I’ve owned 2nd, 3rd and 5th gen 4Runners. The 3rd gen is my all time favorite. Definitely when Toyota had it perfect in terms of styling, size, functionality, interior quality of materials and durability. The total package.
@@scottcarlson1203 people gotta keep in mind they are a bit smaller inside but lighter weight overall, also an awesome vehicle cause they're totally analog, and 99 and below are drive by wire. with that said my 3rd gen v6 gets as bad of mileage as a v8 4th gen and it might be worth it to look at the 4th gen, to save yourself the huge list of maintenance you're gonna have to do. 4th gen are very slept on vehicle because they are uglier, but they are also amazing machines as well. i'm taller and if i sit full posture my head hits the ceiling in my 3rd gen as well so they really aren't that big. My 3rd gen didn't come with a locker so definitely get one that comes with that. you can add a locker to any of them too. doesn't mean it's not worth getting if it doesn have the locker.
My 3rd gen is lifted 5 inches on 33s with stock 4:10 gearing and I average 17 mph all day I could get a little better if I drove more highway that’s a average mostly city driving !!
I have a 3rd gen ….96 . It has 400,000 on the clock ,pulls like a freight train and starts every time . A trusted friend through thick n thin .love it.
I drive my 2020 SR5 80 miles a day-it is nice having the daily comfort and still not get knocked around when off-road. It’s fun to have the “which is better” discussion but the answer always it-the best one is the one you have!
My 3rd gen 4Runner has just over 270k miles on it and it's a time capsule. Absolutely everything works. Zero rust. Rear locker. 4.30 gears I dearly love it. That being said I love the 5th gens too. I don't have one to compare my 3rd gen to, so I won't.
My daily driver is a 2000 3rd gen 4Runner that we have owned since new. It has 250K miles and is a great vehicle. I put a 2" lift with Bilstein 5100's and OME springs, SPC adjustable upper control arms, 285/70/17 Falken Wildpeak AT3w's on Level 8 MK6 wheels, a front diff drop, Tundra front brakes, and a JBA cat back exhaust. I don't have a rear locker. Drove it from KY to CO two years ago and did several trails on the Alpine loop. It climbed over everything in it's path...I am amazed at how capable it is off road. If you can find one that isn't rusted or trashed, they are great. You guys need to remove those side steps. It takes about 30 minutes and you will gain at least 3" of clearance and the vehicle will look so much better.
I wish I would have bought a new one in 2000 or 2001. It would have saved me about a dozen vehicles on the way to 2020. I have a 2020, and a 2021 ORP premiums. I love them both.
You and I must be twins seperated at birth. I have a 2000 3rd gen that has 232K miles with the same 2" lift and Tundra brakes replaced UCA and same size tires. Really wish mine had the rear locker, but it has not stopped me so far and it sounds like yours is the same. Great truck for sure
19 years later still rocking my 2000 5-speed e-locked SC'd 3rd gen. Lots of vehicles have come in and out of my garage...this is the one that has never left, for obvious reasons.
I'm an old guy getting ready to retire, gonna take my dog, drag a lightweight fishing boat and cruise around the country in a 4Runner. I do love the older 4Runners but as probably my last vehicle I want total reliability, I want that 6 cylinder naturally aspirated engine and the new technologies of today to make the trip a bit easier so I'm getting the 2024 4Runner. It is impressive that the 3 gen 4Runner beat out the new 4Runner, the locking 4wd on the 3rd gen is definitely better and I wish I had the option to equip it on my soon to be new 4runner. Thas was an impressively well done video, totally enjoyable, thank you very much.
Awesome video truly showing the capabilities of atrac vs locker. You guys hit the nail on the head where while atrac works it's very aggressive and lurches the vehicle. To me the rear locker is worth its weight in gold in my 5th gen. 4runners tend to lift wheels a lot due to IFS so that rear locker really should be on your list if you plan to hit trails semi often.
With the understanding that Atrac is modulating the brakes as well as other systems, I wonder if two-footing would take some of the lurching out while still allowing the system to function. Or maybe engaging the brakes doesn't allow Atrac to operate?
They have a video with a TRD OR going up this with rear locked and it struggled as well. Unfortunately a lot has to do with the 5th gen foot print is not helping it compared to that 3rd gen.
@@exordisYou car correct, sort of. I don’t know if Atrack will work with some left foot breaking, like on my old Cherokee and other 4x4s. But the issue is Toyota doesn’t let you press the gas and the break for more then one second before it cuts the throttle. This is because Prius owners were confused and pressing both pedals so Toyota doesn’t let you apply break and throttle at the same time.
The rear locker is what sold me on the trd off-road. It’s really a fantastic tool to help you get unstuck and be smoother on the trail. As far as the footprint size vs 3rd gen. There’s no replacement for a smaller rig. The 5th gen is as good as your going to get for a modern 4x4, besides a wrangler. There are workarounds, removing the front sway-bar is actually a common option to help the front end articulate. And KDSS can effectively reduce the effects of the front and rear sway-bars significantly and allow from more articulation. The 5th gen is a great balance of on-road and off-rode characteristics.
3rd gen's are frankly amazing off-road. Tidy body, small wheelbase, LOTS of wheel travel in the rear. The only real problem with the 3rd gen is the way the lower control arm ball joints are held in place, they are in tension not compression so if they wear out...your wheel kind falls off.
I have a 3rd gen, with manual transmission. It has the dif locker, and It came without the running boards. I bought it new, so it is original owner. It does what I need. I just don't ask it to do crazy things. People are always asking me to sell it to them. I never would consider selling it.
Actually having a 3 inch lift reduces your articulation so effectively you are gaining more clearance, but loosing out to wheel articulation, which is what probably made it so much more difficult on that first run. For that first run more wheel articulation was more important than outright ground clearance.
