Stick with 3rd gen or go 4th?

[markymark191]

Yeah, if I went V6 I'd go post-06. Even being good til 300k doesn't sit well with me for such an expensive fix since it's not an easy one to DIY. I've definitely read about making sure the 4x4 switches work too since some people don't exercise them enough, but that shouldn't be a problem with the V8s since they're full-time AWD, right?

If the head gasket goes the one that you would put in would be a redesign so you shouldn't have a problem with it again. The 300k was just more of a figure of speech. I better get over 300k! If you if you can get 06+ definitely go for that. Power wise, I would compare my stock 97 acceleration pretty close to my 04 acceleration with 285 ko2s. I noticed a pretty big difference in acceleration when I switched tires but I would still say it is better than the 3rd gens. On that note though just get the v8 haha.

 

[thecole1098]

I'm biased here, but I would personally got for another 3rd gen. For about 8k like you said you can get a fully modded out rig with excellent maintenance history (like mine) and be done.They may not be as roomy as the 4th gen or "nice", but something about them just has a certain charm to it. Also, the smaller size is an advantage on the trail IMO.

As for the handling characteristics, I had the same issues you were having with my 3" lifted rig with 33" MTs. It took me getting SPC UCAs and getting 5* of caster in it, putting the rear sway bar back on, new steering rack and ****ing with the rack guide adjustment for it to be a solid 9/10 on the highway. It is possible to have a nice ride in these even if they are not stock suspension geometry.

Only downside for me is the lack of power at speed and shitty gas mileage but it's all part of the game. Everything in life will have pros AND cons.

 

[atalarico]

I'm biased here, but I would personally got for another 3rd gen. For about 8k like you said you can get a fully modded out rig with excellent maintenance history (like mine) and be done.They may not be as roomy as the 4th gen or "nice", but something about them just has a certain charm to it. Also, the smaller size is an advantage on the trail IMO.

As for the handling characteristics, I had the same issues you were having with my 3" lifted rig with 33" MTs. It took me getting SPC UCAs and getting 5* of caster in it, putting the rear sway bar back on, new steering rack and ****ing with the rack guide adjustment for it to be a solid 9/10 on the highway. It is possible to have a nice ride in these even if they are not stock suspension geometry.

Only downside for me is the lack of power at speed and shitty gas mileage but it's all part of the game. Everything in life will have pros AND cons.

You have many good points. I'm afraid to post the listing for the 2002 Limited I found, but it's already lifted, has a bumper, locker, etc., all for under $7k with 210k miles on it. I'd be back to where I left off with my 97, or even a little ahead considering the bumper. Gah...so torn. My 3rd gen really sucked going up passes though with a full load of camping gear and a partner though, so the V8 would be such a great improvement. But you're right, the smaller size is for sure an advantage on the trail as I've squeezed through some narrow shelfs before and feeling glad I didn't have a bigger truck.

I've literally been on the site all day looking at 4th Gen pictures though and dammit some of the built ones are really growing on me. I just can't stand the stock look and that's what I would be stuck with for a while.

vs

($8k @ 165k miles but will need another $2k of work for me to turn it into something I like)

 

[jreask]

You have many good points. I'm afraid to post the listing for the 2002 Limited I found, but it's already lifted, has a bumper, locker, etc., all for under $7k with 210k miles on it. I'd be back to where I left off with my 97, or even a little ahead considering the bumper. Gah...so torn. My 3rd gen really sucked going up passes though with a full load of camping gear and a partner though, so the V8 would be such a great improvement. But you're right, the smaller size is for sure an advantage on the trail as I've squeezed through some narrow shelfs before and feeling glad I didn't have a bigger truck.

I've literally been on the site all day looking at 4th Gen pictures though and dammit some of the built ones are really growing on me. I just can't stand the stock look and that's what I would be stuck with for a while.

vs

($8k @ 165k miles but will need another $2k of work for me to turn it into something I like)

Tough call.

