TRD Pro for the win. Few Qs plz

[TrdinOhio]

I had a 3rd gen taco and I had tons of issues and long story short is I have gotten rid of the 3rd gen taco. I can't talk about the details but Toyota really stepped up and took care of me. I was unsure wether I wanted to stay with Toyota after my 3rd gen taco but I'm happy to say that I have a TRD Pro 4Runner and it's one of the best vehicles I've owned. I've put about 3K miles on it so far and it's absolutely perfect.
It looks and performs as one of the baddest vehicles on the road. It's amazing off road and the build quality is what I expect of Toyota. If I had one criticism it's that it's kinda sketchy at 70mph+ in the rain but Its not terrible and I realize that it's an off road vehicle so it doesn't really bother me.
I was nervous going in that it would feel like a boat. I've read tons of reviews and have nothing but good things to say about the ride around town.

That being said surprisingly I've noticed that I spin my rear tires when driving around town when it's wet. Not a huge deal but I'm concerned with the terra grapplers being able to handle winter. we don't get a lot of snow here but ice is a common theme around southern Ohio. I had BFG all terrains on my 2nd gen and found they were good ( not great ) but did the job. I've never run terra grapplers and reviews online are spotty and seem to feature more argueing then honest feedback.

Second is there any "must do" mods or things to keep an eye out for in my 4Runner?

Third thanks guys for your kind words and opinions when I posted a few months back asking about 4runners in general. I'm happy to say you guys are right- this thing is amazing. :banana:

 

[Cincyvol]

I agree the Nittos are slicker than I would like in the rain, but snow doesn't seem to have the same problem. The truck feels unstoppable in the snow...just have to worry about all the other people on the road.

 

[hec983]

Ouch, wonder how much of a hit you took on your trade. Glad you like your 4Runner that's what counts


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[sn_85]

Maybe a good idea to get winter tires like Blizzaks or Nokians and save the TG's for spring.

 

[jrandom]

I have old style BFG M/S AT's and have had no major issues with rain or snow (mud on the other hand forget about, mud, hate it).

 

[1engineer]

No have to mods. The 4runner will go further stock than your courage will.

Read this recent thread http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/227536-worried-about-tire-rain-performance.html and I got rid of the Nitto's for that reason.

 

[TrdinOhio]

Thx guys, I'm glad I'm not the only one that noticed how slippery the grapplers are in the rain...
I'm hoping that as cincyvol stated they don't feel the same in snow/ice...
Snow tires are not out of the question or budget but was trying to get honest reviews before I condemn the grapplers for my winter needs

 

[TRUSTYAXE]

With no must do mods already established. Get yourself a k&n drop in air filter, OEM all weather mats (eBay $90) led interior bulb swap(ebay $15 wish I did this day 1) and load yourself a startup image.

well since no one has thought to start a thread to track, trade or share your StartupImage or DisplayOffImage

here are the instructions for those that want to make yours unique

.

the 1st and 2nd are credited to [MENTION=101056]VolksDragon[/MENTION] since he posted them in another thread.

the rest are from various places.

.

:cheers:

 

[coltm4]

No have to mods. The 4runner will go further stock than your courage will.

Read this recent thread http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/227536-worried-about-tire-rain-performance.html and I got rid of the Nitto's for that reason.

This.

I would say that the Nitto Terragrapplers are iffy in the rain. Snow they are OK. My next set of tires when the TG's wear out will be BFG KO2's. They also are not great in rain, but I think they are a better all around tire for my purposes.

 

[Boyds4Runner]

Must do mod!

Yes there is a MUST DO mod which applies to ALL versions of the 4Runner.

If you haven't already.

That's the rear-diff (and e-locker for Trail and TRD Pro) breather relocation mod!

