Am always left amazed how u guys go off-roading as a pass time yet here in Uganda with the state of our roads, we pretty much off-road daily when going to work or home. 4 runners here are called hilux surf. They rarely break
Thats Americans for you. People spend a lot of money on these trucks just to drive them around on vacations. Most 4x4s here never see dirt. We call them "Mall Crawlers"
I do laugh at the Americans. They have no idea what difficult roads are. I'm in South Africa. I bet I could drive my wife's Honda Jazz up these trails.
Man that guy needs a haircut! Haha. Thanks for having me back guys, always a fun time shooting with the TFL crew! I’d love come back and do some rougher trails, I know the 4Runner can handle it!
I've owned one each of 2nd, 3rd, 4th (current vehicle), and 5th generation 4Runners over the years. The only one I wish I still had was the 3rd gen. Great truck.
98 4 runner. had it 20 years just flipped 444444.4 miles yesterday !what a perfect truck !!!😀😀still cold air , never pulled heads. has had 4 timing sets and two rear axles. oil pump quit at 400k and then fuel pump . no big stuff. oh a freeze plug on front passenger side of block went bad. i just epoxied the thing . still runs beatiful .clean .no leaks.
So at $12K for the old 4Runner, you can literally own nearly five of them for the price of the new one, and the Gen 3 looked every bit as capable as the new one on the slope they went up here. Yeah, spending big bucks on a new one and keeping it for 25 years makes sense, eventually in terms of $, but only barely. Bonus with an older model is no cringing when a branch touches it and no worries about mods voiding your warranty. I haven't owned a car in warranty for nearly 25 years, don't miss it, because of all the bucks saved on purchase prices.
Need the diesel motor in the US,i fix a few Landcruisers and Huluxs,and they break like everything else,the newstuff is not as good a quality as the older Denso imo
@@geoffbell166 I think Toyota is still the most reliable automaker out there, but I honestly believe that quality control across the spectrum for the auto industry has gone downhill in recent years. The tradeoff of modern conveniences have become a liability in the long term (especially in terms of cost). In addition, the majority of people are unable to work on their modern own car due intricate microprocessor, sensor designs, and unnecessary amounts of computers (i.e. can bus systems) without a book or expensive tools. It also seems like more parts are also becoming decrepit by being made out of brittle plastic as opposed to being made out of metal.
I know the camera can't always show the terrain but honestly it looks like any stock generation 4wd 4runner can make easy work of that section of trail. From the guys reaction this is his first time off road. Good for you! Get out there!
Yes - they never really take it truly off-road. As a Coloradan this channel is pretty laughable for what they consider “extreme” off-road. And as a 3rd Gen and 5th Gen TRD Pro owner all you have to do is park the two vehicles next to each other and it is obvious the 3Gen will win off-road in CO hands down. No question!
Not trying to be rude, but My 70 year old mom in her car could make it up that hill. I live in Wisconsin. Our offroad scene isn't extreme. It's like these trails. Any 4x4 or awd car with decent clearance can make it.
I have a 99 4runner limited and I absolutely love it. Has taken me through some very rough situations. 2019 rav4 hybrid is my daily though, needed better fuel economy. EDIT: mine has the rear locker
Love seeing these old vs new comparisons! This was not that "shocking" though! Of course a lifted 3rd gen, with the owner driving it, can make it up without any drama. If Grant would have TRIED to get it stuck, he probably could have - at least for a little bit.
My 3rd gen 97 Limited w/Rear Locker always kicked ass offroading although i upgraded to a GX470, i have to admit the 4Runner did the same thing as my Lexus does even tho it was a 20+ year old rig... 3rd gen is the best Gen!.
This is me to. I had 3rd gen and love it. Gx470 is another class though. The v8 is the deal ! I tow and 3rd gen is not worthy for that. I wouldn't even compare the gx to a 3rd gen. GX is on another level
You can get a manual transmission with the 3rd gen 4Runners. If you get an inexpensive older 4Runner, when you go off-road you don't have to worry about scratching and denting a fancy new expensive 4Runner.
Nice 3rd gen. "Never broke down. Never left me stranded." Neither has my 2000 Tahoe with 348k miles. And I haven't even replaced a timing belt yet. There are a lot of good vehicles out there.
Yeah lots of people don't give American cars credit. Also my 2004 Jeep GC 4.0 I-6 has 117k and feels like it hasn't even broken in yet. They've also been known to go 300k+
that generation Tahoe/Silverado/Sierra/Suburban is the most reliable fleet of vehicles that GM has ever made. Every Generation of 4Runner is as reliable if not more than that generation of GM trucks.
@@XplusX12345678 I get it. And I'm not doggin' on his 4runner. I wouldn't mind having one. I just get annoyed when everyone wants to bow at the Toyota altar. Especially if you've got a 3.0 liter.
I used to have a 90 series Landcruiser Prado, which is mechanically identical to the 3rd gen, with the same 5VZ engine (although we also had a diesel option), they really are a surprisingly capable vehicle, with the right rubber and some aftermarket lockers, they are brilliant.
Hey Grant, good to see you popped a new radiator in that thing. The 3rd gens will lose head gaskets just as readily as the 2nd gen if they're left with their OG rads.
2018 Off road with some OME springs, Biltstien shocks and 33” Tko’s. I added diff breathers and a better skid plate too. Probably the best vehicle ever.
@@pablomoreno1999 Rear differential breather valve. I removed the factory unit, installed a hose and filter in the rear tire jack compartment. I can go through deep water without the rear diff sucking water.
I got a 96 limited with 276k on the original motor. 5vz is a motor that wont self destruct if the timing belt fails, you dont have to worry as much about it as you would on a 4cyl honda. Ive had to do basic maintenance and replace the radiator and 02 sensors. I also replaced the valve cover gaskets and spark plug tube seals. Ive also replaced my CV axles for" peace of mind" on the trail. I run bilstein 5100s with about an inch of lift up front. 4wd still works like new, locker included. I drive this thing between california and idaho several times a year. I take my kid to school in it on weekdays and hit the trails on weekends. 3rd gen is a masterpiece. I need an excuse to do a 1uz swap. I have no official mechanical training, i do all the work myself. These things are not hard to work on compared to newer cars. Cheers.
