TRD Pro LIFT? - Flamers Troll A Different Thread...

[drsus]

but, why would someone buy a TRD Pro if you were just going to replace the whole suspension anyway...? :wacko:

Because I love the way they look and I'll need more usefulness out of the suspension than what Toyota gave me with the TRD suspension?
I didn't buy the TRD because that's what I was waiting for. I bought it because it had everything the trail I was ordering had (or better, didn't have) and it looked awesome and unique from other 4runners to boot. I plan on using this truck to overland and the terrain I go on the clearance and articulation and payload won't work with the stock TRD suspension.

Don't get me wrong, if you're only going to do desert runs and mild off roading, the TRD suspension is probably the best OEM stuff on any showroom truck out there outside of the raptor, but it has it limitations for actual real off roading, as does the raptor. Trucks need more lift,/approach angle, articulation and for overlanding, be able to hold more cargo. They also need a ton more protection, a winch , a rack... does that ruin the TRD? I don't think so.

I'll put the parts in a box and the truck can be reversed back to stock if I want to park it in my car collection to be admired one day for the time being im ok with sacrificing the $800 in suspension (that's what's the TRD suspension costs from Toyota separately) I paid extra (not really, I paid under msrp) for parts that will serve me better. Other wise I would leave the parts on since they are very good, just not tall enough.

 

[Oeconomia]

TRDP cheaper then Trail? :nono:

I agree. A bit confused.
I paid (before taxes and crap) out the door, at least 5k less for my TEP than I have seen anyone pay on the forums for the TRDP. My TEP has all the features and then some (sunroof, KDSS, block heater, sliding rear cargo, NAV, and roof rack inserts).

 

[sandcrawler]

I'll put the parts in a box and the truck can be reversed back to stock if I want to park it in my car collection to be admired one day for the time being im ok with sacrificing the $800 in suspension (that's what's the TRD suspension costs from Toyota separately) I paid extra (not really, I paid under msrp) for parts that will serve me better. Other wise I would leave the parts on since they are very good, just not tall enough.

$800? um, no. just no.

you definitely "paid extra" and that's absolutely, positively fine—your prerogative. but the real cost is why so many guys look sideways at the notion of buying a "Pro" and then promptly removing the single most expensive and functional component—and the only one that can't solely be considered mere "appearance package".

don't mistake my meaning: you have the liberty to do whatever you want—go for it. but the guys who point out that a TEP can be had and built into more for less have an equally valid point. and since both paths negate any factory warranty, i totally appreciate why the suspension-modified Pro is considered a questionable choice.

 

[drsus]

$800? um, no. just no.



you definitely "paid extra" and that's absolutely, positively fine—your prerogative. but the real cost is why so many guys look sideways at the notion of buying a "Pro" and then promptly removing the single most expensive and functional component—and the only one that can't solely be considered mere "appearance package".



don't mistake my meaning: you have the liberty to do whatever you want—go for it. but the guys who point out that a TEP can be had and built into more for less have an equally valid point. and since both paths negate any factory warranty, i totally appreciate why the suspension-modified Pro is considered a questionable choice.

I agree with a lot of that yeah
But in my case, ok $1600. I paid about 2400k under msrp so I'm still 800 ahead of myself as far as "you paid a premium". I don't/didn't See the trdp as some holy grail suspension package, I see it more of an unique/limited run appearance package, and that actually holds more FOR ME.

My plan was to buy a white trail with no kdds, no slidding tray, I was hoping it would be avail without sunroof (still don't know if it is) and I was going to lift it. When I saw the trdp I absolutely loved the way it looked and knew that's what I wanted instead... I didn't even know it had a especial suspension until I read into it. Then when talking to the dealers, I found it came without all the stuff I was hoping to omit from the trail and I could get it for the same price.... Now it was a no brainier.

Personally I find a lot more value in the unique exterior appearance...front grill , TRD wheels, skid plate , interior (I haven't looked into how much all those parts cost from Toyota separately, I'm sure it's not cheap) and the fact that it looks just different enough from every other 4Runner in my area. It's amazing how many people comment on how cool they think the truck is, normal people, people that have no idea it's even a 4Runner, the truck looks cool, a lot lot more than a trail or a limited imo and that holds value to me, I like my cars to look cool on top of their function, am an idiot like that. The the suspension package itself...that wasn't really THE selling point for me at all. I could buy a trail, but the TRD suspension from Toyota and my truck would still look like a trail and now I paid more than buying trdp to boot (in my case). The TRD suspension is great, at no point am I bashing It, it is great...for a stock truck, like the raptor has a great suspension to. but , it's not enough for what I need, it never was going to be with any truck I bought.

 

[Doc_Fry]

I agree. A bit confused.
I paid (before taxes and crap) out the door, at least 5k less for my TEP than I have seen anyone pay on the forums for the TRDP. My TEP has all the features and then some (sunroof, KDSS, block heater, sliding rear cargo, NAV, and roof rack inserts).

Yep, less than most have paid for the trail doesnt realy matter but here you go.

$37,201 w/ slide out rear and remote start. Also got 1.9% for 60 months.

Now you tell me does it really matter? No, did I want a sunroof no. Is it my money? Am I paying less than my Silverado as far as monthly payment, does it fit in my monthly budget? Yes. Do the upgrade costs come out of FJs mods? Most if not all. I dont get the the butthurt about it. I like the color, i like the front end. I like the rims beleive it or not. Tires are good to go, keep that mileage instead of bigger with worse mileage.

Plus people,mwho think they are changing theres to look like a PRO always forget tires and rims, skid plate, interior piping, shifter. Again, do I care? Is it my money? Does it make me happy? Yes. Am I going to drive it like my FJ? no? Will i be travelling expedition style, yep, like a panamerican tour! Well good luck, no hard feelings.

 

[CatskillsRunner]

Yep, less than most have paid for the trail doesnt realy matter but here you go.

$37,201 w/ slide out rear and remote start. Also got 1.9% for 60 months.

Now you tell me does it really matter? No, did I want a sunroof no. Is it my money? Am I paying less than my Silverado as far as monthly payment, does it fit in my monthly budget? Yes. Do the upgrade costs come out of FJs mods? Most if not all. I dont get the the butthurt about it. I like the color, i like the front end. I like the rims beleive it or not. Tires are good to go, keep that mileage instead of bigger with worse mileage.

Plus people,mwho think they are changing theres to look like a PRO always forget tires and rims, skid plate, interior piping, shifter. Again, do I care? Is it my money? Does it make me happy? Yes. Am I going to drive it like my FJ? no? Will i be travelling expedition style, yep, like a panamerican tour! Well good luck, no hard feelings.

Thank you for editing this!

 

[Ridin4Runner]

Yep, less than most have paid for the trail doesnt realy matter but here you go.



$37,201 w/ slide out rear and remote start. Also got 1.9% for 60 months.



Now you tell me does it really matter? No, did I want a sunroof no. Is it my money? Am I paying less than my Silverado as far as monthly payment, does it fit in my monthly budget? Yes. Do the upgrade costs come out of FJs mods? Most if not all. I dont get the the butthurt about it. I like the color, i like the front end. I like the rims beleive it or not. Tires are good to go, keep that mileage instead of bigger with worse mileage.



Plus people,mwho think they are changing theres to look like a PRO always forget tires and rims, skid plate, interior piping, shifter. Again, do I care? Is it my money? Does it make me happy? Yes. Am I going to drive it like my FJ? no? Will i be travelling expedition style, yep, like a panamerican tour! Well good luck, no hard feelings.

Pardon my confusion. Did you pay 37K for a TRD Pro?

 

[Doc_Fry]

Pardon my confusion. Did you pay 37K for a TRD Pro?

Umm, yes. Thought that I made that clear. Sorr for the confusion.

 

[Jhalko]

$800? um, no. just no.

you definitely "paid extra" and that's absolutely, positively fine—your prerogative. but the real cost is why so many guys look sideways at the notion of buying a "Pro" and then promptly removing the single most expensive and functional component—and the only one that can't solely be considered mere "appearance package".

don't mistake my meaning: you have the liberty to do whatever you want—go for it. but the guys who point out that a TEP can be had and built into more for less have an equally valid point. and since both paths negate any factory warranty, i totally appreciate why the suspension-modified Pro is considered a questionable choice.

