3rd to 4th switch

[wc11]

Looking at making the move to a 4th.
I've had my '98 since new and now have 522,000 km (324,000 miles)
Still runs great but frame is rusting. Nothing broken yet but who knows.

Is there anything to look out for when shopping for a 4th gen.
5th gen is just too damn big for my liking.

Thanks in advance folks

 

[bpowa]

Looking at making the move to a 4th.
I've had my '98 since new and now have 522,000 km (324,000 miles)
Still runs great but frame is rusting. Nothing broken yet but who knows.

Is there anything to look out for when shopping for a 4th gen.
5th gen is just too damn big for my liking.

Thanks in advance folks

With that many miles and you bought new.. My advice is just to keep the 3rd gen. And pick up a 4th gen or 5th gen.

5th gen is not much bigger.

I like my 4th gen after the 3rd. Its a bit more refined and comfortable. More elbow room and leg room. The cargo area in the rear I would say the 3rd gen has more usable space, but its nothing to complain about. IMO its a good move. The 3rd definitely is a better crawler. Its has more visibility and smaller. As for comfort and daily driving 4th gen all the way.

 

[techno]

I just made the switch from 3rd to 4th. Although I'm keeping the 3rd.... Anyway, read this thread from the 'stickies' section, it's really informative.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/136498-pre-purchase-info-modifications-write-ups-quick-links-faqs.html

Differences that you'll notice are auto window on drivers side only, only 1 power outlet instead of three up front, visibility is worse, the climate control system is f'in retarded, the dash and controls layout is ridiculous, the 4.0lt engine (if that's what you get) is much more powerful and refined, the transmission feels nicer, the interior is more roomy, the multimode tranny is great, the suspension is nice, the larger fuel tank is great, the auto up on the rear window is good and the sunroof now has auto close.

 

[JEL]

Overall I like my 4th gen for a DD a lot better than my 3rd. The shoulder and elbow room is the biggest improvement, MPG's are a few better and power is far better. It's quieter and I love the Mulitmode (although my 3rd is a 2000 LTD with this feature as well), I also like the stereo's quality and sound output (better than my newer Mercedes), and it is a nice overland cruiser.

Some gripes:

-Somehow less headroom than the 3rd gen, at 6'4" it does make a difference
-More legroom than the 3rd, but still not *quite* enough
-I wish mine came factory with the 4hi unlocked traction control off, but it's an easy addition
-Build quality seems lacking compared with the 3rd gen, I still need to replace my A/C compressor, one or more climate control actuator (did that on my 3rd as well, however), and I'm on my THIRD wimpy rear diff on a stock truck that's mainly a highway and ski cruiser with only 80k miles of meticulous maintenance.
-I've already had to replace a couple sets of front calipers, poor design
-Had a water leak in the hatch that was solved with a new seal a year ago, but I think it's related to that stupid electronic latch, you can really see where it causes a pinch in the seal.

 

[WI_4Runner]

Can't comment on a 3rd to 4th swap, but I intend to never sell my 4th gen and if I had a 3rd I would do the same. Love these rigs, 3rd gen was a dream car of mine back in HS

 

[wc11]

My dealer did say that 4th gen's suffer more frequently from front caliper seize than any other for some reason.

 

[WI_4Runner]

My dealer did say that 4th gen's suffer more frequently from front caliper seize than any other for some reason.

Have had that happen once. Can confirm here.