TRD / SR5 capability comparison?

[YellowSnow]

I'm not sure why SR5 owners feel so inferior to the point of name calling anyone that believes the OR is more capable than an SR5. You should feel proud that you own a Toyota truck. So you couldn't afford an OR or Pro or you didn't do your research and just bought a "4x4", no big deal. It will still get you to the ski resorts and some light off-roading, perhaps jumping a curb or cutting across to the access road when in heavy traffic. As you pass by another one, you can hold your purses up in triumph to all the other soccer moms out there driving them.

It's like those who want to buy a Harley but don't have a lot of money. They buy a 883 Sportster, replace the gas tank with a bigger one, and add some loud tail pipes. Even though it is not as capable as say a Fat Boy or a Road King, they can still ride it with pride with the big boys and feel proud that they own a Harley.

Cheers to all those that own an SR5! You guys rock!

arty:

:lmao:

 

[Bumbo]

I've heard SR5 people claim ARB makes one but I don't think they have enough money yet to get one to try it out. I have also heard ARB lockers are not as reliable as factory Toyota lockers.

Eaton would be the other player in e-lockers, but they don’t make an option for the 4Runner, but that may change in the future.

The ARB is a very good and durable option, it’s proven, but the biggest hurdle to that system is the air setup and install.

You want a shop that has done it before and knows what they are doing because the quality of the install is where you would find the issue, if there was an issue. Most people who know what they are doing will also buy their smallest dedicated pump and create an independent system that has nothing to do with the tires/OBA.

The dedicated locker compressor isn’t that bad from a cost standpoint, it adds about $170-200 to the cost of the install, but ARB has also been known to give that pump away for free during promotions when you buy one of their lockers. Part # CKSA12

 

[mistervague]

I'm thinking of removing my hood scoop so you guys feel more comfortable around me, because I care. I'm not like those other hood-scoopers.

What would you sell your hood scoop for? (Not the hood, just the scoop.) I'm thinking of stacking another hood scoop on top of my existing hood scoops. I read on the forums that this acts basically like a ram-air turbine. Here is a completely accurate and undoctored photograph of my current rig.

 

[thennen]

What would you sell your hood scoop for? (Not the hood, just the scoop.) I'm thinking of stacking another hood scoop on top of my existing hood scoops. I read on the forums that this acts basically like a ram-air turbine. Here is a completely accurate and undoctored photograph of my current rig.

For someone like you, who is obviously dedicated to true Toyota uniqueness and all-OEM stuff, I would gladly donate my hood scoop. It's blue, though, so it'll look a bit out of place on your white rig. Hey - maybe you could paint your truck to match...?

 

[mteolus]

What would you sell your hood scoop for? (Not the hood, just the scoop.) I'm thinking of stacking another hood scoop on top of my existing hood scoops. I read on the forums that this acts basically like a ram-air turbine. Here is a completely accurate and undoctored photograph of my current rig.

I read on this forum too that white is a single stage paint and that the dealerships will recommend any color other than white. Have you considered paint the entire vehicle blue?

 

[pDubs]

I'm not sure why SR5 owners feel so inferior to the point of name calling anyone that believes the OR is more capable than an SR5. You should feel proud that you own a Toyota truck. So you couldn't afford an OR or Pro or you didn't do your research and just bought a "4x4", no big deal. It will still get you to the ski resorts and some light off-roading, perhaps jumping a curb or cutting across to the access road when in heavy traffic. As you pass by another one, you can hold your purses up in triumph to all the other soccer moms out there driving them.

It's like those who want to buy a Harley but don't have a lot of money. They buy a 883 Sportster, replace the gas tank with a bigger one, and add some loud tail pipes. Even though it is not as capable as say a Fat Boy or a Road King, they can still ride it with pride with the big boys and feel proud that they own a Harley.

Cheers to all those that own an SR5! You guys rock!

arty:

Yikes, what a terrible comparison. The SR5 and the TRDOR are the same truck with a few additional features on the TRDOR.

Those features are mostly functional and great, and some just nonfunctioning cosmetic.

The frame, body, powertrain, suspension (unless KDSS) etc are all the same.

The same can not be said about a 883 sportster and a Fat boy. lol

 

[rasber3140]

Does anyone have a part number for the factory e locker?

