Suspension Comparison

[oz97tj]

The QDII system in the WK is true lockers. They automatically lock and unlock as conditions require it. I'm not sure why Jeep ever decided to call them what they did, but they are lockers front and rear. The QDI system is brake based, but still works fairly well.

I had a completely stock 07 WK with the QDI system and the 4.7. It even had stock tires. I took it out from time to time playing on some easier stuff that led me to some stuff that I should have been on. It really surprised me. I was with some lifted and locked TJs and could do everything they did, at least that my ground clearance allowed me to do. It really was pretty capable rig.

I ended up trading it in on a 09 JK because I got rid of my old trail TJ and wanted a rig that could do everything. However, for a rig that will see daily driving and mild wheeling / exploring a WK is hard to beat in my opinion. A mild spacer lift will allow you to run 31s or 32s and it would do most everything you would need. If I had the money, I would have another one, but I needed something more hardcore for the rocks and stuff I play on.

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

I test drove an '06 GC with a Hemi & QDII. Obvioulsy it was powerful enough (they didn't have a 4.7 in stock) and there wasn't a place to test the QDII like I would want to. But I have to say, I was not impressed with the seating comfort & the homelink rearview mirror took up 1/3 of the windshield visibility....very dissapointing. Mybe a non homelink mirror would be better?

I'm hoping to teast drive a 4Runner in the upcoming week.

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

Actually the WK eLSD is a true limited slip differential that is capable of providing variable torque up to full axle lock.

Not really the same as a true locker, but I think the difference may be splitting hairs considering the "full lock" statement. The big drawback here is that the eLSD uses clutch packs, which wear with use. That's kind of a drag, but I'm not sure how else you could do it. It would be nice though, if a similar system could be developed using a Detroit Truetrac type LSD configuration which doesn't wear out.

SOURCE

 

[oz97tj]

Actually the WK eLSD is a true limited slip differential that is capable of providing variable torque up to full axle lock.

Not really the same as a true locker, but I think the difference may be splitting hairs considering the "full lock" statement. The big drawback here is that the eLSD uses clutch packs, which wear with use. That's kind of a drag, but I'm not sure how else you could do it. It would be nice though, if a similar system could be developed using a Detroit Truetrac type LSD configuration which doesn't wear out.

SOURCE

I suppose you're right. But it can provide locking capability! My WK didn't have the homelink mirror so I'm not sure of the issue you had. I'm taller so I have to push the mirror all the way up that it'll go, but with that done there was no issues. It's also no different than in any vehicle really.

As for seating comfort, it's a personal thing so everyone will be different. However, I can say I spent quite a few 14 hour days in mine and never had an issue. I will say the seats are somewhat stiff and may give a bad impression during a quick test, but in use I was really happy. Maybe a longer test drive was in order?

The only real complaint I had was once in a while while stepping out I would bang my knee on the door, which was easily avoidable if I got out normal. It only really happened when I was in a hurry or in a wierd position or something.

 

[Root Moose]

Go look at a Commander as well. It is the same vehicle as the WK with respect to drivetrain BUT it has a more usable interior IMO. I felt really claustrophobic in the WK (like a Toyota) but the XK is decent.

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

IMy WK didn't have the homelink mirror so I'm not sure of the issue you had. I'm taller so I have to push the mirror all the way up that it'll go, but with that done there was no issues. It's also no different than in any vehicle really.

I have a tendency to push rearview mirrors up all the time, so I did in this test also, but was still dissapointed. The homelink mirror system is just bulky. Perhaps a std mirror would be fine??

I agree about the seating, it's a personal preference.

I will test the 4Runner, I'll probably also test a Commander as well.

 

[deadbeat son]

Any updates?

We test drove a WK and a 4th Gen 4R back to back when we were considering an SUV for my wife. The WK was a V8 with leather interior and lots of options; the 4Runner was a V6 with cloth and not many options. The salesman set us up for a drive in the Jeep first, so we expected to be disappointed with the Toyota afterward, but the results were the opposite. The Jeep just didn't feel as "tight" as the 4Runner. Also, the Toyota V6 felt peppier than the 4.7L V8. It was surprising. We also felt the Toyota interior was laid out better despite not caring for its HVAC controls.

Also of note, I believe OME offers a suspension system for the WK now, so you're not limited to a cheesey spacer lift.

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

I was at Mountain States Toyota the other day and they were so busy with customers that a sales rep never came to see me while I was hovering around the v8 runners. I didn't want to take a rep away from a paying customer just so I could test drive, so I just left. Maybe this weekend??

 

[deadbeat son]

I was at Mountain States Toyota the other day and they were so busy with customers that a sales rep never came to see me while I was hovering around the v8 runners. I didn't want to take a rep away from a paying customer just so I could test drive, so I just left. Maybe this weekend??

Good luck!

I bought my Tacoma at Boulder Toyota and felt I was treated well. I don't care for their service dept, but their sales staff wasn't too bad.