What minor designed details do you appreciate most on the 3rd gen?

[Sean K.]

This is the main reason I think the 3rd Gens are the sweet spot in the 4Runner lineup. Especially considering how big the 5th Gens are, and how big Jeep JK's have become, the T4R can fit in spots, and make turns the bigger heavier rigs can't, AND we've still got that magical 105" wheelbase.

Agreed....though I prefer even longer wheelbase for the trails around here.....which is why I'm stretching mine to at least 114".

 

[Sean K.]

Every single design feature mentioned are only on late model 3rd gen 4runners.

That being said i hate how toyota designs interiors. They are horrible. Tight quarters, no leg room, no storage, small arm rests, bad rear window and ect button location, horrible cup holders front and rear, ect......

I like my 4x4 push button in my limited. Makes me feel new. Lol.

It's a small size SUV.....if you wanted more room, why'd you buy a compact size truck?

 

[JayRolla]

It's a small size SUV.....if you wanted more room, why'd you buy a compact size truck?

Cuz it said toyota. Makes up for all of it.

Just like my DSM. Most uncomfortable car I've ever driven. But 400hp and AWD makes up for it. Reliability makes up for the toyota issues.

Shit my mom's prius had more room.

 

[Sean K.]

Cuz it said toyota. Makes up for all of it.

Just like my DSM. Most uncomfortable car I've ever driven. But 400hp and AWD makes up for it. Reliability makes up for the toyota issues.

Shit my mom's prius had more room.

I'm 6', 220....and I don't think it's that bad in terms of room....but then, I have a Lotus so I'm used to tiny cars and my buggy chassis is only 50" wide so it'll squeeze down tight trails. Guess it all depends on your intended use.

 

[Hepar]

I love the auto down and up for both the drivers side and the passenger side. The rolling rear window is great too (I wish they had the option to roll it up from the remote too). The rear heater is nice as well.

Gripes? Very few, but I'd like to have a chat with whoever designed the roof lines that basically direct any water on your roof directly inside the vehicle if your window is down.

 

[Roc Doc]

Agreed....though I prefer even longer wheelbase for the trails around here.....which is why I'm stretching mine to at least 114".

My 85 xtracab was 115.

 

[Sean K.]

I love the auto down and up for both the drivers side and the passenger side. The rolling rear window is great too (I wish they had the option to roll it up from the remote too). The rear heater is nice as well.

Gripes? Very few, but I'd like to have a chat with whoever designed the roof lines that basically direct any water on your roof directly inside the vehicle if your window is down.

I HATE auto up/down on the windows.

 

[Sean K.]

My 85 xtracab was 115.

Nice. Is that the last fall on Upper Helldorado? Looks similar, but the angle looks off.

So, if your 85 was 115....would you have preferred 105" (and why)? Just curious. My 91 was a regular cab and it was stretched to 105.5"....it was okay, but the 110" on my buggy is much better and with the obstacles getting bigger....112-115" (or more on a 4 seater) will be my next buggy build.

 

[Roc Doc]

Nice. Is that the last fall on Upper Helldorado? Looks similar, but the angle looks off.

So, if your 85 was 115....would you have preferred 105" (and why)? Just curious. My 91 was a regular cab and it was stretched to 105.5"....it was okay, but the 110" on my buggy is much better and with the obstacles getting bigger....112-115" (or more on a 4 seater) will be my next buggy build.

Good eye!

I liked the long wheelbase, but with 2.5" of BS on those wheels and the limited angle of steering, it was a ***** to maneuver in some situations. If I was to go that route again, I'd go with FZJ80 axles and wheels with zero or even negative offset. I just think the 105 is a good number for a mild trail rig...I agree a dedicated rockcrawler needs more. I think we're on the same page.

 

[Sean K.]

Good eye!

I liked the long wheelbase, but with 2.5" of BS on those wheels and the limited angle of steering, it was a ***** to maneuver in some situations. If I was to go that route again, I'd go with FZJ80 axles and wheels with zero or even negative offset. I just think the 105 is a good number for a mild trail rig...I agree a dedicated rockcrawler needs more. I think we're on the same page.

I was just curious. I know a lot of cone dodging comp guys like the narrower track widths and shorter WB for maneuverability...just wondering what your take was. To me, for a trail rig....longer is fine (to a point)....you can always add rear steer or back up since you're not worried about penalty points.

I hear you on the limited steering with small backspacing. I was going to run 2" wheel spacers on my Fj80 front end under the 4Runner, but decided to widen the housing instead and keep 4" backspaced wheels so the steering wouldn't be all jacked up.

 

[Sean K.]

Hey Roc Doc....

It looks like your driver side roof line escaped relatively unscathed from the wall on the entrance to the canyon on U. Helldorado.....good job! Most people drag the cage through there.

 

[hounddogman]

I HATE auto up/down on the windows.

I'm going to have to agree with this , although if the rear glass was auto up/down I might use it more than once or twice a year . It's funny but I can't think of any detail that's unique to the 3rd gen that stands out as a great idea but it's the whole overall design that makes it the best 4Runner .

 

[Roc Doc]

Hey Roc Doc....

It looks like your driver side roof line escaped relatively unscathed from the wall on the entrance to the canyon on U. Helldorado.....good job! Most people drag the cage through there.

