SR5 vs Trail

[sandcrawler]

No bites huh? :moping:

are you really considering this primarily for the e-locker? not sure i'd make that choice.

does the TEP have KDSS? do you have your old OEM wheels, skid, and grill to swap back before you trade? if you're committed to this, that'll maybe help ease the sting if you can port your new parts over.

personally, i'd consider an aftermarket moonroof a liability, so that'd weigh into my decision.

 

[TheRoadNotTaken]

No bites huh? :moping:

I will try to help you break it down… For $9k, here's my take on what you are getting:

- a rear elocker: I would say this is the most valuable upgrade, as it contributes to the functionality of your rig, and it sounds like you have found yourself in need at least once. However, I would very much prefer an air locker for the mechanical reliability, for the convenience of onboard air, and overall awesomeness.

- a hood scoop: Purely aesthetic, and really does not look that cool. :behindsofa:

- selectable terrain: I've never had this on any of my 4x4s, and I've never been in a situation where I thought to myself, "Damn, self. We would not be afraid to hit that trail if we had selectable terrain."

- leather interior: I'd prefer to have it, but wouldn't pay for it. I'd want to keep it pretty and cover it with WO's, rendering it pointless.

- heated seats: Would be nice to have. How cold is your climate? I'm in one of the coldest spots in the lower 48, so I may be biased. Also consider that an aftermarket heater may be easier/cheaper to replace if it fails. I haven't researched this much as the cold doesn't bother me (give me the option and I'll sit on a frozen lake staring at a hole in the ice for days :fishing.

- Entune Nav: It's okay. I'd say 15% of the time I just end up using google maps on my phone due to frustration. FWIW I am still new to the system, but I really don't like the fact that it dramatically limits which streets are visible when you zoom out - this is a real PITA when I'm scoping out backroads for trout streams… Bottom line, there are superior aftermarket options, so don't get swept off your feet by entune.


That's my take, do what you want with it. It really depends on what kind of person you are. I'm 27 and single - well, not married and no kids - so the creature comforts are not high on my priority list. I'd save the money, get a solid aftermarket locker, and spend the other $7k on adventures to places that make you want to get out of your vehicle, rather than sit inside on the heated seats.

Good luck.

 

[wfo9]

I find myself in a strange dilemma - if you can call it that. As I'm considering adding an ARB rear locker to my 2014 SR5 4x4, I began contemplating a trade-in for a similar Trail Premium in terms of miles and wear.

I've already added AT2's, bilstein 5100's and Rear Spacer, and FN black rims, as well as TRD front trim and Skid Plate.

The SR5 has performed flawlessly on every trail, only getting stuck once -- on a muddy trail in CO national park on a mountain, a large snow bank about 3.5 feet high and a few meters long. I didn't get enough momentum and got stuck, engaging 4lo and A-trac. I know that if I had a rear locker, I could have stopped some wheel spin and gotten out without resorting to the shovel.

Just to bounce this off and get some opinions, i found a TE Premium for about 35k USD in my area (same color same miles). I have about 40,000 miles on the 2014 SR5. Would you make the trade? Or just stick with what I have so far. Im also wanting to bounce back some thoughts on the financial hit I'll take or somethings I might not be considering. Trade in maybe around 27k (do you think thats too much?) So that's about 9k (+sales tax and registration right?) more for:
- a rear elocker
- a hood scoop
- selectable terrain
- leather interior
- heated seats
- Entune Nav
(My Sr5 came with an aftermarket moonroof, which to me is practically OEM.

I dont care to much about the leather or Nav. Using a phone / tablet works waaaay better. The scoop looks cool but is not functional. So it's basically the rear locker and selectable terrain...

Any thoughts would be cool. None of my friends would even begin to understand this as a dilemma. :fishing:

This is an easy one. Keep what you got. Put in an ARB if you want a locker. In fact consider re-gearing and going front and rear locker. The gears will make the truck a beast offroad if you are willing to take the MPG hit. That will only cost you about 3-4k. An ARB alone would probably set you back 1.5-2k. The ARB replaces the entire carrier. It is quite a bit more stout than factory, but you still have the limitations of the ring gear size......

Here is my opinion on your points:

- a rear elocker - (worth it ) but a ARB stronger and instant...vs wait for it ...
- a hood scoop - (people who have them hate the glare and want it off ASAP. Some wrap it with black vinyl.
- selectable terrain - useless (really it is) Crawl control does have a narrow use case, but nobody I know that has it ever uses it. It is super annoying and grates on your nerves as the truck moans and squeals fighting itself. Fun to play with once or twice. It's not a real offroad tool. If it came on the truck... great, but paying big $s for it would not make sense.
- leather interior - OK, but easy and pretty cheap to add. $900 or so.
- heated seats - Easy to add
- Entune Nav - meh, it sucks like all the other ones

 

[lukeskywalker]

I will try to help you break it down… For $9k, here's my take on what you are getting:

- a rear elocker: I would say this is the most valuable upgrade, as it contributes to the functionality of your rig, and it sounds like you have found yourself in need at least once. However, I would very much prefer an air locker for the mechanical reliability, for the convenience of onboard air, and overall awesomeness.

