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Drove Both on Saturday
I drove crewcab versions of both on Saturday. The 04 was fourwheel drive and the 05 was a prerunner (no 4x4 available at the dealer I visited.
Here's my impressions:
1. I'm after an offroad field vehicle to replace my modified '87 4 runner. The changes I want are more power, easier accessibility to the rear seat, and a cargo area separated from the passenger area (muddy equipment and spare gas cans).
I want to maintain the modified 4runner's offroad ability (31" wheels, 2" lift, Trutrac limited slip frnt diff, ARB air locking diff rear, small winch [4500 lb], etc.
2. The 04 looks to be a great replacement platform for the above 4runner w/ similar modifications (I would go for the Toyota locking diff in the rear). With similar lift and replacement bumpers it looks like the offroad ability would be similar.
The 05 doesn't look as easily modified for serious offroad work. The front bumper and skid plate seem to protect some serious radiator or oil coolers (I couldn't tell which) that look as though they'd be vulnerable in a lot of the terrain we cover. I thnk that the 05 might report greater ground clearance, but I think that is playing with numbers. My impression was there was more vulernable "stuff" down low. Please don't flame me for providing ambiguous impressions! I only had about 15 minutes to look at both before driving.
3. Driving. The 05 wins hands down. The 04 accelerated slower than I wanted (V6 with automatic). The 05 had noticeably more power - I suspect this was a result of the larger engine AND the five speed automatic (couldn't drive a six speed manual).
Both rode well. My wife rode in the back on both test drives and she was comfortable in the 04, but felt the 05 was "nicer." She noted that she had to twist her feet to get in and out of the rear of the 04, where the 05 was a smoother more direct entry and exit. Small details, important only if passenger's impressions are meaningful to you.
The 05 has more noticably more width and "space" inside, both front an rear. However, for a serious working truck the interior seems a bit overdone for my taste (remember I'm coming from an '87 with cranking windows!). I would be reluctant to climb into the 05 with muddy boots!
4. Other details. I understand that the 05 is only available with an electronically controlled transfer case. While cool, I'm reluctant to give up tried and true shift levers. The only thing that has failed on my '87 is an electronically controlled rear window - that's a slight inconvience when 200 miles from pavement in Mexico but a failed electronic control on a transfer case might mean a lot of digging...
The 05 has more space in the short bed than the 04 (couldn't see a longbed). Lots of sophisticated bells and whistles back there (110 volt outlet, nice tiedowns, etc.) However the bed is not metal with a liner. The bed itself is a synthetic material. Looks strong and will probably last, but do we really know how well it will take 10 years in the sun?
Conclusions. Both are great trucks. The increased power would probably seduce me to the 05, but the 04 is a classic. I suppose I could supercharge an 04, but that would bring the cost pretty high.
Howard
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