 

[Bumbo]

Does anyone have a part number for the factory e locker?

Been a while since I researched it, but I had this link in my notes. Gives you an idea of the parts list / costs involved.
Factory e-Locker Install | ToyotaOffRoad.com

Shopping for a used 3rd member with a factory e-locker might end up being your best bet… I’ve seen those for around $600.

OEM new is pretty costly, last I checked it cost more than the ARB setup, plus you still need to add the factory wiring harness which actually cost the same as the ARB air pump.

If I had to pick between factory new e-locker and ARB, I would go with the ARB. It’s well supported, stout, and most all 4WD gear shops who are established know how to install.

Either way, I need a selectable locker for the front too, even if I added a OEM e-locker in the rear, I would still end up buying an ARB locker and ARB compressor for the front diff. All the infrastructure is there for the rear anyway.

 

[rasber3140]

Been a while since I researched it, but I had this link in my notes. Gives you an idea of the parts list / costs involved.
Factory e-Locker Install | ToyotaOffRoad.com

Shopping for a used 3rd member with a factory e-locker might end up being your best bet… I’ve seen those for around $600.

OEM new is pretty costly, last I checked it cost more than the ARB setup, plus you still need to add the factory wiring harness which actually cost the same as the ARB air pump.

If I had to pick between factory new e-locker and ARB, I would go with the ARB. It’s well supported, stout, and most all 4WD gear shops who are established know how to install.

Either way, I need a selectable locker for the front too, even if I added a OEM e-locker in the rear, I would still end up buying an ARB locker and ARB compressor for the front diff. All the infrastructure is there for the rear anyway.

Thanks for the info, it is very much appreciated. I have never run an ARB but have heard that they are prone to leaking over time. Any experience with that?

 

[mteolus]

So you buy an SR5 and add an ARB locker (not as reliable as factory) for $2500 installed (another topic said that is what someone got charged with labor). That means you save $500, although you don't get the Crawl Control which according to SR5 owners is a gimmick anyway. So yep, I agree, those who buy the OR are stupid. :toilet:

Add a few more dollar's to get a heat gun to remove the SR5 emblem and add a TRD Pro emblem and you are good to go.

 

[CF_Machete]

Thanks for the info, it is very much appreciated. I have never run an ARB but have heard that they are prone to leaking over time. Any experience with that?

I'm currently saving up for an air locker and yes the internal seals have had issues. If you get uou locker installed at an authorized installer, ARB is supposed to be excellent with warenty repairs/ replacement including labor.

That said, in the instances I've seen, the locker still engages, but the compressor continues to cycle. It won't leave you stranded, but could be annoying and age your compressor.

 

[CutthroatSlam]

So if it's 'more than capable' enough for your uses... why are you participating in this thread?

The point (pay attention this time)... is that the SR5 IS NOT as capable as the Trail/Pro. It's a completely objective conclusion based on mechanical capabilities of the two vehicles.

The fact that this thread even exists, and exists over and over and over, is because people who bought or are thinking of buying an SR5 need some sort of reassurance or catharsis from other SR5 owners that it will be 'good enough.' Sure, it will be for most people. But NO, it is NOT as capable. Period.

Because I think the whole discussion is humorous. 99% of the TRD Pro posters never use the full capabilities because they are incapable and scared shitless they might ruin their “investment”.

 

[mteolus]

I'm currently saving up for an air locker and yes the internal seals have had issues. If you get uou locker installed at an authorized installer, ARB is supposed to be excellent with warenty repairs/ replacement including labor.

That said, in the instances I've seen, the locker still engages, but the compressor continues to cycle. It won't leave you stranded, but could be annoying and age your compressor.

Well at least if you have an SR5 with a locker and it goes out, you will still have the driving skills to tackle anything. And you saved $500 over an OR. :guitar2:

 

[CF_Machete]

Well at least if you have an SR5 with a locker and it goes out, you will still have the driving skills to tackle anything. And you saved $500 over an OR. :guitar2:

... had $500. Bought a 12k winch with it. That'll get me out of pretty much anything

 

[Bumbo]

If you know you need a locker going into the purchase then starting with an option that included a factory rear e-locker is better. As for ARB, if you work with a reputable shop, it’s not an issue as labor is generally warrantied. While people have experienced air leak or install issues, the locker itself is reliable and very durable.