@@calebmelton5989 Because *most* lift kits run too much height, and sacrifice droop travel. If you had a perfectly setup coil over, that can compress 1 strut fully into the bump stop under articulation, while the other is still full droop, then yes, you retain full travel.
that was pretty cool tho!! i been on this channel so long i remember Chase and Alex starting ... you both have improved way so much in reporting, comfort, knowledge and experience. Great job to all!!
There is nobody there named "Chase" If you have truly been on this channel for so long, you might want to take note that his name is "Kase". Just saying.
The factory locker in the Toyotas are pretty good. Had one in my 2004 Tacoma Xtra Cab TRD 4x4 and also my 2007 FJ TRD Special Edition and used it all the time.
Lots of people don’t know that the 2001 and 2002 actually have atrac that is always enabled (and a button can be added to turn off). Toyota opted for atrac + locking center diff over only the locking rear diff on the 1996-2000. Add a locking rear to a 01-02 and you have an absolute beast…
They live in Colorado. No problems with rust here. Everyday I regularly see 1st, 2nd and 3rd gens on the road . Same with '80s '90s Toyota pickups and tacomas.
Knowing your limits is the sign of a mature driver. In this case it wasn’t the vehicle or driver that was limiting, it was the wisdom that said trail damage was not worth proving your capabilities!
My 3rd gen hilux surf (Japanese 4runner) has a centre diff lock but no rear one. Unfortunately didn't come with the lsd rear axle either. It's a little worn and rusty so I'll probably scrap it in the new year and get a landrover.
When I found a factory rear dif lock 97 I jumped on it. The guy had some coming from three hours away the next day and I snapped it up. Best vehicle I’ve ever had.
Mine’s a ’97 3.4 4x4 with 327,000 miles. It tows a trailer with lawn equipment more than it’s empty and it’s given so few problems. One of the best purchases I’ve ever made
Cool test! I have a 2014 5th gen Trail with a 3" lift 33" Baja Boss At's, rock rails and a locker. Without the heavy roof rack and steel bumpers mine would be less tippy. I think with a slightly different line the 5th gen could have made it. I also think with all the other mods a rear and eventually a front locker would greatly improve the 5th gen performance. I realize caution and not destroying a newer vehicle had you going with the easier bypass...
I have a 2002 4runner. No rear diff locker was available for the last two years of gen 3 (01-02), but it does have TRAC standard, which is an earlier version of ATRAC, and a center diff locker. TRAC is like weaker diff locker, but you get it on the front and rear axle. I was going to put a rear diff locker on mine, but so far I haven't been able to justify the expense: I just haven't found a place where I couldn't get with TRAC and 4lo yet. I often run it in 2wd offroad. It's surprisingly capable. A 2wd Gen3 4runner with TRAC and some offroad tires can handle some pretty gnarly terrain, especially if you air down, and it's dry. You can get good deals on the 2wd versions, and they're not bad off road at all, if you're not looking for trouble.
10:00 Classic. 3in lift, so there's no down travel on the suspension. The "wheel wave". A 3in lift is too much and doesnt really help as much as it can hurt
I’ve owned both a 3rd gen and 5th gen. The 5th gen is more capable with Atrac and rear locker (I have a pro) and I’ve been able to go places my 3rd gen couldn’t go. However, the 3rd gen was a much better off road driving experience. The vision for tire placement is way better and just the overall size being smaller. But then it got stuck more often and I had to build the road up 😂. Pros and cons of each!
My 2020 TRD OFF ROAD has a rear locker standard and I opted for KDSS. With good AT tires (Toyo AT3) it goes everywhere and through anything even entirely stock. Instead of all the suspension and lift work that SR5 owner should have just sprung for the TRD Off Road.
I have the 3rd gen. My wife has the 5th gen. We love them both. If we want to go hunting and we are gonna beat it we will take the 3rd gen. If we wanna go out on a date we will take the 5th gen. I think one day I’ll get the 5th gen for hunting when the 3rd gen gives out. It will have lots more power to pull my 4 wheeler and small toy hauler camper.
I'm guessing your 3rd gen had no locker? Thats the real determining factor. But with the weight and size of the 3rd gen I'd expect it to be more capable
Great episode! Thanks. I have a 2015 Trail Premium that has A-Trac and an electric rear locker. It’s all stock, BFG AT tires in the stock size, and we love it! 163k miles and I’d drive it anywhere! It’s comfy on and off road, very capable, roomy, tows well, and gets fuel economy in the teens- there has to be a weak spot somewhere.
I love my 2019 5th gen TRD premium. It has all the toys, rear locker, ATRAC, crawl control, terrain select, you name it. So much fun and very comfortable in city driving.
I have both a 3rd gen and 5th gen. 3rd gen, rear locker 5th gen, locker, A-trac and crawl control. The 5th gen is more capable just because of all the gadgets. I'd like to point out that open diffs will make you a better driver, that's how I started out in the late '70s. However, the size of the 3rd gen and the more ground clearance, both stock vehicles, I prefer the 3rd gen for more difficult tracks. Each have their place.
As an owner of the much maligned V6 4th Gen... I hope you plan on including them in future comparisons! The V8 alone, out torques the other gens as well!
It has the best interior looking. The limited edition for example. The 4th gen it has a smaller cargo space and the 3rd gen it has a nice exterior looking but the interior is ugly @@Japplesnap
Not really a fair comparison of the two 4Runners. One has a rear locker and the other doesn't. A rear locker was the first upgrade I did to any of my 4X4s that had open diffs. A night and day difference. My current adventure vehicle is a 2018 4Runner TRD Off Road Premium. One of the main reasons I bought this model is because it has the rear locker. I've also done a three inch lift, rock sliders, and a front camera. It does very good off road and is a pleasure to drive on pavement.
Great test showing pros and cons of both! I do wish the various TFL channels would do more testing of a 4Runner with KDSS. I think only available on the TRD Off Road(Premium?) I have seen you test it on a Lexus, and it really helped out. KDSS please!
