Building a 3rd Gen 4Runner Modified for the Dirt

Building a 3rd gen 4runner modified for the trail is probably one of the most rewarding projects you can dive into if you love old-school Toyotas. There is just something about the 1996 to 2002 model years that hits the sweet spot between modern comfort and that raw, mechanical feel that's missing from newer rigs. They're narrow enough to squeeze through tight trees, tough enough to take a beating, and simple enough that you can actually work on them in your driveway without a PhD in computer science. ...

February 23, 2026 · 7 min · Candace Brianne