What gen is the best for off-roading?
- Thread starter Kire4Runner
- Start date
theizzardking
New member
3RD GEN DOWN, have no knowledge of 5th gens but i don't like gimmicks like "crawl control" and all of this electronically controlled b.s., give me any vehicle locked and with a good tranny and it'll go forever, the 5th gens haven;t been proven yet by any means. As well as motor size, that don't mean squat (having owned a 5.9L jeep before the runner) it's all about the driver.......
really i say 3rd gen down just cause the other haven't been proven yet, and imo it takes at least 10 years to be proven in the field, so all of that fancy traction control crap means nothign to me at this point, also didn't we used to call traction control, throttle control? if your spinning the tires let up off the gas!!!
meh, learn how to drive first then see how much more benefit you get from all of those systems. i doubt it will be noticeable, easier yes (read idiot ready) but not any more beneficial for slow off road trail driving.
just my opinion and not slamming anyone , just saying is all ;-)
really i say 3rd gen down just cause the other haven't been proven yet, and imo it takes at least 10 years to be proven in the field, so all of that fancy traction control crap means nothign to me at this point, also didn't we used to call traction control, throttle control? if your spinning the tires let up off the gas!!!
meh, learn how to drive first then see how much more benefit you get from all of those systems. i doubt it will be noticeable, easier yes (read idiot ready) but not any more beneficial for slow off road trail driving.
just my opinion and not slamming anyone , just saying is all ;-)
brian2sun
Elite Member
Supposing the same good driver tested out all the gens, there's a huge difference still. I think it's nice that the 3rd gens are winning in the poll especially since I own one, but it's not true. The 1st gen (but only '84-85) kills all other gens off road, no question. Anyone who wheels more than just fire and logging roads knows the value of a solid front axle. Plus the 1st gens have a convertible top which makes adding a full roll cage much easier (another very important component of a true off roader).
You also have a lot more options with a 1st gen as far as how much lift you can put on to accomodate big tires like 37-42"ers, manual hubs to accomodate a spool in the front (which isn't a viable option with ADD unless you convert and that's $$). All that fancy smancy traction control crap on the new 5th gen trail ain't shit compared to a '84 or '85 1st gen that's locked in the front and rear. Just the ground clearance that is possible alone puts any other gen to shame.
The only disadvantage of the 1st gen is the 4 banger, but honestly my old 22R '86 yota PU had noticeably more torque than my 3.4 3rd gen in 4lo so off road, the 4 banger isn't a problem. Get dual t-cases and you'll rip the tires off.
You also have a lot more options with a 1st gen as far as how much lift you can put on to accomodate big tires like 37-42"ers, manual hubs to accomodate a spool in the front (which isn't a viable option with ADD unless you convert and that's $$). All that fancy smancy traction control crap on the new 5th gen trail ain't shit compared to a '84 or '85 1st gen that's locked in the front and rear. Just the ground clearance that is possible alone puts any other gen to shame.
The only disadvantage of the 1st gen is the 4 banger, but honestly my old 22R '86 yota PU had noticeably more torque than my 3.4 3rd gen in 4lo so off road, the 4 banger isn't a problem. Get dual t-cases and you'll rip the tires off.
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Mr. Leary
New member
I agree completely. I love my 3rd gen, but I have also driven a slightly modified '85, and it would blow my truck's socks off on harsh terrain. They are just so light, nimble, SFA, and bullet proof.
Now, for the type of off roading I do nowadays... long distance unsupported trips... the 3rd gen definitely takes the cake as far as a balance of weight carrying capacity, space, off road ability, and repairability. Best gen for Overlanding, IMO.
Now, for the type of off roading I do nowadays... long distance unsupported trips... the 3rd gen definitely takes the cake as far as a balance of weight carrying capacity, space, off road ability, and repairability. Best gen for Overlanding, IMO.
brian2sun
Elite Member
For sure, the 3rd gen is a perfect combo for all those things and the little bit it lacks in off road capability compared to the 1st gen, it more than makes up for in everything else so it suits my needs perfectly. I guess that's why I've had mine for almost a decade now.
