86-91-4runners

This is my delima, I have an old 86 4Runner in need of a lot of work Timming Chain, clucth, brakes, etc. etc. also have 91 that was totaled in a street rollover will be parting it out. Have been considering selling the old 86 and getting gen 3 96-98, or putting the money into the old gen1 1986 4runner. Kind of would like the power and towing capacity of the 3.4 V-6. How are the Gen 3 runners for off-roading? I see they did a pretty complete make over in the rig from suspension on up. Sounds like mild modifications are fairly simple to accomplish 1-2 inches of lift to accomadte slightly larger tires. Also the old 289000 mile 22re is a manual tranny and altough I was very skeptical when I bought the 1991 with an automatic I have come to really love it especially for off-road. The 91 got new rear springs and 31-10.50 B F G All Terain tires and was an off road dream. I guess after all this information about my rig, the Question is. How are the Gen 3 runners for off-roading with only mild modifacations?