I only flopped it once in the 10 years I had it, (kink in roof line), and got pretty good at using the flatbed to pivot off stuff when necessary. It was the original All Pro prototype built by Andy Widmer from Cro-Mo, so it was really tough.

Said flop.

 

[reelamin]

I HATE auto up/down on the windows.

x1,000,000,000,000,000.00

 

[reelamin]

Having owned or own Gen2's, Gen3, Gen5. I like the Gen3 the best. Most changes compared to Gen1 and Gen2 mainly. Its still a Soccer Mom SUV that luckily has a frame...as all vehicles should. Because of the frame we can make it a MILF Soccer Mom SUV but its no 1/2-1 ton PU Truck and was never intended to be.

Good:
I like the higher HP of the 3.4 and the better mileage of the other V6's. I think this is the best V6 motor they offered (I have had the 3.0 and have the 3.4 and 4.0) to date. If the 4.0 eliminates the head gasket issue...it will take over....no because of all the BS Bling Bling Techno crap.
The suspension is easier to work on modify then Gen2, but I would prefer Gen 1.
E Locker is awesome.
Rear hatch opens without rolling down window.
Handles/Drives better than Gen1, Gen2
Its a Toyota and still more reliable than anything out there on average.
I do not think I will ever not have one...I really really like these rigs for what I use them for.
ABS Brakes


Bad:
Too much/more bling bling techno wipe your butt cool crap to go wrong and cause problems. Mines a 96 so I avoided some but not all of it.
Still having head gasket issues...STILL!!
Cheap ass radiators.
Terrible rust protection still.
GDMFing up down antennae.
Crappy seat construction...not the material the foam/springs.

 

[Kanoe]

My favorite feature? The 3rz engine. I guess only those of us who have them will appreciate this. It sure is a nice engine if you do your own maintenance.

 

[Unner]

The auto window roll up. My other vehicles only had auto down.

I love the auto windows. Roll them all up easily before I leave the truck somewhere. Why they didn't keep this going into the 4th gen I don't know. Never driven a 5th gen so I can't comment if they have it or not. I don't get all the people hating on the auto windows... You can still roll them up and down to where ever you want...

I love the auto down and up for both the drivers side and the passenger side. The rolling rear window is great too (I wish they had the option to roll it up from the remote too). The rear heater is nice as well.

Gripes? Very few, but I'd like to have a chat with whoever designed the roof lines that basically direct any water on your roof directly inside the vehicle if your window is down.

This is why one of the first things I did was window visors, lets you crack the windows in the rain or in the morning so you don't get the puddle of water on the roof on your door panel...

 

[seabun]

True, but it does make for a smaller vehicle. These 4Runners have smaller dimensions that most sedans nowadays. I love parking in the "compact" parking spaces with an SUV.

I also occasionally notice this. When I'm driving I feel more than content, I feel sturdy, robust, and then I park next to another "mid size" suv like a Tahoe or yeah even a large sedan and I think "whoa, my truck is downright svelte and dainty!" Half a second of size-envy evaporates as reason and pride return when I think about how the Toyota designers really maximized the interior space but kept maneuverability in mind always. I park places my gf's accord coupe struggles to go! I've been in friend's behemoth suvs and they can feel just as cluttered or tight, while adding slow and heavy. Yeah more headroom would be nice but that's any car.

As for minor details I like? The rear headrest holders for when the seats are folded is a nice touch I use a lot, the "hidden" center console top area is great and the tilting front headrest gives me more comfortable neck support, which almost makes up for the seat being way too short haha.

 

[reelamin]

I also occasionally notice this. When I'm driving I feel more than content, I feel sturdy, robust, and then I park next to another "mid size" suv like a Tahoe or yeah even a large sedan and I think "whoa, my truck is downright svelte and dainty!" Half a second of size-envy evaporates as reason and pride return when I think about how the Toyota designers really maximized the interior space but kept maneuverability in mind always. I park places my gf's accord coupe struggles to go! I've been in friend's behemoth suvs and they can feel just as cluttered or tight, while adding slow and heavy. Yeah more headroom would be nice but that's any car.

As for minor details I like? The rear headrest holders for when the seats are folded is a nice touch I use a lot, the "hidden" center console top area is great and the tilting front headrest gives me more comfortable neck support, which almost makes up for the seat being way too short haha.

Don't take offense as humor is intended.....but really?? LOL....This is a mini/compact SUV soccer mom grocery getter that (stock) can barely pack a fat chick to the bakery sale. It is not a "Mid" sized truck...or even a truck by definition...its a SUV and a small one at that. Just stick with the good stuff like you said....and that size comparison thing.......remember they cant go into all the nice important areas few know about. LOL....

 

[TorqueOfTheDevil]

I must admit, minor design details and clever design touches? As much as I love my truck, I can't think of many to be fair! ('96)

I like that the back window goes down.

The reclining rear seats are cool, and the fact that if you remove the front seat headrest and put the front seat down it makes a constant bench.

The rear spoiler mounted parking mirror is cool (but now useless with a non standard width spare tyre)

I like the decorative indented (swage) line that runs from the headlights and tail lights

I don't have the ball vent (miss that from my supra)
I have the early centre console
No rear seat headrest mounts
No rear 12V supply

I feel a distinct lack of little storage spaces, especially a place for a gate remote!