 

[ElZilcho]

The 4gen definitely has more docile road manners than the 3rd which a lot of people like (but I don't) and if you're interested in doing double duty with your 4runner as a DD then the 4gen is probably the best bet. The added power is nice but it drives much more like a car. In my experience 3rd and 4th gens are about equally capable off-road assuming similar levels of modification. If you're looking primarily for an adventure machine, I think the 3gen is the better bet.

You have a conundrum on your hands.

If you get a 4gen you'll miss the Tonka truck like charm of the 3rd.

If you stick with a 3gen you'll wonder what it would have been like to live with the V8 of the 4th.

I promise you'll be happy with whatever truck you choose.

All my opinions are worth exactly what you're paying for them.

 

[LarsBars]

I owned a 3rd gen for 8 years, and last September I sold it and bought an 06 with the v6. Bottom line is that I've looovvved living with the 06. It's primarily a road trip and camping vehicle, and sees light to moderate off road use. Ive really appreciated the increase in size and power from the 3rd gen. A few observations switching from one to the other:

- ride was definitely a little "soft" for me in the 4th gen, and the seating position a little too low as well. I lifted it 2" and upped the tire size to 32's and that fixed both those issues for me.
- even with the v6 and bigger tires, the 4th gen has WAY more power on tap than the 3rd. It can cruise at 80 all day without breaking a sweat.
- interior plastics and materials are noticeably cheaper in the 4th.
- the option to use full-time 4wd rules and has been really nice for winter highway driving.
- ATRAC really adds to the off road capability!
- seats are way more comfortable on long trips in the 4th
- 4th gen has a lot of small features that are really nice for daily use

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[BrandonF]

I will be selling my 3rd gen on 35's shortly and getting a GX470. You can find higher mileage ones that are still in your price range (without mods though) and they are quite a step above the 4th gen 4Runner in refinement.

 

[derekdevasia]

If i had to do it again, I'd honestly probably go with the Lexus GX instead. It's got the same motor, and all the suspension components fit up (I believe) and there's a decent aftermarket for it.

I've seen the prices for 4th gen's lately and they're over inflated. I've found GX's for cheaper than their 4th gen counter parts...but that's just my .02

 

[atalarico]

I will be selling my 3rd gen on 35's shortly and getting a GX470. You can find higher mileage ones that are still in your price range (without mods though) and they are quite a step above the 4th gen 4Runner in refinement.

Innnnteresting! I had no idea. Do you have an resources, like Lexus off-roading forums, to share that you’d recommend checking out? There’s a 2004 with 163k for $8900 in my area but that’s it. Kinda steep and leaves me nothing for mods afterward so I’d be stuck with the rich soccer mom look for a lot longer, but damn that interior is incredible. I’d almost feel too bad using it as a truck though, and I’ve felt that way about LC’s too. I think I kind of like a little lack of refinement in my adventure vehicles.

 

[Juicy]

I've definitely read about making sure the 4x4 switches work too since some people don't exercise them enough, but that shouldn't be a problem with the V8s since they're full-time AWD, right?

You definitely want to make sure the 4lo works if you get a V8, mine didn't work when I got it and the bill was $2200 for a new actuator lol

There are a few stickies you should read, if you haven't already, that compare V6 to V8 and another one that is like a 'before you buy' type guide. Lots of good info there.

 

[BrandonF]

Innnnteresting! I had no idea. Do you have an resources, like Lexus off-roading forums, to share that you’d recommend checking out? There’s a 2004 with 163k for $8900 in my area but that’s it. Kinda steep and leaves me nothing for mods afterward so I’d be stuck with the rich soccer mom look for a lot longer, but damn that interior is incredible. I’d almost feel too bad using it as a truck though, and I’ve felt that way about LC’s too. I think I kind of like a little lack of refinement in my adventure vehicles.

There is a really good Facebook group for GX's called GXOR - GX Offroad. I'm usually not a huge fan of the offroad Facebook groups and think forums are way better sources of useful information and discussion. However, that group is actually really good. This forum has a GX section but its pretty dead.

