What gen is the best for off-roading?
- Thread starter Kire4Runner
- Start date
Sean K.
New member
The ride heights of the 1st and second gen were much better than the later models so you had better clearance...but they had no factory locker options in the USA and limited engine power. On the up side...they had gear driven tcases. Personally, I like the 2nd Gens in terms of looks best.....especially when modified. Obviously, for hardcore wheeling the 84-85 models were hard to beat....but you still had to add lockers.
I voted 3rd Gen as they are 2.4" higher at the rocker than the 4th Gen, but 2-2.5 lower than the 2nd Gen. They have factory rear locker and ATRAC with a decent engine in terms of power. The other major advantage it has on the trail is the size of the body.....the 4th and 5th Gens are much larger by comparison. The 3rd is about as big as I'd want to go if I were trying to squeeze it down a 4+ rated rockcrawling trail.
I voted 3rd Gen as they are 2.4" higher at the rocker than the 4th Gen, but 2-2.5 lower than the 2nd Gen. They have factory rear locker and ATRAC with a decent engine in terms of power. The other major advantage it has on the trail is the size of the body.....the 4th and 5th Gens are much larger by comparison. The 3rd is about as big as I'd want to go if I were trying to squeeze it down a 4+ rated rockcrawling trail.
gmcmanus663
Member
I've had the pleasure of owning an 87 dlx and most recently an 02 limited and both are very capable off road.
I know they say power isn't everything, and believe me the gearing in the 87 did wonders when on the trail, but in the 02 its just a different experience. Having the get up and go when you need it is very nice. I can only speak for stock vehicles but I think both could tackle the same terrain as far as 1st v 3rd gen, but I enjoy my 3rd gen very very much to say the least. Its a close win for 3rd gen for me
I know they say power isn't everything, and believe me the gearing in the 87 did wonders when on the trail, but in the 02 its just a different experience. Having the get up and go when you need it is very nice. I can only speak for stock vehicles but I think both could tackle the same terrain as far as 1st v 3rd gen, but I enjoy my 3rd gen very very much to say the least. Its a close win for 3rd gen for me
nicoelcee
New member
what 1" of difference is there in the '99 onward 3rd gens? Anyone know?
Rockdawg84
New member
Actually I believe that only 99 highlanders have the 1 inch advantage and It's all in the springs. 2000 and 2001 are actually lower than pre 99's.
Ya... I think the forum refers to them as "99 talls"
http://s257.photobucket.com/user/yo5co/media/DIFERENTCOILS_zpsuhwnddxo.jpg.html
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tx_shooter
New member
Would be worthless because the axle would not support the weight and the diff is on the wrong side.
85RedRunner
New member
agreed
i love my 5th gen, but i agree with you on this. when i see a built up 1st gen on the trail i instantly want one
For a hardcore strictly off-road rig it would have to be a pre IFS 1st gen.
Solid axles are easiest to lift and install lockers in. It's also the smallest, has metal bumpers and, hell, the ROOF comes OFF......essential for good offroading
i love my 5th gen, but i agree with you on this. when i see a built up 1st gen on the trail i instantly want one
AZHellfish
New member
The best is whatever I currently have.
anonymousgromers
Member
Lol most of em but id say the 1st and second gen are the best along side the 4th gen
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BackOff
New member
I would normally say the best one is the one you drive.
My favorite is the 4th gen. Way better stock HP than the earlier incarnations.
I have had a 1st gen and have a 2nd gen in the garage. 4th blows them away.
Seems like there are more actual engine mods for the 4th gen.
Other cool things on the 2004 4th gen... auto start...you just tap the key and it starts, don't have to hold the key to start.
Locking center differential. Rules!
Dip stick on the transmission.
LOL 2005 thread
Each to there own.
I vote 4th gen.
My favorite is the 4th gen. Way better stock HP than the earlier incarnations.
I have had a 1st gen and have a 2nd gen in the garage. 4th blows them away.
Seems like there are more actual engine mods for the 4th gen.
Other cool things on the 2004 4th gen... auto start...you just tap the key and it starts, don't have to hold the key to start.
Locking center differential. Rules!
Dip stick on the transmission.
LOL 2005 thread
Each to there own.
I vote 4th gen.
Last edited:
KnobbyLife
New member
MossJenks
New member
Bone stock I'd say a 5th gen because they all have ATRAC (do 4ths as well? I don't know.) which beats open diffs by miles. Throw a locker or two in a solid axle 1st gen (or any of them for that matter) and that goes right out the window though. An early 1st gen is probably the best to build on though because of the solid front axle and the lighter weight.
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