best year to turn into trail rig
- Thread starter unimog
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RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
There is nothing wrong with sticking with a Toy since you do get on road reliability over the Jeep and with a Runner you get more room to haul your camping goodies. Jeeps are great trail vehicles but they also seem kinda cliche.
I do love my '99 for running intermediate trails on on road comforst but I wouldn't turn it into a dedicated trail vehicle unless I was loaded.
I do love my '99 for running intermediate trails on on road comforst but I wouldn't turn it into a dedicated trail vehicle unless I was loaded.
boston_kevin
New member
I have to agree with Thai though... For pure off-roading, you can't beat a modified wrangler (especially with the 4.0L inline 6 with fuel injection). Take off the doors and you have a great view of what you are really going over. Take out the floor pan plugs and drain the water from the river you just crossed up to your headlights. Mechanically, I never had a problem with my '91 Wrangler, and in a slightly modified format (small lift, 30" tires) I could go over almost any trail and with the shortened wheel base, no chance of getting high centered.
If you are looking for a "hybrid" off-roader/street truck, I'd probably stick with Toyota.
If you are looking for a "hybrid" off-roader/street truck, I'd probably stick with Toyota.
RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
I'm just being pro-yota since that's why we're here in the first place and he did ask what gen of TOYOTA 4Runner is the best,not the best overall. :bash: 
4Runners are much better at toting a few "guests" on your off road excursions and they're better than the jeep on the way home IMO but then again aren't we biased.
4Runners are much better at toting a few "guests" on your off road excursions and they're better than the jeep on the way home IMO but then again aren't we biased.
theirs is no way i'd ever buy a HEEP, I've been a Rover guy for the longest time and also a toyota. jeeps are over rated and I have run with jeeps on 35's and 33's with my old stock street ties on my rover. Solid axle is an important thing to me and comfort is not. I'll probally rhino line the int. because i love to go in deep water and mud, rocks too. This rig will also probally be towed places instead of driven. but their is no way in hell that I will buy a jeep.
Thai said:
but you can easily pass by as it is broken on the side of the road or trail.
there is a reason they say "if it aint broke, its not a jeep"
just wheel whatever you like, the 85 is a good year, but i like the comforts of my 96 limited. I dont plan on going anywhere that I need a solid front axel, and if i do go there, the axel is the least of my concerns.
I also heard, "if you want to look pretty getting there, drive a Land Rover, if you want to make it back, drive a Toyota"
i had to decide between a L disco2 or my 4runner, the 4runner won. but the LR disco looks waaay cooler and is a bigger vehicle for sure. just doesnt suit all of my needs.
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Thai
Elite Member
Kyle, but with a TJ, you have a pretty solid foundation (boxed frame, coil springs). There is just not much to break on a Jeep Wrangler TJ because everything is basic to the bone. The standard axles are weak. But, you can always upgrade the axles. Or, better yet, get a Rubicon (2003-2006) and modify from there. It comes with Dana 44s, 4:1 transfer case, and strong lockers (front & rear).
Both reliability and crash testing are above average for TJ Wranglers.
Both reliability and crash testing are above average for TJ Wranglers.
GYoter
New member
Seriously, unimog just stated he would never buy a heep, so give it up. He wants toyota advice, not to hear about a TJ.RonMAIDEN said:
Unimog - go to www.yotatech.com to get way better info than this site for what you are looking for. It is more offroad-oriented and has info on all toy trucks not just focusing on 4runners.
Thai
Elite Member
GYoter said:
Geez, don't get your panties all twisted.
True, he asked about 4runner. I am just offering a different viewpoint...and a fair one at that. He does not have to listen to me. I was answering Kyle's post on my last post...was it not clear to you??
Like i said many times in this forum, i prefer a fair view on most topics, esp. involving other cars. Let's not get into a one-mindset view on this forum.P.S.: GYoter, i don't mind linking other forums on this forum (open policy as courtesy to members)...but please do NOT insult (even in a passive aggressive way) this forum and then link another forum. This is your first and last warning. Thank you.
RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
Sorry if I got pushy too but I do try to promote Toyota on a board that is pro Toyota since if we wanted a Jeep we be on a Jeep forum since I don't think they push (I know they don't ) Toyotas on fellow Jeep guys.
Jeeps have their place but when it comes to overall quality Toyota does it way better and off road the first gen 'yotas with the solid front axle compete well with the Jeeps.
Jeeps have their place but when it comes to overall quality Toyota does it way better and off road the first gen 'yotas with the solid front axle compete well with the Jeeps.
Thai
Elite Member
RonMAIDEN said:
Agree, but i do want to try and give a fair perspective on most topic. I don't like to see bashing of other brands, unless warranted. (Thus, you will never see me recommend any other Jeep vehicle.) It will make for a better atmosphere that will encourage discussions. What fun will there be if we all just pat ourselves on our back about the same vehicle over and over again??
Ok, i will shut my mouth about Wranglers on this thread.
SpeedyManiac
New member
For a trail rig, here's my opinion:
First pick: 1985 4Runner. Solid axle, dependable, no frills vehicle. Removable top is a big plus in my opinion.
Second pick: E-locked 3rd gen with SAS. Pretty comfy ride.
Third pick: 1989 4Runner. Just needs a SAS and it's good to go for trail. I really like my 89 but right now it's my daily driver (University Student) so the offroad goodies need to wait a bit. Not sure if I'll go SAS as I like to mix it up with more high speed stuff and SAS costs quite a bit.
First pick: 1985 4Runner. Solid axle, dependable, no frills vehicle. Removable top is a big plus in my opinion.
Second pick: E-locked 3rd gen with SAS. Pretty comfy ride.
Third pick: 1989 4Runner. Just needs a SAS and it's good to go for trail. I really like my 89 but right now it's my daily driver (University Student) so the offroad goodies need to wait a bit. Not sure if I'll go SAS as I like to mix it up with more high speed stuff and SAS costs quite a bit.