I almost pulled the trigger yesterday on an 03 that needed some mechanical work but they just wouldn't go low enough to justify it. To get a good one, you need to either be patient or willing to travel - being a luxury vehicle, they aren't nearly as common as the 4Runners.

Below is one of my customer's GX's that we built a rear bumper prototype on. His is on 275/70/17's with a 3" lift. And I totally agree - they look like such soccer mom SUV's when stock, especially in the lighter colours. But once they are modified a little, they look sweet! I will be going straight from stock to 315's on mine!

https://www.coastaloffroad.com/3rd-gen-4runner/gx470-low-profile-rear-plate-bumper

IMG_7546 by Brandon Faliszewski, on Flickr
IMG_7537 by Brandon Faliszewski, on Flickr

 

[atalarico]

There is a really good Facebook group for GX's called GXOR - GX Offroad. I'm usually not a huge fan of the offroad Facebook groups and think forums are way better sources of useful information and discussion. However, that group is actually really good. This forum has a GX section but its pretty dead.

I almost pulled the trigger yesterday on an 03 that needed some mechanical work but they just wouldn't go low enough to justify it. To get a good one, you need to either be patient or willing to travel - being a luxury vehicle, they aren't nearly as common as the 4Runners.

Below is one of my customer's GX's that we built a rear bumper prototype on. His is on 275/70/17's with a 3" lift. And I totally agree - they look like such soccer mom SUV's when stock, especially in the lighter colours. But once they are modified a little, they look sweet! I will be going straight from stock to 315's on mine!

https://www.coastaloffroad.com/3rd-gen-4runner/gx470-low-profile-rear-plate-bumper

IMG_7546 by Brandon Faliszewski, on Flickr
IMG_7537 by Brandon Faliszewski, on Flickr

Wow! That actually looks good! I think the GX's are a bit out of my price-range, but dang I kind of want one now. Hah!

 

[Roadtripr]

I had a 3rd gen and loved it, but the 4th gen is a much nicer vehicle to drive. The V6 with multimode 4WD and ATRAC was a big improvement over a 13 year old 3rd gen.
The extra space, updated interior and extra amenities are nice too.

Get an 06 or newer to avoid potential head gasket issues (the old 3rd gen also had HG issues in the early years).
Get one w/o a sunroof (the crap rattles after a while esp with harder suspension)

Go test drive some and see how you like it.

 

[atalarico]

I had a 3rd gen and loved it, but the 4th gen is a much nicer vehicle to drive. The V6 with multimode 4WD and ATRAC was a big improvement over a 13 year old 3rd gen.
The extra space, updated interior and extra amenities are nice too.

Get an 06 or newer to avoid potential head gasket issues (the old 3rd gen also had HG issues in the early years).
Get one w/o a sunroof (the crap rattles after a while esp with harder suspension)

Go test drive some and see how you like it.

Thanks! Unfortunately the price range seems to limit to me ones older than 06 right now, so it is what it is. Hearing that about the sunroofs is unnerving since a sunroof is a "must-have" for me. There is nothing like rolling down the back window and the sunroof on the open highway and having a nice rush of air without the noise of the door windows being down. That sucks that they rattle.

 

[C-RAIG]

I am kind of in the same boat as you right now. I just got a 2006 that I need to pay for with the blood money from my built 96. The 06 has more power and is easier to drive in every way, but it lacks the character and fun of the 3rd gen.
I keep going back and forth between giving this back and keeping mine or building the 4th gen.

 

[Inv4drZm]

I am kind of in the same boat as you right now. I just got a 2006 that I need to pay for with the blood money from my built 96. The 06 has more power and is easier to drive in every way, but it lacks the character and fun of the 3rd gen.
I keep going back and forth between giving this back and keeping mine or building the 4th gen.

I kinda wonder why people use, in your words for example, 'character' and 'fun', sometimes 'charm', to describe the 3rd gen. Maybe it's because its smaller? I've just never really gotten that impression from it.

Now the FJ Cruiser has a lot of character and uniqueness, and all the power you mentioned. Might be worth looking into if you can give up the interior room over the 4th gen.

