I know this is a 4Runner forum and I will be getting some very biased responses, but here it goes.

I currently own a 2002 Tacoma 4x4 TRD extended cab with the 3.4L V6. I am having no problems with it at all, and have about 31K miles on it.

I am looking to possibly move into an '05 4Runner Sport in the next few months. I have been considering it for about 4 months now. Just can't quite get over the hump and do it. I am hoping you guys will be able to give me a bit of info from a real world perspective.

I am not wild about auto trannies. I am concerned about this sealed unit that "never" needs flushing (unless you tow). I have not read any problem threads dealing with the trannies in the 4th gens, I assume they are pretty stout units. Any comments?

Any problems developing with the switchable 4wd selector? I really like having an actual shifter linked to the transfer case. Not too sure I trust the dial just yet....Old school here.

Ground clearance...darn truck looks like a station wagon the way it sits. Is this just an optical illusion, or is it quite a bit lower than 4 Runners in the past? This is my biggest hurdle to get over. I like the clearance on my Tacoma. I don't rock crawl, but occasionally do have to go some places that need a bit of room under the frame. I do not want to have to put a lift on it. I would be planning on putting different tires on, however.

Is the Torsen center diff and all the alphabet soup of traction aids going to make up for the loss of my e-locker?

I know it sounds like I would probably be better off keeping the Taco, or getting a new one. First off, I hate the new Taco, secondly, I am getting to where I need some more room to carry my gear for work. Just looking for alternatives in the matter. I will be staying with Toyota.

Thanks,
Greg

Hi Greg, welcome. I don't feel much different than you do about a lot of your concerns.


No convincing or ar twisting, just what I've experianced.
The sealed tranny bugs me to as does the lower 4th GEN stance. My 03 tranny is not sealed. Note my 3" lift to get back to 3rd GEN height. Hard to beat your E-Locker. 4Runner electronics do very well off road but the E-Locker does it better with less wasted power. I've never had a lack of power walking up rocks on two diagonal wheels if that helps. No problems with the electronic 4x4 switch in either of my 4Runners.

I didn't get a pickup because I wanted to leave stuff in the back that wasn't exposed.

to me, Tacoma vs. 4R is a no brainer! especially since its the older body style( i like the new ones) & v6 .
Go drive a v8 4R and you will be very
i dont doubt that the 4R could handle nearly everything that a taco could offroad, all the while offering superior comfort, handling, power and a 'superior' overall vehicle in my opinion. and yes i have had plenty of time behind the wheel of a taco (04)

i think it is general concensus that shes just a couple inches too low, I also plan on lifting.

have you test driven one yet? do eet!

sounds like you should stick to pick-up trucks to me. what kind of gear are you hauling? have you looked into a tundra double cab? lots of room for people and gear. i wouldn't imagine that the 4runner has more room for gear than your taco. the 4wd selector works great, and no problems with the tranny so far. good luck with your decision!

If you don't like the new Tacos, what can you say about the new 4Runner because it is the same vehicle almost. The new Taco shares the V6 as the 4Runner and I believe the frame as well.

I've never had problems with the 4wd selector.

Are you saying that the 4th generation needs a 3" lift just to be even with a stock 3rd gen? If so, how did you determine this? Where are you measuring?

My neighbor has a stock 3rd gen and it doesn't appear to be any higher than my stock 4th gen. In fact, I'd say mine appears to be a bit higher.

Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying. Not roof height, ground clearance as measured under the front end. Remember a " lift kit does not NET a 3" gain.

Ground clearance is a published number by Toyota and the stock 4th GEN is over 2" lower than my 3rd GEN was. This is not new information. That's why everyone wants to lift them.

Put yours and your neighbors side by side and look and measure the lowest point under the front end and you'll see the difference.

Okay, but what exactly is the lowest point under the front end of a 4Runner? I'll assume it is something that "lifts" with your lift kit.

I'd say the rear differential housing is probably the lowest point in the rear, correct? A suspension lift won't change that though....

It's the brace under the engine between the swing arms. It's hidden by the skid plate. Kneel down in front and look under the front and the lowest part is it. The lift compresses the coil springs forcing the suspension down and the body and frame up.

2" of clearance makes a big difference off road and the longer the wheel base the bigger difference it makes.

'02 sat at 11.2
'03 sits at 9.2

*according to the Toyota brochures I memorized before buying both.

There is a 2' difference between the generations.

Yep 2" ground clearance is the difference between the 2 4Runner gens, but remember the Taco TRDs had almost an extra inch over the 3rd Gen. However keep in mind the Taco wheelbase is longer.

The 4th gen is a bit low, so pending on your needs and given you have a Taco now you might have to put in a spacer lift. The 4wd selector works pretty well no issues. I however have had some issues with the center diff lock that didn't disenagge sometimes and got stuck. After some fiddling it gets unstuck and I can never replicate it for the dealer to fix, dont think it is too much of an issue. One you get used to the ATRAC system, it actually works really well. You however need a bit more wheelspin to clear obstacles, but it works on both axles. So compared to only a rear locker it is half a dozen vs six pending on the surface you drive on.

