Right now I'm deciding between a new gen tacoma or a nice 03/04 4runner. The only thing holding me back between the 4runner is I want a nice 5-6 inches of life, but unfortunately, reading around, theres not much out that will give me this, but the Taco has the fabtech, procomp, and trailmaster kit's that will give me that lift. My question is, do all 4th gen 4runners have the xreas supsension, or is there a 4runner that i should look for that will give me the potential of what I'm looking for. Thanks!

 

Only the Sport Edition 4Runners have the X-Rear IIRC.

What are you looking for in a rig? Passenger space, Cargo Area, Or just A trail rig that looks nice and can be a DD?

If I was in your shoes I would so got for a new Gen Taco Double Cab with the Six speed manual tranny....

Just my .02

 

Yeah, no offroading for me, just the snow a few times a year. I want a nice lifted rig. I'm driving a manual 2005 scion tc right now and it's slammed 2" down so I guess I'm just sick of it haha. But yeah, the new Taco's are just so hard to get away from, but then I'm upgrading to such a larger vehicle for the same passenger space! Not sure what I'm gonna do, but either one I will be happy with. Any reviews on the Trailmasters 6" lift kit for the new Tacos?

 

If you just want a truck to have the "look" (ergo lifted) go with the Taco.

You just cannot get a 4th gen 4Runner 4x4 much higher than 6 inches (suspension lift, body lift, larger wheels/tires) due to the limitations of the IFS. If you went with a 2WD you could get more height with the new spindles but that won't help you in snow.

What I like about the 4Runner is the enclosed carrying cargo space (security and weather protection)

What I like about the Taco is the open carrying cargo space (bikes, ladders, timber).

Ultimately you need to make a list of the uses you percieve for yourself and think of the rational reasons why one is better for you. Then throw the list away and go with what looks cool...LOL

 

Country of origin would be a factor to consider, at least it would be for me. The 4Runners are made in Japan. Nothing more relaible that a "Japanese" car that is made in Japan. Where are the new Tacoma's made?

 

A 6" lift would be perfect on a 2003/04 4runner for me. It just seemed like that 6" wasnt even obtainable on the 4th gen's. Can you describe the setup I would need to jack it up a good six inches? Thanks!

 

They're made in California at the NUMMI joint venture plant (GM and Toyota) that also makes the Corolla, Matrix (and Pontiac Vibe, identical to the Matrix). NUMMI is a good plant, my boss used to work there and said it was loaded with lean senseis and has the "best of the best" GM employees working there.

 

Go with a 4Runner because the paint that NUMMI applies to their Tacoma's terrible... When I had my 05 Tacoma, it has to be repainted.

 

Tacoma's are built in Fremont, CA @ the NUMMI plant.
There's also now a Tacoma plant in Baja California too.

SOOOOOOOOOO, buy Japanese!!:bigclap:

 

You could get 6" out of one of the few FJ 6" lifts. They will most likely work fine on a 4Runner. Rough Country, Fabtech, and ProComp I think all have 6".

They are really only for looks though, a 3" lift will be much better offroad.

 

The Tacoma double cab is a versatile vehicle with plenty of affordable modification options. It comfortably holds just as many people as the 4R and the Tacoma is very reliable for 99% of consumer's needs.

NO, it isn't built in Japan and NO the rear frame is not fully boxed, however I'll take the off-road or towing challange with any 4Runner with similar mods. If you listen to 4R owners, they will tell you that the Taco is junk, however the body of evidnece available regarding the reliability of the Tacoma speaks for itself.

Good luck on whatever you choose that best fits your needs.

 

Really? I think the Taco is a great truck. It could use a fully boxed rear frame to maybe improve the payload (which is probably still much greater than my 4R) some, but 6,500 lbs. towing with 1GR-FE engine is very strong. Tacos are great and I almost purchased one before getting my 4R. I like the 4R becuase its better (for me) for

 

I have owned a 3rd gen, 4th gen, and now a Taco. I loved them all but I am sure haveing a lot of fun with my new Tacoma.






My vote is Tacoma. But I am bias

 

is it true that the new gen taco has the same frame as the fj40? i read that on another thread

 

FJ40??? Noooo. Did you mean FJ Cruiser? The FJ Cruiser uses the Prado frame.

 

The Taco frame is not boxed. The FJ and 4Runner are based on the Prado frame which is boxed.

 

The new Tacomas are built in NUMMI (and some parts in Mexico), but the engine and drive components are built in Japan and shipped. So you're still getting Japanese for the "critical" mechanical components.

 

Sorry to thread hijack - but that is a HAWT Tacoma you're runnin there Mickdady. Very nice!