 

[atalarico]

I am kind of in the same boat as you right now. I just got a 2006 that I need to pay for with the blood money from my built 96. The 06 has more power and is easier to drive in every way, but it lacks the character and fun of the 3rd gen.
I keep going back and forth between giving this back and keeping mine or building the 4th gen.

We are in the *same* boat...in the same location none the less. Your 3rd sounds a lot like my 3rd was too. I still haven't gotten the definitive "frame is toast" call from the collision shop that was supposed to come by the end of today, but yeah, it definitely feels like blood money. Like I somehow got paid out for someone putting down my old trusty hound or something.

I kinda wonder why people use, in your words for example, 'character' and 'fun', sometimes 'charm', to describe the 3rd gen. Maybe it's because its smaller? I've just never really gotten that impression from it.

Now the FJ Cruiser has a lot of character and uniqueness, and all the power you mentioned. Might be worth looking into if you can give up the interior room over the 4th gen.

I think it's the size and the more truck-like ride? I'm not sure, but I know exactly what he meant when he said "character" and "fun". I'm not saying the 4th gen won't be, but I've never driven a built up 4th gen, so I don't really know. I'm willing to take a ride with anyone in the Denver area though!

FJ's aren't really my bag either.

 

[ElZilcho]

I kinda wonder why people use, in your words for example, 'character' and 'fun', sometimes 'charm', to describe the 3rd gen. Maybe it's because its smaller? I've just never really gotten that impression from it.

Excuse my clunky analogy, but for me it's like the difference between a Miata and Porsche. The Porsche is clearly the better sports car, but the Miata is still a $#!t load of fun.

The 3rd gen was smaller and a little more "tossable." It had elements that reminded me of my old 22RE Hilux (poetically named the "4x4" in North America; the marketing department really dug for that one). Like a full scale Tonka truck. I miss that truck too. That said I still made the move to a 4gen... and I don't regret it. It just doesn't have that same toy like feel. That's not necessarily a bad thing. Maybe it's the extra weight or the gadgets or the size, or a combination... I don't know.

I have to be careful here. Thinking about my old Toyotas is giving me a strong desire to start combing craigslist. (for cars you sicko's)

 

[C-RAIG]

To be fair I didn't like my 3rd gen when I got it either, coming from a 2012 Tacoma to a 96 4runner seemed barbaric! I built it though and loved it. I'm hoping I can feel the same way about the 4th gen. Right now it seems so plain and boring.

 

[atalarico]

Excuse my clunky analogy, but for me it's like the difference between a Miata and Porsche. The Porsche is clearly the better sports car, but the Miata is still a $#!t load of fun.

The 3rd gen was smaller and a little more "tossable." It had elements that reminded me of my old 22RE Hilux (poetically named the "4x4" in North America; the marketing department really dug for that one). Like a full scale Tonka truck. I miss that truck too. That said I still made the move to a 4gen... and I don't regret it. It just doesn't have that same toy like feel. That's not necessarily a bad thing. Maybe it's the extra weight or the gadgets or the size, or a combination... I don't know.

I have to be careful here. Thinking about my old Toyotas is giving me a strong desire to start combing craigslist. (for cars you sicko's)

I get that analogy perfectly actually! I'm still damn torn. I think I need to find someone with a built up 4th gen out here and see if I can take a ride. I have to imagine they lose the slightly too comfortable ride after a lift and some decent tires.

To be fair I didn't like my 3rd gen when I got it either, coming from a 2012 Tacoma to a 96 4runner seemed barbaric! I built it though and loved it. I'm hoping I can feel the same way about the 4th gen. Right now it seems so plain and boring.

Oh man I have to disagree with you there. I loved my 97 when I got it back in 2010! I was coming from a 2000 Golf, but still, even with bigger tires and no lift it felt so much better. Maybe it was just that it was my first truck.

Good luck with your build though! Are you going Bilstein/Eibach again? I know I am. I got so many complements on how good the suspension was on the road and on the trail, and it was so much better when I ditched the Tundra 5100s and went with the Tacoma ones.