98 - 02 4Runner vs. 01 -04 Tacoma DC: Need help

[Dumping My Rubicon]

I'm selling my built up Jeep Rubicon because the family is just not into rockcrawling. It's also a DD. I've narrowed down replacement vehicles to 98-02 4Runner or an 01-04 Tacoma DC. I'll still be wheeling but it'll more Alpine Loop type stuff and not the 4+'s in Moab as well as expedition type runs in Big Bend. I'd like to do the following to either: OME lift, 32-33 inch ATs, bumpers front and rear and sliders. The wife and daughters really prefer a 4Runner over the Tacoma (we'll be taking it from Dallas to Colorado). Could anyone please give me some insight and help. Thanks.

 

[Rallyroo]

01-04 Tacoma DC only come in auto if transmission type is a part of your decision process.

For the 3rd gen 4Runner, you can find a manual if you look hard enough.

 

[Cackalak Han]

I've had 2 4Runners (98 Limited & 02 Sport) and now a Tacoma DC, so I'll throw in my 2 cents.

99-00 4Runners had the manual option. 01-02's did not. Also, 01-02 4Runners did not have the rear locker option, but came with an AWD system and a CDL (center diff lock). But the 01-02's did come with VSC and TRAC, which proved to be really useful, especially in snow. If your wife or children are going to be driving this, VSC/TRAC would be a good option to have.

The only reason why I sold my 4Runner for a Tacoma is because I needed (READ: wanted) a bed. I hated cleaning off skis, boots, dirty clothes, etc. when putting it into the 4Runner, then having to smell the muddy clothes or whatever on the way home. Also, I wanted more room to carry mtn. bikes and cargo. The 4Runner COULD have done this, but I knew I was going to destroy the interior, and if I were to go with 1-2 people, cargo area would be a problem. (I did not want to get a trailer or some sort of a hitch rack to carry my stuff.)

That is the sole reason for my switch.

I will add that the rear room in the Tacoma DC seems to be a tad bit smaller than the 4Runner, so your rear passenger occupants might be a bit tight for space. Also, not having the open rear cargo area like the 4Runner gives it more of an enclosed feeling.

If you do not NEED a truck bed, the 4Runner is awesome. If you have lots of cargo to carry for trips and whatnot, it's hard to beat a Tacoma. Plus, Tacoma's seem to hold their value a bit better than the 4Runners. But I will say that the Japanese made 4Runners seem to have a better build quality than the Tacoma's. The Tacoma seems to have a tiny bit more creaks and rattles, but nothing I can't handle.

Last note: If you're looking at a 4Runner, you might also want to check out the 4th Gen's (03+). For on-road travels, they are WAY more comfortable than 3rd Gen's (96-02). The prices are coming down rapidly on those, where you could probably pick one up for just a little more than the 3rd Gen.

 

[Bergger]

I currently have an 03 Tacoma Dbl Cab and also owned an 02 4Runner. We traded the 4Runner for an 06 Xterra and sometimes I wish we had the 4Runner back. Both the Taco and 4Runner are awesome vehicles. If you don't need the cargo space of the pickup then go with the 4Runner. It is a bit more comfortable and drives better on the pavement. Though it does not have a rear locker the locking center diff and traction control is really good off road. It comes down to what is more important. The taco has the cargo space but I think the 4Runner has the edge in all other categories. You can't go wrong with either truck.

 

[tclong]

having both

Hi there I don't post much on here but I thought I could be of some help. I have had two 02 4runners now for about six months. Our first one we have had now going on two years, and mine we traded off a 02 double cab tacoma for six months ago. I just had to have a dbl cab so bad, but after owning it for a year we found ourselves driving the 4runner almost all the time. When you own both and drive them day in and day out, I really started to feel the long length of the tacoma over the 4runner. That sixteen inchs of wheelbase differnence you really start to feel. The 4runner is definetly way more roomier when comparing a road trip over a couple of hours drive. The truck bed is very handy I admit, but I found myself needing to haul various larger items, and larger loads than the bed could handle. Like a couple of 4x8 sheets of plywood, pain in the ***... But for wheeling in the mountains a couple of times last year the 4runners short wheelbase felt a whole lot better gettin around on the trails than the tacoma.

 

[CA-RJ]

I sold my 99 Wrangler set up for crawling for the same reason you did. I have a 97 4Runner and love it. It has nice road manors and is a lot nicer to drive than the Jeep. My 4Runner is a 5 speed and for me that is a must. Even with the traffic issues we have here in CT, I still prefer it. One thing I really like about the 4Runner is the ability to pack everything inside. It can get a bit cramped if you have 4 people and gear, but everything is inside, out of the weather. You can buy a cargo liner so you can put your dirty stuff in the back and not mess up the interior.