I don't think the 4th or 5th gens are too far behind in off roading, but being bigger and wider, they're a little harder to maneuver on tight trails. Although the 2nd gen isn't bad, the power to weight ratio is a little too far off and IMO that gen was more of a stepping stone to the 3rd.
I don't think the 4th or 5th gens are too far behind in off roading, but being bigger and wider, they're a little harder to maneuver on tight trails. Although the 2nd gen isn't bad, the power to weight ratio is a little too far off and IMO that gen was more of a stepping stone to the 3rd.
Stock: '99 with the e-locker, hands down.
Modified: '85 w/22RE, hands down.
I think that if you are looking at bone stock rigs the '99 with the locker model is going to out wheel the other generations. It's smaller than all the newer models and not too much bigger than the earlier ones. The front is what it is, but the back flexes pretty good stock and the locker is what really makes the difference.
If you're talking modified then it's really up to your wallet, but the older trucks are way less expensive to modify from stock to extreme. For every sick 3rd Gen there's probably 25 1st Gens that are just as cool if not cooler.
Modified: '85 w/22RE, hands down.
I think that if you are looking at bone stock rigs the '99 with the locker model is going to out wheel the other generations. It's smaller than all the newer models and not too much bigger than the earlier ones. The front is what it is, but the back flexes pretty good stock and the locker is what really makes the difference.
If you're talking modified then it's really up to your wallet, but the older trucks are way less expensive to modify from stock to extreme. For every sick 3rd Gen there's probably 25 1st Gens that are just as cool if not cooler.
proudrunner
New member
I agree with Brian2sun the 1st gen for extreme offroad they win. Just because of their solid axles and clearance alone makes them top choice for many hard core offroaders. But then again I am quite happy with my 3rd gen takes me to a lot of fun trails.
driffter33
New member
I would say if you are talking of minimally Modded, changing nothing but tires I would have to go with 3rd gen with factory e-locker how ever I do agree that a 22r 1st gen with solid axles is very capable. I wold like to run each with 32" AT tires and see. would bee a fun challenge. Do we have any takers?
I love the open top gen1's
85 is the ultimate 4Runner the mythical beast has the efi engine 22re (stay clear of the 3.slow and blow) and a factory solid front axle. It is not hard to do a SAS if you can find reasonably priced axles that is. I have two first gens both IFS for now but in time that will change. I am in Colorado and we have more rocks then mud and you just cant get the articulation out of that IFS. I have hung up on that damn diff carrior as well a few times but still I love em. Time for a SAS and a 1uz swap for sure though.
85 is the ultimate 4Runner the mythical beast has the efi engine 22re (stay clear of the 3.slow and blow) and a factory solid front axle. It is not hard to do a SAS if you can find reasonably priced axles that is. I have two first gens both IFS for now but in time that will change. I am in Colorado and we have more rocks then mud and you just cant get the articulation out of that IFS. I have hung up on that damn diff carrior as well a few times but still I love em. Time for a SAS and a 1uz swap for sure though.
up-n-over
New member
It really depends what type of off-roading you are doing. If it's rocks then almost everyone will agree that the solid axled rigs have the advantage. Almost anywhere else the IFS holds it's own.
I personally think that the '85 solid axled 4Runner with the 22RE engine is the best out-of-the-box off-road rig.
I personally think that the '85 solid axled 4Runner with the 22RE engine is the best out-of-the-box off-road rig.
runn4it
New member
Personally, I would LOVE a first gen. runner...but it would be used only as my trail vehicle and strictly for crazy wheelin and such. As it is, my 3rd gen is a DD and it has been very capable of doing anything I've ever asked of it off-road (and yes, I've done some gnarly trails here in AZ). I know all the downfalls of IFS folks but I'd much rather be comfortable around town and still be able to do the expodition type stuff I enjoy in my free time. Maybe one day I'll own my dream 1st gen 4runner (Mad Max style hehe) but in the mean time, I'm MORE than happy with my 3rd gen. and would never give it up! My vote for best ALL around 4runner for the majority of us wheelers is the 3rd gen. hands down.
kokbagg
New member
I have a 97 with no mods. i took it mudding as you can see in my photos and still had a lot of fun. I was very surprised of what it made it through and that nothing broke. i did get it buried once but the ruts i was in were much deeper that my ground clearance. my friend has a 94runner and i dont see there off roading capabilities being very different. I am talking about stricktly stock for both of them. hopefully that will change this summer :thumb3:
Garage Guy
New member
Well it's got to be either 1st gen or 3rd gen because that's what I have lol.
