Which Generation is Better

[Annoyed]

I can't do a direct comparison, but my prior vehicle was a Toyota Tacoma 4WD, V6 3.4 litre. My current is an 06 4Runner, V6 4.0 litre, 4WD. I assume the Tacoma and the 3rd Gen T4R are built on similar chassis.

The T4R has a very large advantage in engine department. There is ALOT more power there, and the overall gear ratios are far better; for example at 65 MPH, the Tacoma's engine was turning 2850 RPM, which is way too high for decent gas mileage, whereas the T4R's turning over at a leisurely 1900 or so. Big advantage to T4R here.

As far as off-road capabilities, I'm comparing snow performance here, there isn't actually any place to go off roading where I am.. The advantage here goes to the Tacoma. That was far more surefooted than the T4R is.
This might in some part be due to tires; The T4R has Yokohama Geolandar H/T-S on her, and they suck. The Tacoma had BFG A/T KO's on her. But, the Tacoma started with Goodyear GSA, and they weren't all that good either, and I still think the Taco was better in the slop.

As far as appearance, I prefer the 3rd Gens.

 

[DavidAlexander]

Like lockers, super A-TRAC does something that no driver can do on his own. How can you pulsate the brakes on the front axle alone if you did not have A-TRAC??? In the rear, you can semi do this by slowly engaging your handbrake (old style "LSD")...but the front?? I can't see it happening.

Super ATRAC is very aggressive off-road...it will pulsate the brakes aggressive enough to halt a spinning wheel...to allow transfer of power to the other wheel on the same axle. Is it as good as a locker? No, but it sure beats an open diff. It is an off-road tool...thus, can only be turned on in 4-LO. On the FJ forum, many people love super A-TRAC. Unlike a locker, super ATRAC allows you to turn your steering wheel.

So if Super ATRAC uses your brakes, wouldn't they overheat and fade.

I have heard bad things about traction control systems that use the brakes for off road use. Like when there is lots of spin for long periods of time they just fry the brakes.

 

[Thai]

So if Super ATRAC uses your brakes, wouldn't they overheat and fade.

I have heard bad things about traction control systems that use the brakes for off road use. Like when there is lots of spin for long periods of time they just fry the brakes.

Yes, potentially...but that would mean that you have been stuck for a while. The 4runner brakes are quite stout. With a locker, you should be equally concerned about using it for too long (gunning the throttle trying to bounce your way up the rock edge, for example).

With the Super ATRAC, it would probably work only on the front tires most of the time since the 2009 4runner has a locker in the rear.

 

[shawnstcyr]

I own a 3rd gen ('99 SR5) and get the 4th gen SR5 as a rental for out of state wind farms I work. I like the 4.0, but haven't driven the 4.7.
IMHO, I like the 3rd gen better. I can't stand the dash and the feel of the 4th gen. I do like the power, fuel economy, and the locking center diff. But that is about it. :headslap: