Why did Tacos get ARBs first?
- Thread starter jwyshrek
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Good Times
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demand...
more ppl will offroad a taco vs a 4runner.
more ppl will offroad a taco vs a 4runner.
Yep. It's a horrible truth, more people will use the 4Runner to get groceries than pound rocks. Sure, the same is true for a Tacoma, or any SUV, but the 4Runner isn't known as an off-road SUV anymore.
It's regretful. When I was at Paragon last weekend, some of the Xterra guys I was with didn't even know it was a body-on-frame design. . . .
It's regretful. When I was at Paragon last weekend, some of the Xterra guys I was with didn't even know it was a body-on-frame design. . . .
RunnerUp
New member
this might sound kinda sick, but i have always wondered what would happen to another car (say... ford focus) if i t boned them with my bumper.... at the shop i frequent when im in tampa, they have an old honda accord as an unofficial RTI ramp, well a couple months ago i needed to vent some steam and ran into it at around 5-10 mph and pushed it sideways a good 3 feet... so these bumpers are really strong, not to mention the number of tree's i have accidentally run into offroading, i havent ever heard anything about the legality of these bumpers, but I assume they are street legal because my airbags could potentially still work and they arent some homemade bumper, but as Jared said, as long as your bumper is below the max height you should be good to go
gizmo
New member
ARB have liason with Toyota in designing kit...the new Toyota Vigo already has suspension and winch bumpers developed for it.
So it looks like the normal progression in that newer models [design wise] are being catered for as more people request the components
Just my opinion
We have a couple of Companies that deal specifically with Japanese 4x4s, most of the parts we require have to be got from these as sometimes Toyota Garages dont wanna touch the imports. Other specific parts have to be ordered in from the US or things like Safari Snorkels have to be ordered from Safari in Australia by the garages/companies selling them
The UK 4Runner stopped production back around 1995 I believe, but sales were very low as it was never really pushed by Toyota [god knows why not]...so as stated many of the 4Runners are actually Hilux Surfs imported from Japan by the individual themselves or through agents.
So it looks like the normal progression in that newer models [design wise] are being catered for as more people request the components
Just my opinion
We have a couple of Companies that deal specifically with Japanese 4x4s, most of the parts we require have to be got from these as sometimes Toyota Garages dont wanna touch the imports. Other specific parts have to be ordered in from the US or things like Safari Snorkels have to be ordered from Safari in Australia by the garages/companies selling them
The UK 4Runner stopped production back around 1995 I believe, but sales were very low as it was never really pushed by Toyota [god knows why not]...so as stated many of the 4Runners are actually Hilux Surfs imported from Japan by the individual themselves or through agents.
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hossmaster
New member
slyangel9 said:
This bumper was made in Dallas, and it did not get the driver any tickets when this accident happened. He has had the bumper for more than 4 years. By the way everyone lived.
sharp4runr
New member
fourwd1 said:
I can't see myself doing a lot of heavy offroadiing on my brand new 30K+ suv. Give it a couple of years and more people are going to take them off the beaten path...
People like Lance have shown that the 4Runner is capable and shows how far it can go with the right mods. There are other members here who actively offroad their trucks as well so we're not ALL mall queens (just me for now)
hossmaster
New member
sharp4runr said:
While that is VERY true, especially for the newer versions, I feel that these new 4Runners have taken a step back from the offroading arena. Don't get me wrong, Toyota screwed up when they disconntinued the solid axle but thats another story. These new Runners cost a great deal of money to get them as capable as the previous version. Also their heavier wider and less likely(statistically) to ever see more than dirt. Just not in the demographics anymore. Unfortunely the Tacoma is following the same suit.
RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
Good post hossmaster.
Once Toyota dropped the rear locker and lowered the Runners an inch in '01 you knew where the direction they were taking was going. Plus the trend of slapping oversize wheels on a Runner doesn't enhance it's off road image as alot of 4wd Runners have become street only capable machines.
Once Toyota dropped the rear locker and lowered the Runners an inch in '01 you knew where the direction they were taking was going. Plus the trend of slapping oversize wheels on a Runner doesn't enhance it's off road image as alot of 4wd Runners have become street only capable machines.
sharp4runr
New member
I thought they lowered the 4th gen because of crash safety laws. Also from what I've read on the forums, the ATRAC does pretty well compared to rear lockers. Not as good, but how often are they used in real world conditions? ATRAC works in the background in the 4th gens, nothing to activate it is just there and it is STANDARD not an option. Also if it means a lot to you for a rear locker, ARB can supply it.
The 4th gens may be heavier and wider, but they also have more horsepower and torque so it is a trade off. Toyota has made the 4runner easier for people to take it off road for the average Joe. The electronic doohickies can save a rookie offroad driver where they may ordinarily get stuck.
The 4th gens may be heavier and wider, but they also have more horsepower and torque so it is a trade off. Toyota has made the 4runner easier for people to take it off road for the average Joe. The electronic doohickies can save a rookie offroad driver where they may ordinarily get stuck.
Good Times
New member
hossmaster: ya got any additional photos of that bumper? That looks PRETTY DAMN SICK!
