Jeep to a Toyota!?!?

[codename607]

I currently have a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited that I'm thinking about trading in for a Toyota. The main reason why I'm considering to trade is because of reliability and comfort issues with Jeeps and I think Toyota is my best option for these problems.

I've already done days of research and I've narrowed my search down to two vehicles, a 4Runner or Tacoma. Tundra's and FJ's are not really my taste and a Land Cruiser would be too much money.

I'm also not really concerned about the open cab of the 4Runner being a safety issues because I would have everything strapped down.

With all that being said here are my questions:

- Which one (4runner or Tacoma) is more reliable? Looking at different generations I can't tell. I can only assume that the newer ones are just as good as the older ones.

- Are the 4th GEN 4Runners good for modifying into a overland veh? Haven't really seen to many builds on the newer 4Runners in this forum.

If you can't answer either questions please feel free to provide feedback on this topic. I could always use the advice.

Thanks in advance!

 

[sseaman]

Reliability should be the same since the same parts are used to produce both vehicles. There are a handful of 4th gen 4runners on here and after market parts are getting much easier to come by. I think the deciding factor is whether you need the open truck bed for things other than overlanding.

 

[toylandcruiser]

What same parts are used to make both vehicles?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[haddix]

95.5-04 Tacoma and 96-02 4runner are basically same vehicle. Same engine, drivetrain and same front suspension. The newer ones share same v6 motor but suspension is different. Honestly you can't go wrong with any of the choices. All have their perks. Go test drive each and see what fits you best. I've had a built 3rd gen 4runner and currently drive a 1st gen double can tacoma and have 0 complaints about both.

 

[SWITAWI]

From its beginnings, the 4Runner has shared its drivetrains with whatever generation of Toyota Pickup (pre-Tacoma/T100/Tundra) and Toyota Tacoma were/are in production at the same time. AFAIK the only exception to this drivetrain sharing aspect was that the 4th-Gen 4Runner was available with the same 4.7L V8 that was used in the 100-Series Land Cruiser and 1st-Gen Tundra/Sequoia models, while the Tacoma was not. The reliability of a stock 4Runner and Tacoma is basically identical for all intents, and they are generally regarded as better than average.

I'd say all your possible choices are good ones in this case, and your best bet is find someone on here close to you that you might be able to experience their vehicles. There are lots of 1st-Gen Tacomas and 3rd-Gen 4Runners making a good showing on ExPo, but the 4th-Gen 4Runners are starting come out of the woods (just like the 100-Series Cruisers are doing) as their prices come down.

You've probably already been there, but this thread is a good place to get some ideas - http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/9576-Show-us-your-Toyota-4runner-tacoma-or-truck

 

[Clutch]

What problems have you been having with you JK? Funny, I am considering a JKU next...after owning Toyotas over the last 25 years.

 

[codename607]

What problems have you been having with you JK? Funny, I am considering a JKU next...after owning Toyotas over the last 25 years.

Well for me I've only have a couple things go wrong on my JK. For instance the drive shaft needed to be replaced around 45k (most likely because my lift is 3.5inch) and right now I just have a lot of weird noises coming from my tranny. Something sounds like its lose and a lot of guys on the JK forums say its the thrown-out baring. I'm taking it to the dealership in a couple days to have it checked out but most guys say the dealership will give me the run around with it. I also have to constantly add oil to mine. About 1 1/2 qt between oil changes and I have the oil changed every 5k. Still dealership says the oil consumption is a normal thing. My jk is a 09 Unlimited Rubicon with a 3.5 inch lift and 35inch tires.

 

[codename607]

Thanks guys for all of the helpful information. Please continue to post if you have anything to add.

 

[Clutch]

Thanks.

As for Toyotas, they are great little trucks, but aren't perfect. On the 3.4 V6 models, the timing belt needs to be changed every 90 miles. I have done my twice so far, yes I have that many miles on it. Another 5K miles I am going to do its' 3rd belt... However it doesn't use nary a drop of oil, maybe a 1/16th of a cup between oil changes, and I'll bet that is from wiping off the dipstick.

The 4.0 doesn't need it as it has a chain instead of the belt, "supposed" to last the life on the engine. The throw-out bearing on the 6 speed manual trans is a weak point, they also get a vibration in the rear drive shaft. 05 and up Taco's feel heavier than the 98-04 models. However I like the size of the genII Tacos...not too small not too big...just right. Do feel they are underpowered though, but that is just me.

Stock suspension on stock Tacoma's and 4Runners is weak at best, and needs to be upgraded if you haul any weight, or see the dirt much. Even the TRD suspension is appalling. People buy the TRD package for the rear locker.

I suggest go test drive a bunch of them and see what you like.

 

[Flagster]

2005 Tacoma here...
It has been a great truck so far and is still young at 89000 miles...nothing but regular fluid/plugs/etc... 4.0l is a strong engine...I have the auto and it is pretty reliable...more "problems" with the manny tranny...I still wish I had one though as the auto sometimes searches quite a bit on cruise...especially when unloaded...

x2 on the suspension...plan on upgrading immediately...I had an early 2005 before the TSB/4leaf rear springs...was shot after 30K miles and I now have OME dakars and coils/shocks...


As for the 4runner vs Taco comparison it has been discussed quite a bit and I think it comes down to what you haul...I like being able to thrown my mess in the bed and hose it out at the end of the day...short bed is pretty short though so don't plan on putting much back there...

Others like the closed cabin/etc...I can say the ride of my parents 4th gen 4runner compared to my tacoma is night and day...that thing is smooth and has less rattles and feels heavier on washboard rutted roads...

 

[codename607]

Thanks again guys for all the feedback. This is really helping my out, especially since you guys have first hand experience.

I was just looking at a couple youtube videos and came across one about the 5th GEN 4Runner. I saw that the trail edition has all these new electronic systems. Seems like it's more of a marketing thing than something that is really useful on the trails. It does look cool but on the other hand people have been off-roading without that kind of technology for a while and they seem to be doing pretty good. What's your guys take on it?

 

[Flagster]

I don't really know the specifics but my understanding is that it is a simulated locker using your brakes to transfer power???

 

[Clutch]

Are you referring to the A-Trac or the KDSS system?

 

[codename607]

Are you referring to the A-Trac or the KDSS system?

Yeah the A-Trac and KDSS system. I've seen some youtube videos on how it works but do you guys think it would increase the reliability of the 4runner or even make for a better overland vehicle?

 

[RangeBrover]

There are a few guys over at iH8mud that have the KDSS system on their Land Cruiser and I haven't heard any complaints as to it's reliability and they wheel their cruisers pretty hard.. I've take mine off road a few times so far and the KDSS really adds to the capablility of the vehicle. It's a great dual system because it gives you better off road performance, and reduces the body roll of the truck on the road.