So this may not be the likely forum to post but I don't mind hearing bias

So I've been lurking for some time and finally getting ready to pull the trigger on a new vehicle. Currently have a 2000 Tundra Extended Cab 4.7 2WD, great truck and know the engine well. The problem is my young family is already reaching capacity of the extended cab and 2wd only gets me so far when I want to do some real off-roading and legit remote camping.

So onto my dilemma, I have a hankering for FJ60 and FJ80. Love the tank-like build and styling. Though the FJ80 is a bit big. FJ60 is long but styling wins me over and ability to get a manual.
Being that I love the 4.7, I started looking at the Sequoia. Problem again is that they are a bit on the big side (FJ80). Then I remembered that the T4R had the same 4.7 which leads me eye ballin' a 4th gen.

I have a line on a nice FJ60, basically all stock and seemingly well maintained at 330k mi. Needless to say that I would need to build it up. Then comes the T4R. I've come across a few built 4th Gens but those end up being pulled off market (sold or kept) or on other side of US. In reality, I'll likely pick up a stock 4th gen then build up.

So going with the notion that I'll likely have to build up either vehicle, which way do you say I should look?

Requirements:
Daily Driver
Load up family of 4 (+dog)
Hitch for towing (motorcycles or light loads)
4WD capable off-roader

Nice to have:
Modern accessories (power w/d)
SAS
v8
35" tires

FJ60 vs 4th gen T4R is apples to oranges, IMO. But depends on your goals, required creature comforts, wrenching tolerance, etc.

I will say as a family of 4 + a dog, the T4R is tight and often requires a skybox on the roof for trips. We only take it when weather or 4WD requires it, otherwise it's the Honda Odyssey. I'm mid-build and will drive it for the next 3+ years but am already eyeing 2008+ TLCs for when the time comes.

For now, we're making the T4R work for what we need and I'm enjoying upgrading it, especially sans car payment.

Hope that helps.

2007+ Tundra (or similar full size truck) depending on how much wheeling you want to do. It'll easily fit 35s or 37s and a family of 4, plus tow anything. My dad has one and we tow a boat 600 miles w/ 4 people its the perfect road trip vehicle. If you can figure out the dog transportation.

4th gen is smaller, but one of the best wheeling rigs out there. You can build it pretty extreme depending on how heavy into wheeling you get. Little better fuel mileage than the Tundra, but less power and smaller.

What about a 2nd or 3rd gen Tacoma? Honestly the V6 is still pretty good, and you might be regearing it anyway. If the cab room is large enough, you'll have plenty of bed storage, decent mpg. Though maybe not large enough cab for 4 + a dog. So maybe sub. a 5th gen?

I wouldn't consider a manual trans for offroading heavily.

Why not?

I do like wheeling with an auto, but I would totally get a manual if I had a crawl box!

Everyone I've seen that wheels a manual, in real life and youtube vids, has far less control when rock crawling. I guess it depends on your definition of wheeling but when driving slow over boulders you need as much tire control as you can get. Balancing the clutch and gas pedal, and keeping from stalling while climbing a ledge to prevent rolling backwards takes skill. I guess I've yet to see it mastered to the point of an automatic.

I've only ever wheeled a manual. Never had a major issue with it doing rock crawling or whatever else. Don't use the clutch too often but it's a practice in heel/toe and having the right gearing. Put a crawler box behind a manual and it will out wheel an automatic easily.

Out of these 3 choices, the FJ60 is probably going to be the worst daily driver: it's an underpowered beast from a different era. Now granted, there's alot I love about the '60 but I wouldn't want to live with it every day. The 4th gen is a luxury yacht by comparison. Depending on the motor, "underpowered" may be a serious understatement. Factory installed "sound deadening" is the floor mats. It's not the pinnacle of sophisticated motoring... but if that's what you're after, it's perfect.

Personally, I covet the 70 series. Every time I see one, I fall in love all over again... They're so beautiful.