Current vehicles now have to follow super strict guidelines by the NHTSA and other agencies that developing a capable offroad vehicle off the manufacturing line is becoming extinct. Lower bumpers to accomodate for sedans, rollover tendancies, driver safety concerns have all taken a big toll on how each mfg can safety develop a vehicle that is still capable on the trails.
As with evolution each mfg has done their R&D and builds their vehicle to their vision. I don't think Toyota has fallen too far from the original concept of offroad. Yes it does not have a solid axle up front nor does it include locking diferentials but I think the current generation 4runner is a very capable vehicle.
Yes it definitely lacks in the height clearance but it can still hold it's own weight. When my 4runner was stock (and yes it was at one point), I took this bad boy out with some of the 3rd generations (mostly stock w/ a few w/ rear lockers) and I was able to do every trail they did. I had to factor in the bumpers getting bruised or be very careful not to damage them but nonetheless it made it. Now this is a very biased opinion as I may have taken an easier line or what not but nonetheless it made it from point a to point b (and I think that's all that matters). I am certain that others can agree with me on how well these 4th gens are as I know others are out on the trails (i've seen some interesting photos that makes my heart melt!)
The current 4runner lacks in the approach/departure angles & in clearance on the underside but in exchange has an awesome ATRAC system that works BETTER than the rear locker (in most cases). I have both now w/ the ARB in the rear and I have only used the rear locker a few times. The reason is because I just wanted to. Did I need to? Most definitely not as the ATRAC I think works much better than the rear locker (in most cases). You say "Crazy" well I say "yes". The ATRAC helps to keep the vehicle straight and in line with more precision that it really doesn't need a locker unless you're up in the air and have no traction on any wheel. Outside of that, I think a rear locker is virtually useless for the majority. The exception will be a minority in the group that really takes it places where the rear locker is needed.
The current 4runner has grown in size but I feel that that is the ever growing evolution of the vehicle itself. If you compare the original LC (and I mean way back from the first FJ25) to the 60/70/80/100 series it too has grown in proportion w/ the generations. So I think the 4runner/taco is just going thru it's evolution too which is no different. With evolution comes newer technology and change. Some will not appreciate it and complain but at the end of the day all is well since it'll always be accepted.
I can personally say that I've tested the limits of the 4th gen and I know others have too and can say the same that this mall cruising 4runner is more than meets the eye. Lets not let the outside distract you from what it really has inside
. It still has the heart of the original offroading Toyota in it's blood lines!
The bottom line... The stock 4runner can still take you places you'd be pretty surprised about. Don't let the raw figures make all of the decisions as it's just numbers. Until you really take one, you won't understand. It's a 4th gen thing. :biggrin2:
Current vehicles now have to follow super strict guidelines by the NHTSA and other agencies that developing a capable offroad vehicle off the manufacturing line is becoming extinct. Lower bumpers to accomodate for sedans, rollover tendancies, driver safety concerns have all taken a big toll on how each mfg can safety develop a vehicle that is still capable on the trails.
As with evolution each mfg has done their R&D and builds their vehicle to their vision. I don't think Toyota has fallen too far from the original concept of offroad. Yes it does not have a solid axle up front nor does it include locking diferentials but I think the current generation 4runner is a very capable vehicle.
Yes it definitely lacks in the height clearance but it can still hold it's own weight. When my 4runner was stock (and yes it was at one point), I took this bad boy out with some of the 3rd generations (mostly stock w/ a few w/ rear lockers) and I was able to do every trail they did. I had to factor in the bumpers getting bruised or be very careful not to damage them but nonetheless it made it. Now this is a very biased opinion as I may have taken an easier line or what not but nonetheless it made it from point a to point b (and I think that's all that matters). I am certain that others can agree with me on how well these 4th gens are as I know others are out on the trails (i've seen some interesting photos that makes my heart melt!)
The current 4runner lacks in the approach/departure angles & in clearance on the underside but in exchange has an awesome ATRAC system that works BETTER than the rear locker (in most cases). I have both now w/ the ARB in the rear and I have only used the rear locker a few times. The reason is because I just wanted to. Did I need to? Most definitely not as the ATRAC I think works much better than the rear locker (in most cases). You say "Crazy" well I say "yes". The ATRAC helps to keep the vehicle straight and in line with more precision that it really doesn't need a locker unless you're up in the air and have no traction on any wheel. Outside of that, I think a rear locker is virtually useless for the majority. The exception will be a minority in the group that really takes it places where the rear locker is needed.
The current 4runner has grown in size but I feel that that is the ever growing evolution of the vehicle itself. If you compare the original LC (and I mean way back from the first FJ25) to the 60/70/80/100 series it too has grown in proportion w/ the generations. So I think the 4runner/taco is just going thru it's evolution too which is no different. With evolution comes newer technology and change. Some will not appreciate it and complain but at the end of the day all is well since it'll always be accepted.
