21 TRD Pro - To Westcott, Or To Leave Well Enough Alone?

There's a bunch of threads about the Westcott stuff on tacomaworld. I know it's not apples to apples, but it's something.

 

I did the eibachs on my 2019 pro with 1/4” toytec strut mount spacers on top to get an extra 0.5”. Added SPC uppers at the same time and Dobinsons c59-505s in the rear with a shim on the driver side to elim the lean. Performs way better Offroad than stock but I also added 285/70s at the same time. I used to constantly drag the skids and am very happy to have a little extra clearance. I’m not really a fan of spacers and am glad the ‘19 had the springs from eibach. Had to wait like 2 years for them to be a available….got the truck in 2018

 

I have the Westcott pro lift kit. I have zero complaints. I loved the fox shocks which is why I wanted to retain their function. I do feel it enhanced the ride a bit by ridding the slight mushiness from stock. I do a good bit of wheeling and it does great there as well. For me, and for what my needs are, I am very satisfied. Westcott is a quality company with great customer service also, but to each his own. I guess the only way to really know for yourself is to be able to drive someone’s rig that has it, or take a chance and grab em for yourself. Best of luck with whichever you choose!

 

Very nice rig!
I hear ya on the Eibach`s, who knows when my order will ever arrive. That's certainly my first choice.
You`re putting it through the paces, I love to see these things in the element rock crawling. I'm curious do you mostly run with the rear diff locked and manage crawling with your right foot or do you use any of the traction control goodies?

 

Thank you for your input. I like the stance of the WCD lift. It sounds like you don't have any negative affects to share.
Outside of removing the front mudflap do you have any rubbing offroad with the 285`s?
Thanks again for chimming in, I was starting to think there wasn't anyone running the WCD lift on here...

 

"I was starting to think there wasn't anyone running the WCD lift on here"

You mean like this?

https://www.4runners.com/threads/moon-landings-mods.18527/page-3#post-237530
.

 

I really appreciate your build! How functional it is. I wonder, can you share how you mounted the traction boards to the roof rack? Was it the Baja Designs mount, or hand rolled?

 

1/4” x 1.5” alum stock and SS u-bolts and SS hardware. Have a hilift on the other side with similar DIY mounts.

 

I do lock the rear diff approaching steep stuff but turn in off right after getting through. Otherwise I just use it when I get hung up. I run Atrac pretty much the whole time when wheeling. Haven’t learned how to use crawl control but wish I did on one steep rock climb where I got stuck and ended up sliding backward and knocking the rear bumper off the clips. The traction boards did their work on that hill.

 

And also (from the website in your link):

• Aftermarket upper control arms are recommended and may be necessary for proper alignment.

The Wescott TRD Pro lift is supposed to NOT need other steering modifications and is supposed to not mess up alignment.

Good luck!

 

I just shared the Toytec one as a 3rd option. Doesn't mean I recommend it.

I like to have adjustable UCA with any lift for a perfect alignment. Same about diff drop. But budget is an issue its not a must for a minor lift.

 

Good points.

So I see TRD Pro...Did you just get that and how is it compared to your previous 4Runners?

 

I do love the TRD Pro compared to other 4Runners in stock form. Newer features like low beam LED is a big thing compared to others. Its stock suspension gives confidence to drive over rough roads without thinking about it. On road comfort is on the firm side.

Newer TSS-P features are nice to have and some I don't use. But this is why I haven't lifted the TRD Pro yet. Need to find out the recalibration thing. I'm a scary guy so don't want to mess with it. If that is sorted my brain says go back to ELKA2.5DCs which both me and my wife liked alot. But many members seem to be happy with Redflo with 3 adjusters. Which ever lift I go with it will be 2.5 shocks with adjusters. Then I will have to change the wheels as well because they are not approved for 285s. Or and if I lift I would have to remove the TRD rack as it will hit my garage. This would allow me to have a nice roof rack with light bar.

With all this plans back of my brain says what if this get to an accident like the last one? I'm very discouraged with the TRD ORP accident by the dealership. I have put lot of money and time to it to make it perfect for my needs. I'm not kidding, I'm very discouraged and don't feel like putting that effort.

For someone who has my needs I still recommend TRD ORP with suspension lift, tires & skids. But from what I see with 2022s the terrain camera, blind spot monitoring might be a good reason to buy TRD Pro.

But my wife likes the Limited over TRD Pro..

Hope people don't see me as a TRD Pro hater. I just share my opinion and i could be wrong.

 

It’s a series of tough decisions: KDSS or not, sliding shelf or not, ceramic coat or not, aftermarket lift and which one, which rock rails, then which steel treatment, which awning, and who should install various stuff.

I wanted dual zone A/C and the camera system, my wife only wanted blue or white, so I went with Pro and got white. I figured I can live without KDSS and maybe upgrade the suspension someday (or add the Westcott lift sooner; hence my interest in this little thread). Also, I deliberately didn’t show my wife a Limited, as even though the leather and ventilated seats would be nice (they should be an option on the Pro!) I wanted a more off-road-capable vehicle—to get to more malls AND some backcountry, lol.

I’ll add Westcott sliders (calling them steps, as steps are handy and a must for my wife), Westcott ladder and a few (lol) other things over time as budget permits, but plan to keep the stock rack, even though a more functional roof rack would be nice. Who knows, maybe the updated 4R will be so appealing I’ll get one of those in a few years.

