Toyota 4Runner vs. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

[Clemsonfan15]

i have both . my ride 2004 4runner sport ( see sig ) wifes ride 08 rubicon 4 door. lifted 4" 35" tires xtra bling. quality,ride,comfort -4runner. pure cool, check that out- jeep.

I can't even read what you just wrote. Can you try that again?

Which one has the lift?

 

[PaulSula]

Time to chip in my own two cents. My brother in law bought a 4 door jeep, or as I call it, "a minivan" It all depends on the aftermarket parts you put on the vehicle. I had a 2000 Jeep and it was great, but I would not want to drive that thing 8 hours to Colorado then wheel it. I do that no problem with the Runner.

On the other hand I am not sure how many of you watch "Extreme 4x4" on Spike, but they did a pretty sweet job on a 4 door jeep. Worth checking out if you get a chance.

 

[Fo_SheeZy]

lol this one idiot said,

"I love how everyone says the Toyotas are reliable, but do they even look at what is done when their vehicle is in for service? A bunch of parts get replaced before they break so people think they're better quality than they actually are. I'm not sayin replacing parts before they break is a bad thing, but japanese companies have everyone brainwashed that their vehicles are higher quality than they actually are."

 

[Ulfr]

But then again, the 1st and 2nd gen 4runners did NOT come with traction control nor locker. So, yeah, i guess that driver's side output may be helpful in rare instances, but having locker + ATRAC would be a lot better for off-roading IMHO. As for IFS vs front axle, i agree with you...but then again, i rather have ATRAC + locker than solid axle. If you can get solid axle + ATRAC + locker, then i agree completely with you.

In addition, with 4th gen, you have stronger brakes and all-around disc brakes, a stronger frame (platform for mods), and more comfort...all of these are indeed significant in off-roading.

BTW, what kind of off-roading do you do??

Well, the 2nd gen did come with E-locker on some occasions. (I'm not sure with america, but my truck had it optional when it was bought new...)

The ATRAC system, well, it uses the brakes to simulate a locker. (somewhat of an electronic LSD), which usually doesn't survive the winters out here, salt on the roads and harsh weather up in the mountains. Same reason why ABS and E-lockers don't survive very long here either...

IFS vs Solid axle, even tho' Arctic Trucks are tryin' to prove that the IFS can handle 44s... We know that it doesn't in the long run. It's simply weaker and more fragile, also caused by ice that sticks around the axles and spindles and stuff.

The frame of the 4th gen might be stronger, I do not doubt that, more comfortable (doesn't need much to be more comfortable than a 1st or a 2nd gen) but despite that, it's heavier than the 1st and 2nd gen, which is a minus. And the frame of the 2nd gen isn't that weak... (save the 'original' toyota rust)
Disc brakes are good in off roadin' but not necessary, my good ol' drum brakes (that frequently freeze when it's below -10

 

[boston_kevin]

In 2000, I sold my '91 Wrangler for $8500. I bought it in '91 for $14,000, so yea Wranglers hold their value very well... Reliability was never an issue with my Wrangler, and with most Wrangler owners I know.

I have to agree with most people here... For a daily driver (and I am not in my 20's anymore), the 4Runner wins, hands down. For fun factor, go for the Jeep. I met up with a guy from IFAW who had an '07 standard wheel base Rubicon with 35" tires and heavily modded. I asked him how deep he had his Jeep since he had the snorkle, and he said... "No deeper than the hood..." In other words, he's been in water over 4 feet deep!