Sorry, I guess when I say serious build up, a lot of people think buggy or dedicated 4 wheeler. I was thinking more like my own rig. I would never build a 4Runner as a dedicated trail rig. That's kind of like making a school bus your daily driver...but it would be good base as a expedition/serious 4wheeler. Something you could drive to Moab in comfort, then wheel. A mini-LC80 essentially, once you built it right.

The 4Runner has major advantages over the pick up in that it can carry at least two additional people, and is more suited for long distance expedition travel, IMO. While I enjoy having a ton of rear cargo space without any seats to take up room or gas tanks dragging the ground, I really do wish I had pass through access between the cab and the rear cargo area and side doors to more easily access stuff in the front of the bed.

So, when I say serious build up on a 4runner, I'm thinking SAS, probably leaving the rear coil suspension, minimum lift and 33 or 35" tires, regearing and of course lockers. I'm still old school where "serious" means 33/35 tires and a street legal -and- street capable rig. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Since the frames are different than the Taco is it possible to SAS a newer 4Runner easier than the Taco? Or is the frame of the newer 4Runner completely different than the older 4Runner, making SASing more difficult? I think that would be the major difference.

If SASing were cost effective on the newer 4Runner, it would be the hands down winner with it's engine, etc.

If we're discussing which is better out of the box, I would definately want the newer 4Runner. While I don't trust the rack and pinion, I also don't trust the older 4runner's 3.0's reputation for spitting out headgaskets. The rack and pinion is a less expensive headache and the newer rig has a bunch of advantages like locker and engine and probably more comfort.