should I keep my 4th Gen?

[Badbob]

Hey folks

Brand new to this forum and looking forward to getting to know you all, ok-some of you.

I have a 04' stock. I got in out wheel'n this weekend for the first time. We must move to Colorado from Indiana (that's why). I've owned a 88' stock and a 91' stock. I was impressed by the performance of the 04 over the other two.

In fact I was going to sell my 04 and go back to a 3rd generation because i thought it was a better stock 4x4 but now I'm not so sure.

Is the 4th gen track control really that good?

I really want a great offroad 4-runner that I can still drive around town. do you think I should go backwards and look for a 96' or later and build it up? I plan on: lift, winch, bigger tires.

Thanks for your advice,

Badbob

 

[Badbob]

Engine Rattle?

Hi folks

I have an 04' with 135,000 miles. Lately when I start it in the morning I hear an engine rattle--sounds like it is coming from underneith the driver's floor boards. I thought at first it might be a loose muffler mount but after looking around I didn't see anything.

I was just wondering if anybody else had anything like this. I know it could be a million different things. But sometimes vehicles have known problems. I'm unemployed and I can't take it in right now.

Any thoughts?

Badbob

 

[macoyle]

well first off welcome to the forum, the different gens are both different animals. the third gen has an optional rear diff locker which is great for offroad, and the 4th gen has the torsen center diff. the 4th also has more power, room and better mileage. The third is smaller so has a better turning radius, can fit in smaller trails easier etc. Either one is a great platform, obviously Im bias since I have an 04 as well though. 3rd gens are cheaper and both hold their value very well. Its all what you prefer and what your pocket can afford.

 

[gptoy96]

Agreed with Venom.

Both are great. Locker is good if you find one on the 3rd gen, ATRAC is sweet on the 4th for wheelin. Perhaps you may have more budget to do things if you went older? On the flip side you'd lose a few things like the power, room, more comfort, etc. And the fact it's older may lead to more maintenance items than the 04.

I've played this scenario many times in my head too (everytime I see my old 3rd gen running around really), but I'm thinking of sticking with my 04 for the reasons above.

 

[scottm]

The 4th-gen is a big improvement in comfort and road handling/safety, at some sacrifice of off-road capabilities. You can mod either to be a monster off-road, but the older ones start with more ground clearance and are easier/cheaper to mod. So you need to decide what your priorities are. If you're going to make regular highway trips back to Indiana, you might be wise to stick with the 4th-gen and not too much lift. I like the 3rd-gen, but I spend a lot of time on the highway, so I spent a little extra to get a 4th-gen.

 

[THEROK]

the 3rd gen is just so dated... i can't even begin to imagine why someone would trade down for one. that interior is... so 90s. cramped too.

 

[FourEyedWilly]

Funny I was thinking the same. I found a local 3rd gen for $10K that was in fantastic shape. To give up my V8 and extra room inside was not an option. I'd keep what you got. Who knows what can of worms you might get into!

 

[Badbob]

My primary concern is the best offroad vehicle platform. I'm a small guy so room is not really an issue (plus I owned a 91) and I don't plan on using this for highway usage.

My real question is: is a stock 4G (locking center differential and track'n control) a better offroad vehicle than a stock 3G (no lock diff). Does this sum up the basic difference?

4G:
better traction control
more power
newer more reliable

3G:
shorter wheel base, better turning
initially higher
cheaper 2 modify
risker since older

Thanks All for your input,

Badbob

 

[MikesToy]

Lately when I start it in the morning I hear an engine rattle--sounds like it is coming from underneith the driver's floor boards. I thought at first it might be a loose muffler mount but after looking around I didn't see anything.

Any thoughts?

That happened to my '03 just to find out that the foot brake line was loose. I had it tightened up by the freelership and no more rattles.

 

[FourEyedWilly]

Well, I did a lot of trails in colorado with my extended cab Taco. The smaller turning radius never was an issue. Knowing however, that being a mile up in town and usually at 10K feet when wheeling, I might take the one with more power. They both are IFS. I'd say, if you are going down the rockcrawling road, go with the third gen. If fire trails and medium wheeling, go 4th. I don't think one shines more than the other really.

 

[M1911]

The 3rd gen is rather underpowered at sea level. All naturally aspirated engines lose a great deal of power at high altitude. As a result, a 3rd gen would not be my choice of vehicle for Colorado.

Keep your 4th gen. If you find it doesn't have enough offroad capability for you, there are plenty of mods available to improve it.

 

[scottm]

Funny I was thinking the same. I found a local 3rd gen for $10K that was in fantastic shape. To give up my V8 and extra room inside was not an option. I'd keep what you got. Who knows what can of worms you might get into!

That better be in fantastic shape, I paid that for my 4th with 60k!

 

[KBToys]

well, I just traded my 02 runner on an 04 a few weeks ago. Just remember that 01-02 did have the center diff lock. Here my .02 cents. My 02 to me now seemed a lot smaller except the cargo area. I think it was longer. The ride on my 4gen is a lot better and there is more power nothing extreme but yes it is there. The things I hate but it's more of a personal preference on the 4gen. Stupid dial for the 4WD, where they placed the power window switches, only one power outlet stock. To me the ride, and the more people room sold me, but if those two are not a concern for you than you might want to really think about a 3rd gen. If you really could find a 99 with the manual than that would be icing on the cake.

 

[M1911]

If you really could find a 99 with the manual than that would be icing on the cake.

While I prefer manuals for overall driving, I prefer an automatic for offroad. YMMV.

 

[034RUNNER]

Venom summed it up pretty well.

If you were impressed with your runner, why consider still getting rid of it? I look at it this way: You can always sell it. If you're paranoid about losing value, etc, you don't really need to worry much; these trucks (3rd and 4th gens) hold value very well. Have your fun with it; if you find yourself getting bored or simply unhappy, then start the for-sale process and consider what your next one will be.