I spent a year in Afghanistan with the UN in 2005, I had a white (obviously)3rd Gen which was already 6 years old with 350k miles on it. Never failed, we had a fleet of about 200 Western 4wd's mainly Toyota, a few Nissan Patrols, some Landrovers. The Toyota's rocked, Landrovers couldn't cope with the crappy fuel they were always in the garage. I now own an old Hilux for snow ploughing and an old LJ73 they are truly awesome.
4th gens get slept on being and in-between of the small older gens and boaty new gens. The center locking diff allows it to turn like a tank on tight windy trails. Really a small lift, sliders and a locking rear diff would get most places than arent soupy mud. Up here in Alaska they do great in the snow if you stay on the gas. My 4th and 3rd gen do amazing in a 1’ - 1/2 of snow and keep good traction on iced over roads.
Great conclusion, new 4Runner for all around vehicle, 3rd gen for an off-road rig. I have a 5th gen and 100% agree. Ti Alex's point about it being old, a friend of mine recently let me borrow his 93 80 series LC, and warned me about how it's an old vehicle and it handles bad and the brakes are stiff, etc. After a few minutes behind the wheel, I thought it felt pretty similar to driving my 4Runner. LC had way better visibility though, the glass is so large on those.
I have my 3rd gen 321k miles and not a spot of rust on her original engine tranny and suspension 3.4 v6 and runs smooth as glass no locker but iv never needed it and iv never gotten stuck and i do some pretty serious offroading and mudding plus drive it about 1k miles a week 265/70/17 (31.7 inch is the biggest you can fit without rubbing on stock suspension) it's a 97 so it doesn't have the fat lip front bumper and I took off my favorite side steps like a week ago it's an sr5 with 4x4 and I run yokohama geolandar g003 mud tires Update: 350k miles and still running smooth and not getting stuck still no lift or anything special same tires (need new ones)
I have 2 3rd gens and 1 5th gen! Both are great generations of the 4runner. The 5th obviously is nicer and probably more comfortable but those 3rd gens are hard to beat!! Love the video!
Cool review, coulden't help but wonder why someone would put that much money into aftermarket quality parts for offroading/rockcrawling on a Tacoma with no locker and just A trak. Seems like you'd want a locker for serious offroading, especially if your putting that kind of money in aftermarket parts specifically to make it more offroad worthy.
Most of the lifted vehicles around here never have seen even dirt, nevermind rocks! Many just like the look or have invested so much money after the original sticker, they can't imagine risking it on a difficult trail now? Most rock monsters are older and money is put towards a purpose over name and looks! The owner of this one I don't know what his goals really are and maybe a locker is in the future now that he sees it's limitations when actually used... 🤔👀🤷♂️
I have a similarly built 4Runner and help run a big offroading club here in Colorado. Because of our IFS setup, the most likely wheel to lift (needing a traction aid like a locker or ATRAC) is a wheel on the front. Most often these trucks turn into tripods where both rear tires and one front tire have traction, which makes the rear locker pointless. The obstacle at 10:24 where the front left and back right have limited traction is unusual. ATRAC still solves this problem for both wheels, it's just not as smooth for the rear axle as a locker. Rather have the locker than not, absolutely. But this is a newish clean 5th gen, so any trail hard enough to need the locker also has a significant risk of body damage that the average owner won't be taking it on anyway. The biggest improvement Toyota could give to these vehicles is a front locker, but they won't do that. ATRAC is usually good enough.
Thanks for explaining it to me and I see what your saying. Your right about the tripod and the A trac being able to solve most problems, but there are other scenario's where being able to lock up your axle, I'm thinking mud in particular, really helps. We have plenty of it up here in Ontario. I guess it depends on user case, what your going to do with it. Great breakdown explanation though.@@jimmy-buffett
@@pabo8080 My experience is 90% Colorado, and there are definitely differences between the different terrain types. MTS -- Multi Terrain Select -- is one nice upgrade on the 4Runner vs the FJ Cruiser, that only ever had one ATRAC setting and a rear locker. MTS allows you to set the terrain then it allows less or more slip before applying the brakes. On rocks you usually either have traction or you don't, and a lot of wheelspin can be a bad thing when you suddenly go from zero traction to lots of traction (this can break CVs / axle shafts). In mud or deep snow where you're trying to throw / clear material with less of a risk of suddenly gaining a lot of traction, wheel speed is usually a good thing. For Colorado specifically I wouldn't say that lacking a locker is a big issue, but I can see how it would be in other terrain.
I HAVE A 1999 4 RUNNER LIMITED WITH 1.26 MILLION KM ON HER OR 745,000 MILES . WE DID AN ENGINE COMPRESSION CHECK 3 MONTHS AGO AND WITH THAT MILAGE SHE WAS STILL AT 95% EFFICIENCY. THE 3.4 V6 IS THE MOST DEPENDABLE MOTOR EVER BUILT ON ANY SUV EVER.
Agree with the presenters, if you want a do it all vehicle its hard to beat the current 5th gen, but if you want a vehicle just for off-roading the 3rd gen is awesome
With the ATRAC, I think it's better to not let off the gas. Each time trying to go forward again, the computer has to re-think it's algorithm. 3" lift minus 1" from the skid plates = 2" height gain
Proud owner of a 3rd down here in Brazil, rear locker wasn't available we solved that with ARB air locker. It's most more off road capable than I need, but that is exacatly why I onw it. I love reliable rigs
5th Gen TRD Offroad comes with Rear diff lock too ! Plus A-trac. It would have been a closer comparison, but love the vid ! Love the 3th gen, but prefer the 5th look.
@@TheOutdoorBeerReview u dont know what you are talking about,i had gen3 gen4 AND gen5 and i can tell you from my experience gen4 4.7 (vvt) kicks both their asses 4.7 is indestructible
when it comes to serious off road there's nothing like real lockers. Traction control systems can only do so much and are reactive, so you always have to lose traction for them to work.
