Grimace - Did you get the V6 or V8? V6's are part-time 4WD and V8's are full-time.

Donovan - I felt that the V8 is definately more torquey down low. Mid and upper RPM range...it's hard to tell. It FEELS like the S/C has more pull, but I'm thinking it's just an illusion. I just like the fact that the V8 can haul more and I'm not worried about the extra stress of the S/C on the engine.

 

I have the V6. If you switch to 4hi it works exactly as the full-time in the V8. Its very different than the part time 4x4 system we had in the 3rd gen.

See my cut cut and paste from T4r.org

"For 2003 and up, V6 & V8 4Runners have a Torsen center diff (Torsen T-3 design) that is lockable (true 50/50 split). V8 model has full-time system (no 2wd mode). V6 model has an additional option of 2WD. It is basically a full-time system that varies torque transfer to the front and rear axle according to amount of slippage. Prior to 2003, the torque split was 50/50% most of the time (center diff unlock). I believe the Torsen provides more stable handling (due to torque variations) in slippery conditions. The above description applies for 2003 4Runners with V6 4wd system.

The 2003-up V8 models have a full-time 4wd system similar to Toyota Land Cruiser, Lexus LX470, and GX470. With this system, the 4runner is ALWAYS in 4wd Hi mode (center diff can be locked or unlocked). There is also a 4-LO range."

 

only thing i like over the 3rd gen is the location of the oil filter and the cool, NON spill contraption they have come up with. SOOO CLEAN looking! other than that, too low, and im not sold on the fenders yet. hard to not like the smell of them, all new and unused!

 

The nice thing about the Sport is the bigger brakes. IMO, the additional stopping power outweighs having to remove the XREAS which has been proven to be no big issue.

 

i went to a local place near work, just a decsent incline to a 2 acre lot with mud and lots off off camber today. i must say, i think that the 3rd gen gets MUCH BETTER flex than his 06 runner. i wasnt even maxed out on flex and he was on 3 wheels alot. took same lines and i even drove. it is an sr5 and i wonder if this is something to that or is the travel just not as great. he has the 17 inch rims.
i love my 3rd gen!

EDIT: the 3rd gen must also be taller (clearance) by a few inches. even with the fat lip of the 99 limited he couldnt go places i could go due to his bumper. but what he could do, it rode pretty nice. new car smell and a trail...mmmm!

 

Your 99 has the highest stock clearance of any 4Runner.

I like my 3rd Gen, but I'm really looking forward to a 4th Gen Sport, especially the V8. Couple of more weeks...

 

didnt know that pnut, i feel....tall and proud now!! his did pretty good but it would deffinately need a lift before even taking out to a real trail IMHO.

DONOVAN, pull the triger yet?