CoedNaked

The question is in the topic title. What is the most capable STOCK 4runner ever produced? This means stock tire sizes, stock engine, stock suspension & steering components, stock gears, you name it.I'm sure we'll hear lots of replies in favour of the 3rd gen with the rear TRD locker. But what about the one year in 85, when the 4runner was first produced, where it had a solid front axle? What about a 2nd gen when some came equipped with 4.88 stock gears? (as examples perhaps). Or the latest 4runner with a myriad of electronics and width that may prove beneficial for some.

What I'm looking for is a YEAR of 4runner, and if the 4runner never changed design/components, etc. then a range of years, of the 4runner you feel is the most capable "right out of the box." What stands out about it? What are it's pitfalls? Why is it the best? Or do you feel they are all relatively thre same as far as capability?

init6

The 1985.

vegaskurt

Agreed, 85.

Factory solid front axle and fuel injected.

RedRunner_87

I am also gonna say the 85 and the entire first gen line. Right behind the 85 and first gens would prolly be the 3rd gen with the E-Locker.

Icehawk

85 4runner. soild front

Intrepid

As much as I hate to admit it, I would have to say the 3rd gen with the e-locker. Stock of course, if the question was, which is the best off road with minor mods, I would of course say the '85. I don't think that a stock '85 flexes that well and I think they came stock with smaller than 31" tires, although I could be wrong about that second part. So, straight out of the box, the 3rd gen with locker, with minor mods, the '85 of course.

marko3xl3

I am gonna go with the e-locked 3rd gen here. In my opinion, you can have SFS's as much as you want, but it doesn't help you if you can't get your wheels to spin. I also believe that the IFS on the 3rd gen is not THAT bad for intermediate off-roading. But I also agree that if you minorly mod the FI'ed '85, it would be the most capable.

RedRunner_87

I believe the first gens had the option of 31's. I don't think it was a very popular option, but they had it.

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

Most offroad capable stock 4Runner...

3rd gen w/ rear e-locker wins hands down

Most offroad capable 4Runner after minimal modification...

1985 4runner w/ rear locker wins hands down

northfacer581

its gota be the 3rd gen w/ e-locker

just think how many MORE situations that stock locker will get you through compared to a solid axle helping get over some rocks

Ric

another vote for a 3rd Gen. with E-locker,
after seeing where Crappled (jay) has gone with his stock 3rd Gen. WOOOOOW is all i can say.

Sporin

Wabbit is dead on. I've had 2 85's and I love them, but a locker will get you farther then a straight axle... period.

Of course, drop a locker in an 85 and it pulls ahead.

rockota

There was no 31" tire package on the first Gen 4Runners.
84 was the first year for the 4Runner, not the 85. But 85 was the first year for the 22re.

Most capable stock is a matter of opinion, as noted. It's hard to argue with an e-locker, but the Gen1 was lighter, would flex more w/ the swaybar removed, better approach, breakover and possible departure angles.

I love my 3rd Gen, love my 1st gen more. So overall, I agree w/ Wabbit...

KZN185W

iTrader: (1)

I would go for the 3rd gen with rear e-locker.

because...

3rd gen with e-locker pros: Rear e-locker, higher power-to-weight ratio, higher torque-to-weight ratio, and bigger tires

1985 1st gen pros: Solid front axle, shorter wheelbase, and lighter in weight

4Rocker

Im going to have to say 84-85 4Runner. Their frame is stronger than the 3rd gen 4Runners, beleive it or not. There is a reason Toyota kept that same frame and SFA on their international trucks (Hilux) until the mid 90s. Way more durable.

BruceTS

Bone stock with no modifications, the 99' highlander package wins hands down. they came with the most ground clearance, besides a locker will get you more places than a SFA.

Now with modifications any year can be made into a capable offroad rig....

X-AWDriver

I went with a '99 Highlander for it's off road capableness in stock trim (til I can continue the upgrades) and it had to have the locker and combined with it's decent on road manners and creature comforts IMO it's the best overall Runner stock by far.

So combined with the Runner's aftermarket support and Toyota quality,4Runners no matter what year are the best SUVs period IMO.

BruceTS

Just a reminder for those who can't remember exactly what a "Stock" 1985 looks like


Now here's a stock 1999 highlander

kyle_22r

ever seen a stock straight axle rig flex? it's nothing spectacular, and not much better than an IFS rig. just the steering setup alone is terrible.

as much as i like the light weight, looks, and drivetrain of the 1st gen 4runner, i'd have to go with the highlander with the e-locker and 5 speed.

AxleIke

3rd with an elocker. Locker = traction, traction = go. as far as modification goes, you have to do a ton to make an 85 up to par with the 3rd with a locker. You've got coils all around on the 3rd gen, and way more power. A 22re is about as gutless as they come, and you need all new springs, shocks everything to make those things flex much better than the 3rd gens. stock, an 85 is about as good as an 86-89, deffinetly has the sa advantage, but that doesn't get you that far.

Now an 85 has some serious advantages when you're looking at a full on rock truck. Easy to get bumpers for, easy to lift, stronger frame, still need IFS box and converted steering (can be pricey). 2 lockers and a bunch of strong axles/gears/ etc, and you've got a great set up. An 85 pickup is even better, off comes the bed, and on goes a flat bed rear, chop the frame and move everything rear of tcase forward a few inches, and you'll go anywhere, plus have a sealed cab for those chilly wintertime treks