I can personally say that I've tested the limits of the 4th gen and I know others have too and can say the same that this mall cruising 4runner is more than meets the eye. Lets not let the outside distract you from what it really has inside
. It still has the heart of the original offroading Toyota in it's blood lines!The bottom line... The stock 4runner can still take you places you'd be pretty surprised about. Don't let the raw figures make all of the decisions as it's just numbers. Until you really take one, you won't understand. It's a 4th gen thing. :biggrin2:
hossmaster
New member
Here ya go good times
finally, there is a bumper pic in there, just have to look hard
Also, I agree with you that these new 4Runners are capable, but with new constraints on design, demographics, and the perpetual shrinkage of land make these vehicles less useful initially for off-road use. I guess what I am saying is that it cost more and more money to get these rigs capable than its previous version. My Tacoma cost more than the previous trucks to upgrade and so on from the solid axles. Of course it depends on what you do, me I like rock crawling, so it takes a special focus to that direction. Desert running different ideals. As long as there is the desire and a place to go, ingenuitive people and companies will allow us to furter enhance and modify our vehicles to suit our desires. Just gonna have to pony up more cash.
finally, there is a bumper pic in there, just have to look hard
Also, I agree with you that these new 4Runners are capable, but with new constraints on design, demographics, and the perpetual shrinkage of land make these vehicles less useful initially for off-road use. I guess what I am saying is that it cost more and more money to get these rigs capable than its previous version. My Tacoma cost more than the previous trucks to upgrade and so on from the solid axles. Of course it depends on what you do, me I like rock crawling, so it takes a special focus to that direction. Desert running different ideals. As long as there is the desire and a place to go, ingenuitive people and companies will allow us to furter enhance and modify our vehicles to suit our desires. Just gonna have to pony up more cash.
Good Times
New member
man that one pic is too distracting that I totally forgot what I asked ya for 
btw is that frankentaco's rig on the right?
you'd be dumbfoundly surprised at the stuff i've done in the 4runner. You can say I'm stuck in the middle as I love the high speed stuff and definitely enjoy the rock crawling aspect too. The beefed up axles and diff up front definitely makes me feel more comfortable about rock crawling w/o bustin an axle (have a spare just in case though).
anyway nice rig. I really like the simplicity of the front bumper. the lines from the tubes are really slick (two thumbs up !!)
I think the cost of everything has gone up in general. I mean comparing the cost of living from back 15-20 years ago to now has significantly changed (look at the real estate prices... it's a joke). So I think these newer vehicles are in line with it's predecessor. Mods have gone up in price as well so go figure. But if you think about, try building a 40... now that's $$$ (I should know I had one but had to sacrifice it for my 4runner I was building - ugh too many toys!) haha
btw is that frankentaco's rig on the right?
you'd be dumbfoundly surprised at the stuff i've done in the 4runner. You can say I'm stuck in the middle as I love the high speed stuff and definitely enjoy the rock crawling aspect too. The beefed up axles and diff up front definitely makes me feel more comfortable about rock crawling w/o bustin an axle (have a spare just in case though).
anyway nice rig. I really like the simplicity of the front bumper. the lines from the tubes are really slick
(two thumbs up !!)I think the cost of everything has gone up in general. I mean comparing the cost of living from back 15-20 years ago to now has significantly changed (look at the real estate prices... it's a joke). So I think these newer vehicles are in line with it's predecessor. Mods have gone up in price as well so go figure. But if you think about, try building a 40... now that's $$$ (I should know I had one but had to sacrifice it for my 4runner I was building - ugh too many toys!) haha
hossmaster
New member
No thats not Frankentaco, it Tacozilla the founder of TTORA. By the way, that black taco with the bumper is not mine just to clear that up. Although I would like to have one of those bumpers now that I have seen it prove its stoutness. Pics up furter in the tread. I see your point and you are correct about everything costing more. I am a person of simplicity, saying that I like the solid axles, simple steering and straight forward engines. So much engineering has to go into these newer machines that its just about scary. That is what I mean for the price increase, because the mfg's of the aftermarket (quality builders) have to design and develop such complex ways to achieve one thing ie. a lift, or 18" of droop for you desert guys. Don't see it, look at some of the Chebbies out there on the road holy crap! Basically were at a stalemate, and I respectably see your arguement and its a good and proper arguement at that. So I won't debate your idea, yet give those reading this thread differing opionions on offroading. Does this seem agreeable? No offence was taken or dished out, just for reference.
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Good Times
New member
doh I didn't realize it was shannon's rig. somehow I was fixed on the white taco w/ a bed in tx (hmmm although I should have known better w/ the handicap diff though - kick my own arse for that one).
as for the taco, I was under the impression that that was your taco w/ the cool bumper. nonetheless it's a pretty damn fine handiwork (props to whoever that made it).
btw great discussion as it's always good to have some meaningful conversations
as for the taco, I was under the impression that that was your taco w/ the cool bumper. nonetheless it's a pretty damn fine handiwork (props to whoever that made it).
btw great discussion as it's always good to have some meaningful conversations
gratefulneal
New member
that is why buying a used 4Runner is such the deal b/c 90% of folks (at least) have never even tested the capability of their 4Runners....that probably also applies to all 4wd vehicles...but since i'm looking for a clean good used 3rd gen...i am loving it!:reddance:
