What gen is the best for off-roading?

[4runnertank]

If you were to mod. Hands down 1st gen with solid axle. Dunno about stock since the 1st gen had open diffs. And for ground clearance? 1st gen. Mine's got 7 or 8" of lift and i can sit straight up and down without my head touching the bottom haha

 

[04rnr]

Its NOT, the rig, its the Driver...

 

[GunDoc74]

I had a 2d gen (Hilux Surf--does that count?) when I was in Japan ('04-'07) lifted with 4WD. It never let me down, or left me stranded. It had a 4 cyl turbo diesel. Put it in 4lo and it would crawl up a cliff! Such a fun vehicle, I miss it.

 

[97 YODER]

Well from what I experienced with my third I do kinda care how my panels look but it's also my dd and need to get to school with so don't wanna tare it up too much but when it was stock the ground clearance was good but of course tires were poop but ever since I got the 32 inch Dakota difiniti mt I've never been stuck and pulled out two jeeps? So can't say much bout the rest

 

[ajordan1975]

Its NOT, the rig, its the Driver...

agreed

 

[reddahaydn]

They don't build em like you used to....

1st and 2nd gen you have a chance to fix if something goes wrong. you can get to the engine, and you can modify without electrical nightmares.

I agree with 04rnr. I could go further than most of you newer owners in my 2nd gen because I don't care about scratches or damage (mine still looks good with no dints, but I just haven't come unstuck yet). That being said it doesn't mean I could get further, jsut means I'm willing to try.

 

[chris_96runner]

I would have to say it's between the 1st and 3rd gens. I happen to own a 3rd gen and it's pretty much stock aside from 31" Trail Master M/Ts, I haven't lifted it yet. The 3rd gen in the mud is actually very impressive, I have never gotten stuck, and I'v been in sloppy plowed fields and mud holes where the water came up over the hood. The only times I'v used my tow rope were to pull other trucks out of the mud!

A buddy of mine had a 1st gen with solid axle swap and the 22re with a 2" or 3" lift and 33" tires and it was a tank. He went though and over stuff I wouldn't even imagine doing with my 3rd gen, but again it was moded.

In the end I would have to say for muddin you can't beat the 3rd gen, but for big obstacles and rocky terrain the 1st gen is most capable.

 

[Brian757]

HAHA! I love how a majority of the discussion on this thread is of 4th genners trying to explain why 4th gens are capable... Yet in a poll of 7 options, 4th gen 4runners are in 6th...Behind people who haven't even tried taking their trucks offroad. And 5th genners not in the running?

 

[McFly2003]

My 3rd gen was incredible. It absolutley never left me hanging and always pulled through and it was running basic susp mods and simple AT tires.
That said, I just ran my 5th gen down some trails that have also seen my 3rd, and I ran them almost entirely in 2wd! Granted, I may have been getting some extra wheel travel from the KDSS and I also have the option to turn off the trac control in my 5th

 

[oney]

1st gen all the way i have had full size trucks and a 2nd gen but nothing has ever ran better than my 86 as an all around man toy its awesome off in the mud and sand and epic on the trails

 

[andrewburgessmtn]

Good question. I look forward to the posts this thread generates. The answer's certainly not 4th gen, though.

idk about that man i would put my 05 up against any other runner

 

[absolute yota]

My 4th Gen is modified but the atrac system gives me an advantage over anything short of front and rear lockers. I can go anywhere a 1st second or third gen can go I'm not afraid to scratch my truck. The 4th gen is super capable, shares its running gear and chassis with the FJ and is roomier more powerfull and better looking that the older trucks imho. The only downside to a 4th gen is the factory ride height which is fixable. Laugh all you want but I have pulled older trucks all the way out of the woods, and have seen stock 4th gens do some very tough trails. The 5th gens are bad ass too albeit a little large and can also go anywhere you point them. A couple of them occasionally wheel with us. Do I want a 1st gen ? Yup, but only to break it on the trail

 

[rebelbowtie]

My 4th Gen is modified but the atrac system gives me an advantage over anything short of front and rear lockers. I can go anywhere a 1st second or third gen can go I'm not afraid to scratch my truck. The 4th gen is super capable, shares its running gear and chassis with the FJ and is roomier more powerfull and better looking that the older trucks imho. The only downside to a 4th gen is the factory ride height which is fixable. Laugh all you want but I have pulled older trucks all the way out of the woods, and have seen stock 4th gens do some very tough trails. The 5th gens are bad ass too albeit a little large and can also go anywhere you point them. A couple of them occasionally wheel with us. Do I want a 1st gen ? Yup, but only to break it on the trail
View attachment 92731

Yep unless you have one (T4R) with a SFA they are all IFS and have similar short comings. The 4th gen's available v8 and standard ATTRAC (and Torsen AWD) more than make up for it plus it makes them also better at everything else SUV related than previous generations.

 

[Driftinfc]

1st gen with lockers for the win. Stupid capable truck

 

[tre9er]

"Whatever model I currently drive or whichever of my previous vehicles I liked the best"

- everyone

 

[toy4xchris]

I say 1st gen hands down. it is the most simple basic and easiest to build and fix on the trail.

After owning a 1st and 4th and siblings owning 1st and 3rd gens learned you cant beat a simple 22re how ever underpowered it may be it always starts and runs even on its side.

So my choice was easy size, weight , simplicity, and durability of the 1st gen puts it on top.

 

[Munkymag]

:bounce: 1st gen. Guys and gals. I grew up with the 1st gen.(grandpa) dad had ah 3rd gen, both were stock other then chains for snow. Not looking for power, 22re gets it done. 10 plus years on those two now i got my own. 87 4runner turbo (too make it more fun) new is nICe old is gOOd:bounce:

 

[RBhill]

Fun thread!

I would think an 85 with a SFA and 22re would be a great choice overall for reliability, off road ability and build-ability. 3rd gen with an e locker from the factory would also be hard to beat though.

 

[Kings310]

4th gen all day with a lift the power is outrageous stock, few upgrades nothin competes

 

[MyHigh]

I agree, my 1st gen was a billy goat, never let me down. And I wouldn't feel the need to slit my wrist if I damaged the body while on a trail.