4Runner or Taco??

[tenguns]

Time for a new truck while I can afford it. Had been looking at the Taco to replace my full size truck (Titan). I've owned a 96 & 98 4Runner - but was looking to downsize the current Titan - and go back to running the yota - which I'll probably break less.

While I'd need the use of the back seats and extra space - I'd narrowed my choices down to the 4 door club short-bed Taco or the 4Runner.

From a pure 4WD persective are the components available for the newer model 4Runners to build them for 4WD apps? I usually build my trucks out to race - so I break them less.

Was considering the Taco because about 4 times a year take the ATV out - and sticking it in the Taco would be good. This allows me to avoid the trailer thing. Then again, I usually end up using my truck as an ATVs - so maybe - if I can beef up the suspension and get it lifted enough to give good ground/tire clearance without going over the HCG threashold then I'd buy the 4Runner.

My old 96 with the Downey coils, ARB/Winch, air, lighting etc was the ticket way back when.

Question is - has Toyota screwed them up - or can you still get the Total Chaos, Camberg, PRG, ARB,... top of the line build components to set them up for serious off road slow roll stuff?

2008/2009 is what I'm looking at. Conversely - any reason to squeeze into a Taco based on above or would you take the new 4 Runner over the Taco?

 

[T4RSpectreSix]

First of all, if I am not mistaken, even the late model 4Runner and Tacoma share more than you'd think in the suspension dept. The 4Runner even shares components with the FJ Cruiser.

As far as insane off-road builds go, check out Alex's 4Runner:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showt...=15&highlight=My 4Runner Project&pagenumber=7

That's a good thread on how someone takes a 4runner from tame to insane! He's got a nice rig. Complete with ARB hardware and some nice custom stuff.

I also saw a 4th gen 4Runner getting built up in one of the offroad magazines again. It's the same 4th gen they had awhile back, but they dusted it off and are getting it on the trails again, so keep an eye out for that.

My own experiences with my 4Runner and in seeing other people's feats off road, is that even stock it's a pretty damn capable truck. With a moderate lift, some good tires, and skid plates, it becomes that much more capable.

Others may have differing views, and I won't say the 4th Gen 4runner is the "end all be all of the off-road" - but if you take into account the heritage of the 4Runner and it's links to not only the Tacoma and FJ Cruiser, but to the Land Cruiser too, you'll find a pretty buildable platform under the good looks.

Just my two cents.

 

[techno]

I say go for a new Trail Edition 4Runner http://www.toyota.com/4runner/trail-edition.html and just add an arb bumper and maybe some more lift for bigger tires. If you're really serious then you only need one air locker for the front.
I would find it hard to justify the Taco bed for 4 times a year, you'll get more use from the 4Runners 'sealed' cargo area.

 

[Thai]

I know that i will get flamed for this...but, you have to know the limitations of the platform.

If you want to build something to "race off-road" or to take abuse, then i would not get a 4runner nor FJ for that matter or any of the popular SUVs. Can it be done?? Sure, but you will probably have to sell your house and live under a bridge.

Remember, the 4runner platform is a SUV platform with off-road potential. It is NOT a dedicated off-road platform. The 4runner is about providing all the practicality of a SUV with off-road capability. I remember reading Lance's (Goodtimes) 4runner buildup. He poured tons of money into it. He found that as he strengthened one part, another part breaks. So, eventually, you end up spending tons of money to change everything in the 4runner.

Is this isolated to the 4runner? No, this applies to most (98%) of SUVs nowadays. Then, you add in the electronic nannies (VSC, TRAC, etc.). With lifts and big tires, these electronic nannies will either be compromised or go bezerk!

BTW, what i said above applies to the Tacoma as well since Tacoma suspension is very similar to the 4runner.

If you want to build something for pure off-road fun, then get something that can be easily modifed and cheap to modify. Frankly, i would go with a Jeep Wrangler, but even with them, you still have to worry about the electronic nannies on the newer models. But, the parts are readily available and cheap.

As for 4runner vs. Taco, from a pure off-roading perspective, i would get a 4runner for several reasons:
- 4runner has better breakover angle
- 4runner comes with rear disc brakes
- 4runner frame is fully-boxed
- 4runner is more balanced (no empty bed to deal with)
- 4runner has a better suspension with better wheel travel (coil springs vs. leaf)

And now that the 2009 4runner Trail Edition comes with goodies (ATRAC + rear locker), i would definitely favor the 4runner for the above reasons.

Good luck.

 

[T4RSpectreSix]

I know that i will get flamed for this...but, you have to know the limitations of the platform.

If you want to build something to "race off-road" or to take abuse, then i would not get a 4runner nor FJ for that matter or any of the popular SUVs. Can it be done?? Sure, but you will probably have to sell your house and live under a bridge.

Remember, the 4runner platform is a SUV platform with off-road potential. It is NOT a dedicated off-road platform. The 4runner is about providing all the practicality of a SUV with off-road capability. I remember reading Lance's (Goodtimes) 4runner buildup. He poured tons of money into it. He found that as he strengthened one part, another part breaks. So, eventually, you end up spending tons of money to change everything in the 4runner.

Is this isolated to the 4runner? No, this applies to most (98%) of SUVs nowadays. Then, you add in the electronic nannies (VSC, TRAC, etc.). With lifts and big tires, these electronic nannies will either be compromised or go bezerk!

BTW, what i said above applies to the Tacoma as well since Tacoma suspension is very similar to the 4runner.

If you want to build something for pure off-road fun, then get something that can be easily modifed and cheap to modify. Frankly, i would go with a Jeep Wrangler, but even with them, you still have to worry about the electronic nannies on the newer models. But, the parts are readily available and cheap.

As for 4runner vs. Taco, from a pure off-roading perspective, i would get a 4runner for several reasons:
- 4runner has better breakover angle
- 4runner comes with rear disc brakes
- 4runner frame is fully-boxed
- 4runner is more balanced (no empty bed to deal with)
- 4runner has a better suspension with better wheel travel (coil springs vs. leaf)

And now that the 2009 4runner Trail Edition comes with goodies (ATRAC + rear locker), i would definitely favor the 4runner for the above reasons.

Good luck.

:iagree:

 

[tenguns]

Yea - I'm still torn. But have at least narrowed to either the 4R or the Taco. Not sure on year yet and thinking it might be better to get one a couple years back - but will have to weigh what I wont' get in a new rig besides spending a bunch more. Some of the new technology is "neat" - but I'll probably break it. Looked under my daughters 4Runner today - what the hell is that rockcatcher they have attached to the rearend near the shock mounts. Wheel hop - axel roll stop?!!! I'll have to get under there and take a closer look. I need a multi-purpose rig - good enough for 2000-4000 long-hauls but that I can set up to abuse and get in & out. Looks like either rig will do it. Gotta sell that Titan first - then I'll get serious.

 

[Thai]

Gotta sell that Titan first - then I'll get serious.

Is "sell" the new term for "giving away for free"?? That is gonna be a tough sell in today's economy and slowly rising fuel prices.

Good luck.

 

[Fumbler]

The very first question that popped into my head was:
"Will your ATV fit into the tiny bed of the Taco?"

Aside from that, I would (and did) pick the 4Runner.
I can use a rear cargo area much much more than an open bed.
I'd also agree with everything Thai said.

One last thing..Unless you have a TON of money to spend on a swap, the Taco isn't available with the silky smooth V8

 

[tenguns]

Yea - well - it is one of the baddest Titan's on the planet - streetable but capable. Looks good anyway. We'll have to see. I've got it on craig's list and in Trade Express... and yes - in a pinch the quad will fit in the bed of the Taco - probably an inch short width wise or so - so will have to pop up over wheel well and it will sit on the gate - which seems much more flimzy then I remember... but it will work. Like's been said - tough to walk away from the closed but larger internal comforts of the 4R for a half dozen trips a year - especially when the wife wants me to take a trailer (she doesn't like the way I come off the truck with the ATV). And - I don't need the solid axle super truck - need a daily roller I can make as tough as possible. I'll break it no matter - but want to beef it up a little. It will have to be done over time cause money's tight everywhere. Either way - who has the best geometry relative to lifting? Real lift. Camberg, Total Chaos?? What's your thoughts on that? Thanks.

 

[Bowtie3]

I have both. A 07 Taco and a 08 Runner. The taco has a composite bed(plastic) and the tail gate will support only 200#'s....so they say. I like my Taco interior space better then the 4r beacuse I have the sunroof in the 4R. They both will have the same lift soon and I have taken the Taco out wheeling a few times...nothing hardcore as I have a 91 Yota buggy thing....LOL Same parts you can get for both....Out of the box the 4R has some better equipment for wheeling....but It's a computer stuff that I really dont like.


Sorry bout the long post, But if it were my choice....I'm a truck guy so I would get the Taco. The 4R just seems to car like for real wheeling. Just my opinion.

 

[tenguns]

Yep - hear ya. Some of the new technology scares the crap outta me. The worst invention for me has been anti-lock breaks or as their commonly known - "throw you off the cliff breaking". There are some times when a computer controller allows you to bump forward when your foot - or both feet are telling the $%^&* truck to stop which can be life threatening. Anyone have a way around it? I'll do some searching - but almost bought the farm w ALBs.

The bed worries me a little. Looks like its very breakable. But liked the drive of the Taco better. And 750lb Yam Griz dry will probably be a problem. I'll go lay my fat a down in the back of a 4r to see what a road-nap would be like vs that short little bed and see what happens. I agree with ya - the truck feels better from a 4wd perspective from the test drives I've done -

What did Toyota do with the nightmare of ADD (Automatic Differencial Disconnect) where lifting them over 2". Used to be an issue there where your CVs and front axles would be spinning on hwy or off - at least on the 4Rnrs. Not optimum. I'll definately have to have a winch on there somewhere - probably in an ARB or something - which adds a bunch of weight to the front end - Taco or 4R. I'll need enough to level out after raising enough for clearing tires and support the extra weight up there.

 

[Uneek]

I have both. My '05 Taco is a PreRunner DC with the Off-Road package. If you need the bed, a 4Runner wouldn't work. I didn't get the Taco in 4x4, because it's a part time system. The 4Runner has a full time 4WD system. I only need 4WD for the snow.

The tailgate is the weak link in the Taco. Check out ToyotaNation, tons of guys have bent theirs (carry motorcycles, etc). (I remove my tailgate when loading heavy things into the bed, like a 270lb bathtub.) I don't know if it's still available, but someone fabricated a gatorsaver (sp). It's decently thick piece of steel that will bolt in place of the plastic cover to strenghten up the tailgate. I had '90 Toyota pickup, the tailgate was dented from kneeling on it getting things out of the bed. That's not an issue with the Taco's plastic tailgate interior. A few weekends ago, I saw a first gen Tundra and it's tailgate was bent like a crumpled piece of paper from his sled. Regardless, I think any tailgate supporting a decent amount of weight needs to be beefed up, but the current gen Taco's especially. The bed, don't trust the bed rails and the cleats all that much. I've seen many posts on TN about them breaking. Instead, get D-rings and drill through the bed and use those as the tie-down. I remember one story of a cracked bed, but it was from using a slightly wider camper top. The rear leafs on my '05 is a little soft though, there was a TSB to get the leaf packs swapped beefier ones. I've rode the bump stops on mine hauling about 75 pieces of granite square foot tiles.

The important stuff. Build quality, the 4Runner is better assembled and more quieter inside. Granted it's sold as a more affordable GX470, it should be. The ride is more comfortable, the cabin is more quieter. The 4Runner at 70mph is quieter than the Tacoma at 50-55mph. I don't know if mine is noiser because I have a SnugTop shell on it--from the wind noise between cab and bed/shell gap. The one I test driven also had a shell on it.

Utility, the Taco, can't beat having the bed, the back seats have a plastic back to toss things on to. Also, if you don't get the TRD Off-Road or Sport packages, the front passenger seat folds flat as well. Tacoma has more hugging sport seats on the TRD packaged ones. Tacoma also has more storage space around the center console. The '09 doors were re-shaped, the map pockets are smaller or gone. IIRC, just drink bottle holders now.

In terms of mods, the Taco has more performance mods available. Take a look at the Performance sub-forum, you'll see quite a few here have taken Taco/FJ parts, tweaked them a bit to use in the 4Runner. Suspension is about equal. IIRC, Total Chaos at one point on their site mentioned it was easy and they had a head start on getting a lift for the Taco to market so quick was because the 4Runner was out two years prior. The front suspension is pretty much identical.

If I was going to mod my Taco, it would be a TC UCAs up front with IVD coil overs. Deaver leaf packs in back. Just 3" is enough for me. But I use it to haul building materials for home-improvement, so it being closer to ground saves my back. :

Can't go wrong with either one.