The '80 is a step up in modernity but still grants some nostalgia for days of rugged motoring that are long gone by us. Alot more of the truck is manually controlled and it's pretty reliable. Problems and solutions are well documented to all its inherent flaws. Tonnes of aftermarket parts available. Arguably though, most rigs you're going to get for reasonable money will likely be in some state of disrepair. The old 1FZ-FE was a venerable motor, though not known for being a powerhouse... more like a refined tractor motor, great for hauling the kids to soccer practice or pulling stumps.

The 4th gen, is well, a 4Runner. And, well, obviously I'm biased, but I happen to think the V8 version is a nice blend of comfort, reliability, and durability; and can propel it's reasonably light 4500lb chassis up to breakneck speed with surprising expediency for an SUV. It's a solid choice for a family. Arguably more practical as that parts are going to be cheaper and easier to come by and by virtue of being newer it will likely have less issues in the short term.

Note that Land Cruiser parts generally command a real premium... 4Runners, especially the 4th gen, are generally underrated.

The suggestion of an 07+ Tundra makes good sense, the 5.7L V8 is no joke and those trucks are really really nice.

Frankly, a deciding factor is whether you want a project vehicle or something to drive. And budget for purchase, repairs/maintenance post purchase, and what kind of downtime you can suffer if you should have to fix stuff. Any 60 or 80 is getting to the age where stuff is going to break. Even alot of 4th gens are old enough to have problems creeping up due to rubber components breaking down. Nothing lasts forever...

Best luck.

@eleven14 You're completely right that this is apples to oranges comparison. It is more telling of the two types of wheeling which I want to to. A roof tent is likely something which we'll likely do. For the park and camp, I'll simply use the cargo hitch that I use on our Honda Odyessy.
@Inv4drZm I was looking at full size trucks but the current crop of trucks are huge. Honestly, the 1st gen Tundra is perfect size. We are only talking about a few inches but when my wife drives (who's 5'3"), she is more comfortable with that. So the size of the 1st Gen would be more in-line with a Taco. Which I've thought about. The only reason why I've taken the taco out of the equation is due to power for what I can purchase. The latest gen have the power but also cost considerably more than what I'm looking to spend. I don't buy cars on a loan so cash only for me. Good as no payment, bad as I need to wait years to buy something.
@Keros i agree the FJ60 is the worse for a daily driver. If I had a economical daily driver then my decision would be easy; FJ60 all the way. Alas, I'm stuck to a single vehicle (for now). The 07+ Tundra are great but problem is the wife. She "feels" more comfortable in a smaller cabin. The 4Runner, Taco or 1st gen Tundra fit that bill. I enjoy wrenching so I don't mind working on my vehicles. No matter what i get, I fully expect to replace things.

While I really want a FJ60, I don't think it is in the cards this time around. So I'll take another look at the Tundras and compare against the 4th gen T4R. Honestly, I don't see much of a problem with either. There are always trade-offs.

Appreciate the feedback.

What about a crew can first gen Tundra? I would love a Tundra but the lack of locker is why I hesitate.

2005+6 Sequoias have the same 4WD system as a 4th gen with a Torsen locking center differential. 2007+ (second gen) has the same but with independent rear suspension.

What about a crew cab first gen Tundra? I would love a Tundra but the lack of locker is why I hesitate.

2005+6 Sequoias have the same 4WD system as a 4th gen with a Torsen locking center differential. 2007+ (second gen) has the same but with independent rear suspension.

The FJ60 is a slow beast even with upgraded 4.11 ring and pinion and a H55 5 speed transmission upgrade. It is SLOW and can't tow.

I own a FJ62 with the fuel injected 3FE motor and it is also SLOW. They are beautiful fun trucks but you need to be int he VW bus mindset of driving up hills in the slow lane being passed by trucks.

The 95-97 FZJ80 is an excellent landcruiser and the last of its kind with solid axles and coil suspension. That would be my vote if you want a landcruiser for towing and wheeling etc.

I also daily drive a 2008 v8 4wd sport edition 4runner. It comfy and capable but lacks the solid front axle for serious wheeling. It can tow way better than the FJ60 or FZJ80.

Don't buy an old FJ60 unless you can wrench or have thousands to give a mechanic.

I am actually in the process of working on an ad to get my 4Runner listed for sale if you’re in the south or central Florida area. Got a 06 v8 limited with 181k on the clock