12-28-2013, 11:41 PM
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#1
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Join Date: Nov 2013
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3rd Gen vs 4th Gen - Pros/Cons
Hey guys, I have been going back and forth on what it is that I want to do. I tried to do a search and didn't come up with anything. I have looked over tons of other Guys/Gals builds and there are so many things I like about both generations. So here we are.
First off, I sold my 01 DC Tacoma (very hard to do, I loved that truck) a couple months ago and bought my 03 T4R. I have always liked the 4Runner and I realy envied the power the V8 had to offer. Now that I own one there are some things that have begun to bug me. More so some of the "high-tech" things that my T4R has vs what the 01 Tacoma had. I still really like my new to me 4Runner, but I keep wondering if I bought the right one for me. It sounds really stupid and I'm sure that I just haven't given the runner enough of a chance. So that is why I pose this question;
What are the Pros and Cons of the 3rd Gen and the 4th Gen?
The two that I am considering is the one I currently have (03 Limited V8 4x4) and a 99-00 Limited w/ Rear Locker.
Mostly just looking to see what other people like or dont like about the two Generations. Thanks and I look forward to hearing what you guys have to say!
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~ Jordan
03 Limted V8 4WD
01 DC Tacoma SR5 4x4 (Sold)
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12-29-2013, 03:51 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
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In a nutshell, 3rd gen has better stock ground clearance and an optional locking rear diff, 4th gen has better everything else.
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2006 Toyota 4Runner SR5 V8 4x4-Nautical Blue Metallic
1986 Toyota MR2 AW11 NA 5 Speed
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12-29-2013, 11:06 AM
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#3
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4th gens have dash cracking issues they're all trying to get Toyota to stop ignoring, have yet to see a 3rd gen with a cracked dash personally.
3rd gens look better IMO, more like a truck
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1997 4Runner Limited 4WD w/factory RR Diff Lock (4.30:1), Blue Wire Mod, KYB monomax & 'tall' coils, Falken Wildpeak AT3W 265/75 on 16x8" Raceline 887's(+1" spacing), K&N CAI, Tru-cool 4589 bypass, TB gasket mod, OEM sport hood, Satoshi style grill, steel front skid and more
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12-29-2013, 11:31 AM
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#4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NJshadow93
In a nutshell, 3rd gen has better stock ground clearance and an optional locking rear diff, 4th gen has better everything else.
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I agree. But the ground clearance and Locker are pretty nice features.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlazeRunner
4th gens have dash cracking issues they're all trying to get Toyota to stop ignoring, have yet to see a 3rd gen with a cracked dash personally.
3rd gens look better IMO, more like a truck
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Yeah, I have a cracked dash as well.
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~ Jordan
03 Limted V8 4WD
01 DC Tacoma SR5 4x4 (Sold)
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12-29-2013, 01:29 PM
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#5
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Both are things that can be added such as a lift, an FJ e locker retrofit, air locker, etc. 4th gens have way more power, a stronger frame, more comfort, more room, etc. Things that can't be added relatively cheap. Looks are subjective as well, I think both look good and you'll find people of both parties that prefer the looks of either one.
Cracked dash is limited to the 03, and possibly a handful of 04. Toyota redesigned the dash after that.
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1986 Toyota MR2 AW11 NA 5 Speed
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12-29-2013, 01:55 PM
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#6
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4th gens
Pros
better engine performance and MPGs
more room
Cons
purchase price
mods cost more
no locker
wider and longer compare to 3rd gen
Heavier than 3rd gen
No manual
3rd gen
Pros
lockers for limited models
better wheel base
cheaper purchase value
Cheaper parts
comfortable interior
5 speed manual for some sr5
Cons:
low MPG
Axle seal problem
LBJ problems
Tranny cooler problem
i know i missed a few but if you want to have a rig that you don't wheel much but still capable get the 4th gen.
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Last edited by t4r4life; 12-29-2013 at 03:24 PM.
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12-29-2013, 06:50 PM
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#7
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Lockers can be had on any 3rd gen but are more common on higher trim levels coupled with the V6.
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12-29-2013, 07:00 PM
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#8
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Now I have a 3rd Gen and there are pro'c and con's to each that I can see.
The biggest one for me in a 4th Gen is the option of the V8. Having that in a 3rd gen is just a dream and allot of $$$$ to do a swap.
I love the 09 Trail Edition in the 4th Gen body(not sure if it had a V8 option with that one or not). You get an E-Locker factory on that one. Throw a lift,Sliders, and bumpers and you are set. Just my .02 on the matter.
Blue
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12-29-2013, 08:13 PM
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#9
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Member
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Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
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Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NJshadow93
Both are things that can be added such as a lift, an FJ e locker retrofit, air locker, etc. 4th gens have way more power, a stronger frame, more comfort, more room, etc. Things that can't be added relatively cheap. Looks are subjective as well, I think both look good and you'll find people of both parties that prefer the looks of either one.
Cracked dash is limited to the 03, and possibly a handful of 04. Toyota redesigned the dash after that.
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You have me intrigued wit this FJ locker swap. Going to have to search on that one. Do you think that the dash on the 05 - 09 would fit an 03 cracked dash? cuz I can get OEM parts relatively cheap through my father-in-law.
Quote:
Originally Posted by t4r4life
4th gens
Pros
better engine performance and MPGs
more room
Cons
purchase price
mods cost more
no locker
wider and longer compare to 3rd gen
Heavier than 3rd gen
No manual
3rd gen
Pros
lockers for limited models
better wheel base
cheaper purchase value
Cheaper parts
comfortable interior
5 speed manual for some sr5
Cons:
low MPG
Axle seal problem
LBJ problems
Tranny cooler problem
i know i missed a few but if you want to have a rig that you don't wheel much but still capable get the 4th gen.
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And RUST! That was the main reason I got rid of my 01 Tacoma.
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12-29-2013, 08:34 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
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Quote:
Originally Posted by H20skier70
You have me intrigued wit this FJ locker swap. Going to have to search on that one. Do you think that the dash on the 05 - 09 would fit an 03 cracked dash? cuz I can get OEM parts relatively cheap through my father-in-law. .
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It absolutely should. Not many people typically bother replacing if they're paying for it because it's just cosmetic and it tends to be pretty pricey when you factor in the dash, airbag, etc.
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12-29-2013, 08:40 PM
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#11
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Member
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Join Date: Nov 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NJshadow93
It absolutely should. Not many people typically bother replacing if they're paying for it because it's just cosmetic and it tends to be pretty pricey when you factor in the dash, airbag, etc.
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More than likely wont, but it is one of those things that I look at everday. Depending on the cost it could be worth it.
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~ Jordan
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01 DC Tacoma SR5 4x4 (Sold)
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12-29-2013, 09:05 PM
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#12
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4th gen looks like a minivan.
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12-30-2013, 04:41 AM
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#13
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Hhhhmmmm
What i don't like is the front facia the fake looking fender flares and the lack of lockers.
I love the V8 option,towing capacity (V8) and optional 3rd row seat.
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12-30-2013, 04:59 AM
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#14
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I just hate the rear end of the 4th gen and that awkward rear bumper. The V8 is nice, but the 3.4 is a solid motor and hard to beat plus the styling of the 3rd gen is way better.
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12-30-2013, 12:41 PM
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#15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SR5Runner97
4th gen looks like a minivan.
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Umm, no.
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