The best SUV for off-roading is an older capable rig that you don’t care to damage but is reliable enough to not scare you on the trails if it breaks down in the middle of nowhere. 3rd Gen checks both those boxes
3 months ago I commented on your video "From Boring to Brilliant: Here's How to Make a Bone-Stock 4Runner UNSTOPPABLE Off-Road!" to add front and rear locker to this base model 4Runner since it doesn't come with lockers from factory. and the response was "Not sure I'm going to need them for where and what I want to do with this truck, but thanks for the idea!". May be this is an eye opener to have a second thought about what I said. 🍻
Need to do the same comparison with more Toyotas. First gen sequoia vs third gen, tacomas, tundras.. all of them have a lot of people out on the trails with the older models from the late 90’s and early 2000’s
I think your 5th gen lift worked against it on the steps (? Place with the tree). There's another channel here on UA-cam where we have someone explaining how lifts affect droop and travel. But yes the 3rd gen has a lot going for it. I want to see 4th gen action though, that generation hardly ever gets attention, specially a V8.
Yup so many people put too much lift on ifs. They are also afraid of rake. I only have 1.75" lift on the front but 3.25" rear on my third gen. Drives just fine on the road and articulates pretty damn good for ifs.
I like my 5th but my 3rds were best built, simple and reliable. You can get into a side by side trail with them to. Simplicity and only having 3 models made it the most reliable of all. The 5th is 4wd system is pretty impressive. However I got there without it before without all that.
I own a 3rd gen Runner and a 1st gen Taco, can’t kill ‘em and they’re absolute units off-road. Can take them absolutely bone stock and go through some rather impressive obstacles. High school me certainly thrashed my Taco year after year and she just took it 😂
Just because they're older doesn't mean they're junk. I just bought a 2000 4runner last year at 264,000 and I'm loving it. Only thing wrong with it is cosmetic work and need to fix the shocks
Just got my wife a 5th Gen 2WD SR5 after she was in a multi car wreck. 4 runners are just great. Also I'm watching this with UA-cam premium so hopefully I help y'all make more than $30 lol
My 1997 Camry with bad suspension did better in the snow than a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 😂😂😂😂. I was passing jeeps stuck and that Camry never got stuck. 4 runner is even better bozo
@@radzholocaust6468 lol....zero credibility for anyone who claims his Camry is better in snow than any Jeep, much less a Wrangler Rubicon. Try not to be such a clown, clown.
I’ve owned 2nd, 3rd and 5th gen 4Runners. The 3rd gen is my all time favorite. Definitely when Toyota had it perfect in terms of styling, size, functionality, interior quality of materials and durability. The total package.
Yes. The 3rd gen has the highest build quailty and durability. The size is perfect for moding , overlanding.
@@scottcarlson1203when the third gen was the best in quality you know the car industry has gone to planned obsolescence crap… the end is near.
@@scottcarlson1203 people gotta keep in mind they are a bit smaller inside but lighter weight overall, also an awesome vehicle cause they're totally analog, and 99 and below are drive by wire. with that said my 3rd gen v6 gets as bad of mileage as a v8 4th gen and it might be worth it to look at the 4th gen, to save yourself the huge list of maintenance you're gonna have to do. 4th gen are very slept on vehicle because they are uglier, but they are also amazing machines as well. i'm taller and if i sit full posture my head hits the ceiling in my 3rd gen as well so they really aren't that big. My 3rd gen didn't come with a locker so definitely get one that comes with that. you can add a locker to any of them too. doesn't mean it's not worth getting if it doesn have the locker.
4th gen all day
My 3rd gen is lifted 5 inches on 33s with stock 4:10 gearing and I average 17 mph all day I could get a little better if I drove more highway that’s a average mostly city driving !!
I have a 3rd gen ….96 . It has 400,000 on the clock ,pulls like a freight train and starts every time . A trusted friend through thick n thin .love it.
Local dealer had a 2015 4Runner someone traded in with 400000 miles
A true, noble steed. I hope to keep my ‘97 until 400+
No 3rd gen 4Runner pulls like a freight train.
I had the 97 4Runner with the rear locker, and it was one of the best vehicles I’ve ever owned.
I drive my 2020 SR5 80 miles a day-it is nice having the daily comfort and still not get knocked around when off-road. It’s fun to have the “which is better” discussion but the answer always it-the best one is the one you have!
My 3rd gen 4Runner has just over 270k miles on it and it's a time capsule. Absolutely everything works. Zero rust. Rear locker. 4.30 gears I dearly love it. That being said I love the 5th gens too. I don't have one to compare my 3rd gen to, so I won't.
3rd gen with the 3.4L is an epic machine.
yes sir mine has 289 000 original engine and trany
@@ulyssesgood1 impressive... i have an 04 tacoma with the 3.4 in it 130k on it runs great.
The 3.0td is a real beast though
My daily driver is a 2000 3rd gen 4Runner that we have owned since new. It has 250K miles and is a great vehicle. I put a 2" lift with Bilstein 5100's and OME springs, SPC adjustable upper control arms, 285/70/17 Falken Wildpeak AT3w's on Level 8 MK6 wheels, a front diff drop, Tundra front brakes, and a JBA cat back exhaust. I don't have a rear locker. Drove it from KY to CO two years ago and did several trails on the Alpine loop. It climbed over everything in it's path...I am amazed at how capable it is off road. If you can find one that isn't rusted or trashed, they are great. You guys need to remove those side steps. It takes about 30 minutes and you will gain at least 3" of clearance and the vehicle will look so much better.
I wish I would have bought a new one in 2000 or 2001. It would have saved me about a dozen vehicles on the way to 2020. I have a 2020, and a 2021 ORP premiums. I love them both.
You and I must be twins seperated at birth. I have a 2000 3rd gen that has 232K miles with the same 2" lift and Tundra brakes replaced UCA and same size tires. Really wish mine had the rear locker, but it has not stopped me so far and it sounds like yours is the same. Great truck for sure
I own a 2023 4runner SR5 and the amount of places it has been able to take me is UNBELIEVABLE.
@@CrackerBarrelkiddon’t forget the curb at Costco
LOL@@CrackerBarrelkid
19 years later still rocking my 2000 5-speed e-locked SC'd 3rd gen. Lots of vehicles have come in and out of my garage...this is the one that has never left, for obvious reasons.
How many miles on the SC'd 2000 3rd gen?
@@scubbarookie 178k
Let me know if you’re ever thinking of selling!
I bought my 02’ 6 years ago with 175k on it. At 270k+ now. Minor repairs here and there but still drives like when i got it
I'm an old guy getting ready to retire, gonna take my dog, drag a lightweight fishing boat and cruise around the country in a 4Runner. I do love the older 4Runners but as probably my last vehicle I want total reliability, I want that 6 cylinder naturally aspirated engine and the new technologies of today to make the trip a bit easier so I'm getting the 2024 4Runner. It is impressive that the 3 gen 4Runner beat out the new 4Runner, the locking 4wd on the 3rd gen is definitely better and I wish I had the option to equip it on my soon to be new 4runner. Thas was an impressively well done video, totally enjoyable, thank you very much.
Awesome video truly showing the capabilities of atrac vs locker. You guys hit the nail on the head where while atrac works it's very aggressive and lurches the vehicle. To me the rear locker is worth its weight in gold in my 5th gen. 4runners tend to lift wheels a lot due to IFS so that rear locker really should be on your list if you plan to hit trails semi often.
With the understanding that Atrac is modulating the brakes as well as other systems, I wonder if two-footing would take some of the lurching out while still allowing the system to function. Or maybe engaging the brakes doesn't allow Atrac to operate?
They have a video with a TRD OR going up this with rear locked and it struggled as well.
Unfortunately a lot has to do with the 5th gen foot print is not helping it compared to that 3rd gen.
@@exordisYou car correct, sort of. I don’t know if Atrack will work with some left foot breaking, like on my old Cherokee and other 4x4s. But the issue is Toyota doesn’t let you press the gas and the break for more then one second before it cuts the throttle. This is because Prius owners were confused and pressing both pedals so Toyota doesn’t let you apply break and throttle at the same time.
The rear locker is what sold me on the trd off-road. It’s really a fantastic tool to help you get unstuck and be smoother on the trail. As far as the footprint size vs 3rd gen. There’s no replacement for a smaller rig. The 5th gen is as good as your going to get for a modern 4x4, besides a wrangler. There are workarounds, removing the front sway-bar is actually a common option to help the front end articulate. And KDSS can effectively reduce the effects of the front and rear sway-bars significantly and allow from more articulation. The 5th gen is a great balance of on-road and off-rode characteristics.
@@kcspeed9980tune that shit out.
3rd gen's are frankly amazing off-road. Tidy body, small wheelbase, LOTS of wheel travel in the rear. The only real problem with the 3rd gen is the way the lower control arm ball joints are held in place, they are in tension not compression so if they wear out...your wheel kind falls off.
I have a 3rd gen, with manual transmission. It has the dif locker, and It came without the running boards. I bought it new, so it is original owner. It does what I need. I just don't ask it to do crazy things. People are always asking me to sell it to them. I never would consider selling it.
Thank you team Alex and Case, you guys are extremely good reviewers, presenters and off roaders, enjoyed the video so much.
That 3rd gen is a mighty handsome vehicle.
Knowing when to Fold'em is a 4x4 skill too.
Actually having a 3 inch lift reduces your articulation so effectively you are gaining more clearance, but loosing out to wheel articulation, which is what probably made it so much more difficult on that first run. For that first run more wheel articulation was more important than outright ground clearance.
Why would you put in a lift that limits articulation. Those type of people probably aren't off roading.
@@calebmelton5989 Because *most* lift kits run too much height, and sacrifice droop travel. If you had a perfectly setup coil over, that can compress 1 strut fully into the bump stop under articulation, while the other is still full droop, then yes, you retain full travel.
that was pretty cool tho!! i been on this channel so long i remember Chase and Alex starting ... you both have improved way so much in reporting, comfort, knowledge and experience. Great job to all!!
There is nobody there named "Chase" If you have truly been on this channel for so long, you might want to take note that his name is "Kase". Just saying.
The factory locker in the Toyotas are pretty good. Had one in my 2004 Tacoma Xtra Cab TRD 4x4 and also my 2007 FJ TRD Special Edition and used it all the time.
Lots of people don’t know that the 2001 and 2002 actually have atrac that is always enabled (and a button can be added to turn off). Toyota opted for atrac + locking center diff over only the locking rear diff on the 1996-2000. Add a locking rear to a 01-02 and you have an absolute beast…
Wow! You guys actually found a 3rd gen Toyota that's not clapped out with rust!! Hold on to that unicorn!!
You can see the rust prevention all over the skid plate
They’re in this condition all over California.
They live in Colorado. No problems with rust here. Everyday I regularly see 1st, 2nd and 3rd gens on the road . Same with '80s '90s Toyota pickups and tacomas.
@@MountTop777 I'm from the Midwest, mine rusted out.... Such a sad day.
These are a dime a dozen in Denver Area. I see them constantly. Neighbor across the street has one
THANKS FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT ALEX AND KASE 🙏...HAVE A GOOD DAY EVERYONE ✌️
I have a 5th gen bought new in 2018 one of the best old-school new vehicles I have ever owned.
Knowing your limits is the sign of a mature driver. In this case it wasn’t the vehicle or driver that was limiting, it was the wisdom that said trail damage was not worth proving your capabilities!
New to 4Runners but I love my 5th gen. This thing has impressed me so far with what it can do offroad.
I like when people do this type of stuff
You can spend all the money in the world dressing up one of these things but if it doesn’t have an actual rear locker then you will be left behind.
