Should I get one

[maybea4runner]

Alright, so lets start this off with a bang. I drive a jeep wrangler. I have been getting into offroad pretty heavy in my area. New Hampshire has a ton of class six roads, and I have a list of about 1200 of them. My jeep is lifted with 33x12.5 tires, a winch and a front locker. I have put allot of effort into her but I have been watching a friend with a 4 runner mosey over some obstacles that my tj has had a little bit of difficulty with (maybe wheel base). I have been thinking about getting one. I would like to hear some recommendations and if possible the good and the bad of owning a 4runner. I am mechanically inclined with six years army aviation crew chief/mechanic and about three years of automotive experience. I can rebuild engines, transmissions etc. Any advice would be great, also do any models come with lockers stock (if so are they reliable).

 

[mod-it]

Seeing as you're posting on a Toyota 4runner forum, I think that your answer will be predominately "yes". Currently I have a 200,000 mile 1999 4runner and a 20,000 mile 2011 Rubicon both pretty well modified. While the Jeep is great offroad and a lot of fun to drive, I personally prefer my 4runner for daily driving. Tons of space and reliability, more power (feels like it at least) and just my own familiarity with the vehicle.
If you're looking at buying one, there's a thread around here called "3rd Gen 4runner buyer's guide" by 4-Ripcord (there's also one for 4th gens, whichever you're looking at). I would suggest reading one or both of those to get a better feel for what model you're looking for. To answer your last question; yes, all 1996-2000 4runners had the option for an E-locker. The only 4th gen I know of that had one was the 2009 Trail Edition and those are hard to come by.

Good luck with your decision, and welcome to the forums.

 

[Speedy Gomez]

:welcome: to T4R.ORG