The third-generation 4Runner is one of my tastes for a body-on-frame SUV. They have better protection than a unibody crossover. Also, these older 4Runner's from the late-90's/early-2000's (third-gen only) handle better and they are the safest vehicles in the world, even if they do not have electronic stability control (ESC) on most newer vehicles.
new ones are way safer look up 3rd gens safety rateings compared to the new one. From a mechanics point of view Most vehicles I still prefer older compared to the new tablets on wheel. But safety is something most companies are always advanceing
dude I’m not being a hater or anything but if there is one thing the 4runner is, it’s not gonna be safe. Mostly everything from the 90’s was unsafe aside from some mercedes and volvo models
We did Imogene and Engineer Pass last month on our 2000 4Runner. 225k miles on the odo and it climbed over everything in it's path without lockers. Been in the family since new, and it got us back to Kentucky without any problems. Great vehicle! Will never sell it.
@@jdnort6 I have a 2" lift with Bilstien 5100 shocks & Old Man Emu springs front and rear, SPC adjustable upper control arms, front differential drop kit, Falcon Wildpeak AT 3w 285-70-17" tires on Level 8 brand wheels 17"x8.5" x -10 offset. The -10 offset on the wheels improves clearance of the wider tires on the upper control arms. Strongly recommend replacing the stock upper control arms with adjustable ones in order to get the alignment as close to spec as possible, and improve ride, steering and tire wear. Also a diff drop kit will get the angle of the front axels and CV joints close to the stock angle and reduce wear and eliminate vibration at highway speeds. I had a vibration at 60-65mph until I installed the diff drop.
Difference between a Jeep and a Toyota is a Jeep will get you almost anywhere you want to go......and a Toyota will get you there and back home lol . I have a 99 SR5 225 k and a 97 Limited 325k Look great run better and they ain't no mall crawling pavement princess's either lol. Been all over Alpine loop and side trails Colorado is their and mine happy place.
It's funny that the recommendation for a daily driver is to get a 5G but a 3G used to do just fine as a daily driver when the 5G wasn't even on the design board yet, lol.
The 3.4 V6 was also used in some model years of the first gen Tundra as the base engine. Then they moved to the 4.0 in the second generation before discontinuing both the 4.0 V6 and 4.6 V8 for the Tundra.
@@earlybirdxx Someone told me just be ready to tell people your not selling for 25k lol. Only vehicle I have ever had that happen was with my 00 honda prelude, bought it for 11k about 10 years ago, even now its still going for 10k if it has less than 10k miles. I'm doing a 2 inch lift kit wheels and tires, suddle things nothing too major. You are the second person warning me of wood bee buyers in less than 2 weeks, I just bought it and still at the dealer getting some stuff done like water pump and what not
@@edwinmedina4338 I took it to High Rock Bay , Copper harbor Michigan, when I got back I added a 4" lift and some offroad lights, since then Ive had 3 solid offers double what I have in it.. Its sentimental to me so I doubt Ill ever sell it.
@@grants.7555 try convincing them to do this type of video again, but find a 4th gen to toss into the mix. Also it would be cool to see a harder trail.
@@grants.7555 No it didn't but I still recognized it for sure. I'm not sure you remember but I was with my buddy and his dog , and we were in my old GX470. Had about 360,000 miles then, now she has 420,000 miles. We talked for a bit. Man I love going out to Hidden Falls but need to get to Colorado!! To wheel.
@@grants.7555 I've got a great video of him giving that Tundra hell on a really tough rock climb!! And yes I remember your truck was hard to start and we were thinking because of the big incline , but she did start!! Didn't leave you stranded.
I've watched this and some videos similar to it-- and I've decided--- I'd rather spend a few thousand on an OLDER 4runner than buying ANY new vehicle for several reasons. 1- I can customize the heck out of it 2- I won't worry about getting it scratched 3- I can have a barrell of fun with it and not worry 4- it will STILL last probably my full drving life time left on my older years- 5- it's just MORE FUN without the HUGE expense of a NEW vehicle that ISN"T AS GOOD to begin with.!!!! THANKS --
Tommy I just love these video comparisons you guys do. I must say that the 3rd gen 4runners were one of my old school favorites. Please keep these sort of comparisons coming.
Love the old tacomas and 4runnees with the 3.4. The 4runners are also quiet on the interstate too when traveling. They are also easier to MacGyver the rear locker so it works ANYTIME too. (Grey wire mod) Unable to mod the new locker mechanism. :(
I have a 2022 4runner but the sr5 4x4. Would love to see you guys try to tackle a lot of these obstacles with just atrac before using crawl control and the others, just to see how mine might do. Love the Chanel
My mom had a silver 3rd gen 4RUNNER, we loved that thing. It was fully loaded and had the wide fenders just like this one does. Miss that car man. Ima get a 09 limited 4RUNNER and lift it hopefully pretty soon
I test drove a 2022 TRD Pro yesterday and I completely think that my 2002 SR5 is a better vehicle. No disrespect to any of the other years, but the 3rd gen is a godamn monster. Good vid!
We should do more of the new vs old. Like Defender (new) vs Defender (old), Broncos, Jeep Cherokee (XJ), etc... There are a lot of folks with older 4x4 and looking to upgrade. This will give them an idea on whether it is worth the upgrade.
Just purchased a 1998 4Runner with 210K miles, and it's probably the favorite Toyota in my garage (including a 2006 Tundra and a 2021 Tacoma). The thing is just a rolling classic.
Wonder how impressed he’d be going up against an 80 series land cruiser. I’d happily put my triple locked 80 up against any much more expensive modern Toyota.
Nobody cares lol your LC won’t cruise the freeway like these will and way less comfortable inside for drivers and passengers…Nobody is impressed that your trail rig will perform on a trail better than 2 factory rigs 😂😂😂
@@JMunn55 nobody cares? Nobody asked lol no idea why LCs are even in the mix and I’m not concerned about how impressed an inexperienced driver on YT is with someone’s rig lol
The LCs have always been class above the 4Rs. His vehicle comparison videos would dry up if he used an 80. Who wants to watch a video when you already know the outcome?
I have a 2000 3rd gen with a rear locker and its a beast off road. I love having the manual 4wd shift since i have had some problems with electric actuators in the past.
I stole a '97 with locker from my niece for 1500. It was a 2.00 hose for the throttle body pre-heater hose that was leaking. All in with maintenance, tires, rough country 3" I'm @....6k? It'll get 27mpg on flat ground @ 60mph. She isn't getting back.
Driving to work this morning I realize that the latest gen 4runner is the same size as the 1st gen sequoias and I bought my 02 sequoia for 2900 and have only maybe 5000 total so far into it including the price of the rig
Thank you, Tommy, a good review of a great often ignored model. Heads up - not all Toyotas are chain nor are they all clearance engines. Timing belt water pump at 100k, pretty standard (my 96 Audi A6, 2012 Accord 3.5). 4Runner vs Wranger, guessing one has the nod for off-road (Wranger) and the other nod for a daily driver (4Runner).
I love my 2006 4wd with the 4.0 v6. 22mpg+ on the road and dead reliable 215k miles. My fav feature is the 4wd system with center diff lock. You can enable it on the highway (without center diff locked) for rain/snow if ever needed.
I have a 2000 Limited with rear locker (plus a 97 and a 98...). I just took the 2000 on a big road trip and did some crazy trails, unbelievable what that thing can go through.
You keep referring to the extra power in the new one but I remember reading an article a few years back that stated the 1999-2004 with the 3.4 was the quickest 0 to 60 due to it being so much lighter. I do think they were referring to the pickups and not the 4Runner's though. Not sure if that is still true in 2021 but it would be interesting to find out. The new ones are quite a big bigger then the 3rd Gen you were out with today so is the 270hp enough to make up for the extra weight vs the 190hp 3.4 I think 3rd Gen had?
Not gonna lie, my 3rd gen is quick as hell from a stoplight. It's REALLY responsive around town. Merging requires more gas pedal than I'd like though lol
I just recently got my first Toyota. 96 t100 with 210,000 miles and it runs as good as any rig Ive had with a quarter the mileage. I am very much an old Toy fan now.
Early fifth gens are in my opinion the best bang for your buck 4runners. I may be a bit biased owning one but I paid 16k for mine about a year ago with just under 100k miles . It’s a lot more modern then the 3rd gen although and still the same basic platform of the newest ones, he said he’s spent about 14k on his 3rd gen so it’s really not far off at all. Not sure how prices have changed since I bought mine though.
The years for lockers for the limited trim is 97-99. SR5 with the TRD package in any year. Your button on the side of the T-case is similar to an FJ80 Center diff lock it is just selectable. I have a 2000 limited and a 2000 base. The limited is stock with 306k and the base is a 2.7l supercharged with a 5 spd manual, 3 inch suspension 1 inch body lift, and 35 x 10.50 r17 kenda clever tires, also 5.29 in the differentials with an ARB rear air locker.
Great video Tommy. Are you planning on testing your new jeep on the tougher trails? I'd really like to see how capable it is. It's been very impressive so far.
3rd gen is always best bang for the buck. Got mine for $7k with only 165k on the odometer last year and it’s been flawless. Goes anywhere and never breaks.
I have had three 4Runners (94,96,99) and 2 Tacoma's (07,21). I loved them all and took the miles well over 200k on all except the 99 (frame rot). The 4Runner is a better off-road vehicle compared to the Tacoma, but the 4Runner does not tow my 4300# camper. My favorite 4Runner was my 94, just a beast off-road! Favorite Tacoma? my 2021, but as I said, I loved each and every one of them. I would not trade one of them for any Jeep. How boring to be in line and watch 12 Jeeps go over an obstacle........even better when you are trail leader and go over or through an obstacle and the Jeeps can't or have to start spooling cable to get where you just went.
I once had a '84 1/2 4runner gen 1. Solid front axel ,manual front locker, 2 inch body lift sitting on 33 by 12.5 BFG at's. 22r with a 20r head and removable hardtop. The best of road vehicle I've ever owned. Sadly destroyed by hard use and road salt.
Hi Blaze! 3rd gen 4Runner is still very capable. Really like the turd pro 4Runner, but I'd pick a GX460. You can get 5-6 year old 40-60k GX460's for 30k or so. You do need a mild lift or bumper trim and they get something like 4 gallons to the mile actually 15 city/19 highway and require premium. At least it's better than the Landcrusier 13 city / 17 highway. Prado diesel you can't get in US is the best choice 7.9L/100km or almost 30 mpg.
@@Queensizemusic I'm trading my 99 Jeep to a friend that has a 98 4Runner tomorrow and I remember him telling me in the past that his had a rear locker. My WJ is rust free and it's clean, never been offroaded but it has the Quadra Trac 1system which is awd so I'm excited to get the 4Runner. Never took it off the pavement because I have no faith in it
@@dentondunn4346 you will positively love the 4Runner. Its off-road pedigree is extraordinary, and you’ll still achieve decent fuel economy, even with a small lift and 33’s.
The next gen Crawl Control as tested on the latest Toyota Land Cruiser 300 is absolutely silent. TThough personally I don't mind the sound, at least you can hear that thing is working. Obviously it will appear on other new Toyota SUVs and trucks soon. You can check how it works in the TLC 300 on the SUV Battle channel.
I was going to say that I'd rather have the feedback from my 95' 4Runner driving it off rd. I mean thats the fun of off roading to me..Tho I wouldnt turn down a new 4runner, just alot of $$ to off road with.
