Anyone have a rock crawler or solid axle 5th gen 4runner?

Hi everyone,

New to the area, and was hoping someone could help.

I've been back and forth between a used 5th gen 4Runner and a JL Rubicon. The only thing leaning me right now a bit towards a Jeep is that it feels more like a truck in how it drives. So here's the ask:

Has anyone in the general Bay Area built a serious off-roader/rock crawler out of their 5th gen? Or even done a solid axle swap?

If so, I'd love to chat with you about the build and maybe even meetup to check it out.

Hope to hear from any of you.

 

If you’re going for a purpose built rock crawler go with the Jeep, if you’re using it for literally anything else go with the T4R.

 

RSG in Colorado has a SAS 5th Gen.

 

Found this

All though I hear the prius gets better mileage

 

https://rsgmetalworks.com/

 

Haha

 

The Jeep is better at the rock stuff than the Runner out of the box. A SFA done at a shop will easily run you $10K+.

 

I think $20K+

 

I met someone that paid $19K to convert his prerunner Tacoma to 4wd. I don’t remember if it was SASd too but I don’t think so.

 

Jeep is a better choice if you really want to rock crawl.

 

Even if you SAS the 4R, the Jeep is still going to have much better approach/departure angles, as well as much better gearing with the Rubicons 4:1 low range. You'd have to add a Marlin crawler box to your budget to get that.

Wrangler body shape is also much less susceptible to body damage.

Jeep is just the better rock crawler, period. It's all about the right tool for the job.

 

Holy shit that's my buddy's old rig that's been photo shopped with the Prius. This was on Middle St. Vrain in Colorado.

Original photo.

 

You will flush big $$$ down the toilet if you do that to the 5th gen. It is a great truck, don't ruin it, enjoy it as it is. Our 5th gens are too long. For rock crawling, get this oldie, throw Dana 60s and 42s in there and have fun.

 

I’ve seen some interesting builds based on the MC RCLT. Not a SAS, but looks like it could check a lot of boxes. As stated, a Jeep is much easier to convert to rock crawling.

Tempting though

 

Nate from "Dirt Lifestyle" on YouTube did a great build of a Taco with the Marlin suspension. He's actually talking about putting portals on it now, should be epic.

 

Yeah I’ve seen portals too. 74Weld was at a show I attended last July. It’s cool but it doesn’t include lockers (but neither does RCLT) nor addresses the steering or brakes.

So if I had deep pockets, I’d still be leaning towards MC because for the cost of portals I can get more done fixing up the other downsides of huge tires and stresses related to rock crawling in general.

Of course, for the cost of portals, go get that Jeep!

 

Nothing wrong in some rock crawling with all your crap in the back

 

4R's get you the hotter chicks tho

 

Hard to beat that look. And a full mattress can fit in the back, just saying

 

Hey isn't that 4R dude on this website I recall
Stunning
..Or the guy I'm thinking of has a similar build!

 

I got it from Backwpods Adventure website

 

The only people impressed by modded Toyotas are dudes, lol.

 

That does seem to be reality doesn't it