But you have to get a light bar first!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣😊
My 3rd gen hilux surf (Japanese 4runner) has a centre diff lock but no rear one. Unfortunately didn't come with the lsd rear axle either. It's a little worn and rusty so I'll probably scrap it in the new year and get a landrover.
Yet there are so many videos of these going places were jeeps can go too😉
When I found a factory rear dif lock 97 I jumped on it. The guy had some coming from three hours away the next day and I snapped it up. Best vehicle I’ve ever had.
Mine’s a ’97 3.4 4x4 with 327,000 miles. It tows a trailer with lawn equipment more than it’s empty and it’s given so few problems. One of the best purchases I’ve ever made
Cool test! I have a 2014 5th gen Trail with a 3" lift 33" Baja Boss At's, rock rails and a locker. Without the heavy roof rack and steel bumpers mine would be less tippy. I think with a slightly different line the 5th gen could have made it. I also think with all the other mods a rear and eventually a front locker would greatly improve the 5th gen performance. I realize caution and not destroying a newer vehicle had you going with the easier bypass...
I have a 2002 4runner. No rear diff locker was available for the last two years of gen 3 (01-02), but it does have TRAC standard, which is an earlier version of ATRAC, and a center diff locker. TRAC is like weaker diff locker, but you get it on the front and rear axle. I was going to put a rear diff locker on mine, but so far I haven't been able to justify the expense: I just haven't found a place where I couldn't get with TRAC and 4lo yet.
I often run it in 2wd offroad. It's surprisingly capable. A 2wd Gen3 4runner with TRAC and some offroad tires can handle some pretty gnarly terrain, especially if you air down, and it's dry. You can get good deals on the 2wd versions, and they're not bad off road at all, if you're not looking for trouble.
10:00 Classic. 3in lift, so there's no down travel on the suspension. The "wheel wave". A 3in lift is too much and doesnt really help as much as it can hurt
I’ve owned both a 3rd gen and 5th gen.
The 5th gen is more capable with Atrac and rear locker (I have a pro) and I’ve been able to go places my 3rd gen couldn’t go. However, the 3rd gen was a much better off road driving experience. The vision for tire placement is way better and just the overall size being smaller. But then it got stuck more often and I had to build the road up 😂. Pros and cons of each!
3:02l l
My 2020 TRD OFF ROAD has a rear locker standard and I opted for KDSS. With good AT tires (Toyo AT3) it goes everywhere and through anything even entirely stock. Instead of all the suspension and lift work that SR5 owner should have just sprung for the TRD Off Road.
I have the 3rd gen. My wife has the 5th gen. We love them both. If we want to go hunting and we are gonna beat it we will take the 3rd gen. If we wanna go out on a date we will take the 5th gen. I think one day I’ll get the 5th gen for hunting when the 3rd gen gives out. It will have lots more power to pull my 4 wheeler and small toy hauler camper.
What does build the road up even mean
I'm guessing your 3rd gen had no locker? Thats the real determining factor. But with the weight and size of the 3rd gen I'd expect it to be more capable
Great episode! Thanks. I have a 2015 Trail Premium that has A-Trac and an electric rear locker. It’s all stock, BFG AT tires in the stock size, and we love it! 163k miles and I’d drive it anywhere! It’s comfy on and off road, very capable, roomy, tows well, and gets fuel economy in the teens- there has to be a weak spot somewhere.
I love my 2019 5th gen TRD premium. It has all the toys, rear locker, ATRAC, crawl control, terrain select, you name it. So much fun and very comfortable in city driving.
I have both a 3rd gen and 5th gen. 3rd gen, rear locker 5th gen, locker, A-trac and crawl control. The 5th gen is more capable just because of all the gadgets. I'd like to point out that open diffs will make you a better driver, that's how I started out in the late '70s. However, the size of the 3rd gen and the more ground clearance, both stock vehicles, I prefer the 3rd gen for more difficult tracks. Each have their place.
Yeah great video! So nice to put both a-trac and rear lock to the test and see their capabilities right on the field.
Have two of them in the garage a 2020, and a 2021 both ORP premium! Love them
5th gen 2wd owner here and its been my favorite car ive had and i had an infiniti g35 before hand....toyota ftw💯💯
As an owner of the much maligned V6 4th Gen... I hope you plan on including them in future comparisons! The V8 alone, out torques the other gens as well!
The 4th gen is downright ugly compared to its younger and older siblings.
@@pnwdweler4100 Maybe so but we got the V8 option, and they will never offer it again. I'm keeping mine as long as possible!
@@pnwdweler4100doesn’t matter what a car looks like when you are driving.
@@pnwdweler4100The 5th Gen is by far the ugliest 4Runner out of all generations. There's nothing good looking about it.
It has the best interior looking. The limited edition for example. The 4th gen it has a smaller cargo space and the 3rd gen it has a nice exterior looking but the interior is ugly @@Japplesnap
Not really a fair comparison of the two 4Runners. One has a rear locker and the other doesn't. A rear locker was the first upgrade I did to any of my 4X4s that had open diffs. A night and day difference. My current adventure vehicle is a 2018 4Runner TRD Off Road Premium. One of the main reasons I bought this model is because it has the rear locker. I've also done a three inch lift, rock sliders, and a front camera. It does very good off road and is a pleasure to drive on pavement.
Old tech beats new again.
Hardly ever
Always
You guys have adapted very well to off road driving, congrats.
Great test showing pros and cons of both! I do wish the various TFL channels would do more testing of a 4Runner with KDSS. I think only available on the TRD Off Road(Premium?) I have seen you test it on a Lexus, and it really helped out. KDSS please!
Agreed
It’s only available as an option in the TRD Off Road model, both in the standard and premium trim levels.
I spent a year in Afghanistan with the UN in 2005, I had a white (obviously)3rd Gen which was already 6 years old with 350k miles on it. Never failed, we had a fleet of about 200 Western 4wd's mainly Toyota, a few Nissan Patrols, some Landrovers. The Toyota's rocked, Landrovers couldn't cope with the crappy fuel they were always in the garage. I now own an old Hilux for snow ploughing and an old LJ73 they are truly awesome.
