3rd Gen "Highlander" Manual Trans. vs 5th Gen Trail Edition

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I wouldn't get a highlander, but i much prefer a 5 speed 3rd gen, probably the only type of 4runner i will own.
 
My friend has a 5th gen TE and I have a 3rd gen sport. I love his. Super comfy, but I personally like my 3rd gen better. For me, the overall size was a big factor. I just think the 5th gens (and most other SUV's) are too big. I think the 3rd gen is the perfect balance between size and comfort. I just hauled three bodies, an 80lb dog, full camping gear and 6 surfboard to the coast with no issues.
 
My vote is for the 1999 Limited with Torsen center diff, 1st gen ATRAC, and rear locker. Not a manual but probably one of the most overlooked stock semi-modern off road vehicles ever made. Came from the factory with the highest stock springs of any of the other 3rd gens (1999 only) and the combination of torsen diff, early atrac, and rear locker, all matched up with a smaller wheelbase and overall size could most definitely give a stock 5th gen TE a run for its money on a tight trail and even more so in the snow with the torsen. Manual trannys have a special place offroad and the electronic ninjitsu the 5th gen TE has is impressive, but damn if the 1999 Limited with all the goodies isn't a sleeper. I almost got one actually, before I finally found my 4th gen TE. 1999 Limited would be my #1 choice for a project trail rig.
 
No question about it...5th gen for me. The ONLY thing that the 3rd gen has over the 5th gen is the narrowness of it. What else?

5th gen Trail with KDSS has tons more wheel articulation, esp at the front end. Power? Check. Crawl ratio? Check. Disc brakes for water crossings and less fade? Check. More comfort? Check. Safer? Check. Front axle traction assist? Check.

Synister said:
My vote is for the 1999 Limited with Torsen center diff, 1st gen ATRAC, and rear locker. Not a manual but probably one of the most overlooked stock semi-modern off road vehicles ever made. Came from the factory with the highest stock springs of any of the other 3rd gens (1999 only) and the combination of torsen diff, early atrac, and rear locker, all matched up with a smaller wheelbase and overall size could most definitely give a stock 5th gen TE a run for its money on a tight trail and even more so in the snow with the torsen.
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Except one major thing...your dream vehicle does NOT exist!!

ATRAC did not come on till 2001 4runner. Before that, none existed in any version. Before 2001, all 4runners had 3-channel ABS and thus would not be compatible with ATRAC nor VSC. So, yes, your dream 1999 Limited would still have open front diff. with no ATRAC nor VSC.

And did 1999 have a Torsen center diff??? I think that it may have been a generic Toyota center diff...maybe a Torsen T-2 diff. See: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/432-post5.html
 
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