Finally...factory e-locker for the 2009 4Runner!

[paddlenbike]

I am sure this is posted on other Toyota forums on the internet, but I only read this one (call me loyal) and haven't seen this posted yet. I was looking at Toyota.com last night and saw they have their "Urban Runner" edition and recently added a "Trail Edition." Here is the description from the Toyota website:

"It's hard to believe the 4Runner could get any more capable off road — until you see the 4Runner Trail Edition, that is. All new for 2009, the Trail Edition is based on the rugged SR5. The package features an Electronic Locking Rear Differential and a Torsen® limited-slip center differential with locking feature. Also included are Bilstein® shocks, unique 16-inch, 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, distinctive black-painted tubular side steps and roof rack, and a color-keyed grille. To complete the package, there's a TomTom® [1] Personal Navigation Device [2], so you'll know precisely when you reach the middle of nowhere."

It appears to have the same wheels as the latest FJ Cruiser.
http://www.toyota.com/img/vehicles/2009/4runner/trail-edition/full/2009_4runner_te_1.jpg

Anyways, I am excited to see Toyota take a step in the right direction! Now they need to make one with the 6-speed manual.

[4x4mike]

May have to talk the Mrs. into this if the '99 is too small with junior coming along.

[Bob98SR5]

thats pretty bitchen. good thing someone is reading the msg boards

[slosurfer]

:thumbup:

[RunnerUp]

wonder how hard a swap is gonna be to get it into an 07 sport edition with xreas...

[RobG]

I saw that on another forum but when I tried to configure a trail edition 4runner online earlier in the week I couldn't get it to come up. Any idea how much they want for one?

Hopefully when the dump the FJ they'll put the 6 speed into the 4 runner. I really dislike automatics, even good ones.

[DHC6twinotter]

Anybody know if this has the V8 or V6? There's no V8 badge on the grill, so I'm assuming this is a V6. 6 speed would be nice, and would be much more likely on the V6 motors.

[paddlenbike]

You can't get a V8 Trail Edition.

[RunnerUp]

You can't get a V8 Trail Edition.


weak!

[paddlenbike]

V8 is not exactly the most popular seller with fuel prices the way they are. I think I read that more than 80% are sold with the V6, and that was well before fuel prices hit $4.00/gallon.

[benp]

WOW, I didn't think the day would ever come...We probably won't even have time to enjoy it before we all get sucked into the blackhole in Switzerland.

[Robinhood4x4]

Dammit I always buy too early!

[YotaFun]

Hehehe, Stepdad was thinking of the new LC, maybe I can change his mind hehehe...

Hopefully this is a change for the good.

[mysticzt4r]

Are those e-locker good on larger tire sizes? I heard some have failed due to oversize tires.

This is great news, especially since I am looking to trade in my 05 for a new FJ or 4Runner.

Thanks for the info.

[MTL_4runner]

I can't wait to see the new redesign for the 4runner in 2010.
Hopefully the locker will be standard for them then.

[paddlenbike]

The 4th gen has finally evolved to the point where it looks nice. I never liked the black trim and squared fenders of the early ones.
http://ppgmedia.buysell.com/ppgphotos/CT20031216165349857/CT20031216165349857_2008415122414167463-display.jpg

But this, I could handle sitting in my driveway:
http://www.toyota.com/img/vehicles/2009/4runner/gallery/full/2008_4runner_v8_limited_5.jpg

I hope they don't mess up the 2010...

[dontdo_that]

I can't wait to see the new redesign for the 4runner in 2010.
Hopefully the locker will be standard for them then.


my thoughts exactly...

With Toyota dropping the FJ Cruiser (which is a little sad.. it adds diversity to the line-up no?) and the highlander taking on its larger size, I can't help but have some hope that Toyota will keep the 4Runner as capable as it is now or make it the primary off-road suv that it tries to market to enthusiasts. Its hard to believe that the introduction of the e-locker at the end of the 4th generation is going to be for only 1 year and the 2010 4runners will be rid of it... why would Toyota spend the money to engineer it to fit for just 1 production year?

I guess we will see soon enough :-D, thanks for pointing this out.. since I don't really frequent any other sites.

[Good Times]

Ned,

FJC won't be dropped. It can't because it shares the same platform as the 4runner/Prado/GX/Tacoma. Toyota's ability to use one plant (well not including the Tacoma) to build various models makes it very cost effective so we'll continue to see the FJC. Also Toyota will be marketing the FJC worldwide so that'll help ensure the safety of the FJC.

The Highlander is part of the Camry series so I doubt we'll ever see the 4runner get taken off the list in replacement of the Highlander.

The 09 and 10 models will be kinda like the 01/02 model of the 4runner. I don't expect to see Toyota release the 4runner until 11. I originally thought it would be 2010 but I haven't heard of any news from insiders so I'm guessing they've delayed it to 2011.

[DHC6twinotter]

I completely agree. I hated (and still do) the looks of the early 4Runner. The funky front end and plastic cladding were pretty ugly. The '06+ however, I really like and wouldn't mind having one myself. Toyota redesigned almost everything I didn't like about the early ones.

If I ever bought a pre '06 4Runner, I would at least make sure it had the body colored flares, swap out the grill and headlights to the '06, and throw on some bumpers. Like what Lance did with his.

But yeah, I hope the 5th gen 4runner isn't going to be as bad as the 4th gen was when it came out. And an e-locker with a manual tranny option would be really nice as well.

[KZN185W]

The new LC Prado will be introduced late this year, either in the geneva motor show or in the tokyo motor show (most likely). So most probably, the 5th gen will be coming out late this year also or latest would be early next year.

In Japan, the N185 4Runner was introduced nov 1995 while the N215 4Runner was introduced nov 2002. The LC95 prado came out apr 1996 while the LC120 prado came out sept 2002.

[DHC6twinotter]

The new LC Prado will be introduced late this year, either in the geneva motor show or in the tokyo motor show (most likely). So most probably, the 5th gen will be coming out late this year also or latest would be early next year.

In Japan, the N185 4Runner was introduced nov 1995 while the N215 4Runner was introduced nov 2002. The LC95 prado came out apr 1996 while the LC120 prado came out sept 2002.


Hey! Somebody from the Philippines! KZN, what part are you in? I spent 8 years on Cebu City. :thumbup: