How Capable Is A Stock 4Runner? (newbie)

[emmettlodge]

Hi, I'm new here. I am very seriously considering the purchase of a used 4Runner, looked at several early to mid-90's vehicles and I am about ready to buy. I like the body style, the ground clearance, and the Toyota name.

But I have a few questions. I've never owned a 4x4 vehicle before. Necessity is now prompting the purchase of one - I have just bought 350 acres of uninhabited, uncleared, unsurveyed land. Judging by aircraft photos, approx. 50 acres of it is marsh/grassy field/wetland, and the remaining 300 acres is light to moderate woods (very little new growth, mostly large older trees). A creek approx. 2 feet deep and 6-8 feet wide cuts the property in half. There are no roads and no trails. I would like to explore the property in order to survey it and map it out, and also create a few access trails.

Do you think a stock 4Runner like the ones I am considering would handle this terrain? Particularly the creek (I don't want to build a bridge)? Or am I looking at larger tires, a lift kit, etc etc?

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Clemsonfan15]

A stock 4runner should perform great. Two feet of water isn't that much for a stock vehicle.

Edit: Apparently I was wrong. See below.

 

[emmettlodge]

Is this '93 that I am considering equipped with locking differentials?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

The V6's from that era had some head gasket challenges. If the gaskets have been done and the timing belt is in good shape that would be a great choice.
:cheers:

 

[trd_4runnin]

Is this '93 that I am considering equipped with locking differentials?

No locking differentials in that body though. A locking rear differential was available on the 3rd. generation 4Runner (96-02). Also, the generation that you are looking at had the 3.0 v6, which as posted above had headgasket issues. The 96-02 featured the 3.4 v6 which is highly regarded by the Toyota crowd as an over-built, extremely reliable engine. Both generations are nice, while I prefer the 3rd, but just make sure you check to see if the headgasket recall has been done if you choose to purchase a 2nd. generation. Also, I'm not sure about the 2nd generations, but the 3rd generations had extended front differential and trans. breathers and the rear can be extended for about another $20. This could become advantageous in crossing that creek of yours.

 

[Thai]

No locking differentials in that body though. A locking rear differential was available on the 3rd. generation 4Runner (96-02). Also, the generation that you are looking at had the 3.0 v6, which as posted above had headgasket issues. The 96-02 featured the 3.4 v6 which is highly regarded by the Toyota crowd as an over-built, extremely reliable engine. Both generations are nice, while I prefer the 3rd, but just make sure you check to see if the headgasket recall has been done if you choose to purchase a 2nd. generation. Also, I'm not sure about the 2nd generations, but the 3rd generations had extended front differential and trans. breathers and the rear can be extended for about another $20. This could become advantageous in crossing that creek of yours.

Good info...just a few minor corrections.

The locking rear diff was available as an option on 1996-2000 4runners. The locking rear diff was rare in 2000 though.

Beginning in 2001 and up, all 4runners have 4-wheel traction control, 4-channel ABS, and stability control.

Beginning in 1999 and up, all V6 4runners have Multi-mode 4wd and a center differential. Before 1999, 4runners had part-time 4wd system.

1996 4runner (3rd gen) did have headgasket issue with the 3.4L V6, but went away in 1997 and up. Otherwise, the 3.4L V6 is an excellent engine in terms of durability and reliability.

The 2nd gen did have extended breather tubes just like the 3rd gen. Both generations do need rear diff breather extension.

As for crossing 2 ft of water, i would DEFINITELY extend the rear diff breather (http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=123). Even with the breather, i would be careful crossing 24 in of water, esp. a creek where water levels could vary greatly. In general, i am very hesitant to cross any rivers/creeks unless i can walk across it first to physically determine the depth.

 

[emmettlodge]

Thank you for all the in-depth info!

It sounds like it is worth it to spend the extra money and find a 3rd gen vehicle instead. Considering the headgasket issue, the 2nd gen that I am looking at has NO service history, so I haven't any way of finding out if the gasket was done.

