I dont want to start a whole 3rd vs 4th gen thread. But i am looking for a 4runner and the 4th gen looks really nice due to the ALTRAC(?) system that it has. But the 3rd gen are a little cheaper and i like the way they look much better. I dont want to do much crazy off road, mostly just some exploring. I figure bother trucks might get a little lift, good tires and some recovery gear. In basically stock form, is the 4th gen going to be much better than the 3rd gen? In other words. Would i have to do a bunch of work to the 3rd gen to get it up to the level of the 4th gen? Would i have to add a locker or lunch box int he rear of the 3rd gen?
off road capability of stock 3rd gen vs. stock 4th gen
- Thread starter rc51kid
- Start date
I'm not sure about the 4th gen, but my 2002 did great when it was stock. I didn't do any rock crawling, mostly just getting to remote camp sites through mud and hilly terrain. I've since lifted it and beefed up the tires, but that's all so far. Bear in mind the 3rd gen has a rear locker already(at least my SR5 does).
If you want to mount a winch you may need to put on a bull bar - that's my next big project. But I think that's true of most any 4Runner (someone please correct me if I'm wrong).
I agree that the 3rd gen is a better looking truck. I bought mine just as the 4th gens were revealed. I was going to buy a 2003 until I saw all that plastic on the body, and how they redesigned it. Went with an '02 (with 500 miles on it!) and never looked back.
Either way you go, I think you will find that the 4Runner is an incredibly capable vehicle. Good luck!
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tanglefoot
ExPoseur
Some of the 3rd-gen 4runners have the the electric rear locking differential from the factory (look for the "RR DIFF LOCK" button on the dash, to the left of the steering wheel), which wasn't available in the 4th gen.
Whether a rear locker or four-wheel A-TRAC makes the more capable vehicle is an item of debate that probably depends on each, specific situation. I'm a fan of having a true locker but those with A-TRAC say it works very well and may even come close to the capability of having front and rear lockers in some situations.
I personally prefer the 3rd gen to the 4th due to the relative lack of electronics in the 3rd-gen. I always prefer manual controls to electronic ones. The 4th-gen gets fairly complicated with the electronics, including the rotary dial 4wd selector. I'd much prefer a basic 3rd gen with a manual transmission (also not available in the 4th gen) but many people do love their 4th-gens.
It'd probably be best to just spend some time test-driving each and see what's a better fit for you. A lot comes down to personal preference.
Whether a rear locker or four-wheel A-TRAC makes the more capable vehicle is an item of debate that probably depends on each, specific situation. I'm a fan of having a true locker but those with A-TRAC say it works very well and may even come close to the capability of having front and rear lockers in some situations.
I personally prefer the 3rd gen to the 4th due to the relative lack of electronics in the 3rd-gen. I always prefer manual controls to electronic ones. The 4th-gen gets fairly complicated with the electronics, including the rotary dial 4wd selector. I'd much prefer a basic 3rd gen with a manual transmission (also not available in the 4th gen) but many people do love their 4th-gens.
It'd probably be best to just spend some time test-driving each and see what's a better fit for you. A lot comes down to personal preference.
Vantage
Adventurer
I owned a 99 with rear elocker and a 2004 V8 sr5.
I will say the 3rd gen is great offroad with plenty of ground clearance and way more wheel travel.
The 4th gen lacks clearance and travel.
The 4th is by farrrr a nicer on road truck, and I would easily buy another 4th gen over another 3rd.
I will say the 3rd gen is great offroad with plenty of ground clearance and way more wheel travel.
The 4th gen lacks clearance and travel.
The 4th is by farrrr a nicer on road truck, and I would easily buy another 4th gen over another 3rd.
Vantage
Adventurer
Also, the 4th gen does NOT have A-trac like the FJ cruiser or Tacoma off-road.
They have a center locking diff and regular traction control.
It sounds like you are not a hardcore wheeler, so you will be fine in either truck.
If you are adding a small lift, I would hands down pick a 4th. You really need to drive one to appreciate how well they drive. THey are much quieter, smoother, have room for 4 people comfortably and can fold the rear seats flat if you need to sleep inside.
The 4th gen also comes with the nicest engine ever put in a 4runner, the 4.7L v8 and the best automatic tranny I have ever driven. The powertrain also get the same or better MPG as the older slower 3.4L V6 in the 3rd gen.
Drive both trucks. You will feel the difference.
They have a center locking diff and regular traction control.
It sounds like you are not a hardcore wheeler, so you will be fine in either truck.
If you are adding a small lift, I would hands down pick a 4th. You really need to drive one to appreciate how well they drive. THey are much quieter, smoother, have room for 4 people comfortably and can fold the rear seats flat if you need to sleep inside.
The 4th gen also comes with the nicest engine ever put in a 4runner, the 4.7L v8 and the best automatic tranny I have ever driven. The powertrain also get the same or better MPG as the older slower 3.4L V6 in the 3rd gen.
Drive both trucks. You will feel the difference.