There are a ton of mods available for both applications. The 4Runner rear bumper options are tougher to find and much more expensive. It's harder to find a 4Runner with the factory locker, but you can add a locker if needed. I ended up putting a Lock Rite in my rear axle. Old Man Emu makes great stuff and you can't really go wrong with them for both applications. The mount of lift I got out of my kit was enough to handle a TJM front bumper and still have plenty of room for 33's. One thing is for sure, I think you'll like your Toyota better than your Jeep. I sure do. My 4Runner is pretty darn capable in it's current form but is still fun to drive on long trips.

 

[tclong]

Hi, I haven't posted much but have been looking around here for a long time. Anyways I have owned both dbl cab and 4runner at the same time. The tacoma was mine and it was an 02 trd, and the 02 4runner was my wifes. I had them for a little over a year together, and wheeled them both. What I found was that the 4runner for me was the better truck. Between driving them both you can really feel the 16 inch difference in the wheelbase, both just running around town and out wheeling. It got to the point that we were always taking the 4runner in the end. We took both out on the road alot for over 2 hour trips, and the 4runner is way more roomier and comforterable. When wheeling the tacoma felt realy long and felt like your butt was hanging out there a long ways. Also found myslef needing to haul larger loads then the bed could handle like just one 4x8 plywood. it was a pain....... End result I looked for awhile an traded off the tacoma for another 02 4runner. And already had it up in colorado and spanked 2 lifted cherokees, mine stock with that trac control went a whole lot futher in the snow and with non aggresive tires. ???jeeps????

 

[NothingClever]

I've had 2 4Runners (98 Limited & 02 Sport) and now a Tacoma DC, so I'll throw in my 2 cents.

99-00 4Runners had the manual option. 01-02's did not. Also, 01-02 4Runners did not have the rear locker option, but came with an AWD system and a CDL (center diff lock). But the 01-02's did come with VSC and TRAC, which proved to be really useful, especially in snow. If your wife or children are going to be driving this, VSC/TRAC would be a good option to have.

Am I correct in assuming that a '98 4Runner did NOT have special options such as:

VSC = Vehicle Stability Control (corrects wild understeer or oversteer)
TRAC = Traction control (brakes and throttle)
ATRAC = Automatic Traction Control (brakes only, in 4WD, more agressive in 4Wlo))
and a Torsen Locking Center Differential (manually engaged turns off VSC)

With the gas crunch and shaky economy, low-mileage, single-owner 4Runners are popping up here and there for next to nothing. Since we're expecting a baby, our super low mileage '02 Tacoma Xtracab I just bought in July looks like it might have to go up for sale. I've researched child seats and even though I've found some good models that will fit in the little jump seat, I think it will be a lot easier on the wife to have a 4Runner.

I'd keep the Tacoma and get the 4Runner as the wife's car but we're moving to Germany and I can only ship one car .

Anyways, I'm down a rathole....

Anybody know if the '98 came with any special 4wd features? I tried to find a review on Edmunds.com but couldn't find an answer.

 

[Cackalak Han]

Yes, you are correct that the 98 4Runners do NOT have the VSC, TRAC, or CDL. They only came on 01+ 4Runners. 99-00 Limiteds came with a center diff, which meant you could run 4WD on dry pavement (essentially AWD). And they had rear lockers, auto climate control (your wife will appreciate! ) and updated interior. The one thing I didn't like about my 98 was the interior and the cup holders. 99+ are much better. If I were to buy another 3rd Gen today, it would be a 99-00 Limited.

On the 98 Limiteds, there was nothing really special about the 4WD system.

 

[Jacket]

I want to say that 2001 was the 1st year for VSC in the 4Runner.

 

[NothingClever]

Thanks, gents. You guys are awesome!

 

[98roamer]

Yes, you are correct that the 98 4Runners do NOT have the VSC, TRAC, or CDL. They only came on 01+ 4Runners. 99-00 Limiteds came with a center diff, which meant you could run 4WD on dry pavement (essentially AWD). And they had rear lockers, auto climate control (your wife will appreciate! ) and updated interior. The one thing I didn't like about my 98 was the interior and the cup holders. 99+ are much better. If I were to buy another 3rd Gen today, it would be a 99-00 Limited.

On the 98 Limiteds, there was nothing really special about the 4WD system.

My 98 Limited has the rear dif lock but that is the only "Special" feature. More in newer models.