Aside from modifying the diff breather, what else on a 3rd gen should be done for fording water? Is the engine intake/air box likely to get water in it from splashing, or not?

 

[trd_4runnin]

Good info...just a few minor corrections.

The locking rear diff was available as an option on 1996-2000 4runners. The locking rear diff was rare in 2000 though.

Beginning in 2001 and up, all 4runners have 4-wheel traction control, 4-channel ABS, and stability control.

Beginning in 1999 and up, all V6 4runners have Multi-mode 4wd and a center differential. Before 1999, 4runners had part-time 4wd system.

1996 4runner (3rd gen) did have headgasket issue with the 3.4L V6, but went away in 1997 and up. Otherwise, the 3.4L V6 is an excellent engine in terms of durability and reliability.

The 2nd gen did have extended breather tubes just like the 3rd gen. Both generations do need rear diff breather extension.

As for crossing 2 ft of water, i would DEFINITELY extend the rear diff breather (http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=123). Even with the breather, i would be careful crossing 24 in of water, esp. a creek where water levels could vary greatly. In general, i am very hesitant to cross any rivers/creeks unless i can walk across it first to physically determine the depth.

Thanks for the corrections and added info Thai. Most of that I knew, but seem to always forget about the changes made in the later years of the 3rd. Generation.

To the op, as far as I know there is not a lot more that you can do to make your 4Runner more water worthy, with the exception of purchasing a snorkel. The airbox isn't likely to get water in only 2 feet of water but, as Thai said, with the varying levels in a natural creek it you should be extremely careful. As long as it is never more than 2 feet deep I would just keep on eye on your differentials as you may need to change the fluid in them more often than normal, depending on how often you venture across the creek of course.

 

[Good Times]

If you're looking to buy used of any truck I would recommend a Land Cruiser series as it'll be easier to build a capable rig over a 4runner. No offense to the 4runners but the Land Cruisers are well built with a nice flat belly (makes for easier build ups).


40/45/55/60/62/7x/80 all comes with factory front/rear lockers (some may not though so look out for em).

I personally would hunt a nice 80 (95-97) w/ factory dual lockers and just add 35's (it can easily fit 35's ) with a mild lift.

Good luck

 

[Thai]

If you're looking to buy used of any truck I would recommend a Land Cruiser series as it'll be easier to build a capable rig over a 4runner. No offense to the 4runners but the Land Cruisers are well built with a nice flat belly (makes for easier build ups).


40/45/55/60/62/7x/80 all comes with factory front/rear lockers (some may not though so look out for em).

I personally would hunt a nice 80 (95-97) w/ factory dual lockers and just add 35's (it can easily fit 35's ) with a mild lift.

Good luck

Lance, is it true that only about 10% of Land Cruiser 80 came with full set of lockers?? From my search prior to G-wagen, that 10% seemed true.

 

[Good Times]

Lance, is it true that only about 10% of Land Cruiser 80 came with full set of lockers?? From my search prior to G-wagen, that 10% seemed true.

No clue actually but if you go on ih8mud.com you'll find that there's a good selection of 80's w/ factory lockers for sale under 10k! I found one for 8k awhile back so the prices are dropping like crazy.

 

[emmettlodge]

It's funny you should mention the LandCruisers, because I've held off on buying the 4Runner as I've just found a '92 FJ80 for $3k, and it's in VERY nice condition.

Two things though, I'm having trouble finding out if it has lockers or not

Also, are you SURE a landcruiser would be better off? The reason I ask is, when comparing the 4Runner to the Landcruiser, the LC seems much larger and heavier - i.e., more likely to "wallow" in that creek of mine. I would think a narrower, lighter vehicle would have a much easier time with the terrain.

Thoughts?

 

[Thai]

It's funny you should mention the LandCruisers, because I've held off on buying the 4Runner as I've just found a '92 FJ80 for $3k, and it's in VERY nice condition.

Two things though, I'm having trouble finding out if it has lockers or not

Also, are you SURE a landcruiser would be better off? The reason I ask is, when comparing the 4Runner to the Landcruiser, the LC seems much larger and heavier - i.e., more likely to "wallow" in that creek of mine. I would think a narrower, lighter vehicle would have a much easier time with the terrain.

Thoughts?

Remember, MOST Land Cruiser 80 and LX450 do not have the lockers...so, be careful when shopping for one.

If it has lockers, then you should see a dial on the left side of the dash (left of steering wheel). Here is a thread on the TLC80 that i considered a while back: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2559

Scroll down to see the picture of the locker dial.

If you can get one with full lockers, then yes, it should be more capable off-road than the 4runner. BUT, the 4runner is a safer vehicle for on-road travel due to better crash design and more airbags. The body and frame of the TLC80 were not known to be particularly stout...this was where the TLC100 was significantly better.

IMHO, i think that a heavy larger vehicle is a plus while crossing a creek. More stability...and more resistance against the flow of current. The only negative is that if the creek is muddy, then the weight may be an issue. But, overall, i would favor a heavy, wide footprint vehicle in a water crossing.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

In the '99 and '00 years only the Limiteds had the multi-mode auto but was a standard on the V6s in '01-'02s.


The 4Runner market has become a bit of a buyers market lately with gas prices so I suggest the '99-'00 models since it got the mid gen upgrades and you can get it with a locker and 5 speed if you look hard enough. You can find 100k mile examples floating around the $8k range for a '99 up model and maybe cheaper so you can get a lot of 4Runner for the $$$.

For what you appear to be needing a factory locker equipped 3rd gen would be plenty and capable with a mild lift and bigger tires and is still a comfortable ride on pavement.

Plus 4Runner replacement parts are easier to find at junkyards vs a LCs and can be cheaper to fix.

I do intermediate trails fine but sliders are coming soon since I've had a few close calls but around you property a 3rd gen should do you nicely.

 

[techno]

80 series Cruisers are awesome off road...

 

[Thai]

If you can get one with full lockers, then yes, it should be more capable off-road than the 4runner. BUT, the 4runner is a safer vehicle for on-road travel due to better crash design and more airbags. The body and frame of the TLC80 were not known to be particularly stout...this was where the TLC100 was significantly better.

BTW, the above reference to 4runner being safer ONLY applies IF you buy a 4th gen (2003-up) 4runner. Otherwise, earlier 4runners and TLC80 are about equal in crash protection and may favor the TLC simply because TLC is more massive. Late 3rd gen 4runners (2001-2002) do come with stability control and traction control which is a plus for on-road safety.

 

[Good Times]

92 LC80 for 3k? not bad at all.

If you plan to get an lc80 I would look for the 95-97 w/ factory lockers.

btw if I had to build my 4th gen again, I would not do it. I would just get a lc80 and go crazy. that's how much I believe that it's that much better and cheaper!

anyway good luck. Not trying to push you away from an used 4runner but just giving you some ideas to make ya go crazy deciding which way to go.

btw go check out ih8mud.com for some great info on the landcruisers.

good luck

 

[emmettlodge]

Wow, thanks for all the help - everyone has been invaluble.

I should clarify: I doubt this 4runner or LC (whichever I get) will EVER see pavement. I simply don't have a need for a road-worthy 4x4, I just need it for my property. I don't plan on registering or insuring it when I get it. SO...roadworthyness and crash safety are really not on my list of concerns (unless I roll down a hill heh).

If they were, I would indeed lean towards a newer 4th gen 4runner and spend the extra cash.

But since I'm not concerned about airbags, roll protection, etc.... I think I will continue to hold off and see if a LC with lockers pops up. If not, I'll probably just get a late 3rd gen 4runner with the rear locker option.

I am not going to get the '93 I was originally considering, because it doesn't have lockers and I would like that extra bit of traction.

 

[Thai]

Sounds like you are on your way to get the right vehicle for your needs....

Good luck and report back to us with what you buy.

 

[808BMW]

To just make trails/explore, I'd go cheap and find a good ATV or utility mule or something, with a trailer and spend the extra cash on tools.

Then buy a tractor and build a bridge for it