Topic: 4runner or extra cab?

[therockobsession]

Looking to get a crawler, and can't make up my mind. i can't decide which would be a better fit for me, the 84 to 88 4runner, or the 89 to 95 extra cab truck.  I will wheel on the weekend, no competitions, but looking to install Marlin's dual cases and sliders and other armor.  It would be a daily driver as well.  Let me know what you prefer or think i should do! thanks!

[Rocksurfer]

I like 4Runners but extra cabs have advantages I also like. You can't beat the wheelbase of an extra cab for stability but that extra wb can also get in the way. The shorter wb on a 4Runner has its advantages to get into tighter spots without damage so both are good for different reasons. When you add duals the extra cab has the advantage since even with having to shorten the rear drive shaft you will still have no issues with travel and angles due to a short ds. That being said the shorter ds doesn't seem to bother a short wb 4Runner either. What it will come down to is what you want a pickup or an SUV with a removable top.

...and   II 

[therockobsession [OP]]

And if anyone has one willing to sell, let me know!

[Snowtoy]

If you are over 6' tall I would opt for the X-cab, they have more leg room(both 2nd and 3rd gens models), and the '89-95's are roomier over all as well.  It may only be a few inches, but if feel like a lot more room.  Both of the models are PITA to carry passengers in the rear, but doable.

[toyodaaddict]

one downfall and something to considered about the 4runner is body damage. with a pickup you can easily replace the bed when it gets beat or even the cab. there available and reasonably  priced. finding a decent first gen runner body, probably not easy or cheap. then theres the top, the trails im used to are not  friendly to the glass and it rains 9 months outa the year where im at so theres that to deal with.  in my opinion pickups are better suited for serious trail use  when keeping the body intact is part of the plan. atleast where im at

[1haoleboy]

4runner. Way more room and passengers too

[LeftCoast83]

4runner.  Find one with a 22re and a chain driven t case.  The 3.0's in the 3rd gen trucks are junk. 

[daniresch]

4runner.  Find one with a 22re and a chain driven t case.  The 3.0's in the 3rd gen trucks are junk. 

I think you ment gear driven tcase and the 3.0 is a reliable motor with normal maintenance.

I would also go for a 1st gen 4runner.

[LeftCoast83]

I think you ment gear driven tcase and the 3.0 is a reliable motor with normal maintenance.

I would also go for a 1st gen 4runner.

Yes,  you are correct.  I meant gear driven case; behind the 4 cylinder motor. 

[4runner]

I like the 1st gen runners myself....haul the family n treat it like a truck when need be

[helipilot77]

I had an 85' extracab for my first toyota. I now have an 87' 4runner and I feel like it is an upgrade from the extra-cab. I didn't like the longer wheelbase. It seemed to hinder the offroad performance in tight areas where rocks, trees or other obstacles require tight turns. The 4runner has more interior room but can still haul stuff in the back. I always felt like those death seats in the back of an 89-95 extra-cab were pointless. The seats in the back of a 4runner are made for adults. I have carried 4 adults with me in my 4runner. That can't be done with an extra-cab unless they ride in the bed.

[86bobbedtoy]

and the 3.0 is a reliable motor with normal maintenance.

ya must have a 3.0 in your rig. lol there was a day when I liked them to. and to the OP how about this?

[dzldust]

extra cab for me,never ended up using the extra room of my last 4runner enough to risk destroying the top

[PadawanYota_Stovy]

I've owned both. I perfer the ex cab for the bed and longer wheel base for stablity reasons. I just wish it had a bigger motor. Was alawys drop a v6 in mine but never got around too.. started to travel and never got home. Damn I miss home and my Toyota.