Before you start going off with such nonsense, V8s are typically VERY compacy engines and inline-6s tend to be VERY large engines that take up a large amount of room because they are so long. V8's are a much more compact package.

The V8 is so smooth and refined, I would never give it up. Especially since it doesn't really get much different mileage than the V6.

Ricky

Why is my opinion as to what I would prefer in a capable SUV "nonsense", especially given the fact that the topic of this thread is about BASIC 4Runners?

I clearly indicated that size of the engine was probably NOT the reason the SFA and lockers were dropped, but it was some excuse that I believe I had read at the time the change was made nine or ten model years ago. Maybe the V8 design is deeper, thereby affecting the use of a SFA moreso than a long-but-shallow I6. Regardless, 4.7L is bigger than 4.5L.

Many people around the world who rely on their vehicle for capabillty disagree with you, so maybe your opinion is "nonsense."

Toyota has all the parts but they never seem to put together the *perfect* truck.

My LC would have been perfect had they put a V8 in it.

My 4runner would be perfect if they didn't compromise the suspension to make it a great all-around truck that would sell to the masses.

I thought the FJ would be the closest to a no compromise truck but that has more compromises than expected for me.

I want a Toyota truck built with the attitude that Hummer has.

Toyota has all the money they need, why can't they put everything together to make a truck truly ready like the Hummer. It should have lockers, bumpers like the Hummer or an ARB, 4 doors, powerful engine, skids and such.

That being said, my V8 4runner is the closest to perfect that Toyota has gotten. But I really wish I didn't have to buy lifts, lockers, bumpers, shackle/recovery points, and tires to give it the look and feel that I really want.

I agree. However, except for the V8, the vehicle you describe is pretty much available in other countries around the world. And, I wonder whether the 4.2L Turbo Diesel LCs that are available elsewhere would give the 4.7L V8 a run for its money as the "ideal" engine to have.

I am with booey 100%. Lets do a group buy in Aussie land for a couple dozen LC 78's!

My favorite 4Runner I ever drove was an SR5 model. No frills.

It has cloth seats (most comfortable seat I've ever drive nin, and I put over 100K on that car before my brother inherited it), no sunroof, no roof rack, no rear wind deflector, no rear heater, and I miss the heck out of that car.

I drive an '01 Limited now and while I enjoy the heated seats in the winter and like the 6-disc CD changer, I still miss my simple litte 4Runner.

I think the '96 had a better ride than my '01, too. I still love to drive it whenever my brother lets me. He likes to drive my car too, so it works out.

How about this dudes. I have a friend here in North Louisiana that has a pretty good basic T4R. No pictures, but here is a spec list:

1992 T4R delux (no power locks, windows (except rear), all cloth)
22RE motor
W56B transmission and gear drive t-case (five speed, yeh!)
8" rear Toyota axle with 5.29 R+P
8" front Toyota axle with 5.29 R+P (SAS with '84 parts)
Crossover steering (of course)
Factory 15x7 Toyota Aluminum rims (the four spoke design)
1 and 1/2 inch spacers on each front side
IFS front calipers and FJ60 front rotors
Skyjacker Nitro shocks
The rear lift is from Downey Offroad (coils, spacers, p/h bar)
Q78x15 Buckshot wide mudder tires (35.5x11)

Basically nothing extra that would cause any harm, and could be a daily driven vehicle. What do you think?

yep all that I need to get from point A to point B.

features:
4WD
17in wheels