I have a 5th Gen 4Runner and am not a big fan of crawl control and while having tried using it quite a few times I’ve only been happy with it once going down a snowy and icy hill; o just find it too slow for a lot of driving but can understand why some drivers like it as it can apply gas slower and more controlled than a human can. More driver skill tends to beat the tech most of the time and the skill unlike the tech works 24/7/365 unlike the tech which can fail as well as having run time limits as it uses the brakes quite heavily and can cause them to overheat, as can A-Trac a fact spelled right out in the owners manual.
Buddies Tacoma broke down in half a year. Melted the gears together because his transmission hose bursted open driving down the road. I always have to laugh being a JL owner when people compare Jeep vs Toyota reliability how you’d imagine they would
I have both 2002 and 2004 one with 4.0 and the other with 4.7 and 4.0 has select track and the other has quadra drive and I prefer the 4.0 more when I'm up it the mountains here in washington state
Am always left amazed how u guys go off-roading as a pass time yet here in Uganda with the state of our roads, we pretty much off-road daily when going to work or home. 4 runners here are called hilux surf. They rarely break
Thats Americans for you. People spend a lot of money on these trucks just to drive them around on vacations. Most 4x4s here never see dirt. We call them "Mall Crawlers"
The more you know 🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠
I do laugh at the Americans. They have no idea what difficult roads are. I'm in South Africa.
I bet I could drive my wife's Honda Jazz up these trails.
@@gregculverwell we’re aware it’s just not relevant every video to say “at least it’s not Namibia!”
Yup 👍
If only rust wasn’t a thing for us in the North east. 3rd Gen is iconic
You got that right.
Hahaaaaaa! My 99 doesn't have a smidgen of rust here in Alabama, i daily long drive mine every day 231k runs great
Always been made in Japan.
I had to buy a donor frame from a lightly rolled over 97 and used the good frame to do my own frame swap. BS that toyota never recalled the 4runners.
😂 there is a thing called fluid film
Man that guy needs a haircut! Haha. Thanks for having me back guys, always a fun time shooting with the TFL crew! I’d love come back and do some rougher trails, I know the 4Runner can handle it!
I've owned one each of 2nd, 3rd, 4th (current vehicle), and 5th generation 4Runners over the years. The only one I wish I still had was the 3rd gen. Great truck.
Personally 1st and 2nd gens are my favorite. In that order
3rd gen had the best engine options though.
For sure, that 3.slow was faaaar improved in the 3.4 5vzfe
@@allansemira6188 yes
Got one last october and fixed it up. I love it so much. Right out of the box with huge clearance and capability.
98 4 runner. had it 20 years just flipped 444444.4 miles yesterday !what a perfect truck !!!😀😀still cold air , never pulled heads. has had 4 timing sets and two rear axles. oil pump quit at 400k and then fuel pump . no big stuff. oh a freeze plug on front passenger side of block went bad. i just epoxied the thing . still runs beatiful .clean .no leaks.
Dear 3rd gen owners,
Change your lower ball joints with OEM every 100k.
That is all.
Solid advice, the most important thing to replace on an old toyota.
Its very specific to 3rd gen 4runnets and 1st gen Tacos
Kachow
Yep, and check them EVERY oil change. Even if they are oem
100%, we changed them recently and vehicle performs much better, steering and ride
It didn’t look like the old 4 was even aired down. Impressive!
Can confirm we did not air down at all😂
I had 4th gen it was a lemon.
Thought he was driving a 5th gen. Even the 3rd gen had a grill that no one buys.
So at $12K for the old 4Runner, you can literally own nearly five of them for the price of the new one, and the Gen 3 looked every bit as capable as the new one on the slope they went up here. Yeah, spending big bucks on a new one and keeping it for 25 years makes sense, eventually in terms of $, but only barely. Bonus with an older model is no cringing when a branch touches it and no worries about mods voiding your warranty. I haven't owned a car in warranty for nearly 25 years, don't miss it, because of all the bucks saved on purchase prices.
Yep, my lifted 3rd gen still turns heads in traffic! However, I still would like to add a 2010-2013 Lexus GX460. Then I could go crazy on my 3rd gen
3rd gen, 5th gen, doesn't matter. It's a Toyota. Best vehicles made.
Grant's pretty cool.
@Michael D H
I agree. That's what I was trying to say..... If you spend 12K or 60K, doesn't matter. You're still getting Toyota quality!
Amen, Toyota is my favorite automaker by far for their sheer reliability.
Need the diesel motor in the US,i fix a few Landcruisers and Huluxs,and they break like everything else,the newstuff is not as good a quality as the older Denso imo
@@geoffbell166 I think Toyota is still the most reliable automaker out there, but I honestly believe that quality control across the spectrum for the auto industry has gone downhill in recent years. The tradeoff of modern conveniences have become a liability in the long term (especially in terms of cost). In addition, the majority of people are unable to work on their modern own car due intricate microprocessor, sensor designs, and unnecessary amounts of computers (i.e. can bus systems) without a book or expensive tools. It also seems like more parts are also becoming decrepit by being made out of brittle plastic as opposed to being made out of metal.
I have had 4 jeeps. A TJ, Jk, Cherokee, and now Cherokee Trail Hawk.
Only thing I ever had done was the steering box onf the JK at 120k
I know the camera can't always show the terrain but honestly it looks like any stock generation 4wd 4runner can make easy work of that section of trail. From the guys reaction this is his first time off road. Good for you! Get out there!
Yea lame
Yes - they never really take it truly off-road. As a Coloradan this channel is pretty laughable for what they consider “extreme” off-road. And as a 3rd Gen and 5th Gen TRD Pro owner all you have to do is park the two vehicles next to each other and it is obvious the 3Gen will win off-road in CO hands down. No question!
Not trying to be rude, but My 70 year old mom in her car could make it up that hill.
I live in Wisconsin. Our offroad scene isn't extreme. It's like these trails. Any 4x4 or awd car with decent clearance can make it.
I have a 99 4runner limited and I absolutely love it. Has taken me through some very rough situations. 2019 rav4 hybrid is my daily though, needed better fuel economy.