- a hood scoop: Purely aesthetic, and really does not look that cool. :behindsofa:

- selectable terrain: I've never had this on any of my 4x4s, and I've never been in a situation where I thought to myself, "Damn, self. We would not be afraid to hit that trail if we had selectable terrain."

- leather interior: I'd prefer to have it, but wouldn't pay for it. I'd want to keep it pretty and cover it with WO's, rendering it pointless.

- heated seats: Would be nice to have. How cold is your climate? I'm in one of the coldest spots in the lower 48, so I may be biased. Also consider that an aftermarket heater may be easier/cheaper to replace if it fails. I haven't researched this much as the cold doesn't bother me (give me the option and I'll sit on a frozen lake staring at a hole in the ice for days :fishing.

- Entune Nav: It's okay. I'd say 15% of the time I just end up using google maps on my phone due to frustration. FWIW I am still new to the system, but I really don't like the fact that it dramatically limits which streets are visible when you zoom out - this is a real PITA when I'm scoping out backroads for trout streams… Bottom line, there are superior aftermarket options, so don't get swept off your feet by entune.


That's my take, do what you want with it. It really depends on what kind of person you are. I'm 27 and single - well, not married and no kids - so the creature comforts are not high on my priority list. I'd save the money, get a solid aftermarket locker, and spend the other $7k on adventures to places that make you want to get out of your vehicle, rather than sit inside on the heated seats.

Good luck.

Awesome man. Thanks for the reply. (Assuming your a guy haha... i dont think there's many females on this forum).

I'm 31 and single and all about the adventures. I think that you hit the nail on the head and reconfirmed my suspicions. I think the best would just be to put an aftermarket air locker + the compressor as a bonus. Front would have to wait, but having at least the rear gives a clear ease of mind.

Im the same in terms of comforts. Leather would be nice, but its not pertinent. The aftermarket sunroof....well...I...yes, guilty. Maybe when I sell it I can convince someone how awesome it is. I bought the car for 29k beginning this year. Not bad I think for a certified with 30k miles.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

1) The TEP and SR5P are not leather, they are Softex which is a man-made synthetic leather. Read Vinyl. Understand that. Not saying good/bad or otherwise but not my cup of tea.

2) The KDSS is worth its weight in gold. Drive KDSS (push it hard) and non-KDSS (push it hard) and you will understand.

3) The mods you have done to your SR5 - you will never get that money back. Pennies on the dollar at best. That's experience talking to you.

4) Pay the thing off and run it into the ground. They last forever and if you like it stop worrying about "change" for the sake of change on minor little things.

5) I wish I had 1/10th of the money I blew on buying a new car every year when I was 20/30. I'd be retired now and just as happy w/o having done so. LOL

 

[karmatp]

Here are some pics:

View attachment 207391

View attachment 207399

I made these snow tracks initially, just going back from the trail. After the tire install without bilsteins.

[/ATTACH]

I would keep what you already have. You have everything you need already, and your T4R looks amazing. I have the same truck, and I am working to make mine look like yours. I am going gunmetal TRD rims though.

Honestly, I had a locker on my last truck, never needed it and never used it. ATRAC and 4x4 is all you need to get 99% of the places you want to get too. These forums can really make you want stuff you don't need.

 

[budguy207]

Wfo9 and all the other KDSS jealous people are wrong. If you can snag a trail with KDSS and swing it, do it. KDSS on these vehicles is amazing, off road it's only a little cool, but on road it's simply night and day. If you can afford it, get it, but only with KDSS.

 

[Jasalvas]

The guy I purchased my trail from said he has a trdpro coming in next week and a trail in mid July. Solid guy and doesn't play games. I went with a trail because pros were going for 7k over sticker. Also it was available and I was tired of shopping around.
I preferred the Trail over SR5 because I never liked the idea of an electronic 4wd knob... I'm sure it has not failed anyone but still... Never liked that idea.
So I went with a trail, installed leather seats, upgraded the suspension/tires. I'm happy. Solid rig.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[wfo9]

Wfo9 and all the other KDSS jealous people are wrong. If you can snag a trail with KDSS and swing it, do it. KDSS on these vehicles is amazing, off road it's only a little cool, but on road it's simply night and day. If you can afford it, get it, but only with KDSS.

LOL, yea you nailed it. I'm jealous. LOL

How did KDSS come into this. He never mentioned it nor did I.

This constant beating of the KDSS drum is getting so old.
:deadhorse:

Get over it. It's not for everyone.

