I bought my 98 4runner specifically as a 2wd as I have no intention of offroading. We bought it as a family vehicle. deciding factors for our t4r were seating scapacity, overall size, and cargo space (wanted something with room for my stereo equipment and still room for cargo). right now we have a 2yr old daughter and we are planning to have a 2nd baby. my thought proccess with lowering our 2wd is for the ease of getting kids in and out. If i had intentions of offraoding, I would go the opposite route, being a 4wd with a lift kit and removing the running boards and installing collapsable steps. As money allows, later down the road, I may pick up a 3rd gen 4wd as a "toy" LOL