EDIT: mine has the rear locker
This is were Tommy shines !! I really enjoy his off road content, and when he can talk about the history of Colorado. Great work TFL crew. 😁😁
Love seeing these old vs new comparisons! This was not that "shocking" though! Of course a lifted 3rd gen, with the owner driving it, can make it up without any drama. If Grant would have TRIED to get it stuck, he probably could have - at least for a little bit.
My 3rd gen 97 Limited w/Rear Locker always kicked ass offroading although i upgraded to a GX470, i have to admit the 4Runner did the same thing as my Lexus does even tho it was a 20+ year old rig... 3rd gen is the best Gen!.
This is me to. I had 3rd gen and love it. Gx470 is another class though. The v8 is the deal ! I tow and 3rd gen is not worthy for that. I wouldn't even compare the gx to a 3rd gen. GX is on another level
You can get a manual transmission with the 3rd gen 4Runners. If you get an inexpensive older 4Runner, when you go off-road you don't have to worry about scratching and denting a fancy new expensive 4Runner.
Nice 3rd gen. "Never broke down. Never left me stranded." Neither has my 2000 Tahoe with 348k miles. And I haven't even replaced a timing belt yet. There are a lot of good vehicles out there.
Yeah lots of people don't give American cars credit. Also my 2004 Jeep GC 4.0 I-6 has 117k and feels like it hasn't even broken in yet. They've also been known to go 300k+
While I’ve never been stranded my 05
Silverado has had its fair amount of repairs which is quite annoying
that generation Tahoe/Silverado/Sierra/Suburban is the most reliable fleet of vehicles that GM has ever made. Every Generation of 4Runner is as reliable if not more than that generation of GM trucks.
I’ve been stranded in my work’s old Silverado several times. Wasn’t because the truck didn’t work, just because it’s 2WD LOL
@@XplusX12345678 I get it. And I'm not doggin' on his 4runner. I wouldn't mind having one. I just get annoyed when everyone wants to bow at the Toyota altar. Especially if you've got a 3.0 liter.
I used to have a 90 series Landcruiser Prado, which is mechanically identical to the 3rd gen, with the same 5VZ engine (although we also had a diesel option), they really are a surprisingly capable vehicle, with the right rubber and some aftermarket lockers, they are brilliant.
Now put a new 4Runner up against a GX470. That would be fun to watch considering you can pick one up for $10-$15K and it’s crazy nice for the money.
Where are you finding GX470's for that cheap? All the "offroad influencers" have crashed that party and I can't seem to find them for under $25k now.
@@The_Samsquantch my 2008 with 130,000 miles was $11K in MN but that was a year ago. :)
@@dylanfgarrison Yeah they're going for way more now. Buddy of mine bought his a couple years back for 12k and sold it 4 months ago for 20k
the prices are steadily going down again! it’s been a year since I got my 2008 GX w 145k miles for 13k. (california no rust)
@@peterouuu not anymore, they are UP now.
Yes! Finally some love for the 3rd gen on TFL!
Hey Grant, good to see you popped a new radiator in that thing. The 3rd gens will lose head gaskets just as readily as the 2nd gen if they're left with their OG rads.
2018 Off road with some OME springs, Biltstien shocks and 33” Tko’s. I added diff breathers and a better skid plate too. Probably the best vehicle ever.
What is a diff breather?
@@pablomoreno1999 Rear differential breather valve. I removed the factory unit, installed a hose and filter in the rear tire jack compartment. I can go through deep water without the rear diff sucking water.
You guys need to do an xterra review. Either the first gen or the 1.5. If you’re ever in NYC you guys can borrow mine
The true underdog. Just as capable, just as reliable, and much, much cheaper.
The other best feature is the back window that goes down and the hidden rear wiper like a Tahoe or Range Rover.
TFL, how about hitting up some harder trails in the 3rd Gen! This was nothing.
yes I'd want to see some real rock crawling and hard trails
A Hyundai crossover could get up that!
Right, I think a Camry could have gotten up that.
@@geoffbell166 they showed the Santa Fe struggling on the truth side a few days ago.
I got a 96 limited with 276k on the original motor. 5vz is a motor that wont self destruct if the timing belt fails, you dont have to worry as much about it as you would on a 4cyl honda. Ive had to do basic maintenance and replace the radiator and 02 sensors. I also replaced the valve cover gaskets and spark plug tube seals. Ive also replaced my CV axles for" peace of mind" on the trail. I run bilstein 5100s with about an inch of lift up front. 4wd still works like new, locker included. I drive this thing between california and idaho several times a year. I take my kid to school in it on weekdays and hit the trails on weekends. 3rd gen is a masterpiece. I need an excuse to do a 1uz swap. I have no official mechanical training, i do all the work myself. These things are not hard to work on compared to newer cars. Cheers.
I like the simple lines of the Gen 3.
The new one looks like there is just too much going on in the front end.
I like the front end on the new ones.
I used to say that until newer cars came out with their obnoxious lines on the front end.
The third-generation 4Runner is one of my tastes for a body-on-frame SUV. They have better protection than a unibody crossover. Also, these older 4Runner's from the late-90's/early-2000's (third-gen only) handle better and they are the safest vehicles in the world, even if they do not have electronic stability control (ESC) on most newer vehicles.
Safer how?
I’m going to need to hear more about this better handling and safety….
Lool you ever see the moose safety test?👀
new ones are way safer look up 3rd gens safety rateings compared to the new one. From a mechanics point of view Most vehicles I still prefer older compared to the new tablets on wheel. But safety is something most companies are always advanceing
dude I’m not being a hater or anything but if there is one thing the 4runner is, it’s not gonna be safe. Mostly everything from the 90’s was unsafe aside from some mercedes and volvo models
We did Imogene and Engineer Pass last month on our 2000 4Runner. 225k miles on the odo and it climbed over everything in it's path without lockers. Been in the family since new, and it got us back to Kentucky without any problems. Great vehicle! Will never sell it.
What lift and tire size are you running?
@@jdnort6 I have a 2" lift with Bilstien 5100 shocks & Old Man Emu springs front and rear, SPC adjustable upper control arms, front differential drop kit, Falcon Wildpeak AT 3w 285-70-17" tires on Level 8 brand wheels 17"x8.5" x -10 offset. The -10 offset on the wheels improves clearance of the wider tires on the upper control arms.
Strongly recommend replacing the stock upper control arms with adjustable ones in order to get the alignment as close to spec as possible, and improve ride, steering and tire wear. Also a diff drop kit will get the angle of the front axels and CV joints close to the stock angle and reduce wear and eliminate vibration at highway speeds. I had a vibration at 60-65mph until I installed the diff drop.
@@jdnort6 no kidding, i was in engineer pass around this time last month in my 96 4runner. Amazing capable trucks!
Very nice. Next do Devils Punch Bowl from Marble to Crested Butte. That’ll really let the 3rd gen shine its light
Difference between a Jeep and a Toyota is a Jeep will get you almost anywhere you want to go......and a Toyota will get you there and back home lol . I have a 99 SR5 225 k and a 97 Limited 325k Look great run better and they ain't no mall crawling pavement princess's either lol. Been all over Alpine loop and side trails Colorado is their and mine happy place.
It's funny that the recommendation for a daily driver is to get a 5G but a 3G used to do just fine as a daily driver when the 5G wasn't even on the design board yet, lol.
The 3.4 V6 was also used in some model years of the first gen Tundra as the base engine. Then they moved to the 4.0 in the second generation before discontinuing both the 4.0 V6 and 4.6 V8 for the Tundra.
Last gen T100 and first gent tundra :)
4.7?
@@triple6758 the 4.7 was discontinued in 2010 when the 4.6 was introduced. Both the 2nd gen tundra and Sequoia used them until then.
The 3.4 v6 was also used in the Prado and Hilux
I daily drive my lifted 3rd gen and she handles the highway like a boss!
300,000 miles on my 3rd gen and still going strong!!!!
I just bought a 3rd gen 02 with 250k miles 1 owner no accidents. I figured that was a lot of miles but hear they last forever with maintenance
@@edwinmedina4338 I regularly decline offers for mine. Ill never sell it. Just a great vehicle..
@@earlybirdxx Someone told me just be ready to tell people your not selling for 25k lol. Only vehicle I have ever had that happen was with my 00 honda prelude, bought it for 11k about 10 years ago, even now its still going for 10k if it has less than 10k miles. I'm doing a 2 inch lift kit wheels and tires, suddle things nothing too major. You are the second person warning me of wood bee buyers in less than 2 weeks, I just bought it and still at the dealer getting some stuff done like water pump and what not
@@edwinmedina4338 I took it to High Rock Bay , Copper harbor Michigan, when I got back I added a 4" lift and some offroad lights, since then Ive had 3 solid offers double what I have in it.. Its sentimental to me so I doubt Ill ever sell it.
Nothing like a 3rd Gen!
Hire that dude for the channel. He is a natural.
I appreciate that! We’ll see if I can convince them with another video lol
@@grants.7555 try convincing them to do this type of video again, but find a 4th gen to toss into the mix. Also it would be cool to see a harder trail.
@@AndrewGroat7 do a 1st gen 4runner if you havent already
I actually met Grant out in Hidden Falls ( in Marble Falls, Texas) back in early 2020. small world.
Back then it didn’t look like this either! I was still running Bilsteins and 31”s!
@@grants.7555 No it didn't but I still recognized it for sure. I'm not sure you remember but I was with my buddy and his dog , and we were in my old GX470. Had about 360,000 miles then, now she has 420,000 miles. We talked for a bit. Man I love going out to Hidden Falls but need to get to Colorado!! To wheel.
@@brandonmorris2513 I do remember! I rode with my buddy in the full size Tundra when I was having some fuel pump issues on some trails with y’all
@@grants.7555 I've got a great video of him giving that Tundra hell on a really tough rock climb!! And yes I remember your truck was hard to start and we were thinking because of the big incline , but she did start!! Didn't leave you stranded.
@@brandonmorris2513 yeah it was a fuel pump issue, got that figured out and she’s all good😂 that full size tundra bombing it was tons of fun though
I've watched this and some videos similar to it-- and I've decided--- I'd rather spend a few thousand on an OLDER 4runner than buying ANY new vehicle for several reasons. 1- I can customize the heck out of it 2- I won't worry about getting it scratched 3- I can have a barrell of fun with it and not worry 4- it will STILL last probably my full drving life time left on my older years- 5- it's just MORE FUN without the HUGE expense of a NEW vehicle that ISN"T AS GOOD to begin with.!!!! THANKS --
Tommy I just love these video comparisons you guys do. I must say that the 3rd gen 4runners were one of my old school favorites. Please keep these sort of comparisons coming.
Love the old tacomas and 4runnees with the 3.4. The 4runners are also quiet on the interstate too when traveling. They are also easier to MacGyver the rear locker so it works ANYTIME too. (Grey wire mod) Unable to mod the new locker mechanism. :(
I have a 2022 4runner but the sr5 4x4. Would love to see you guys try to tackle a lot of these obstacles with just atrac before using crawl control and the others, just to see how mine might do. Love the Chanel
My mom had a silver 3rd gen 4RUNNER, we loved that thing. It was fully loaded and had the wide fenders just like this one does. Miss that car man. Ima get a 09 limited 4RUNNER and lift it hopefully pretty soon
I love it! My last 3rd gen was all In, $4500. And previous owner had already installed a 3” lift.
I love that Toyota truly means you can GO PLACES!
Damn. I thought I was the winner @ 6k.
Take the old one. Buying a $50,000 vehicle to take off-road is just dumb.
100%
Right on!
I test drove a 2022 TRD Pro yesterday and I completely think that my 2002 SR5 is a better vehicle. No disrespect to any of the other years, but the 3rd gen is a godamn monster. Good vid!
Loved this. More 3rd gen stuff please!
You answered my request I love the 3rd gen!! Great video!!
