the perfect 4th gen, dreaming of

[badfeather]

Returning from the Middle East in July and I have been waiting to spend some money on a 4runner.
I have been trolling the internet looking for a 4th gen and learning about them.
I would like the post-2004 transmission, but the V8 is not essential.
I will put either shocks or a body lift to raise it.
I will need it for towing a small fishing boat and taking the family out camping.
I will also take it off road and have to deal with snow.

The question:

What year/package of 4th gen., represents the best value if I plan to do some basic mods- lift, shocks, tires? I know this is a big "it depends" type of question, but I'm looking forward to the experienced guys weighing in on this.

I like the idea of turning off the traction control. In the desert here, the Toyos with this get crazy stuck in the sand and there is no way to disengage the traction control, even in some of the Land Cruisers. Unbelievable! Only the 08 4Runners have the switch off for the traction.

By the way, over here, I drive a Fortuner (google it)- built on a Hilux frame. This thing is an awesome 4x4 and I hate to get rid of it.

Thanks for indulging a new guy.
Attached Images

 

[kevinpt]

It looks really cool. I would say get an 08 or 09, I love being able to turn it all off in my 09.
That truck you have looks like a 4runner mixed with a sequoia

 

[banzaj]

4Runner will definetely be a step up for you from the Fortuner in terms of quality of ride, interior materials, etc.

 

[superman3043]

Welcome to the forum! You want the "perfect" 4Runner build? Spend some of that desert money and do what this guy did:

Croz's 06' 4Runner SAC - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

Not very "basic" though. As far as packages go, I'm totally happy with my 05' SR5 V8 4WD. The only option that I've longed for or missed is a telescoping steering wheel. Otherwise, it had everything I needed and what it didn't, I added.

Good luck on your search and build!