Hey All. I've moved to rural location where getting to my house requires a river crossing that is often 12-15 inches deep and varies from there. Currently driving a 96 4runner that has been awesome except for freezing brakes, but just curious from all the techies out there which of the toyota 4x4s has the best setup for constant river crossings. I do realize any vehicle that goes through water this much will require more maintenance, so which vehicle would require less, or easier maintenance? I find myself missing an LC(ive had 2 80s and a 100), but at this point I really do need a vehicle that is best for water crossings and I’m trying not to assume its an LC just because they are awesome. I am a toyota guy but very interested in other 4x4s that are good with water also! Thanks!!
Best Yota for frequent water crossings
- Thread starter COLX450
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
If the deepest water you generally experience is around 15 inches - I would go with any modern IFS model with rear disc brakes and make sure to add a rear differential ventilation extension. The IFS differential and front CVs are better sealed than any of the solid axle front wiper seals. The rear axles should be similar across all BOF toyota models and well sealed with the exception of the vent on top. Adding a remote breather there would be the only place for water intrusion to the axle.
Rear disc brakes will drain water out better and not have the same issues as drum brakes that you have on your 96 4R. I think a 2003 or later 4Runner, 100 series or later LC, or a 2007 or later Tundra would all work equally well in that regard. The Tundra with an open C channel frame is probably the best bet for minimized risk of frame rust from constant water - especially if it involves sediment or mud. The Tundra frame is going to naturally evacuate the mud and silt better and dry out faster than any of the boxed frames (all Toyota BOF SUVs with IFS).
If the water is deep enough to go over the Transmission vent, then you'll want to look at more venting extensions for the Transmission on more recent models. But I would suggest stopping at the door sills. After that it gets really messy when water/mud comes in under the carpet through the vents in the floor. If you have to go through the really deep water - an FJ40 is probably the best bet because it's easiest to hose out the interior if you remove all of the carpets.
Rear disc brakes will drain water out better and not have the same issues as drum brakes that you have on your 96 4R. I think a 2003 or later 4Runner, 100 series or later LC, or a 2007 or later Tundra would all work equally well in that regard. The Tundra with an open C channel frame is probably the best bet for minimized risk of frame rust from constant water - especially if it involves sediment or mud. The Tundra frame is going to naturally evacuate the mud and silt better and dry out faster than any of the boxed frames (all Toyota BOF SUVs with IFS).
If the water is deep enough to go over the Transmission vent, then you'll want to look at more venting extensions for the Transmission on more recent models. But I would suggest stopping at the door sills. After that it gets really messy when water/mud comes in under the carpet through the vents in the floor. If you have to go through the really deep water - an FJ40 is probably the best bet because it's easiest to hose out the interior if you remove all of the carpets.
