I know I will be buying a 4runner, 4WD of course.

That is all I know, so help me out please!

First off....

03+ or should I go with something pre-03?

V6 or V8?

if V6....3.4 or 4.0? I guess depends on the gen I choose right?

Basically, is it worth the extra money for a 03+

Do they all come with lockers in the back?

These initial questions will get me looking in the right direction, thanks all.

 

I've heard the 3rd gens are the last great off-road Runner. Get a pre 03. 99-00 are the tallest stock, then 96-98, 01-02 are the lowest.

E-lockers are not in all of them, but are in a lot. There is a thread called "best 3rd gen" or something like that. Lotsa good info.

 

Good to know about the 99-00 being tallest stock, why is that? and just like a 1/4 inch or something more?
Can you fit bigger tires? 31s?

Why is the 03+ not as good of road?

 

99-00 has the tallest coils from the factory. Search is your friend.
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/q...on-why-139757/

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f120...er-buy-133055/

 

What are you planning to do with it? Hunting and fishing type trails any 4runner will work. If you want to mod it and build something more extreme a pre 03 is easier. They both came with 31" tires stock on some, shouldn't need a lift to run 31's on anything you are looking at.

 

I basically want a good performing and reliable 4x4 suv.

I'm sure both the gen 3 and 4 would be more then enough 4x4 for my needs.

I'm coming from a 95 4x4 pu, 22re, reg cab, 5spd on 31s. how will a runner do off road compared to that? so I have a reference point.

So is the elocker on 3 and 4 gen, switch on dash?

3.4 vs 4.0?

Thank you guys who have chimed in so far.

 

get a low mileage 1999 or 2000 manual (3rd gen) 4x4 4runner with factory locking rear differential. (yes switch on dash, left side). This vehicle has a 3.4L engine, then you can get a supercharger. this is a dream 4runner, perfect!

 

have fun finding one of those though

 

Sounds great, except I am thinking about going auto this time around? is there a reason to stay with a 5spd?

Also, for reference, how would said runner do against my truck? close?

 

Personally, and this is a biast opinion, If I were you I would get one of the later 1st gen 4runners (87-89). They are the most fun because the top comes off and you can get or make a soft top to go over it. It's of course extremely reliable (it a yota, what do you expect), and when or if you want to resell it, if you fix all the rust or find one with no rust at all (yes they do exist) you might be able to make a couple grand, because they are much more rare than all the other generations, dont forget to buy an SR5 model they are the most powerful and most rare. But thats just my opinion.

 

He's right about the SR5 being the most powerful.... if you're talking about power windows and locks that is.

 

a stock 3rd gen with the locker will out wheel your old ride as a refrence point. But your old truck will out wheel a stock 4th gen and day.

 

3rd gen 4 ftw. I would aim for 99 or above, you wont have any problem finding an auto 4wd. 5speeds are harder to find, i love mine though.

 

Go drive an 3rd gen auto and 4th gen auto. My guess is you will want the quicker 4th gen. The 3rd gen is reliable, quite capable and sits higher but I find its auto trans to be quite slow feeling compared to a 5sp version or newer gen 4runner or FJ auto trans.
Try out both to make the right choice.

 

Why Are The New Ones So Bad Compared To The Third Gen

 

Why Are The New Ones So Bad Compared To The Third Gen. What About A Taco OF The Same Era.

 

You are taking to a bunch of 3rd gen owners, they are going to tell you to get a 3rd gen

 

Holy crap. Gross overstatement.

 

About what part?

 

3rd gen 99-00 with locker is all you need to know