actually no, it wasn't an argument in the first place. i was searching for something and came across this thread and thought it was funny.

 

Just teasing, Tracy

 

I hope you know I'll remember this!

 

I don't mind the new Runners but the fact that they've lost a little of their off road worthiness in stock trim is due to the fact that Toyota knows what sells and comfort and on-road performance is a main concern to 99% of the target buyers which Toyota caters too.
rOcky's Runner looks like she took care of it's shortcomings with no problems it's just that her's is pretty rare when it comes to 4th gens 4WDs which more than not end up with 20" wheels on them further betraying it's 4wd roots.

 

For the record. I hated the 3rd gen runner when it came out. But after a couple of years seeing it and then finally riding in one and seeing what guys here have done. I like it. In fact it is now my 2nd favorite 4runner style!!!!

So I'd like to start the trend to not pass judgement ona Toyota until you've ridden in one first hand. I have a feeling even the 4th gen will grow on me, which it is already starting to, thanks to the owners on this board.

My only complaint is that they are bigger, but that is just my preference.

 

I have to disagree, the H2 can't do squat offroad, but get stuck, they are too wide for most of the trails I travel on. As for the 4th gen, they can be made capable, but require much more work than the earlier versions. Lance's rig did quite well and is undergoing some serious upgrading. Oh the Lexus is one and the same as the 4th gen.

 

i agree with deathrunner, when i got my 2nd gen i thought the 3rds looked kinda wimpy, but now im an owner of a 99 and i couldnt be happier. im not too familiar with the 4th gens but they do look different. the one thing that i dont like is that from what i see, is that it doesnt have those running indented lines over the fenders that yell 4runner. as for offroading i dont see why they are any less capable. in addition to the offroad lexus, i think it was 4wheeler mag that threw a lift, sliders and fat tires on a lexus and did take it out in the trails and it held its own. change is expected from a vehicle called a 4(fore)runner. my .02CDN cents, so about .01centUSD

 

I like the smaller size of the 2nd gen Runners but I thought the 3rd gens looked more agressive especially with the scoop.
1st gen and 3rd gens with the factory locker seem to remain the most capable off roading Runners from the showroom floor.

 

What is Lance upto?

 

pickin my nose!

 

H2's suck...period.....and let's go ahead and throw the H3 in there too.

From what I have seen all 4runners are capable. Stock vs stock....I think a 2nd gen has more flex (rear) than an IFS first gen so don't rule them out.

1st and 2nd gens are so close if you like one's capability, you almost have to like the other. Now if you're talking about looks, that's another story....save it for cardomain.com hahahaha

 

Here is a lexus project...Not that I would buy a lexus...

http://www.fourwheeler.com/projectbuild/129_0504_tlex/

 

whoah ... interesting!!

Cedarbarn, you aren't going to show up tomorrow with a Lexus to chop up, are you??

 

HEHEHHE, nope. But I will be posting poseur pics of my truck offroad. LOL!!

I seem to recall a post somewhere on this board deriding the 2005 Tacoma.

 

Wouldn't doubt that a bit!

We'll take some nice pictures and make it look real good!

 

Guys, I used to tend to agree about the 4th gen 4Runner's cushy appearance, but after driving one at work, I enjoyed them a bit more. But the icing on the cake was r0cky's rig. An '03 4Runner, super-clean, capable, lifted, and rugged. And the cherry on top(Of the iced cake... lol)? She's got something we'll never have, and that is Toyota V8 power. You can't beat that. No swap needed. No worries about an uncompatible Chevy V8, this new 4Runner is built around the V8 that powers it, so no mods are needed to compensate the excess driveline power. And it's a Toyota V8. That, my friend, is bad to the bone. I've heard of this thing in action, and seen some pics.

I saw it up close and personal, too. And standing in front of it, maybe checking out it's profile, you realize it's a 4Runner, which is crazy because it looks as if it is a street queen in a few of the still shots. See it in action, and you'll agree: These trucks (And specifically, r0cky's rig) are BEEF. Straight-up next-gen Toyota Off-road machines, IMHO.

By the way, Tracy, nice rig. Its good to see you getting the new blood dirty... lol. Matt, you too. I can dig the wicked white '05.

Donny

 

wow, thank you, Donny - that is one of the nicest things anyone has ever said about my rig. i've been so impressed with my 4Runner off-road, even without lockers or a solid axle, it's been a pleasure to take out to play.

we'll get it dirty some more before you leave, Donny.

 

Yes, Tracy, I had doubts to your truck's 'coolness factor', but it just looks like a gorilla. It's just great. It looks mean. Like if you stand in front of it for too long, you'll get swallowed by it, or it'll pounce on you.

 

Ok, Ok, enough of the group hug.

r0cky, are you ready to take your Runner out to Barnwell Mountain?

http://www.texasmotorizedtrails.com/ohvareas/barnwell/

 

FYI - not sure if you knew. Whitey, who started this thread, DID end up getting an H2. That's why he' not around anymore.