I get what you are saying here but that is like @1E saying i paid $2k extra for Xreas just to rip it out. There is some value in buying a model with all the different add ons as you dont get quite so raped on the costs of adding things individually. Maybe he "paid" more than $800 extra but if he was going to add everything else a TRD has he might have come out ok. For example i got full time 4wd, real leather, push button start, and a few other bells and whistles. So when i compare my cost relative to an SR5 (at the time) i didnt pay $2000 for my Xreas just to rip it out as i got other "stuff" for the extra cost (yes there was some premium but not $2k)

And hey, at least he could sell his unlike me who just threw my stuff away!

 

[sandcrawler]

i get what you're saying too. however, i feel in your case you "paid extra" for the single most functional, defining feature of the Limited trim: a Torsen center diff. and it was worth it, imho.

even if you pull off the 20"s, rip out the XREAS, convert to Trail F/R bumper panels, yadda-yadda, you still retain the primary feature/function that truly sets the Limited apart. and it tips the balance of whether or not doing so "makes sense".

this is harder to justify/why guys look askance when someone pays MSRP (or near it, or more) for a Pro and then promptly removes the suspension because what they then have is basically a Trail with some window dressing, 7" rims like the SR5, and no moonroof, KDSS option, or suspension warranty.

it's certainly people's prerogative and i don't begrudge them that one single bit, but it's also the reason for the prickly, pre-emptively defensive title of this thread.

 

[Curly Jefferson]

Umm, yes. Thought that I made that clear. Sorr for the confusion.

Think you could get the same deal on another one? I would pick one up for that price in a second!

Wondering if the dealership played some weird numbers game with a trade in?

 

[^^AppfreaK^^]

I mentioned a little bit about the pre-production vs. production models. The pre-production models definitely had some reverse rake, but the production models the front lift is greatly reduced- probably a good 1/2" or so. You'll notice that the pre-production models had three notches on the Bilsteins, whereas the production there are only two. The rake is definitely gone, but you can get it back easily with the Toytec spacers.

Thinking about adding an Airlift 1000? How would I go about it without voiding warranty?

 

[marshal]

Thinking about adding an Airlift 1000? How would I go about it without voiding warranty?

You should catch up on the Magnusson-Moss Act.

 

[^^AppfreaK^^]

You should catch up on the Magnusson-Moss Act.

Thanks Marshal. So...should something go wrong later down the road, the dealership cant just deny my warranty claim, they have to prove the aftermarket accessories damaged the part that needs replacing. However. I couldnt find anything (quick search) on whether or not the dealer has to the do the installation. Last thing I want to do is pay a stealership to install any parts.

Thanks again.

 

[weeeee]

Thanks Marshal. So...should something go wrong later down the road, the dealership cant just deny my warranty claim, they have to prove the aftermarket accessories damaged the part that needs replacing. However. I couldnt find anything (quick search) on whether or not the dealer has to the do the installation. Last thing I want to do is pay a stealership to install any parts.

Thanks again.

99.9% of dealers will not install aftermarket parts post-purchase- too much of a liability if something ends up happening. Pre-purchase installs are limited to floor mats, spacer lifts, etc but be prepared to pay rediculous markup on those items.

You should be able to find a local shop to do it for you if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself. Why do you feel you need airbags if I may ask?

 

[Doc_Fry]

Think you could get the same deal on another one? I would pick one up for that price in a second!

Wondering if the dealership played some weird numbers game with a trade in?

No trade in no games. No can do again. Brother. Works at Port for SET.

 

[Mooney]

I didn't buy the TRD because that's what I was waiting for. I bought it because it had everything the trail I was ordering had (or better, didn't have) and it looked awesome and unique from other 4runners to boot.

Interesting, besides the wait one, of the main reasons I didn't get the TRDP is because it didn't have everything available on the TEP. In the end I found it would be relatively easy and not unaffordable to build my version of the TDRP . . . add wheels, shifter, floor mats, my suspension, bigger tires and front bumper. In the end I got my sunroof, KDSS with a better suspension, lifted, winch, sliders with the TRDP look.

I plan on using this truck to overland and the terrain I go on the clearance and articulation and payload won't work with the stock TRD suspension.

.

Bingo! Great reason to buy TE or TEP an add what you need . . . including the TRDP bling you like!