Read through these links to get some ideas and part-numbers.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/81938-rear-diff-breather.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/215741-rear-differential-breather-mod-dummies.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/150158-rear-diff-breather-mod-complete.html

As for the Terra Grapplers, I never really pushed them to spin on the corners in the rain and at first they seemed to do well. Now with over 25K on them I have started to notice a bit of slip but mostly when changing roads through intersections, perhaps due to more road-grime build-up at intersections. Off-ramps and regular road curves not as much but I slow down anyway to be safe. Of-course the skinny pedal can easily force them to get squirly in the rain.

Otherwise in the snow they grip great. Off-road and aired down over rocks, through mud, dirt and gravel they have been great as well.

In hind-sight I should have replaced them with bigger AT's but the KO2's weren't out yet and now the Nitto Ridge Grappler are really grabbing my attention. I have too many miles on the current Terra Grappler to resell so I am going to run them out a little more before hopping on the Ridge Grappler (tire choice du-jur for now lol).

Sell yours while they are still new-ish to help re-coup the cost of getting AT's or other tires that you like best.

Congratulations on your new T4R!

 

[Knight-Errant]

Yes there is a MUST DO mod which applies to ALL versions of the 4Runner.

That's the rear-diff (and e-locker for Trail and TRD Pro) breather relocation mod!

Is this really a must do mod? I know some people do it, but I don't drive though streams or deep water, or live in a flood prone area, so it doesn't seem terribly necessary.

 

[1engineer]

Is this really a must do mod? I know some people do it, but I don't drive though streams or deep water, or live in a flood prone area, so it doesn't seem terribly necessary.

No its not.

 

[MikeinCincy]

I had a 3rd gen taco and I had tons of issues and long story short is I have gotten rid of the 3rd gen taco. I can't talk about the details but Toyota really stepped up and took care of me. I was unsure wether I wanted to stay with Toyota after my 3rd gen taco but I'm happy to say that I have a TRD Pro 4Runner and it's one of the best vehicles I've owned. I've put about 3K miles on it so far and it's absolutely perfect.
It looks and performs as one of the baddest vehicles on the road. It's amazing off road and the build quality is what I expect of Toyota. If I had one criticism it's that it's kinda sketchy at 70mph+ in the rain but Its not terrible and I realize that it's an off road vehicle so it doesn't really bother me.
I was nervous going in that it would feel like a boat. I've read tons of reviews and have nothing but good things to say about the ride around town.

That being said surprisingly I've noticed that I spin my rear tires when driving around town when it's wet. Not a huge deal but I'm concerned with the terra grapplers being able to handle winter. we don't get a lot of snow here but ice is a common theme around southern Ohio. I had BFG all terrains on my 2nd gen and found they were good ( not great ) but did the job. I've never run terra grapplers and reviews online are spotty and seem to feature more argueing then honest feedback.

Second is there any "must do" mods or things to keep an eye out for in my 4Runner?

Third thanks guys for your kind words and opinions when I posted a few months back asking about 4runners in general. I'm happy to say you guys are right- this thing is amazing. :banana:

Goodyear Duratracs have treated me well in the rain and snow here in Cincy. Haven't balanced all that great ever since I've had them, but, that's a different issue. May look to the Cooper STT Pro for my next set once the Duratracs wear out, but, all in all, the Duratracs have been a great tire. Excellent in the winter weather here in Cincinnati.

 

[Knight-Errant]

I know this is about must do mods, but I'll throw in a piece of advice I heard somewhere on this forum.

Use the 4runner for a year or more. See how you use it. After a year you'll have a better idea of what you really need to change.

After owning mine for almost 1.5 years, I'm ready to make a few thoughtful changes that will help me enjoy the 4runner better, instead of changes because "somebody said so" or because "it just looks cool." Nothing wrong with building up a tuck to make it look cool, but I don't have infinite funds so I have to ask myself what I really need.

Personally, I'm happy I bought some all weather floor mats and cargo mat early on (so much dirt has been vacuumed off the rubber mats that would have otherwise been in the carpets), and my wet okole seat covers have also protected the seats nicely.

