First fake TRD Pro I have seen in the wild

Right?
or even a TRD Pro emblem with the hybrid emblem under it on my tail gate. (gears turning)

 

I have a TLCA (Toyota Land Cruiser Association) decal on both my 4Runner and my wife's RAV4=we are members (it is open to any and all 4WD Toyota owners) and I did have a FJ40 when I put them on! My Nautical Blue SR5 Premium has all the badges blacked out; does that mean I'm denying everything?

 

Non Pro owners who care about the Pro are the ones that bash it to rationalize not having one. Its as simple as that. Its hilarious seeing them get mad about it when there is zero reason to.

 

Not sure I've commented yet but have been reading the thread.

I feel I see a pattern from posters.

1. Those who have pride, dignity, and respect for what they have. They may change looks because they like it better (grille, valances, etc.) but are not trying to make others think they have something they don't
2. Those who have no shame in trying to make something look like something it's not to deceive, trick, or feel better about themselves by trying to fool others into thinking they have something they don't

Who are ya?

 

You're right I forgot the one in the back.

 

In other news, I saw a Silverado badge on a F150 this afternoon… I wish I could have got a picture of it.

 

So true! As you and I have discussed before, I wish my 2002 Z71 Chevy Suburban with 240,000 miles was ten years newer with 100,000 less miles and I probably would not have bought the 4R. No regrets on the 4R purchase, but so much more space in the Suburban (to sleep in / to venture about) and I could have kept my 2016 Subaru Crosstrek as my daily driver (which was also paid off). Easily could have plopped some money into the Suburban like Suboverland does - great Suburban conversions!

Almost 61 and I feel like this 4R is the best vehicle FOR ME that I have ever owned. But, in about 23 months of ownership I spent about an hour on a jeep trail in CO this fall, last winter we had a couple of small snow falls (in MD) that warranted 4WD, NO snowfall for us this winter, and I periodically exercise the 4WD on the local mountain dirt roads where I mountain bike. Being less than an hour from DC, not a lot of places to randomly go 4wheeling in these parts! So, pathetically in almost two years I have engaged the 4WD out of necessity four times! Sad!

 

I have a de badged 18 Sr5 I paid 28k for a few years ago. Currently has Eaton rear locker, lift, tires, Pro hood, Sherpa Rack, lo pro & winch, heritage grill, Tbh it’s basically a trd off road/pro that I am not afraid to scratch. As soon as you add a locker it’s basically the same thing minus about 10-15 grand ,Even without a locker most people are perfectly fine in 98% of situations. Atrac actually works well in a pinch. I personally think Pro’s look better right off the bat vs stock SR5 & Off road’s. My only issue with Pro’s is they cost so damn much which leads most owners to treat em like princesses. (& I am saying Most not all!!) If someone had my same exact setup (sr5 + locker+coil over lift ) and wanted to badge it TRD off road or even just TRD who gives a shit. W/O a locker it’s a little cheesy but who cares.

Pro people who whine about copy cats are annoying af. TRD Pro = upgraded suspension, locker esthetics/special paint colors & high resale.

IMO De badged is the way but If you modded your SR5 all the way to TRD level go to town if badging is your thing and let people cry

-Don’t be scared to take that 60k truck on the dirt people.

-If you just have to have RTT on all the time hit the trails and camp often or I’m sorry but you are silly.

-It doesn’t take that much to mod an SR5 to the point where it is equal to a pro or Off road. (Locker and a lift really) That said usually the Off road/ Trail 4rs are the best deal if you want to go the modding route.

 

I feel like this is kinda the point. Be proud of what you have, whether you modded or not. They're all pretty close right from the start.

To try to make it look like something else, and then advertise it as such when it's not, seems silly to me.

I get that complaining about it on the internet may be silly as well, but this is a site typically limited to enthusiasts. I equate it to a site used by gun enthusiasts who see a firearm with mismatched and obviously new parts being advertised as an "antique firearm".

 

#truth

 

Exactly. I don't think anyone is arguing that.

I found the point of the thread as "false advertisement". Which (I'm not a lawyer) I believe is illegal in the US if you advertise as such and try to sell.

If it was manufactured and originally sold as something, that's what it is. You can modify to look like or be better than something else but it will always be what it was originally.

 

I don't know. I guess those who get it, do. Those who don't, won't.

 

Honestly, I don't see much bickering about it from anyone here. We've had a few douchebag PRO guys come through and they don't seem to last long. And, sometimes folks have commented on the PRO being a shitty value. But, I think that's subjective.

 

For sure. I've gotten into some disagreements here, but they're usually civil.

 

If I bought again, I might go SR5 so I could just add my own lockers. It would be a good incentive to regear right away, too.

 

Again, don't think anyone here is bashing trims. Only the fact some people re-badge their trim to try to fool others.

 

Shit, pretty much half of the regular guys on here by now.

But, I keep saying I'm not going to get sucked in anymore.

 

Yeah, that's what the OP was about.

As long as they're not trying to sell it, it doesn't really matter. It's just kinda silly.

 

Exactly.
I joke around and make fun, but it's all the owners cash. So do what you want, cuz i will with mine. Just don't deceive when selling it.

 

VIN checkers don't always list the trim level, though.

 

Yeah, I have KDSS for that reason. Plus, I knew I would lift and the Fox shocks would be a waste.

But, it eventually becomes a limitation. If I were to buy again, I might buy non-KDSS and delete the front sway bar.

I'm looking forward to seeing how much better the next generation E-KDSS ends up being.

 

I'm still a fan. I enjoy it most of the time, especially since I put on a lot of highway miles. I'm just acknowledging the limitations.

Do you use any of the spacers that lower the mounting points?

 

Definitely going to de-badge my next 4runner. Too many damn emblems and markings on vehicles these days.

 

I've been debating about getting rid of the C pillar badges. Mostly just because it's a pain in the ass to wax around them.

 

I went with a 6112/5100 setup. I'm mostly satisfied, but I don't think the 5100's have enough damping for the extra weight and heavy springs in back. I have 67K miles on them, so it's going to be time to replace or upgrade soon.