Dont even try to compare the ride between a 4th Gen and a Taco, you wont look back. Also performance will be a lot better.

Given your Taco has only 31k, why not keep it and only get a canopy for the bed. This way you will haul a lot more equipment than any 4Runner can.

I appreciate all the speedy replies here. And, I'm impressed, they are not as biased as I would have thought. To address some of your counter questions...

I have driven both an '04 and '05 V6 with an '04 V8 as well. I can't seem to find an '05 V8 to test out. I can tell that the '05 with the new 5spd tranny is very smooth. There is a good deal of power there, but seat of the pants is actually not that much better than my 5spd Taco (with a few mods here and there). But, I'm not looking for speed as I don't think I'll be headed to the drag strip with it. I just need good onramp get-up-and-go.

The gear I will be carrying would be all my Police equipment. Currently I keep it in the extended cab. It fills it up back there, plus the floor board of the passenger seat. Just got too much junk to take to work. I thought about the shell over the bed, but they are just not secure enough for me to trust my gear. I would either need a car trunk or an SUV. I need all weather capability, cause I am not able to call in on account of snow or ice.

I'm still torn cause I really need the bed of the Taco for the occasional trips to Home Depot. I could make due with the cargo area of the 4Runner, but would probably borrow a trailer for the real nasty hauls. Plus the Taco is paid for, looks brand freakin new, and is worth more than most would be willing to pay.

Just to see my delima, here is a picture of my rig.

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My version at least,

I've had both a Taco, and the new Runner.

Hands down I miss my Taco more than you can imagine. Generally with a Taco, you have younger guys driving it and most aren't afraid to use the e-locker. With the 4Runner, god I love it but it's my wifes. End of story, I bought the 4Runner because I love it, but I then gave it to the wife and am missing my truck. I'm not trying to insult anyone by any means, but I gave mine to the wife. I have a little beater for autobahn use over here and if every thing wasn't posted in Germany I'm sure I'd be driving the Runner or would have bought a Taco again. Aftermarket support, and trial and error are very limited still with the Runner. It's all been tested and you can literally find Everything for the Taco. If I could do it all again, I would still get the Runner, but I would have kept my Taco.

We'd be a two Toyota family again

Taco will fit in smaller places, ie.. trails that the Runner will scratch the sides on as well. Personally I was really let down by the Runners 4wd after being able to lock the rear in before, but it will get me the same places but without all the "cool" wheelspin.

For me, I would stay in your taco, especially as good as it looks with the Ivan Stewart wheels and the newer grill style. Trust me, your Taco isn't even broke in at 31,000 either. I had a T100 with 180,000 on the same 3.4 and I never even had to replace the clutch. The oil still came out clear after every 3000 as well.

You can't go wrong either way, but you will miss the Taco if you got rid of it. Get a Camper for it

T

My 98 PreRunner was listed having 12" ground clearance, with the TRD off-road package (31" tires). If I'm not mistaken only the H1 had more clearance (I think 14"). I thought it was measured at the rear diff. I've been on some trails that several 4wds were having clearance problems where my 2wd (with rear locker) made them pissed.

Koz

PoPo
Ditch the truck, mainly because you are after lockable area for your gear. Once you drive one day in day out, the taco will become a fond memory. I say this as I had one just like yours, and at the time I thought that it was the greatest little thing, but, I bought 1 runner in May for the wife, then in June I just had to have one, while driving hers to dinner and such, I just could not get out of it. Of all the cars/trucks I have owned, nothing has come close to making me as happy as a 4runner. Yeah yeah I know, sounds like a commercial at this point.
Trust me, I loved my old taco, and with the rear locker, it was a great truck. The ride on road, road noise, steering feedback is not there like a runner. You have to admit the interior is crude compared to a "new" generation vehicle, the taco really shows its age inside, talking 04 and older here.
I personally have had no problems with either vehicle. NONE. And we have put alot of miles on them so far. On highway towing 600 pound quad on trailer I get 17-18 mpg. I have found that I like the SUV usefullness over the 90% time useless truck bed, I bought a trailer and now I have the best of both worlds. Best thing is when you need to, you can haul four humans in your runner better than ANY truck. I had an ext cab and a quad cab truck, while the quad cab can do it, its still not as roomy as an SUV or car, period.
As far as off road and bad conditions, I speak the same language, it has been awesome for me. I've had no problems, and I think the vehicle just flat out drives better, on and off road with the center diff full time 4wd. I feel confident in bad weather in it, and so does my wife in hers. I find this the most important feature of all. It is far easier for my wife to drive this in snow and ice than any other car.
Complaints? well, I guess if I had to find something, hmmm, well, hummmm,
I guess heated seats for the ladies, heated mirrors would be nice sometimes for me, lighted switches for the windows, door locks on doors, and maybe a gps/nav system that was avail on the SE and did not cost a ton. Thats it.

Once you have it, you wont regret it.