3rd Gen 2WD CONFUSED

[James Perez]

Hey guys i have a 1996 Base Model 4Runner. Sucks having a 4Runner that isn't 4WD, but i'm only 16 and not a lot of money at the moment. Got it from my sister for free. Has 190,XXX on it right now. I really want a rig to go wheeling in. Should i save up my money and buy a new 4Runner or make the best of what i have? Anything helps!
Thanks!

-James

 

[Dous]

-Well you need to make the decision of whether you want to keep the 2wd or sell it to buy a 4wd. After you start modding the 2wd you won't want to sell it, I can tell you that for sure!

-But mine is 2wd, and now that I locked it, it is very capable. But without having low range gearing I just don't have that low end torque for hill climbs, big rocks, etc.

 

[SRSRunner]

the right tires and a rear locker you wont have any trouble keeping up with the pack.. But like Dous said, the choice needs to be made now, once you've worked on it a bit or tied some cash up in it your not going to want to part ways with it. I can say this though, even in 2whee(my 4wheel doesn't work)l I've had a blast wheeling, the only hang ups I've ever had have been hill climbs.

 

[nilson]

I ran a 2WD Prerunner w/ 33s and rear locker for about 3 years... It'll still be a capable truck but you'd be suprised how much value you can get for selling that thing..

Do some searches on AutoTrader and look for a 4x4 version of what you got, similar age/similar condition. You may be able to get 4x4 cheaper than you think! Paid $4k for my rig ( see sig )

 

[Stick Figure]

No offense to the 2WD guys, but I know personally I would at least plan for a 4WD swap if not trading the vehicle all together. I'm sure 2WD 4runners are great for lots of things, but we all know 4WD is still going to be more capable, and for me personally I would always want the most capable vehicle for a situation.

Again this is just my opinion ... I also never understood the non-turbo Supra/300ZX/3000GT, 6cyl Mustangs, Camaros, Chargers, Challengers etc.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

No offense to the 2WD guys, but I know personally I would at least plan for a 4WD swap if not trading the vehicle all together. I'm sure 2WD 4runners are great for lots of things, but we all know 4WD is still going to be more capable, and for me personally I would always want the most capable vehicle for a situation.

Again this is just my opinion ... I also never understood the non-turbo Supra/300ZX/3000GT, 6cyl Mustangs, Camaros, Chargers, Challengers etc.

So much win in this post... :boink:

Thank you

 

[awdjunkies]

No offense to the 2WD guys, but I know personally I would at least plan for a 4WD swap if not trading the vehicle all together. I'm sure 2WD 4runners are great for lots of things, but we all know 4WD is still going to be more capable, and for me personally I would always want the most capable vehicle for a situation.

Again this is just my opinion ... I also never understood the non-turbo Supra/300ZX/3000GT, 6cyl Mustangs, Camaros, Chargers, Challengers etc.

Yup, go big or go home. :hello:

 

[Toms97]

2 wheel drive is good enough to get you into a lot of places, the problem is that sometimes 4 wheel drive is needed to get you back out.

 

[iowajosh]

I bought one. Already have a 4wd. I figure it's just a nicer looking station wagon. I can carry loads of crap with me and goes down the road fine. Less stuff to break and simpler to fix. 1/2 the price of a 4wd in the same condition also. Sometimes, I like less problems.

 

[Hepar]

Like the others have said, it really depends on how far you want to go with it. And how much money you have to sink into it. At the bare minimum you would want to lock it. Either way have fun with it! It's a great first car to have!