If you compare them both bone stock as they came from the factory, then:
Adding: Another plus for the 3rd gen is a tighter turning radius than the 1st gen SFA. Approx 38' circle compared to about 40'. A little more maneuverable, which is nice.
I wheeled my '85 stock a bit but not for long because they are so easy and fun to mod and the payoff is great. To compare my mild built '85 to stock '99:
On the street it is the other way around of course. The '85 was my daily driver for a long time and it's OK but the '99 is plush. Smooth V6, front and rear sway bars, ABS, air bags, cup holders, all the modern conveniences.
If you compare them both bone stock as they came from the factory, then:
- 1st gen '85 SR5 28" tires, open 4.10 diffs, 5spd, solid front axle.
- 3rd gen '99 SR5 Sport "Highlander" 31" tires, 4.30 diffs elocked rear, auto, IFS.
Adding: Another plus for the 3rd gen is a tighter turning radius than the 1st gen SFA. Approx 38' circle compared to about 40'. A little more maneuverable, which is nice.
I wheeled my '85 stock a bit but not for long because they are so easy and fun to mod and the payoff is great. To compare my mild built '85 to stock '99:
- 1st gen '85 SR5 32" tires, 5spd, diffs regeared 4.56, locked rear, LSD front, 2-3" lift flexy springs, crawler case
- 3rd gen '99 SR5 Sport "Highlander" 31" tires, 4.30 diffs rear locked, auto, IFS.
On the street it is the other way around of course. The '85 was my daily driver for a long time and it's OK but the '99 is plush. Smooth V6, front and rear sway bars, ABS, air bags, cup holders, all the modern conveniences.
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Dangerous Davis
New member
Never had a problem with my 3rd Gen!
I swear by the 3rd Generation 4Runners. They are solid! I have been to Hawaii and back with mine Literally and have never been stuck or broke down. My 3rd Gen has almost 200k miles on it an runs like new.
I swear by the 3rd Generation 4Runners. They are solid! I have been to Hawaii and back with mine Literally and have never been stuck or broke down. My 3rd Gen has almost 200k miles on it an runs like new.
cztheman64
New member
as long as its built well it will work... generation doesnt matter.
stock? that depends on the tires, and terrain thats being explored.
rocks... i would say first gen
sand... i like the 3rds because they have the HP to keep movin.
im not a fan of most 2nd gen 4rnrs mainly because of the 3.slows but thats just me
**and bacon isnt an option so this poll isnt valid
stock? that depends on the tires, and terrain thats being explored.
rocks... i would say first gen
sand... i like the 3rds because they have the HP to keep movin.
im not a fan of most 2nd gen 4rnrs mainly because of the 3.slows but thats just me
**and bacon isnt an option so this poll isnt valid
tor-redneck
New member
if your gona take a stock 4runner with tires out wheelen id have to say mines where its at. 1985 22re. new stock rear end and timing chain. im a noob and just got it on the road but will build it when i wear out the 32's.
AdamJParsons
New member
1st gen over 3rd gen
i have a 3rd gen and it is awesome offroad... with electronic lockers and great power from the 3.4L....but the 1st gen had a straight axle until 85' and those are very easy to find parts for!
i have a 3rd gen and it is awesome offroad... with electronic lockers and great power from the 3.4L....but the 1st gen had a straight axle until 85' and those are very easy to find parts for!
Rockdawg84
New member
The Solid Axled 4runner was introduced in 84 and 85 then went to IFS. I have an 84 and a 98 and I would have to say that in every situation Stock to stock the 98 wins. Now modified its another story. The 84 is much less to modify and rolling on 39.5 Pittbull rockers with dual marlin cases, and locked front and rear it is really hard to stop.:guitar3:
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