pros/cons of 1st gen vs 2nd gen Runners?

[Muddin]

It'll start out as a DD and mild trail rig since mods will come slowly (poor folk). Eventually, I'll be on more extreme stuff as the rig grows up so I need to keep that in mind. I wouldn't want the v6. I'd go for the 4 cyl 5spd version and would be SAS'ing if I get one with IFS (most likely).

Usually, I'm toting at least two other people so the 4 door version would make that easier. But the 2 door has a removable top. Choices, choices!
I've not ever been able to compare the 2 door vs the 4 door side by side so I'd like some of the pros and cons to crawling them.
Is the 2 door a royal PIA for people to get to the back seat? What size person can you cram into the back seat of a 2 door? Is the body less rigid on the 4 door? Is there more over hang on the back of the 4 door? Do the cup holders in the 4 door Runners hold a Starbucks coffee more securely. :flipoff2: Stuff like that (j/k on the coffee question).

Thanks for any help :)

[Muddin]

:confused:


Should I move this to the toyota forum and piss them off :flipoff2:

[Terry4X4]

I don't have one so I can't speak to the back seat questions. But to me the biggest advantage of the 1st Gen is the removable top. But if you plan on carrying passengers you should beef up the area with a roll cage back there. The 2nd Gen is a heavier vehicle so the 22RE will have to work a little harder. Both can be built into capable rigs. It will come down to your personal taste. Maybe someone will chime in on the 2dr vs. 4dr.

[jasonmt]

I have one of both generations right now.

I would buy a first gen. as it is not that hard to get in the back seat of one. Adults will fit comfortably in the back, my second gen. doesn't have much more room in the back seat than the first.

A second gen. as a trail rig has a few more problems than a first gen:

Rear Coil suspension - most people switch to leafs.
Rear ABS which is a pain to deal with.
Heavier
A 4cylinder/5 speed second gen will 95% of the time have a g58 tranny and chain drive t-case which makes dual t-cases involve a tranny swap to get a W56.
It does have cupholders which the first gen. lacks.