 

[Boyds4Runner]

Is this really a must do mod? I know some people do it, but I don't drive though streams or deep water, or live in a flood prone area, so it doesn't seem terribly necessary.

No its not.

Tough Crowd!

I should have opened with: "advice" and not MUST DO.
[MENTION=141165]TrdinOhio[/MENTION]
Toyota decided to raise the breathers in the front diff and front axle-actuator, transmission, transfer-case and transfer-case actuator up to a level at or above the top of the tires. They did not do the same for the rear.

I stand corrected as [MENTION=129606]Knight-Errant[/MENTION] and [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] posted that this is certainly NOT a "Must Do Mod"

 

[LandCruiser]

I will now post the cons of all mods:

-suspension lift: costs money, can affect vehicle dynamics (both good and bad), doesn't necessarily improve off road capability, makes gas mileage worse, can damage a handful of systems if done wrong, clearance issues, some kits/UCAs need to be overhauled
-front bumper and winch: adds a shit ton of front-heavy weight, doesn't necessarily improve crashworthiness, can negatively affect handling
-rear bumper: adds weight, spare tire carriers can limit visibility, it sucks to have to swing away a tire and jerry can carrier every time you go to the grocery store
-roof rack: wind noise, rust, clearance issues (especially if you already have a lift), may lose sunroof view/functionality
-breather mods: can actually make things less waterproof if not maintained or carefully installed/periodically inspected
-skid armor: weight and gas mileage
-rock rails: weight, gas mileage, women ruin their clothes, get their legs dirty, and slip on them
-on board air/air lockers: added complexity, can be a drain on your power systems
-snorkel: clearance, rust, may lose water-tightness over time, can actually get more shit into your intake (note the difference between a snorkel and a pre-cleaner, the latter is not often used in the US)

Forgot to add that a liftgate ladder won't hold the weight of a large man.

I'm sure there are more. My 4Runner is an expedition build/hunting truck that is a pleasant daily driver.

 

[Knight-Errant]

Tough Crowd!

Oh no, I wasn't trying to smack you down, I was just trying to clarify if there was a risk of damage if I didn't do this mod (maybe from long term exposure from driving in the rain?). I was pretty sure it was safe to skip it, but your suggestion was such a ringing endorsement I wanted to double check.

I didn't know that the other breathers were almost at tire height though; see I learned something new! :hatsoff:

 

[jamoc]

in love with my TRDP as well.

Simply the best all around vehicle I have EVER owned.


Rain: I was in the fast lane, around 70+. mother nature went from slight drizzle to downpour in less than 30 seconds. Stock Nitto grapplers in the rain felt EXTREMELY dangerous. I moved to the slow lane to calm down. Moral of the story - when the nittos get lower on tread, I will buy the top rated rubber at that time, since that what our TRDP's deserve. And when it's raining, never above 65MPH.



Congrats my friend.

 

[jamoc]

Mods:

I havent done much, and dont plan on going too far since it's my Daily driver.

Below is a list of the mods I've done so far, in order of importance / satisfaction in my eyes:



1. replaced all speakers - 8 total. kept stock deck and everything. Focal integration, amazing results.
2. Console Vault.
3. HID low beams. LED fogs. xenon depot.
4. Interior lighting - cheap mod, ample satisfaction
5. Plasti-dip rear chrome emblem : grey, with black metalizer ontop. almost perfect match to metallic grey.
6. 1up single bike rack, with extra bike attachments.
7. C4 Fab sliders with TRDP step plates, powder coated matte black (not installed yet)
8. TRD intake mod (not installed yet)


Hope this helps!

izza:

 

[TxPunisher]

I guess it's just me, but I have never had trouble with Terra Grapplers in the rain. I drive conservative in the rain and maybe that's why mine aren't slipping. I love these tires. Some of the best AT I have owned. They are definitely not king of the hill though. They do perform better in the rain that BFG KO2s though.

As for snow, living in central Texas I feel I may never find out. Although we are planning a December trip to New Mexico, so I actually might find out.