pros and cons of a second gen 4runner

[CrawlerBrennan]

i have recently started to build a 1992 4runner after going on the Rubithon last week [i walked it] i am starting to think i should sell my 4runner and get a truck because of how top heave and big my runner is i was hoping to get some help on making my decision

so what im asking is if you have a second gen 4runner how it does compared to a truck that is equally set up also if you had a runner and now have a truck witch one you preferred 

[BLACKDOG]

first, what do YOU want it for?  Do you have people to haul?  or is it just you and one other person usually?  Personally, I'm not a big fan of the 2nd gen runners.  I'm not a big fan of SUVs period, those included.  If I needed to haul people, I'd get a 1st gen runner. 

Not sure what you mean by "big"?  the trucks are the same width/same height (stock) / and longer, so I'm not sure what you mean. 

[CrawlerBrennan]

with the runner you have the big back section that you can bang against the rocks or trees not just the bed of a truck and i would be using it to rock crawl

[BLACKDOG]

with the runner you have the big back section that you can bang against the rocks or trees not just the bed of a truck and i would be using it to rock crawl

ok, but you still need to answer the primary question.  Hw many people will be wheelin in your rig on a regular basis.  I've got a 3rd gen xcab, and I had 4 people and a dog in it for the last MCR roundup, nad space was real tight.  If you're wanting to wheel with more than one other person in the rig, I'd stick with the runner, or find a 1st gen runner.  Fireball on here had a nice runner, and real clean too.  I'll see if I can find a link

*EDIT* here is his sale linkwith pics
http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=21534.0

[CrawlerBrennan]

i only go with me and my dad but my dad likes 4 doors but i dont care

[Gittinit]

You'll miss the room. I wish I had more space for pasengers, but I have a family of 4 wth a 2 seated wheeler. I would cut the backoff the runer and wheel it hard if it were mine. Your runner can be built and moddified to perform how ever you deem fit, so just do it and don't look back.

I have noticed people buy rigs, sink tons of dough into them just to sell at a loss and build another. Although I don't understand it, if thats your thing, go for it!

[Tallchevy]

I had a 1st gen (2 seater) but I have a family of 6. Everyone wanted to go wheeling but had I no room. I sold it & bought a 2nd gen. It still only seats 5 but I'm adding a third row seat. Right now you only need you & another passenger but there might be a time that you need the extra seats. If you feel that it is top heavy, cut off just behind the rear doors all the way back & make it a soft top 

[CrawlerBrennan]

ya i  can see making a soft top 

[Tallchevy]

You can always go with a wider stance with off set wheels, wheel spacers or full width axles  

[Marc P]

I have been wheeling a 2nd gen runner for a little over 5 years now. I go almost anywhere I want to. It is top heavy, and can get a little tippy in off-camber situations. You just get used to it....I have never really had a pickup or truggy to compare to.

[Tallchevy]

I have been wheeling a 2nd gen runner for a little over 5 years now. I go almost anywhere I want to. It is top heavy, and can get a little tippy in off-camber situations. You just get used to it....I have never really had a pickup or truggy to compare to.

What's the spec's on your truck so he has some idea.

[Marc P]

Front SAS-
4.88 (open for now)....soon to be TRD E-locker
All-pro/stock rear hybrid spring pack
Marlin hanger kit and hysteer
Marlin U-bolt flip kit
Sky's 3/4 drop billet pitman arm
TG differential armor
high angle driveshaft

rear-
Detroit Soft Locker rear -Factory 4.88 gears
Procomp Panhard drop bracket
80 series Cruiser coils
High angle CV driveshaft
All-pro adjustable upper links
Adjustable panhard bar
4crawler LPSV mod
TG differential armor

[CrawlerBrennan]

ok what size tires are you running marc p i have 35s now but i need new tires i think 37 because i have to change from ifs to solid so i can change gears

[Marc P]

I am running 33's for now, but I dont think I would go bigger than 35's.

[CrawlerBrennan]

because of rubbing or height

[FIREBALL]

If you build it right it will do what you want. A pickup is going to be more nimble for sure, but the added weight of the runner doesn't really hurt you in the rocks. The fact that the weight is up high does though. So my suggestion is to build it as wide as you practically can. I was running 38's with 2" backspace wheels on 63" wide running gear. The rig would sway around on top of the running gear, but with that much width it always felt stable.
The other problem with the heavier runner is that combined with big meat you are really pushing the yota running gear to it's dependable limits. If you stay with yota running gear don't get fancy, just build it strong. Longfields, tractions bars etc. Otherwise i'd suggest going dana 60's. For 2 reasons, strength and width.
As far as body panels, those can be protected and for me part of the challenge was taking the hard lines without doing any body damage. To me that's more fun than not caring and draging the body accross every rock.
It's just my wife and I, but the 4doors was nice. Made it easier to access things in the back and was much easier than my 1st gen runner when we did take friends. No one had to climb out of the back to the front door.
It can be done, you just have to remember that it is heavier when you consider how you're building it.

[CrawlerBrennan]

so just go as wide as you can

[FIREBALL]

Pretty much. It takes the butt pucker out of the top heavy-ness.

[tj40ounce]

Best of both worlds IMO...  Had a truck, need the space for the family to go along

[CrawlerBrennan]

what did it start out as?

[tj40ounce]

what did it start out as?

from my buildup on pirate

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=544954

[CrawlerBrennan]

very cool and a lot of work i think?

[tj40ounce]

very cool and a lot of work i think?

yeah... long way to go.  Trailer queen.

[CrawlerBrennan]

all hail the queen

[UKMyers]

Here's mine..yes it's tippy on 37s but I love the room!! I can load up a ton of crap and 4 people and go camping for the weekend on some of the hardest trails around.

[CrawlerBrennan]

i freaking love your truck thats what i am going for with mine very cool

[UKMyers]

Thanks.. here's a link to the build up thread if you need details
http://www.yotatech.com/f88/94-4-runner-build-up-thread-104000/

[~tc~]

No pros, only cons. The only pros are in comparison to older rigs (ie fuel injected, nicer interior)

Cargo room is better in a truck if you're gonna go camping. Seems I can't fit anything in mine. COG is better in a truck - even stock they are tippy. If you like having the glass, know that the rear glass can cost $427.19 if you can't find one in a junkyard. Power to weight with either of the engine choices sucks ass. The torsion bar suspension and steering setup blows goats.

If you REALLY want a 'runner, get a 1st (advantages of a truck when top is off) or 3rd gen (better suspension and drivetrain). I will never ever own another 2nd gen.

[CrawlerBrennan]

thanks for the link

[tj40ounce]

No pros, only cons. The only pros are in comparison to older rigs (ie fuel injected, nicer interior)

Cargo room is better in a truck if you're gonna go camping. Seems I can't fit anything in mine. COG is better in a truck - even stock they are tippy. If you like having the glass, know that the rear glass can cost $427.19 if you can't find one in a junkyard. Power to weight with either of the engine choices sucks ass. The torsion bar suspension and steering setup blows goats.

If you REALLY want a 'runner, get a 1st (advantages of a truck when top is off) or 3rd gen (better suspension and drivetrain). I will never ever own another 2nd gen.

l

just sold a couple rear windows for $20... too funny.

Regarding your comment that 3rd gens have better suspension... maybe at the mall.  Wouldn't buy either a 2nd gen or 3rd gen to make a wheeler out of based on the stock torsion bar suspension as a factor.