Compare t-100 to third gen 4runner

[Jetboy]

I've kinda been looking for a 96-2000 4runner for a DD/weekend camping rig, but I have come a cross a pretty decent deal on a 96 t100, 4wd extended cab. Is there really much difference in the drive train? I'd like to be able to tow my 40, but I'm not sure either would do it very well. Probably on a trailer with brakes or a tow dolly with brakes. Anyway the 4runner would fit my needs better in most respects, is there any reason a t100 would be a better tow vehicle? Towing the 40 would be a rare trip, but I aslo need to tow my sail boat which is light and I don't think it would be a problem with either. It would be nice to have a comparison from one who has owned both. How do they compare as far as mileage, interior comfort especially at highway speed, handling ect.

Thanks
Jetboy

 

[KliersLC]

Never had a 3rd gen runner, but as far as towing goes, the T-100 has a longer wheelbase and it is wider, both pluses for towing. A down side is that you can't get the E-locker, and aussie locker doesn't make an one for the t100. You can retrofit the locker though.

All in all, a good vehicle, but I think either would suit your needs. The interior of the t100 also has more space for things like CBs and brake controllers...

Good Luck,
Dan

edit: I towed an fj-55 on a dolly and it pulled just fine.....

 

[Jetboy]

Never had a 3rd gen runner, but as far as towing goes, the T-100 has a longer wheelbase and it is wider, both pluses for towing. A down side is that you can't get the E-locker, and aussie locker doesn't make an one for the t100. You can retrofit the locker though.

All in all, a good vehicle, but I think either would suit your needs. The interior of the t100 also has more space for things like CBs and brake controllers...

Good Luck,
Dan

edit: I towed an fj-55 on a dolly and it pulled just fine.....

I don't know why, maybe it's a suspension issue, but it seems like most people seem to be ok towing with a t-100, but the 4runner might be too soft?

I have an idea, but we will see if I ever get to it. The idea is to flat tow and add trailer brakes to the front disks on my 40. I'd go with the 6 stud knuckles which are universal, so they have tabs on both sides front and rear. Then I would just get an extra set of calipers and bolt em up. The extra set might either be surge or if I could get electric/hydrolic setup would be better. I don't like surge brakes. Anyway I think that would be one method, or a dolly, or maybe custom build a light weight trialer. Anyway, more than anything I'd just like to be able to tow it home if I broke down, which would not be a common occurance I hope.

 

[KliersLC]

The runner is coil sprung with its advantages and disadvantages, while the T is leaf sprung. Air bags for the runner or add a leaf for the T.

Sounds like a dolly might be easier and cheaper than the trailer brakes. I also towed my 55 on a surge brake trailer, and it towed that fine too.

I would take the 40 out on a flat tow and see how you like it before going to all that trouble...

 

[thefatkid]

I would never tow any vehicle over the road with my 4runners. The 4runner is too light compared to the load and the brakes are not that great. I towed 12' ATV trailer, it is enclosed with brakes, the total weight is around 2200lbs. The 4runner did ok and would hold the speed limit but I have a charger. Every bump I hit the trailer would sway back and forth, I've been told this is because of the trac bar, either way it is not that great and I don't tow with it anymore.

The T100's brakes are the same(in most aspects) as the 4runners. The same drive train only it has a tacoma size rear diff. The elocker will not fit this housing but ARB works great in this diff. They tow just about the same as a tundra just slower. I like towing with it but I out grew it.

I now tow and camp with my dually Ford and DD and wheel with my Toyotas

edit: I guess I could tow a mini cooper or somthing about that size with my runner

 

[Jetboy]

I definately understand the safety in a heavier tow vehicle. I used to drive around my dad's landscaping trailer. 15K lbs loaded up. Anyway had a tail whip situation when one of the rear axle tires went flat. It was throwing that hd 3/4ton crew cab chevy all over the place, but I was able to grab the trailer brakes alone and straighten it out to slow down. We also have a 2.5 ton chevy, and it's a night and day difference with the heavier truck and bigger brakes.

Thanks for the advice. I'll probably still go for a 4runner and wait on the towing idea. I may give it a try, but it would only be with airbags on the runner and some type of load distributing hitch.

 

[KyleT]

i regularly tow a 2 place jetski trailer in the summer, it moves down the highway with no problem, i am on 295's. have not towed it since regearing to 4.88 though. it did sometimes not want to stay in overdrive... although they say that you arent supposed to tow in OD... i would suggest though with a 4runner, to get a trans cooler.

 

[bkg]

I own a 96 4Runner and really like it. I have two friends that tow their wheeling rigs with their 96's (both are super charged). Both of them are insane for doing so, and I've told them on more than one occasion. It's just not safe.

I towed an 85 4Runner on a car trailer from Denver to Minneapolis with a 94 4Runner (5-speed). Dumbest thing I've ever done. Aside from the power issue (yes, I know the 3.0 vs. 3.4 differences), the wind would blow that combination around like a piece of paper in a windstorm. They weight and wheelbase are just not there in the 4Runner's to make this a safe opportunity.

I really like the T-100's. I hope to one day own one, actually. But unless you plan on swapping in some ponies, I don't think it's up to the task of towing that much weight. Also, it's still <1/2 ton truck, so the brakes are small and not up to the task of pulling > 5K.