Off-road capability?

Hey all,

I am currently in the market for a 98-2002 4runner 4x4 SR5, leaning towards the 01-02 for a couple reasons:
-Trying to find the newest 3rd gen I can
-Difficult to find the rear locker in anything but Limited and Sport trims.
-I prefer the basic nature of the SR5.
-Center locking diff. is commonly found in 01-02 4runners.

I've never owned a 4x4, so I have some questions specific to 4runner systems and I figured this is the best place to ask. I plan to do some road trips and camping in the spring. No rock crawling is on the agenda, as my 4runner will stay virtually stock with upgrades to tires and possibly suspension. I do plan on exploring a bit and camping on BLM land.

Will standard 4x4, no lockers what so ever, get me out of 99% of situations? I've read that the center locking diff. is not as highly regarded as the rear locker is. The center locker must better than nothing? Any opinions based on real world experience are very much appreciated.

 

From what I have read on this forum: good driving, recovery equipment (like Maxtrax or similar), good tires, and maybe a winch is all you really need. Although a locker is good to have, most rarely use it for the type of off-roading you wish to do. The rear locker was discontinued for 2001-2002. The center locker was for limited's only I believe but not too sure.

 

Agreed. Driving within you abilities and some proper gear are probably the most helpful things.

Borrowed this from the 3rd Gen buyers guide thread:

 

Only full time 4wd models will have a center locker.

Part time 4wd models are locked in the center whenever 4wd is engaged. They do not have a center differential.

 

All 4x4 4runners had the ability to split power between the two axles, either through a transfer case or a locking center diff in the case of multimode. The only benefit of multimode is that you can have awd which is safe to use on dry pavement (its good for snow where roads might be partially clear.

The pinnacle of the 3rd gen off road is pre-2001 models with the locking rear diff. Even without it, you'll still be able to get most places. Apart from the limited trim, Toyota varied the trim names. In some brochures the base model with the 4 cylinder was called the SR5, and the mid tier sport was sometimes called the SR5 V6. The true base trim with the 4 cylinder engine was discontinued after 2000. The base model 4runner was the only version of the 3rd gen not to come standard with ABS.

 

Yes. Unless you plan to seek out challenging 4-wheeling terrain like deep mud, deep water, boulders, or whatever the stock vehicle can handle normal "exploring" easily. Here's my lowly SR5 romping around on a local farm a couple of days ago; I make tracks so people (and apparently deer) can use my tracks as a walking path.

 

In the snow I really liked having 4 wheel drive.

 

These 4Runners can't wheel for crap

 

These vehicles in stock form, with good tires, and the ability to air down and back up far exceed what most drivers can do.

It's only after enough experience, that you start to find limitations, and that's if you really push it.

Many look into getting a lift right away, thinking they need it, or armor, etc. I'm not against those items, but why not learn the right way?

Hell, I've done quite a ton of trails in my old Tacoma Prerunner where guys had to use 4x4.

Feel free to tag me if you have any specific questions you'd like answered. Though you'll find that there are plenty of members here that have plenty to share that could help.

 

Thanks for the replies so far. The hunt for a lightly used, 98-02 SR5 4x4 continues.

 

Expect to spend a lot.

I just listed my 4R for $12k just 2 days ago and got tons of bites. I've got 289,500 miles on it and it's been wheeled a lot.

I almost traded it yesterday already, though it might be gone today.

 

I was off roading Saturday with a lifted 4x4 Gen 1 Sequoia. He was really struggling on wet rocky hill climbs. We didn't need to break out the tow ropes but it wasn't pretty. He agreed, that a locking rear was a priority.

A locking rear differential makes everything off road easier. If you can find one for a little more $, get it. Otherwise work a locker into your budget for modifications.

A rear locker in addition to 4x4 lets you slowly crawl over things. Along with a winch and good tires, it also gives you confidence to take on difficult trails.

 

Looks like he aired down some 5psi, that's way over inflated for a trail.

I disagree on a winch; false confidence of thinking you can go anywhere is dangerous. The OP is brand new to going off the beaten path, so even a non-locking 4x4 will exceed his capability for a long time. Especially if he gets quality tires, and learns to air down/up.

Back to the winch though, or any accessory for that matter. There are many that will tell you that they've used their winch to help others and never for themselves.

 

Do any of the older sequoias come with a rear locker? I’ve been searching for deals on older 4Runners and sequoias for cheap to turn into an off roader

 

Look for a 96 to 2000 as well, some of them come with the coveted e locker. A stock 3rd gen with locker can outwheel a modded 5th gen

 

So, I shouldn't get a fire extinguisher? Everything I have heard/know about off roading is be prepared with recovery gear, as you never know when you will need it.

 

How about posting something relevant to what the OP has brought into discussion.

I would never suggest a winch to someone new to off roading, as well as many others that wheel.

These vehicles are extremely capable in stock form.

 

How about answering my question, should I not get a fire extinguisher?


This is a forum, it's designed for conversations and different ideas. Just because you wouldn't tell someone to get a winch, doesn't mean they shouldn't. I am also new to this game, and once I get my runner, I will get a winch for that time I might need, because I am new and may do something that requires me to save my ass.

 

Hard to read if that was sarcasm or not regarding the fire extinguisher; you know...text on a screen.

I don't carry one, but that's because I don't believe I can realistically get to one (if I had one) soon enough to put out a fire in my vehicle before it grows uncontrollably large.

I wouldn't say don't get one though; I have a few friends that have one and others that don't.

 

I have been searching classified sites for quite some time now and see when these trucks are priced accordingly. I expect to pay a decent amount, but will avoid overpaying or being gouged. I am not desperate or in a rush to buy.

 

Here you go- https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2000-toyota-4runner-base-4wd/

 

I may upgrade to a rear locker in the future, but only if my needs necessitate it.

I have never owned a 4x4, but am not new to driving off-road or navigating trails. I worked for an Open Space District, we had some very remote properties that were only accessed by traveling on steep, rocky, fire roads and sometimes very narrow trails. All of the trucks were 4x4 and we had to demonstrate that we understood its operation. I also rode dirt bikes in remote, mountainous locations for years and that definitely helps with "reading" the terrain. That said, I have never done serious rock crawling and will never need a winch for what I plan to do. I also don't like bolting random stuff on my car for no reason. Poseur status has never appealed to me.

 

Thanks. That is clean, but I prefer the 6cyl/automatic trans combination. I've owned my 5spd, 4 cyl Tacoma for 13 years. Time for a change.

 

Nice photo you posted above. Looks like fun. Getting off the beaten path a bit is exactly what I have in mind.

 

https://offerup.com/item/detail/1336618659?q=4runner&cid=5.1

Just looking around

 

Very clean, but look closely. That is a 2wd 4runner. I check offerup regularly. Feel free to send anything my way.

 

Good call. Good thing it has the suspension upgrade...Zoinks

 

You can convert to 4x4 for about a grand give or take.

 

That seems very cheap. Any threads that detail the process?

I've had quite a few project cars/motorcycles over the years, currently wrapping one up. This will be my daily vehicle and those get nothing but proper maintenance. I'm looking for something rugged, fun and reliable.

 

I agree it looks like the guy could have aired down more.

As far as a winch, I would agree it shouldn't be the first piece of recovery gear someone buys. I learned a lot by going out of my way to not get stuck the first few years.

But, I think it's extremely valuable once you have some experience.

And, I have definitely used mine to save my own ass.

Lol. Why would you think that?

Don't get me wrong, 3rd gens are badass. I just don't see any real advantage over a 5th gen.