We should do more of the new vs old. Like Defender (new) vs Defender (old), Broncos, Jeep Cherokee (XJ), etc... There are a lot of folks with older 4x4 and looking to upgrade. This will give them an idea on whether it is worth the upgrade.
4th gen with v8 is where it’s at!
Just purchased a 1998 4Runner with 210K miles, and it's probably the favorite Toyota in my garage (including a 2006 Tundra and a 2021 Tacoma). The thing is just a rolling classic.
Wonder how impressed he’d be going up against an 80 series land cruiser. I’d happily put my triple locked 80 up against any much more expensive modern Toyota.
Nobody cares lol your LC won’t cruise the freeway like these will and way less comfortable inside for drivers and passengers…Nobody is impressed that your trail rig will perform on a trail better than 2 factory rigs 😂😂😂
@@ruttlicker1139 who says his is a trail rig? A stock 80 would be really competitive. They’re a big improvement over the ride/handling of the 60
@@JMunn55 nobody cares? Nobody asked lol no idea why LCs are even in the mix and I’m not concerned about how impressed an inexperienced driver on YT is with someone’s rig lol
The LCs have always been class above the 4Rs. His vehicle comparison videos would dry up if he used an 80. Who wants to watch a video when you already know the outcome?
@Stars and Stripes 406 Painting, LLC 100 Series drives better and rides much better as well.
The sad part about all of these smart 4wd systems is they allow more dummies on the trails.
Great attitude
Like all driving aides even in on road cars. When you make something idiot proof, you just end up with better idiots.
Yay gate keepers!
Man loving Grant! Bring this dude back. Love ya Tommy - don't stress, don't go anywhere. 👊
Appreciate it! Doing what I can to come back!
With three pedals the old one wins hands down.
it was automatic
I have a 2000 3rd gen with a rear locker and its a beast off road. I love having the manual 4wd shift since i have had some problems with electric actuators in the past.
I have a 2000 4runner that has the push button 4wd with hi an low lock and the locking rear diff
I stole a '97 with locker from my niece for 1500. It was a 2.00 hose for the throttle body pre-heater hose that was leaking. All in with maintenance, tires, rough country 3" I'm @....6k? It'll get 27mpg on flat ground @ 60mph. She isn't getting back.
Driving to work this morning I realize that the latest gen 4runner is the same size as the 1st gen sequoias and I bought my 02 sequoia for 2900 and have only maybe 5000 total so far into it including the price of the rig
Thank you, Tommy, a good review of a great often ignored model. Heads up - not all Toyotas are chain nor are they all clearance engines. Timing belt water pump at 100k, pretty standard (my 96 Audi A6, 2012 Accord 3.5). 4Runner vs Wranger, guessing one has the nod for off-road (Wranger) and the other nod for a daily driver (4Runner).
I like the simple body design of the third gen, but if I wanted more power, I'd go for the 4th gen with the 4.0 V6. Especially the post -2004 models.
I love my 2006 4wd with the 4.0 v6. 22mpg+ on the road and dead reliable 215k miles. My fav feature is the 4wd system with center diff lock. You can enable it on the highway (without center diff locked) for rain/snow if ever needed.
or you can get the v8 4runner
@@yotagang3705 but terrible gas mileage and it’s all time 4wd. Can’t switch to 2wd.
My 3rd gen with a 5 speed and a rear elocker was 2K 10 years ago. Absolutely rock solid.
I have a gen 3 with the rear locker. It’s an SR5 with a 3” lift and 33” m/t’s. It’s honestly the best vehicle I’ve ever owned.
I have a 2000 Limited with rear locker (plus a 97 and a 98...). I just took the 2000 on a big road trip and did some crazy trails, unbelievable what that thing can go through.
I'm impressed. Reminds me of my 1992 SR5 4Runner.
You keep referring to the extra power in the new one but I remember reading an article a few years back that stated the 1999-2004 with the 3.4 was the quickest 0 to 60 due to it being so much lighter. I do think they were referring to the pickups and not the 4Runner's though. Not sure if that is still true in 2021 but it would be interesting to find out. The new ones are quite a big bigger then the 3rd Gen you were out with today so is the 270hp enough to make up for the extra weight vs the 190hp 3.4 I think 3rd Gen had?
True, this would be one good drag race to do
Not gonna lie, my 3rd gen is quick as hell from a stoplight. It's REALLY responsive around town. Merging requires more gas pedal than I'd like though lol
I just recently got my first Toyota. 96 t100 with 210,000 miles and it runs as good as any rig Ive had with a quarter the mileage. I am very much an old Toy fan now.
Early fifth gens are in my opinion the best bang for your buck 4runners. I may be a bit biased owning one but I paid 16k for mine about a year ago with just under 100k miles . It’s a lot more modern then the 3rd gen although and still the same basic platform of the newest ones, he said he’s spent about 14k on his 3rd gen so it’s really not far off at all. Not sure how prices have changed since I bought mine though.
That 3rd gen 4Runner is one of my bucket list vehicles.
The years for lockers for the limited trim is 97-99. SR5 with the TRD package in any year. Your button on the side of the T-case is similar to an FJ80 Center diff lock it is just selectable. I have a 2000 limited and a 2000 base. The limited is stock with 306k and the base is a 2.7l supercharged with a 5 spd manual, 3 inch suspension 1 inch body lift, and 35 x 10.50 r17 kenda clever tires, also 5.29 in the differentials with an ARB rear air locker.
I wish the new Toyota’s 4unners pro came with the option of manual transmission , not everyone likes Automatic
0:32 the guy has a Colorado plate, but the sticker in the bottom right of the windshield is a Texas DMV sticker. LOL.
Great video Tommy. Are you planning on testing your new jeep on the tougher trails? I'd really like to see how capable it is. It's been very impressive so far.
Awesome video!
I’m dying to build a 3rd or 4th gen 4Runner but I’m from a Jeep family and may be excommunicated.
