If you see the previous truck in my sig, I kind of have experience with the 3rd gen 4R as they were almost the same size.
From your points and wants:
If you want good gas mpg and the power of a SC, I would just look for a good 4th gen with the V8. The 4.7 is a proven motor. Plenty to tow with and enough to make the "go pedal" into a "fun pedal". I might be wrong, but don't the SCed ones need premium gas
all the time?
In the looks department, the 4th gens do need a little lift to make it look right compared to the 3rds. Plenty of options and generally they end up riding better than stock...as did my DLX 4x4 that had Bilsteins. Look here for options:
Lift and Tire Central (pics)... Post 'em Up!
I'm almost 6' and I do fit better in my 4R than the old truck.
Hope this helps.
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07 Limited V8 Titanium Metallic
Bilstein 5100s x4, Fronts set on 0 with OME 885s, Sway-A-Way 1.5 rear coils, JBA UCAs, '12 Trail wheels, Cooper AT3s 265/70/17, Mobil1 0W40, Amsoil Severe Gear 75W90 and SS ATF.
(Previous truck: 1993 Toyota DLX, V6, 4x4, Xcab, 5 speed, Pewter Pearl - owned from day 1)
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-ge...ml#post2069269