tacoma vs. 4runner inside height

[highcountry]

I am struggling with the decision between a 1st gen tacoma and a 3rd gen 4runner to set up for camping. Both have thier plusses and minuses, but for me the real tough choice is that it is easy to find 5 speed tacomas (really don't want an automatic), but the AWD option on the 4runner is very attractive. I drive on a lot of roads with patchy ice that AWD would be really nice for. I have seen 5 speed AWD 4runners pop up, but they are rare as hens teeth, and gone almost instantly!

But that isn't the point of this post. I am trying to pre-think my camping set up as part of the decision. I will be putting in a sleeping platform in either vehicle, so I can store gear under it and not have to deal with breaking down a tent every morning. My question is whether there will be more headroom in a tacoma with a campershell even with the top of the cab, or in a 4runner, if the sleeping platform is even with the top of the wheel wells? I will be using paco pads that are about 2 inches thick, so no need to accomodate a thick inflatable matress or anything like that.

I know, that is a pretty specific question, but, short of freaking out a used car salesman by showing up the lots weekend with a tape measure, I thought I would try this first. Thanks in advance

[Applejack]

I am struggling with the decision between a 1st gen tacoma and a 3rd gen 4runner to set up for camping. Both have thier plusses and minuses, but for me the real tough choice is that it is easy to find 5 speed tacomas (really don't want an automatic), but the AWD option on the 4runner is very attractive. I drive on a lot of roads with patchy ice that AWD would be really nice for. I have seen 5 speed AWD 4runners pop up, but they are rare as hens teeth, and gone almost instantly!

But that isn't the point of this post. I am trying to pre-think my camping set up as part of the decision. I will be putting in a sleeping platform in either vehicle, so I can store gear under it and not have to deal with breaking down a tent every morning. My question is whether there will be more headroom in a tacoma with a campershell even with the top of the cab, or in a 4runner, if the sleeping platform is even with the top of the wheel wells? I will be using paco pads that are about 2 inches thick, so no need to accomodate a thick inflatable matress or anything like that.

I know, that is a pretty specific question, but, short of freaking out a used car salesman by showing up the lots weekend with a tape measure, I thought I would try this first. Thanks in advance

If it were me I think that I'd choose a Taco. I have a 4runner but I also have a family. Also to get the AWD option you have to get a limited. Try finding those with a 5sp.
I really like to versatility of a pickup over an SUV. You can take the shell off the truck if need be but you can't take the top off a 3rd gen 4Runner.

The 4runners are excellent but I think the Taco has less cons IMO.

[Martinjmpr]

I thought all limiteds were automatics? Never heard of a 5 speed limited.

Pre-2001 the only way you could get AWD was with a limited.

2001-2002 all 4runner have AWD but no manual tranny option.

I've never heard of a 5 speed 4runner with the multi-mode t-case.

as for height - should be about the same, but remember that the 4runner has a nicely carpeted floor, meaning you can sleep directly on the floor with a small air mattress which gives you better headroom.

With a Taco you have the option of going to a high-rise topper, which is what I finally did after trying to camp in the Taco with the cab-high. It was too low, I always felt like I was sleeping underneath someone's bed.

[highcountry]

Upon further inspection, the 99 4runner I thought I had tracked down that was both 5speed and AWD, is in fact 5 speed, but is not AWD... Crap. The price was right too. For some reason, Tacomas are a couple grand more than a comparable 4runner in these parts. Not sure why. Either way though, with the exception the AWD, I agree, I think the tacoma is a more flexible platform. Every time I buy something with an automatic transmission, I think to myself "yeah, I would prefer a manual, but auto does have its advantages". Then a few years later I am selling the vehicle thinking to myself "this has been a good car. I would probably keep it if it were a 5 speed..." I am not making that mistake again.

I will probably go have a look at a 4runner locally with a tape measure in hand this weekend just to answer my own question...

Thanks for the input!

[highcountry]

Anyone happen to know off the top of thier head what package the e-locker came with on a pre-2001 4runner? Was it only the limited package, SR5 package, or was it a stand alone add-on?

[Martinjmpr]

Anyone happen to know off the top of thier head what package the e-locker came with on a pre-2001 4runner? Was it only the limited package, SR5 package, or was it a stand alone add-on?

AFAIK it was not part of a specific trim level, I think it was something like a "power package" or something similar. Most 4runners I see are SR5s with a sprinkling of Limiteds. "Plain Jane" or Base Model 4runners are rare, at least around here.

I have heard that the 4 cyl was never available with the locker, and as I've said elsewhere, the 5 speed/locker combo is pretty rare, too.

EDIT: I've also heard that there are some 96 -00 Limited 4x4s that did not have the locker, but I've never seen one.

[Applejack]

Mostly just limiteds came with the locker but there were some SR5 that came with them too but they are a rare find. It's just easier to get a limited unless you have to have the 5sp.

[Martinjmpr]

Mostly just limiteds came with the locker but there were some SR5 that came with them too but they are a rare find.

I don't think that's true. I've seen lots of SR5s with lockers, especially in the later years (98-00.)

As I said, I think it came with some specific accessory package.

[slus]

I've only seen limiteds and SR5s with the locker, I don't think it could be done on a base model, but I rarely if ever see a 4wd base model 3rd gen. More limiteds came with it, which I think can be attributed to people ordering 4runners new and checking every option box there is.

[zidaro]

Each area (region) orders common groupings of packages/options on Toyota models through Toyota Motor Corp. so dealers can easily swap vehicles to better serve/screw the customer. That is why you see some options common in each area