, almost luxurious compared to the 99. As to offroad ability, I'm not sure yet but will be finding out in a couple of weeks. Both trucks are basically stock, my inclination would be to choose the 99 for trail bashing. However, I am having to drive to Denver in a couple of weeks for work so will be making the 600 mile trip in the 08. After working for a couple of days, I am planning on taking vacation for the rest of the week and enjoying some trails. I particularly want to make my way to Wheeler Geological Area, which the forest service claims is rough getting to. We'll see what happens.
Toyrundrive
New member
Here's a major safety difference if you ask me, especially if you're a wheeler.
3rd gen brakes are powered by vacuum lines. If your engine isn't running like in the case of a stall: you have no brakes. I've seen a video of a guy rolling a 3rd gen because he stalled it and lost his brakes.
I once did a torque converter stall and still had brakes because the hydroboost motor is electric. Still got battery? still got brakes!
3rd gen brakes are powered by vacuum lines. If your engine isn't running like in the case of a stall: you have no brakes. I've seen a video of a guy rolling a 3rd gen because he stalled it and lost his brakes.
I once did a torque converter stall and still had brakes because the hydroboost motor is electric. Still got battery? still got brakes!