Better engagement than the senior, keep up the good work! Your doing great - BTW 4runner rocks
4th gens get slept on being and in-between of the small older gens and boaty new gens. The center locking diff allows it to turn like a tank on tight windy trails. Really a small lift, sliders and a locking rear diff would get most places than arent soupy mud. Up here in Alaska they do great in the snow if you stay on the gas. My 4th and 3rd gen do amazing in a 1’ - 1/2 of snow and keep good traction on iced over roads.
Great conclusion, new 4Runner for all around vehicle, 3rd gen for an off-road rig. I have a 5th gen and 100% agree. Ti Alex's point about it being old, a friend of mine recently let me borrow his 93 80 series LC, and warned me about how it's an old vehicle and it handles bad and the brakes are stiff, etc. After a few minutes behind the wheel, I thought it felt pretty similar to driving my 4Runner. LC had way better visibility though, the glass is so large on those.
Wow! What An amazing video. Lockers and lightweight!
That 5th gen driver is missing his rvca outfit, a roof tent, and a pair of empty unused rotopax gas cans.
I used A-trac in my old 4Runner all the time. Rarely used the rear locker, but it was nice to have.
I have a 97 with the E-locker and even with a stock ride right and just KO2's it is extremely capable. 5th gen is great too! But so much more money...
I used to drive. 3rd gen all day every day on and off road I didn’t have any issues in it at all on road
I wasn’t driving it but it looks like if he just gave the 5th gen some gas then it would easily power through it.
Ya and roll over
@@19hundoc47 nah
I used to have a 2005 Toyota 4 runner and it had 325k miles and it ran so smooth! I miss it!
I have my 3rd gen 321k miles and not a spot of rust on her original engine tranny and suspension 3.4 v6 and runs smooth as glass no locker but iv never needed it and iv never gotten stuck and i do some pretty serious offroading and mudding plus drive it about 1k miles a week 265/70/17 (31.7 inch is the biggest you can fit without rubbing on stock suspension) it's a 97 so it doesn't have the fat lip front bumper and I took off my favorite side steps like a week ago it's an sr5 with 4x4 and I run yokohama geolandar g003 mud tires
Update: 350k miles and still running smooth and not getting stuck still no lift or anything special same tires (need new ones)
Case and Alex has been working hard making good videos for TFL! Good job guys 6:04
I’m really excited for the Toyota series, can’t wait for it to come out!
I have 2 3rd gens and 1 5th gen! Both are great generations of the 4runner. The 5th obviously is nicer and probably more comfortable but those 3rd gens are hard to beat!! Love the video!
Cool review, coulden't help but wonder why someone would put that much money into aftermarket quality parts for offroading/rockcrawling on a Tacoma with no locker and just A trak. Seems like you'd want a locker for serious offroading, especially if your putting that kind of money in aftermarket parts specifically to make it more offroad worthy.
Most of the lifted vehicles around here never have seen even dirt, nevermind rocks! Many just like the look or have invested so much money after the original sticker, they can't imagine risking it on a difficult trail now? Most rock monsters are older and money is put towards a purpose over name and looks! The owner of this one I don't know what his goals really are and maybe a locker is in the future now that he sees it's limitations when actually used... 🤔👀🤷♂️
I have a similarly built 4Runner and help run a big offroading club here in Colorado. Because of our IFS setup, the most likely wheel to lift (needing a traction aid like a locker or ATRAC) is a wheel on the front. Most often these trucks turn into tripods where both rear tires and one front tire have traction, which makes the rear locker pointless. The obstacle at 10:24 where the front left and back right have limited traction is unusual. ATRAC still solves this problem for both wheels, it's just not as smooth for the rear axle as a locker.
Rather have the locker than not, absolutely. But this is a newish clean 5th gen, so any trail hard enough to need the locker also has a significant risk of body damage that the average owner won't be taking it on anyway.
The biggest improvement Toyota could give to these vehicles is a front locker, but they won't do that. ATRAC is usually good enough.
Thanks for explaining it to me and I see what your saying. Your right about the tripod and the A trac being able to solve most problems, but there are other scenario's where being able to lock up your axle, I'm thinking mud in particular, really helps. We have plenty of it up here in Ontario. I guess it depends on user case, what your going to do with it. Great breakdown explanation though.@@jimmy-buffett
@@pabo8080 My experience is 90% Colorado, and there are definitely differences between the different terrain types. MTS -- Multi Terrain Select -- is one nice upgrade on the 4Runner vs the FJ Cruiser, that only ever had one ATRAC setting and a rear locker. MTS allows you to set the terrain then it allows less or more slip before applying the brakes.
On rocks you usually either have traction or you don't, and a lot of wheelspin can be a bad thing when you suddenly go from zero traction to lots of traction (this can break CVs / axle shafts). In mud or deep snow where you're trying to throw / clear material with less of a risk of suddenly gaining a lot of traction, wheel speed is usually a good thing.
For Colorado specifically I wouldn't say that lacking a locker is a big issue, but I can see how it would be in other terrain.
Looks like you're running street pressures in the tires. Airing down is a must.
I am glad it’s not another jeep video honestly
Awesome video, I've driven both 3rd and 5th I love my 5th on the trails
I think the third gens is a much cooler SUV.
I HAVE A 1999 4 RUNNER LIMITED WITH 1.26 MILLION KM ON HER OR 745,000 MILES . WE DID AN ENGINE COMPRESSION CHECK 3 MONTHS AGO AND WITH THAT MILAGE SHE WAS STILL AT 95% EFFICIENCY. THE 3.4 V6 IS THE MOST DEPENDABLE MOTOR EVER BUILT ON ANY SUV EVER.
I drive an R51 Pathfinder and I already knew the answer before even watching this video. Lockers always prevail.
