howdy folks. nice forum you got here.
lots of good info here. anyhow, guess i'll get to it. i'm currently looking at two rigs. One is a 99 Taco with 178,000 on her, 5spd, the 2.7l motor, topper, and in good condition. the 2nd is a 99 4Runner with 171,000, 5spd, 2.7l, and in good condition as well. i s'pose what i'm wondering is, what are the pros and cons of each. same tranny, same motor, so are there any differences i should consider when making my decision.
oh, and asking prices for the 2 are 6400 for the taco and 5000 for the 4runner. thanks in advance folks. off to browse some more of the forum. cheers.

 

This is a question that can only be answered by yourself...

1. What are you going to use the vehicle for?

2. Are either 4x4...if not...would you need it?

We also need to know more specifics about each of them...maint. history...local or dealer...rust an issue...4x4 to consider...etc??

Both engines and platforms are solid but it will depend on the history.

The only difference will basically be that one has a closed top while the other has a bed....again what do you want to use it for. Without that information...we here at YT can't help you.

 

yep. both 4wd. no rust. both private party. i live in the Rockies, and am looking for something with more ground clearance then my subaru.
to clarify, i'm looking to learn the pros and cons between the 2 in regards to mechanical/performance issues, not intended use.
that rig in your avatar is pretty sweet, btw.

 

Do you need to haul gear or people?

 

I've been happy with both the 4Runners and Tacos I've owned and driven. You really can't go wrong maintainance and reliability wise. You've probably seen the frame rust alert with the Taco's. They have an open section frame in the rear, while the 4Runner is boxed. But being that it's a western truck, it doesn't sound like an issue with that Taco you're looking at. Comparing drivability in the snow the edge goes to the 4Runner due to more weight in the back. But a couple of sandbags or assecories in the Taco's bed would equal that out. The obvious question to ask would be if you need to haul people or cargo. I'm assuming you don't haul many people.

 

I have also owned both, and I perfer the 4runner. I agree with Mtn though.

 

i have not owned both but driven many a taco, and owned two runners. i prefer the runn by far because i can haul everything in the runner that a taco can haul except a fourwheeler or motorcycle. the runner can haul 5, fairly comfortably. 4 with enough gear for 10 day road trip comfortably. you can sleep in both but the runner is basically already set up for it if you put the seats down, where as you have to set the taco bed up to sleep in, ie. matress or sleep platform. aftermarket options i might have to give to the taco. but if you have some brain and know how to read, you can do anything to the runner you want.

 

cool. thanks for the replies. so am i correct to assume that mechanically, they're identical then? i.e gearing, etc..
also, whats the real world mpg difference between two? i assume with the extra weight of the runner, there's also some mpg loss.
thanks again.

 

i used to get better mpg than my brothers in their tacos. i usually get between 19-21. and mechanically for the most part they are the same but if i remeber correctly the gearing is different. they are probably both 4.10s but the taco is a 7.5" third where as the 4runner is an 8" third. the only downfall to the runner is the fact that its a 2.7 because that doesnt have a whole lot of power, but put some lower gears in there and youll be moving just fine. do either one have the TRD package, or is the 4runner a sport?

you should check the carfax, for personal use. so you can know the history of the two vehicles. dont post it on here its not allowed.

 

no it wasnt a sport model it was like highlander edition or something like that.

 

The highlander is the same thing as a "sport" and it was offered in 99'

 

only thing difference mechanically and technically wise is the frame.

Tacos have a recall on them if they have a rusty frame, where as the 4runner frames don't. Dana made the taco frames, and Toyota in japan made the 4runner frames and the 4runner frames are fully boxed.

With the 4runner you will be able to find lockers and gearing more widely available due to it uses the old standard 8" v6 diff.

Some would say the Japanese made 4runners are a little better build quality than the American made taco, but that would be negligible.

 

excellent info. thanks.

 

The 4runner, its 5 speed right? Does it have bigger tires stock (265/70/16's)
have you driven it yet? It probably has 4.56 if its peppy, i have a 97 2.7 runner and with gearing its sweet.

I forgot which years they switched to the new headers, but if you have the old cast manifold then you might wanna look at cracks in the exhaust manifold. Earlier 2.7's had this problem but i can be easily solved by swapping in a new mini header from toyota.

 

I believe the new exhaust manis were 00+

 

yep, after searching around here, the exhaust manifold issue is on my list. the gearing should be written on the door jam, correct?
i hope to drive both tomorrow.

 

No you have axle code thing you have to decode to get gear ratio, but if its peppy its got to be 4.56.

Does it have a bunch of options on it?

 

right. on another thread i came across a site somebody listed that you can look up the gear ratio with the code. cool.

as for options, regarding the 4runner, i haven't actually got in it yet, that comes tomorrow or tues. rig was locked when i saw it. so, not exactly sure what extras are on it inside.

heh, and as for "pep", most anything will feel peppy compared to the 85hp i have right now in my old subaru. (which has been a great car btw, with 205,xxx on her right now)

so, can i assume that the 2.7's are good for 200,000 +? (with proper maintenance of course).

 

yep 200+ is easy for these engines, I have seen 300, and some 400-500K's

 

good to know. so these are as stout of a motor as the old 22r and 22re's?
i have a few friends with early late 80's-early90's with those motors and they all have over 200k on them.

btw, if thats your rig in the avatar..very nice..