[crespoh69]

Hey guys, so we've had our 99 4runner since I was in middle school and there's no real issues with it other than general maintenance that needs to be done for it's age and some upgrades I wanted to do to it since I now have a family of my own and would like to get them out and about with camping, playing in the snow and such a bit more. I was hoping to replace the stock shocks, wheels and do the TBU on it but before I did that I was wondering, is it worth it since it's a RWD truck? Or would I be better invested in buying another 4WD 3rd gen and upgrading that instead?

I'm hesitant because this one has been in my family so long and even my little daughter says when she grows up lol so there's some attachment there and I know it's quirks. If I buy another used one, I'm going in blind to what the previous owner is willing to let me know about it. But then again, upgrading all the things I want on this one isn't going to be cheap, so my fear is upgrading it all for the next person to have fun with. I've never owned a 4WD car before though, would it make much of a difference from what I already have? So far the times we've gone out camping and such we haven't gotten stuck but I'm also not going off in the boonies and hitting 90* climbs.

Any input would be appreciated!

[T4R2014]

If you've had it for so long and it has worked well for your needs then I see no reason to sell. It will never be a 4x4, but it is still a very functional vehicle if you can ignore the fuel mileage. My advice, get another one that is 4x4. Two is better than one.

[Devbot]

It sounds like you're sufficing just fine without it, and in your current lifestyle would probably continue to so I doubt you'd see much improvement or difference doing what you're doing. However if it's just something you want to get a little more out there, I would also shoot for getting another; if the family likes it, keep this one clean and get another one you can build up and have some fun with. Two of the same vehicle = commonality = lighter on the wallet, easier on the mind. It just makes sense, you see
Mind you, 4WD isn't magical or anything; it is what you make of it. It doesn't mean you won't/can't get stuck, it just gives you some more to work with in most scenarios. I've always liked the saying "there's more to 4x4 than having 4x4" which I feel fits adequately here. The experience you gain will be just as valuable as that little old transfer case

[phattyduck]

Originally Posted by crespoh69

But then again, upgrading all the things I want on this one isn't going to be cheap, so my fear is upgrading it all for the next person to have fun with.

All that stuff can swap over to a 4WD 4Runner, or you can (with some space and fab skills) swap your current 2WD to 4WD if you find you need it.

If you are just taking it to camp sites, 2WD is no problem. Better mileage, cheaper insurance, fewer parts to break, less maintenance, etc. Chains and good tires will be fine for road driving in snow if you ever need to do that.

-Charlie

[nissanh]

Or throw a rear locking diff off of another 3rd gen 4runner.

[jgue467]

I'd keep it, someone in family will need a reliable vehicle sooner or later...or even as a temporary when theirs is in shop, Very handy.

[crespoh69]

Thanks for everyone's suggestions!

[FD7683]

I wouldn't sell a long time owned car that has been very good to the family unless theres a real issue to own. You would probably be better lifting it with a quality kit + good tires for off roading and such.

4x4 eats more gas than 2WD and also needs a bit more attention (transfer case, diff, driveshaft maintenance, and etc). I doubt you will get stuck in 2WD unless you get into an area that you know you will have issue getting out.

[jross20]

4x4 swap time!

[spartacus]

Throw a winch on the front bumper and you will get out of most situations. With a family in the car it makes for a more relaxing experience.

[bmason8159]

Dude put a straight axle up front. Being 2wd you will have an easier time converting it to 4wd

[Bad Luck]

Originally Posted by bmason8159

Dude put a straight axle up front. Being 2wd you will have an easier time converting it to 4wd

It's a lot easier to swap front end parts over from a donor than it will be to cut out all the IFS stuff and fabricate suspension mounts/brackets/etc to fit a straight axle in there.

[Romeo1]

Sounds like it doesn’t owe you anything, so there’s that.

That said if you just flat don’t want it anymore for reasons and maybe it’s time to move on. Hard to beat having good rigs around though. I’ll never go back to owning one car ever.

But if your heart really into a four-wheel-drive you could certainly use it to fund your next adventure.