If you’re on the fence about a PRO…

See, now I have ammunition to justify to my wife the purchase ​

 

And it’s also doing your fair share of keeping the earth green!

 

Love my Venture. No KDSS but does have the sun/moon roof. With all 5 windows open and the roof open it is tons of fresh air.

 

I was watching them do the Pro conversions yesterday at the Port of Long Beach. The steel wheels the vehicle is shipped with go into a recycle bin along with the front factory skid plate and the factory coil springs. The fox shocks looked decent, not top of the line but a good improvement over stock. They increase the lower control arm camber setting and trim the front fender slightly for the different tire/wheel combo. It sure looked easier installing the new suspension components on a lift and without the KDSS system. I did it on my ORP in my driveway and it sucked.

 

Damn! I'll bet a bunch of people here would take a set of those steelies they're throwing away! I know I would take a set.

 

Too bad you couldn't ask them to leave off that stupid roof rack. You'd think they'd welcome skipping a step...

 

The tall Pro half rack, the 7" narrow width of the TRD wheels and the lack of a KDSS system seem like the major limitations on the Pro model in my opinion.

 

I believe they get shipped back to Japan to be re-installed.

 

+1

Waiting on mine and was trying to decide if I could ask the port not to install it since it is the first thing I plan to remove.

 

Why not keep it and try and sell it?

 

That's the plan! Would be nice if I didn't have to remove it though. Maybe I could talk them into putting in a box in the back of the 'Runner.

 

I was stationed on Governor's Island in the Coast Guard. We would drive by the huge lots there in LB where there would be what seemed like endless rows of cars and trucks. Some sat there for months sometimes years it seemed like. All brand new just waiting to be shipped out. We also got to watch the the big ships bringing the cars in. Those things are impressively massive.

 

They won't do this because it adds to the "mystique" of the Pro. They wouldn't be able to charge a huge markup if everyone realized it's a few bolt-ons.

You really have to hand it to the marketing team on this one, because they knocked the profit per unit out of the park. They've got people handing $70K+ to dealers for these things because they get the impression that this is the "Raptor" or "TRX" of the Toyota lineup. If you take off the roof rack and black plastic, that " oomph" goes away.

 

I don't think lack of KDSS is a limitation of the Pro, per se.

I know people love their KDSS, but it's not for everyone. It really depends on how you use your 4Runner.

For offroading less than 12mph, then yes, the articulation that KDSS offers is great. However, I think the engineers designed the system to turn on around 12mph because they assume you're on-road at that speed where KDSS provides increased stability. However, if you're going faster than 12mph offroad, I'd rather have my shocks do the work and not have KDSS limiting them.

 

For sure! Don't know if they'd come with TPMS but it would be cool to have a set. Steelies can take a beating.

 

Easy peasy.
https://drkdss.com/products/complete-harness-switch-kit

 

That's cool!

Should come like that from the factory.

 

Have to be careful, it's essentially like driving without swaybars at all. One swerve on the highway and you're in a washing machine.

 

In addition to the mod that @mynameistory mentioned, the accumulator allows the system to soften up the ride in higher speed off-road scenarios. Here's a quote from an article:

"On rougher roads, slightly uneven forces are exerted between the front and rear wheels. When this is sensed, the accumulator valves rapidly open and close to control fluid movement within the hydraulic lines. This dampens vibrations by absorbing surface undulations, delivering a more comfortable ride."

Probably not as nice as a set of reservoir shocks and a sway bar delete, but it seems like it should compensate for the extra rigid sway bars.

I'd sure enjoy a set for my MT's. Or, a set of snow tires so I can just laugh at snow.

 

Agreed! I vowed to take off the Pro roof rack and the predator steps immediately when purchased eight months ago, but I have done neither. I am lazy! Which is why I decided on the Pro in the first place since I did not want to deal with the time, (not labor - since I got no mechanical game), cost, decision making, and opportunity cost, etc. of modifying. But, now I am stuck with the Pro Roof Rack since the 22 ORP has Lunar Rock and no one will know I have a Pro if I remove the rack! I think the sole purpose of the Pro Rack is serve as a beacon that says "look at me". I will remove the Pro Rack and Predator Steps this Spring and keep her bare. I see no need for an overlanding rack. If I could put everything I needed in a ruck sack, I can damn sure put everything I need inside a 4R for my solo adventures whenever that may ultimately be!

 

because you dont want folks to be confused with us mortal SR5 Peasants

jk lol

 

I’ll take a set of S

you could order the roof rack delete Toyota parts and try to get the dealer to include the labor for install. I was told since the roof rack delete it an official Toyota part, if I had it dealer installed, it would be covered for any leaks. And I would get the left over rack.