Do it. Then laugh at their broken down jeeps on the trail
The only thing i don’t like a out Toyota is the interior design. Totally subjective, i just like less is more philosophy and rounded edges.
3rd gen is always best bang for the buck. Got mine for $7k with only 165k on the odometer last year and it’s been flawless. Goes anywhere and never breaks.
Got mine for 1500 135k , so excited to build her and go in the snow
It would be great to see TFL compare a TRD OR with KDSS 4Runner with a non KDSS one.
I have had three 4Runners (94,96,99) and 2 Tacoma's (07,21). I loved them all and took the miles well over 200k on all except the 99 (frame rot). The 4Runner is a better off-road vehicle compared to the Tacoma, but the 4Runner does not tow my 4300# camper. My favorite 4Runner was my 94, just a beast off-road! Favorite Tacoma? my 2021, but as I said, I loved each and every one of them. I would not trade one of them for any Jeep. How boring to be in line and watch 12 Jeeps go over an obstacle........even better when you are trail leader and go over or through an obstacle and the Jeeps can't or have to start spooling cable to get where you just went.
I once had a '84 1/2 4runner gen 1. Solid front axel ,manual front locker, 2 inch body lift sitting on 33 by 12.5 BFG at's. 22r with a 20r head and removable hardtop. The best of road vehicle I've ever owned. Sadly destroyed by hard use and road salt.
Hi Blaze!
3rd gen 4Runner is still very capable. Really like the turd pro 4Runner, but I'd pick a GX460. You can get 5-6 year old 40-60k GX460's for 30k or so. You do need a mild lift or bumper trim and they get something like 4 gallons to the mile actually 15 city/19 highway and require premium. At least it's better than the Landcrusier 13 city / 17 highway. Prado diesel you can't get in US is the best choice 7.9L/100km or almost 30 mpg.
The 3rd Gen DOES have a two speed transfer case. He can press the button to engage 4wd, but the lever shifts into low range.
3rd gen have rear locker?
@@dentondunn4346 yes! It could be optioned with the E-locker from the factory. I had one.
@@Queensizemusic I'm trading my 99 Jeep to a friend that has a 98 4Runner tomorrow and I remember him telling me in the past that his had a rear locker. My WJ is rust free and it's clean, never been offroaded but it has the Quadra Trac 1system which is awd so I'm excited to get the 4Runner. Never took it off the pavement because I have no faith in it
@@dentondunn4346 you will positively love the 4Runner. Its off-road pedigree is extraordinary, and you’ll still achieve decent fuel economy, even with a small lift and 33’s.
I had a 2001 Limited 4runer with a rear locker. Never stranded me and never stuck!
The next gen Crawl Control as tested on the latest Toyota Land Cruiser 300 is absolutely silent. TThough personally I don't mind the sound, at least you can hear that thing is working. Obviously it will appear on other new Toyota SUVs and trucks soon. You can check how it works in the TLC 300 on the SUV Battle channel.
My 40 yr old FJ40 can hang with the latest 4x4!
Timestamps for doggo please.
New one all the way. Driven them both and there is no comparison.
Many bank accounts disgree 😂
@@AgentXRifle haha well I doubt anyone who can afford the new one would buy the old one when comparing the two..
@@gs98999 Depends if they wanted to beat on it
Did you test drive them both to the mall or off road🤣
My 99 4Runner Limited has center and rear lockers it's one of the
Holy Grail 4Runners
I remember how excited I was when the 4th gen was replaced by the boxier 5th gen. Boxy SUV (body on frame) FTW!
My 3rd gen usually surprises the jeep guys on the trails. 96 sr5 with V6 manual trans and stock electric locker
They're taking the skill out of driving. Give me an old truck any day.
New gen drivers have no skill
I was going to say that I'd rather have the feedback from my 95' 4Runner driving it off rd. I mean thats the fun of off roading to me..Tho I wouldnt turn down a new 4runner, just alot of $$ to off road with.
I have a 5th Gen 4Runner and am not a big fan of crawl control and while having tried using it quite a few times I’ve only been happy with it once going down a snowy and icy hill; o just find it too slow for a lot of driving but can understand why some drivers like it as it can apply gas slower and more controlled than a human can. More driver skill tends to beat the tech most of the time and the skill unlike the tech works 24/7/365 unlike the tech which can fail as well as having run time limits as it uses the brakes quite heavily and can cause them to overheat, as can A-Trac a fact spelled right out in the owners manual.
This guest spoke well. Hire him for TFL lol
As cars get more technically complex, Toyota's have started become less reliable. Som repairs being very expensive.
new ones run a long time too if you dont take them to the dealership for repairs... they love replacing head gaskets on vehicles for no good reason
Buddies Tacoma broke down in half a year. Melted the gears together because his transmission hose bursted open driving down the road. I always have to laugh being a JL owner when people compare Jeep vs Toyota reliability how you’d imagine they would
Rear E-locker was option on 96.
My 96 limited has it.
Love the music in this video. Reminds me of my favorite band Versengold
I miss my 3rd Gen! I’ve got a 2019 TRD Pro Tundra but dang 15-20k for a FULLY loaded off-road beast, makes me think…
2nd gens with 3.0 is a hit or miss, my friends blew a second head gasket at 194k. Mine is still strong at 268k
I would like an older 4x4 like that. I’ve always wanted one of those old boxy Isuzu troopers.I just can’t spend $50 and take it off roading.
Love my 3rd Gen, so glad I got rid of the Discovery.
As a 5th gen owner, I still love the 3rd gen - still turns heads!
100 % thrue
3rd gen 4runners use the same chassis, suspension, running gear, basically everything as a 90 series Prado
I love the 3rd gen if only the motor wasn’t so anemic. A 4th gen 1GR/2UZ swap on 3rd Gen would be the perfect swap.
Put the 3 gen toyota 4 runner against the wj jeep grand cherokee
I have both 2002 and 2004 one with 4.0 and the other with 4.7 and 4.0 has select track and the other has quadra drive and I prefer the 4.0 more when I'm up it the mountains here in washington state