 

[77Bronc]

Alright.
Trail Editions make up only about 6% of total 4Runner sales.
Trail Edition Premium is about 33% of that for a total of 2% of all 4Runners sold.
This is why you can't find one down at the corner either new or used. The 2010-2013 TE's (like mine) come with a special fabric over the seats that is water resistant and cleans easily and is pretty tough to tear.

I listed all those things to search for in a previous post because WE DON'T HAVE limited slip diffs anymore. what we have is ATRAC and VSC. ATRAC uses the brakes and to limit wheel slip. VSC is how you turn all that stuff on and off. It also won't let you slide on the slick stuff. Most of us have tried, unsuccessfully, to slide out in a corner on snow with the VSC on. It's possible but hard. The TE's have:
VSC
KDSS
ABS
DAC
Grade Logic
Several ECU's
ATRAC
Crawl Control
ADD
and they are all electronic, so you need to learn because some of these take the place of mechanical systems of yesterday. Seriously, watch a bunch of youtube videos on it and you will learn a lot. I first started messing with 4X4's back in the early '70's. I bought a 4Runner in 1984 and it was all mechanical. The only thing that one had in common with my '12 TE is the name and it is a SUV.

My first 4WD was my 1982 Bronco, the best 4WD I have ever or will ever own. Nothing I have had since has even come close. 300 I-6 engine, T18 4speed, lever 4WD engagement, limited slip rear, PS, PB, AC, that was it...rubber floor, no carpet. I installed a Radio Shack cassette player.

My TP is great, you do not see them around here, has more bells and whistles than I will ever use. I purchased it for for a few easons, I wanted non cloth interior, I also wanted a 4WD lever, no knob, had enough of that system on my Fords, give or take on the sun roof. If they made the SR5 with a TC lever, I would have gotten that.

Last week I pulled into the local Ram dealer, I am looking at a 2500 Tradesman diesel 4WD for traveling and they asked if I was trading in the 4R, told them no, said they would give me NADA retail on the spot, already have it sold. These vehicles hold their value.

I do like my 4R, but still think about my 1982 Bronco, selling it was the biggest vehicle mistake I ever made. My 77 Bronco is great, but is not my 1982.

77

 

[lukeskywalker]

My first 4WD was my 1982 Bronco, the best 4WD I have ever or will ever own. Nothing I have had since has even come close. 300 I-6 engine, T18 4speed, lever 4WD engagement, limited slip rear, PS, PB, AC, that was it...rubber floor, no carpet. I installed a Radio Shack cassette player.

My TP is great, you do not see them around here, has more bells and whistles than I will ever use. I purchased it for for a few easons, I wanted non cloth interior, I also wanted a 4WD lever, no knob, had enough of that system on my Fords, give or take on the sun roof. If they made the SR5 with a TC lever, I would have gotten that.

Last week I pulled into the local Ram dealer, I am looking at a 2500 Tradesman diesel 4WD for traveling and they asked if I was trading in the 4R, told them no, said they would give me NADA retail on the spot, already have it sold. These vehicles hold their value.

I do like my 4R, but still think about my 1982 Bronco, selling it was the biggest vehicle mistake I ever made. My 77 Bronco is great, but is not my 1982.

77

Have you ever found something on switching the E 4wd lever to a manual on a SR5? Sometimes I wonder if the Trail came with the E lever, and sr5 with the manual, yet advertised as the modern, convenient way, people would long for the E lever, just because it's the "trail version's"

 

[Jetboy]

Have you ever found something on switching the E 4wd lever to a manual on a SR5? Sometimes I wonder if the Trail came with the E lever, and sr5 with the manual, yet advertised as the modern, convenient way, people would long for the E lever, just because it's the "trail version's"

This is an old thread. The short answer is that the current transfer cases are not identical so you could not add the lever without also swapping transfer cases. The top plate shift fork that the lever uses is no longer machined into or included in the electronic shift transfer case.

I kinda like the lever for nostalgia reasons - but it was not a factor in choosing the trial edition. IMO it's neither here or there to me. Toyota solenoids are very reliable and you rely on a whole bunch of them to operate the vehicle. 20 years ago it was a different story. Today - I wouldn't really care either way.

Now... give me a 4:1 lefty with a doubler - yes please.

 

[mikeyjporter]

Does the trail come with different shocks?

 

[mrblah]

nope

 

[manganos]

most of us swap shocks within a week or so

Does the trail come with different shocks?

 

[johnbt]

I didn't know that.

 

[LandCruiser]

LOL, yea you nailed it. I'm jealous. LOL

How did KDSS come into this. He never mentioned it nor did I.

This constant beating of the KDSS drum is getting so old.
:deadhorse:

Get over it. It's not for everyone.

You're just jealous of how my truck leans in whatever direction it wants to that day.