Do you have your Pro yet (what color?) or did the dealer promise you one when they get one? Mine is supposed to be delivered to the dealer next week

 

Perfect advice!!! Thank you, it’s invaluable when you’re leading the group and picking the lines to know exactly what works for the 4Runner. I can’t wait to get this thing out there.

 

Sold my transit van and now my wife and I are sharing my Titan. She got me started on the 4Runner for her, and just wanted white or lunar rock. After a ton of researching I’m wanting a pro. Called every Toyota in Texas and have a few deposits down with no real answers yet on when I’ll even get it. Some dealers just laugh and say “good luck”. So I’m not feeling to good about this wait. I don’t want a lower trim level. Hearing you’re actually getting one makes me feel a little better lol. One dealer told me there will be no more pros in white the rest of the year.

 

KDSS -
Its a good choice not to have KDSS. KDSS is good as stock. When lifted Non KDSS have more wheel travel than KDSS (as far as I've heard). And few other problems when lifted. Needless to say when you don't have it there is nothing to fail.

Limited -
Honestly I don't feel he difference. (may be if I sit naked ). I see not having ventilated seats on TRD Pro is a good thing. So many times I have sit with dust an dirt on my pants on trails. If the ventilated seats are on all that duct would be in those holes. Dual zone is good to have when Mrs wants a different temp setting. Most of the time only me, kiddo and dog in the car so its one temp for all. LoL. I do change temp and setting manually depending on the weather. It doesn't look like I have set it 70' and keep it for ever. I turn on and off A/C as needed. Same with fresh and recycle air.

But we absolutely wish Pro had the full time 4wd system from Limited. It is really good to have around mountain road where one side got dry roads and the shade side got snow / ice patches.

As for trail use my Limited is hard to wheel even after the lift. The front bumper is so damn low and very easy to get damage. I see some has changed to regular bumper and not sure how to install those parking sensors. Anyways our Limited is the onroad car and don't want to put much effort on that.


Aftermarket lift -
It is a biiiiiig discussion as different people have different taste on comfort. I'm some one who need soft suspension and focus more on road comfort. Comfort on trails is secondary. For me its also important I have good wheel articulation so I don't get scared with wheel lifts. I needed to extend my brake lines when I got the lift but it was very cheap cost added to the lift bill. You also need to decide if you going to have a heavy bumper or not. If you get springs design for constant load and you don't have it, it will give you a rough ride on road.


Sliding tray -
So many times I feel wish I had one. So I can reach to things easily (especially been a little guy 5' 5"). But at the same time I was thinking if I had sliding cargo will the dirt go through the sides. We put dirty boots and few other dirty stuff in the back and even with the weather mats there is dirt on the sides. But def good to have especially if you plan for a fridge.


Ceramic coat -
I wish I had that and redo it as recommended. I keep postponing.


Westcott sliders / Westcott ladder -
I say its good to have. Especially sliders so you can reach the roof rack easily. (I havent figure out how to use the roof rack yet. But love to move my hi-lift jack, hand puller, traction boards & recovery box up there someday)
As for sliders there are multiple options for strength HREW vs DOM (DOM is the strongest). Angle vs flat. Angle is good on trails and Flat is good as a step.



Do you have your Pro yet (what color?)-

Yes I got in April 2021, after fighting with the dealership (with complaint to Toyota Corporation about the unacceptable repair to TRD ORP) dealer gave me a magnetic grey one. Wish I could fight for an Army green since its my fav color but I just want to get what ever offered and get out of the crappy dealer. I did few mods right away. Tires, sliders, front cam, etc..

 

I will also chime in. I put right at 20k on the Westcott kit on my 21 4Runner. I wanted to run 285's so this was an option that just made sense that retained the factory suspension but let me put a tire I preferred. I think it ran just as good if not better, and I will most likely order the exact same kit for my 22 Pro when it arrives.

 

Thanks for sharing your perspective.

 

Fun fact, crawl control works in reverse and has helped me control myself back out of a stained climb or 2.

 

So I’m ready for you guys to do some bashing…
After a long debate over Westcott, or Eibach, or do nothing. I have decided for the time being to keep it stock, and just replace the Nitto’s with a favorite of mine KO2 (LT265/70/17 ‘C’ load).
I have the Eibach springs on order and maybe they will get their shit together and eventually a year from now I will upgrade to the 285’s.

I want to thank all of you who gave me your position on the Westcott lift, much appreciated!

 

nothing wrong with that!

 

Looking good..!!!!

 

How do you have the eibach springs on order? They are not available for the fronts yet at all for the 2021. Just checking, because if that is an option, I may look into it.

 

Yes I have the Front & Rear lift springs on order from Eibach, they have been on back order for 3 or 4 months with no real light at the end of this tunnel for this Backorder Train. I’m hoping it will shake loose after the holidays.
For me Eibach is my primary choice of creating lift on this 4R rather than spacers or larger perch.

 

Do you not have a 2021 pro? The 2021 front springs for the eibach lift are not even available to order yet, which is what I am confused. How did you order them for the 2021?

 

I called them directly and they told me that I can place the order, and when the kit/springs are ready it will ship out…. You can’t find it on their site since it’s still not available.

 

Yes that’s a 21 TRDP in lunar rock in the photo.

 

Maybe it's because they in general know that spacers (no matter the make or model) are not a good way of lifting your vehicle period.

 

Choices.........make the World go round.