Trying to get 4x4 - Considering my options

[langenturd]

Hey guys, this is my first ever post on the forum, and I would consider it pretty pressing, at least, to me.

I have an 05 Sport V6 2WD right now. I'm a sophomore in high school, and when I first got it, I had absolutely no knowledge of off-roading, or anything of that sort. I simply wanted a decent people hauler, that fit my style. Personally I don't like the look of a stocked Jeep, so I chose the Runner route. I fell in love with it, but lost a lot of pride in my car once I finally had to deal with the insane amount of 4wd, giant, loud and (awesome) trucks you see down in TX. My car was basically a waste until I figured out something about myself, I love mudding. Ever since I first destroyed it in my 2wd Runner a renewed pride was given to me, until yesterday, where I got stuck TWICE within thirty minutes. Partly my error, but both situations could have been fixed with an extra two wheels helping me out.

I'm going to show the certain options to my dad, and I definitely want to go the older route, because it is most likely going to get beat up. I don't necessarily mind miles, except if they exceed 160K. Can you guys give me cheap, yet decent suggestions about what I should be looking for in a 4Runner to suit my needs? And also, is older the worst way to go considering miles?

Thanks, Evan

 

[zonianbrat]

I have never owned a first or 2nd gen 4 runner but there are a lot of people who love them and I am sure they will chime in. I have owned both 3rd and 4th gen runners and I love both. You need to ask yourself some questions before you jump into an older rig. Are you going to be selling your 05 to fund this other rig? Or are you asking for Dad's help to just get a second vehicle you can beat on off-road? Assuming you are thinking about college you might want to keep a nice dependable vehicle to get you there. Good luck!

 

[THatfield]

If I were you, I'd keep the 05 4Runner. Realistically, you'll mud it for a year or two, but that 4Runner will last you through college and beyond if you treat it nicely.

Probably not what you wanted to hear, but I digress. I was into the mudding scene once myself, so I won't be a hypocrite about it.

However, if you did choose to keep the Runner, go with a 2WD but capable route. A good set of tires and a decent lift go a long way and there is nothing more gratifying then going down the trail doing what the big 4X4's can do in 2WD. There's some personal pride!


I'd really do some research on the previous generations of 4Runner's if you plan on ditching the 05 and going older, and really think about the aspect of trading "down". Less horsepower, less room, etc, etc. Not that any generation of 4runner is bad, but it will be an adjustment for sure.

Talk it over with your old man too. Even if he is against the idea, there is a probably a good reason why. Despite what I thought just 2 years ago at 17, my dad really knows what he is doing and only wants for me to learn from his mistakes, which is why he vetos some of my "good" ideas, LOL!

Like I said, this may not be what you wanted to hear, but it is worth thinking it over. Not saying you haven't, and I'm not saying you're dumb or anything. But it is a big decision to think about.

 

[snivilous]

I don't have any advice to give, but thank you for using proper grammar and spelling in your post :clap2:

 

[OffRoadGuy]

Good job for asking advice on this forum. You'll learn a lot here.

1st Gen - One of the best for off roading, especially if you have early one with straight axle. Lots of aftermarket stuff and easy to fix if you and your dad is mechanically incline. The 22RE engines, I think one of the most dependable, just lacks power, so keep it light. Premium price for straight axle.

2nd Gen - Your last option. Not the best engine, prone to blow head gasket. Not a lot of aftermarket stuff.

3rd Gen - 2nd best or depends on who you talk to, it could be the best off roading. Another dependable engine. Decent aftermarket stuff. Try to find one with E-Locker, it will help you in the long run if you get more serious in 4x4. Some drawback on this rig is the IFS and when you (gun it) step on the gas, you may not feel is move faster.

4th Gen - Still pricey.

 

[KidVermicious]

You absolutely do not need a straight axle to thrash around in mud puddles. In fact, it'd be silly to pay a premium for an '84 or '85 solid axle truck just to destroy it, and the solid axle confers no benefit for the type of offroading you're talking about.

If you have to have a 4Runner to destroy in the mud pits, my advice would be to get the cheapest first or second gen you can find that still kinda runs. Don't even look at the odometer, it's irrelevant - you're going to do far worse to that truck than mere mileage could possibly inflict. Get it running right, weld the rear carrier, slap on a body lift and some cheap 35s, and enjoy it while you can. Don't expect to get a dime out of it once you're done with it - mud trucks don't last.

 

[fourwd1]

If its just going to be a toy to play on the mid with, why does it need to be a 4runner?
Why not an old Toyota 4WD truck, much more common and easier to find, cheaper too.

 

[Ruff]

It depends

What would I do.....

It depends on what I would be doing with the vehicle. Just because you are mudding does not mean you are going to destroy it.

If you have your mind set on getting a 4x4 for mudding and is also your daily driver:

Trade in your '05 and get something similar age but, 4x4. Assuming your budget is the value of your current vehicle (I am guessing about 12 - 14K).
You will find a 4runner in that price range with decent mileage.

If you plan to mud, rock crawl and beat it heck.....like others have said, go the older route, you can get a '99 - '03 for < 8K and less than 150K miles. You can use the extra money from your trade in for mods (lift, tires, etc.).
I saw a '99 4WD limited, with 119K miles for $6K in autotrader.

Good deals are out there, just be patient on your truck search.


Ruff

 

[wnelax04sr5]

If you want to go in the mud specifically, do it in something that isn't going to also be a DD.

My $.02