I thought about doing it on mine, but left it for a bit and now actually like it. I can get my traction boards and a cargo case on it, it serves,it’s purpose etc.

 

There also is a modified Pro roof rack delete kit that removes the top tube. Therefore it is less obnoxious and still has some function. The modified Pro roof rack delete kit is a after market product. There is a post on this forum for this mod.

Admittingly I have become more accustomed to the Pro rack as time has passed, but I still don't like the way my eyes are constantly drawn to that rack that just does not naturally blend in with the 4Runner.

I wonder if there would be any modest MPG gain with no roof rack and no Predator Steps?

Same could be said for the Pro exhaust. I have become accustomed to it, but if given a choice I would rather have the standard quiet exhaust system. My three sons like it!

 

Removing the Pro exhaust was the best thing I did to my Pro. I removed the steps and sold them for $200. I removed the rack and traded it for standard black rails. I also traded the Pro exhaust for a stock exhaust. Then I added the Eibach springs and 285's. Now thats how the Pro should have come from the factory to make it truly different stock than any other 4R. I miss my Pro, but I just love being in a 4R regardless of the trim. I just wish people wouldn't slap on Pro gear because its like people putting on a Rubicon sticker.

 

The more I think about it, the Pro basket would probably be more useful for me. I rarely take kayaks anywhere anymore, and its rare I need a 4'x8' sheet of plywood or drywall. I could toss all the large backpacks loaded up with camping gear on top and strap them down, leaving more room inside for the dogs.

Now that I've been on this forum for a few months, I feel the animosity towards the Pro to be odd, and even a bit childish. So many non-Pro owners poo-poo the Pro, and then immediately proceed to purchase the Pro Heritage Grill, black bumper valances, TRD skid plate, black-out emblem kits, Pro exhaust, TRD rims, and the Pro basket. All the while trolling the Pro as some sort of poser-mobile. Just super lame in my eyes.

Is the suspension system top dog? Far from it. But for those of us that don't want to Mod our vehicles too much, its a nice OEM set-up that should meet most or all of our off-road adventure needs. Not everyone on here is a hardcore MOAB junkie. We like enjoying the outdoors, and our 4Runners make that experience better.

Dollar for dollar is the Pro pricing adjustment worth it? No. But not everyone cares. I lucked into a Pro for cheaper than an ORP. And it looks far better than a ORP in stock form.

ymmv

 

I could not agree more, very well said.

I agree that it’s pretty stupid and hypocritical to react in the same manner. I think people should just stick to the fact that if they are good at doing modifications on their own and they can replicate the look at a much lower cost, then great for them.

I know for me personally from having a low self-esteem (I had a suck dad that said I wouldnt amount to anything) and just being clumsy, I am surprised at how much confidence I have gained from doing modifications on my own and using both this forum and YouTube To learn, buy tools, and not be afraid to try to fail. And to be quite frank so far I am succeeding at everything. I’m really appreciative and thankful to be in this situation. The pride I get when I show photos that I put on my snorkel myself has in itself made this build worth it. Before this truck, I would have said I lacked the capability to do it.

And also to your point, I think many need to realize that there are so many people out there that do lack the self-confidence to do the work themselves. These vehicles are freaking expensive as heck. Some people are stranded if they round off a bolt and cant fill their diff. Some people live in apartments that don’t allow them to even do an oil change without receiving a fine, much less do modifications. Some people simply do not have the means or the living space to store the tools needed to do many of the modifications that we do. These ‘Pro’ models are perfect for them.

In the end, I’m just glad to see anyone buy a Toyota 4Runner, and try to explore a little bit of the nature that surrounds them. And if somebody’s retired from the overlanding Offroad game and they just want to ride something that they like they’re entitled to do that as well. And if they also get off on their wife driving a truck or suv then who is anyone to judge? I think chicks driving big trucks and modified runners/jeeps is sexy as heck.

my .02

 

Glad I am not the only weirdo who buys arguably the best stock overlander SUV for their wife as a daily driver.

 

Great additional points. My father's best friend couldn't even park his truck in his driveway down in Florida because it was against HOA rules.

I'd never crap on a SR5 owner for making their rig look like a Pro. More power to them.

Forums are often full of more "hard-core" or "invested" owners. They take pride in their Mods, and there's nothing wrong with that. But belittling other owners that don't see eye to eye just worsens forum experiences for all, and threads become nothing more than clown shows and shit storms.

 

And then the forum dies……. Like another 4Runner forum out there (Cough)