Trucks need more lift,/approach angle, articulation and for overlanding, be able to hold more cargo. They also need a ton more protection, a winch , a rack... does that ruin the TRD? I don't think so.

.

It doesn't . . . great points . . . and the primary reason not to pay a premium for a truck you plan to change the most expensive feature.

I paid extra (not really, I paid under msrp) for parts that will serve me better. Other wise I would leave the parts on since they are very good, just not tall enough.

.

I've read in a number of threads, along with everyone else, how you drove to AZ and saved 2k off sticker . . . many who purchased a TEP saw 2k marked off the sticker before negotiations started. My TEP loaded with KDSS, Cargo Tray, Running Boards had just over 42k MSRP listed in window, dealer marked it down to 38k before negotiations started. I was out the door for substantially less than where you started . . . money used to add the TRDP bling. Been trying to avoid "dropping the drawer" comparisons . . . but the constant 2k off TRDP sticker was starting to hit like a sledge hammer

Again . . . I think the 4r is fantastic truck, all models. However as I've said it a number of times each trim level meets a different and unique need. Paying a premium for the one with most demand and least supply wouldn't be the one I would chose to majorly modify.

My .02

 

[^^AppfreaK^^]

Why do you feel you need airbags if I may ask?

I am afraid that the rear is going to sag with dogs, a hitch carrier, and a Thule on board. I was trying to figure out a way to replace the rear springs without increasing height.

 

[weeeee]

Hey guys,

I wanted to revive this as I'm looking for something slightly taller myself.

Toytec currently makes a bottom plate spacer for the Baja TX front Bilstein that yields approx. 1" of additional lift but will make the ride a bit firmer. The TX Baja shares the same shock body as the TRD Pro, with different spring rates and valving. This might be the best way to get the original post-production TRD Pro lift before they omitted the third adjustment point. It's pictured on the right below. It will affect the ride height as it preloads the spring, but it won't be detrimental as the pre-production TRD Pro was just as high. The left is what the TRD Pro comes with (except pictured on the TX Baja).

Another option for a very mild lift would be to install a 1/2 Toytec top plate spacer which yields about 3/4" lift. The top plate spacers are reported to not change any ride qualities which may benefit those looking to retain factory ride feel but want a better lift. Of the two, these will work the best as it won't affect the spring preload.

I'm currently looking into a custom front spring at near-factory spring rates without relying on spacers for a lift. I'm afraid the Toytec 620lbs (yielding a 2.5" lift) may be a little firm for me. I believe the TRD spring rate may be closer to 550lb but have no way of verifying without sending it out for analysis or having access to measuring equipment. I'm investigating whether a taller spring with OEM TRD spring rates may yield a higher lift without sacrificing ride quality or having to run spacers.

Unfortunately I have to dedicate some downtown for this as it means obtaining the non compressed free height of the spring. If someone has beaten me to the punch please feel free to share your data so I don't have to.

Rear spring options are pretty much good to go as there are a number of different options (SAW 1.5, Icon 2.0, etc.). Fronts are where we are limited if we want to retain the TRD Bilsteins since most manufacturers are opting to utilize coilovers.

Hey guys,

Pulled the trigger on a Toytec lift spring kit. The fronts will come with a 600lb spring rate which is pretty close to stock. I'm sure the 2.5" lift it gives in the front should be pretty doable given that Tacoma's use the same shock and get 2" of lift without any issues, so an extra 1/2" of travel should be fine given TRD has been marketing at least an extra inch or so of down travel vs stock.

Not too sure on the rear coils. I should have been more conservative and gotten a SAW 1.5" rear lift but if worse comes to worse I can always upgrade the rear shocks.

You can expect some details in the next couple weeks as I install a front only top plate spacer lift (extra inch or so in the front) paired with the OEM TRDP front shocks/springs, and the complete spring upgrade from above. I'll post measurement details and also post specs on the springs if you want to reference them for experimenting with different spring weights etc.

 

[Jhalko]

i get what you're saying too.

even if you pull off the 20"s, rip out the XREAS, convert to Trail F/R bumper panels, yadda-yadda, you still retain the primary feature/function that truly sets the Limited apart. and it tips the balance of whether or not doing so "makes sense".

I've got a Party Mode too!!!! Something those cool cats in their fancy TRD Pro's will never have!

:guitar3: