4Runner vs Tacoma - Suspension Capability?

[Bumbo]

I have a 2004 V6 4Runner 4x4
I have a line on a 2007 Tacoma V6 TRD Off-Road 4x4 (Manual Transmission)

I don't intend on selling the Runner, but I can really only afford to "go wild" on one truck... I am really attracted to the manual trans and locker, which are two things I don't have in the 4R.

The 4Runner has a 6112 lift on it right now and its been great... but I have been itching on taking it to the next level... long travel and re-work the rear suspension to something custom to accommodate a longer shock...

Looking at different setups got me thinking... I am trying to go wild on the wrong truck?

I see most people have a easier time just cutting up the bed and throwing in some shock towers and going ham... seems pretty capable and easier to work up.

The platforms look very similar, but between the leaf spring setup vs coils and the types of modifications that can be done to both... which one would you pick if you could have both, but could only modify one heavily?

Are there any pro/cons or driving/handling characteristics that are preferred on one over the other?

Application would be a desert truck... sand and hard pack. Capable cruiser to just enjoy my local deserts...

 

[Inv4drZm]

These are the simple questions you must weigh:

• V6 or V8? (You have the V6 in the 4R already)
  
• Truck or SUV?
  
• Initial increased sticker cost of the Taco
  
• Manual or auto
  

You can of course mod them to be as capable as you want, but these are the main differences you can't really change. You can throw on custom trailing arm mounted shocks with a 3link kit on the 4R, or leafs with the whole 9 yards and get the same desert performance as a decked out Taco. Not as simple as bolting on fiberglass bedsides and a couple huge shocks, but effectively the same cost for the same performance overall when you factor in the Taco "truck" tax.

Manual transmissions suck in the rocks, V8's are awesome. Making my choice easy. But building a flying Taco to take to the OK sand dunes is tempting.

 

[Bumbo]

The only reason I am considering a Taco is because of the deal I came across... its very much in my favor. No taco tax attached...

Manual, TRD Off-Road, Double Cab, Dealer Maintained...

If I had a V8 4Runner I would have been pretty clear and what I would have kept, but its essentially the same thing as what I drive now.

My 4Runner also has 200k on the odometer vs a newer 2007 with 100k on it... I still prefer the 4Runner, but the Taco is nice with the MT and Locker... I don't care for rocks... open desert is where I play.