I know the thread title but this isn’t always an SR5 vs OP conversation, plenty of people who wheel a Limited are going to go through the same exercise. I haven’t done it yet on my Limited 5th gen, but I got this all quoted out for my 4th gen which is my dedicated off-road toy. Pricing should be very similar for both.

Pro Gear in San Diego was pretty good with hitting all the details and the price was pretty decent too all things considered. Most likely the shop I am going to use to use my 4th gen.

Doesn’t matter what trim you pick, my problem is what to do with the front diff. There isn’t a factory e-locker or even an Eaton e-locker available. If you want selectable, ARB is the only option, and that leaves you with needing air anyways. If you are going to tear into a diff, you might as well gear up to a modest 4.56, and that means needing to do the rear as well. It’s essentially the same job / labor cost + the locker itself. The savings are smaller between factory e-lockers and without if you are going “all in” on the diff setup.

Depending on the circumstance, aftermarket route may be better, but for those who don’t plan on going “ball to the wall” factory e-locker would certainly be the better choice if you know you needed at least a rear locker going in, didn’t plan on gearing, or just wanted more time to grow into the truck being going crazy on mods.

It really helps to know what you want to do with the truck so you can better plan your upgrade path.

 

[Orc]

If you are doing hardcore enough wheeling to need a front locker then a 4Runner isn't the right vehicle.

 

[Bumbo]

If you are doing hardcore enough wheeling to need a front locker then a 4Runner isn't the right vehicle.

I don’t necessarily agree with that, but feel free to elaborate.

Not sure if you were alluding to something about SFA/IFS, but if so, I can appreciate a SFA setup in a crawler, I absolutely love the way IFS drives in most conditions and is my preference. I have also wheeled enough to see the need for a front locker in my 4th gen. Ill admit it’s somewhat low use, but there have been times where I needed the fronts wheels to pull me though.

Lots of different types of wheeling out there.

 

[Jetboy]

Eaton would be the other player in e-lockers, but they don’t make an option for the 4Runner, but that may change in the future.

The ARB is a very good and durable option, it’s proven, but the biggest hurdle to that system is the air setup and install.

You want a shop that has done it before and knows what they are doing because the quality of the install is where you would find the issue, if there was an issue. Most people who know what they are doing will also buy their smallest dedicated pump and create an independent system that has nothing to do with the tires/OBA.

The dedicated locker compressor isn’t that bad from a cost standpoint, it adds about $170-200 to the cost of the install, but ARB has also been known to give that pump away for free during promotions when you buy one of their lockers. Part # CKSA12

Harrop from australia has a contract of some sort with Eaton regarding using Eaton e-lockers in toyota applications. They sell an elocker for both front and rear applications. They are outrageously expensive IMO. ~$1300 for each one. When the typical Eaton is more like $700. As I understand it Harrop takes an Eaton part and then machines it to fit the Prado/4Runner. So it's kinda $$.

You can buy them through a variety of sources like ECGS or Cruiserbrothers.

 

[Jetboy]

Does anyone have a part number for the factory e locker?

Just as an FYI - the axle housing is also different to accommodate the elocker. The mounting area is different. You will either need to modify your housing or swap axle housings and e-locker diff together. The best bet to add one is to find a complete rear axle to swap with the e-locker. Then sort out the wiring with a kit or DIY. It's not just a plug and play swap.

 

[kodos]

I bought my SR5 because I needed the 3rd row. Was bummed I couldn't get the TRD at first. But as I have added a lift and better tires and seeing what ATRAC can do, for what I intend the rig to do (no rock crawling, mostly scenic trails with our Opus trailer to go camping with the family) I realized that I probably will never need anything more. I was able to take that $$$ saved and buy our Opus camper so in the end, for my family, it ended up being a good thing!

That said - if you want to have the most offroad capable 4Runners out of the box, you might want something other than an SR5.

But my only regret is the shame of having no hood scoop. If you drive by, please don't point and laugh.

I am just happy that Toyota (unlike Jeep) makes a 7 passenger 4Runner. I'm grateful for the entire 4Runner lineup - and am happy there's a suitable 'Runner for almost everyone!