Agree with the presenters, if you want a do it all vehicle its hard to beat the current 5th gen, but if you want a vehicle just for off-roading the 3rd gen is awesome
Shouldve got a 5th gen that had a rear locker to make it more of a fair comparison
With the ATRAC, I think it's better to not let off the gas. Each time trying to go forward again, the computer has to re-think it's algorithm.
3" lift minus 1" from the skid plates = 2" height gain
I made my choice. I bought a 23 TRD Pro 4runner. 2 months ago.
Your 3rd gen is my trucks twin ! I took running boards off way more clearance and a cleaner look 🙌🏽✨
Proud owner of a 3rd down here in Brazil, rear locker wasn't available we solved that with ARB air locker. It's most more off road capable than I need, but that is exacatly why I onw it. I love reliable rigs
5th Gen TRD Offroad comes with Rear diff lock too ! Plus A-trac. It would have been a closer comparison, but love the vid ! Love the 3th gen, but prefer the 5th look.
the 4th gen 4.7 is by far the best 4runner they ever made,shame you didn't test that one out
I believe another channel already did a 4th gen with the v8 vs 5th gen TRD. So its nice to see hiw even older 4runners compared.
@@TheOutdoorBeerReview u dont know what you are talking about,i had gen3 gen4 AND gen5 and i can tell you from my experience gen4 4.7 (vvt) kicks both their asses 4.7 is indestructible
I think a 2000 sport edition v6 with a manual transmission and e locker might be also one the best, or the 99 & 00 limiteds with the e locker
@@RB-fn3lt not for me
Razer rocks with the 5th gen was nuts. ATRAC is good but I still think the Mitsubishi off road traction control in the 2003-2006 is superior.
My favorite episodes old vs new.
Let me guess, older better off-road right?
@@flight2k5 with most 4x4s that seems the case. Unless its a jeep or a bronco 🤔 old Toyotas were just really good off road.
@@randalsweeting661 so are new
But not all new are better some got way worse so its always good to see a old vs new so we can see if there was or wasn't an improvement
@@randalsweeting661 not all old are better.
Awesome video thanks tfl keep it going
when it comes to serious off road there's nothing like real lockers. Traction control systems can only do so much and are reactive, so you always have to lose traction for them to work.
The best SUV for off-roading is an older capable rig that you don’t care to damage but is reliable enough to not scare you on the trails if it breaks down in the middle of nowhere. 3rd Gen checks both those boxes
I have a 1999 limited 3rd gen 4Runner,I,m not a off-road guy I,ve always wanted one of these trucks
Thanks for sharing. I love my 3rd gen
I own 1st and 2nd gen. Both are SAS”d. 2nd gen is ls swapped and full hydro steering. Its a monster
Good job guys and that older 4Runner damn did it stock too wow
3 months ago I commented on your video "From Boring to Brilliant: Here's How to Make a Bone-Stock 4Runner UNSTOPPABLE Off-Road!" to add front and rear locker to this base model 4Runner since it doesn't come with lockers from factory. and the response was "Not sure I'm going to need them for where and what I want to do with this truck, but thanks for the idea!". May be this is an eye opener to have a second thought about what I said. 🍻
Need to do the same comparison with more Toyotas. First gen sequoia vs third gen, tacomas, tundras.. all of them have a lot of people out on the trails with the older models from the late 90’s and early 2000’s
I think your 5th gen lift worked against it on the steps (? Place with the tree). There's another channel here on UA-cam where we have someone explaining how lifts affect droop and travel. But yes the 3rd gen has a lot going for it. I want to see 4th gen action though, that generation hardly ever gets attention, specially a V8.
Yeah tinkerer's adventure would tell you that rig is too lifted for its own good
Yep, this lift should only be 2 inches, he's got basically no droop left.
Yup so many people put too much lift on ifs. They are also afraid of rake. I only have 1.75" lift on the front but 3.25" rear on my third gen. Drives just fine on the road and articulates pretty damn good for ifs.
People also have this misconception that you need lift to clear tires on ifs when in fact you have to worry about how they clear at full stuff.
Wholesome family togetherness. Absolutely phenomenal. Guys. Tremendous job 🅰️
9:56 😂 I wish Whole Foods had this kind of parking!
DOC offroad would like to sponsor the 3rd gen with some skids.
I like my 5th but my 3rds were best built, simple and reliable. You can get into a side by side trail with them to. Simplicity and only having 3 models made it the most reliable of all. The 5th is 4wd system is pretty impressive. However I got there without it before without all that.
I own a 3rd gen Runner and a 1st gen Taco, can’t kill ‘em and they’re absolute units off-road. Can take them absolutely bone stock and go through some rather impressive obstacles. High school me certainly thrashed my Taco year after year and she just took it 😂
Love the old versus new
Just because they're older doesn't mean they're junk. I just bought a 2000 4runner last year at 264,000 and I'm loving it. Only thing wrong with it is cosmetic work and need to fix the shocks
Great video
3gen ❤
Just got my wife a 5th Gen 2WD SR5 after she was in a multi car wreck. 4 runners are just great. Also I'm watching this with UA-cam premium so hopefully I help y'all make more than $30 lol
If that third Gen had the floorboards off and the spare mounted on the back, you’d have been able to do the hardest angles on that feature.
And this shows why 4Runners don't compete with Jeeps. They just aren't top tier off-roaders.
Jeeps get more stuck than 4 runners do lmao jeeps are complete dog shit offroaders
My 1997 Camry with bad suspension did better in the snow than a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 😂😂😂😂. I was passing jeeps stuck and that Camry never got stuck. 4 runner is even better bozo
@@radzholocaust6468 lol....zero credibility for anyone who claims his Camry is better in snow than any Jeep, much less a Wrangler Rubicon. Try not to be such a clown, clown.
You guys should do the same with a 1st gen sequoia vs a 3rd gen sequoia
They should call the show out of back down out of every obstacle.
Change those lower ball joints, oem only!
im on iT !
Looks like the 3rd generation is better than the new one