Which ones better off-road gen 3 or 4

[97tacoma]

I am looking at buying a 4 runner but I am not sure which year to buy.
Which style is better off-road e.i. better ground clearence, Suspension, biggest tire without a lift, and which has the best 4x4 system? ( and anything else you guy's might know about that may be a factor )
This would be my everyday work truck so I don't want to lift it. But I do go off-road alot.
If I went with a gen 3 it would have to be an 01' or 02' because I want one with low milage.
and if I got a gen 4 I cant aford anything newer than an 06. so I guess it's between 01' and 06'
What do you guy's think?

 

[Thai]

This has been discussed before...here are some threads:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=51340&highlight=locker

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=11086

Hope this helps.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Get a 3rd Gen with a rear locker.

If you get an '01 or '02 you will probably want to lift it. Those are the shortest of the 3rd Gens. Some '99's are about 1" taller than '96-'98's.

The biggest size you can fit under a stock 3rd Gen is 265/75/16 or 275/70/16.

 

[97tacoma]

Thanks guy's. Ya'll have me leaning towards a 3rd gen