s-runner vs x-runner which one has less problems?

I purchases an s-runner and love it, but I have since adopted a dog that what will get to 100lbs ish. The back doors of the X-runner look real useful.

Any body switch from an S-runner to a X-runner? Any regrets ?

some difference that I know of.

X-runner
heavier/bigger
LSD
frame brace
6-speed
throw out bearing and transmission problems
frame rust


S-runner
better mpg
lighter
no lsd :/
lower ball joint issues

When I search for x-runner transmission issues most of the threads are 5 plus years old. Did they fix with it a TSB or just less owners post about it now?


thread started in 2010
https://www.xr-underground.com/threads/calling-all-transmission-issues-on-xrunner.34962/page-6

this guy says the six speed for x-runner is a unicorn transmission not shared with other toyota
so it was hard for him to get replacement parts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdPiH9DhnAE

 

I don’t know what an s runner is.

a truck is a truck. Meaning lifted on big tires with 4x4. That is not a xrunner.

I am not sure why you mention LSD. It is a worn out old clutch type stock LSD that probably cannot handle bigger tires.

it does not compare to something like a TrueTrac which is an LSD if we are talking LSDs worth anything. The factory part is not worth anything and not sought after.

 

I guess you missed the sub forum on here dedicated to X and S runners.






https://www.theautochannel.com/vehicles/new/reviews/2001/russ0043.html



Toyota Tacoma S-Runner and X-Runner: Trucks That Turn Corners
https://www.yotatech.com/how-tos/a/...-and-x-runner-trucks-that-turn-corners-419072

I didn't know the factory LSD on the 2nd gen Tacoma was worthless. I just know my non LSD S-runner spins it's single wheel a lot more than I like :/

 

S and X runners are 2wd lowered street trucks with additional fiberglass or whatever body kits to make look even lower.

 

In my opinion the S-runner is better for "truck stuff" the body kit, lower suspension and 18 inch wheels really hurt the X-runner's ability to do "truck stuff". I have had an S-runner in my family for over 10 years and have hauled many loads of mulch and gravel. Also not sure if the S-runner has lower ball joint issues, It is not built on the 4x4/prerunner style front suspension, the "5-lug" suspension setup is different. Also I believe the S-runner is much more rare.

 

The xr also falls into the 5 lug category, most others are 6 lug. Brakes are downgraded in the 5 lug.

I’ve had mine 5 years, did truck stuff only once. Hauling tool boxes. The shortcomings showed. The rear squatted severely. Trying to accelerate, stop, turn all sucked.

On the positive side, taking a 270 degree freeway ramp is lots of fun. It’s been very reliable with minimal/nearly abusive maintenance.

 

You actually covered most of the differences between the two in your initial post. The difference is that the S-runner is 1st gen Tacoma based while the X-runner is 2nd gen so it's a larger platform.

 

Are you looking at a specific X-Runner, or just thinking of them as a more practical replacement for your S-Runner?

Starting around 2009, they have a factory sound system with sub that really eats into the rear seat space. Also, as a previous 2nd gen Access Cab owner, a 100 lb dog is pushing it for the back seat, unless it's pretty limber.

Does your back window open on the S-Runner? If so, you might consider a truck cap, and putting the dog back there (depends on your climate, though). Putting a cap on an S-Runner sounds like it might defeat the cool factor, though.

If you don't already have a specific truck lined up, I'd check out any 2nd or 3rd gen access cab, and see if the space will even work for you. Then, I'd at least test drive a 2wd TRD Sport, and see if you can live with the different handling. I never drove an X Runner, but my Sport handled great for a truck.

 

I think you should get a Ram.

 

I think I know about most of the difference. My questions is which one is more reliable.

I have read a lot about the six speed being really weak in the X-runner but all those post are old. Did it get resolved? I saw a lot of people tried something after market stuff from URD but everyone said the problem came back.

 

The dog rides in the ext cab. She can get in and out of the back seat ok but it would be 10x better if I had front and back doors opened like on the X-runner.

The S-runner was the perfect truck for me. Then I adopted a dog. lol It's still ok but it's pain to clean the extended cab of all the dog hair, mud and other stuff She brings back there.

 

I think the 2wd still uses the same type flaw ball joint design. it's just more rare of failure I think because there's less 5 lug 2wd tacoma and there's probably a lot less stress on the lower ball joint with smaller tires and not going off road and weird angles.

when do a google search for failure almost everything comes back as the 4wd. I did find this 2wd with a failed ball joint on reddit.

https://www.reddit.com/r/ToyotaTaco..._ball_joint_gave_out_so_im_missing_my_tacoma/

 

Post pics of the S-Runner!!

 

Both the S-Runner and X-Runner are still Tacomas, the S-Runner being a 1st gen and the X-Runner being a 2nd gen.

As others said the X-Runner is more of a street/show truck, it's not good for many things you would normally do with a truck but in any case it's still no different than any other 2nd gen Tacoma under the hood.

The main issue with the RA60 transmission is the aluminum "quill" that the throwout bearing rides on has a tendency to wear which allows the bearing to "walk" and make a chirping noise and in severe cases break the quill, there's multiple solutions for that issue the most common fix is the URD sleeve kit which seems to be a permanent fix for many.

The RA60 isn't exclusive to the X-Runner, it's shared on all 2nd gens as well as the FJ Cruiser but 2wd versions aren't all that common.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ed-transmissiom-write-up.338840/#post-8988791

 

I wouldn’t call the 6sp weak. The throw out bearing is problematic, not specifically in the xr, it’s the same problem in them all. There doesn’t seem to be a this one thing fixes it. Every solution has a mix of it solved the problem and the problem returned. My solution was going to be swapping in a tremec 6 but the adapter plate is no longer sold so I just live with it.

It’s a good but not great transmission. I did the accumulator delete mod & hurst short shifter so it feels less vague. 1st is so low it’s not impossible to take off in 2nd, easy if you’re pointing downhill or barely rolling. 3rd I rarely use because the rpm change is so little. 6th pulls a nice low rpm at freeway speeds and passes 100 easily.

 

I’ve owned both.

the S runner is just a normal extra cab V6/5spd with tokico shocks, maybe a bit lower, a bit stiffer, and larger wheels, lower profile tires, rear sway bar. .it’ll do everything a normal 5 lug Tacoma will…great truck.

same with the X, although less ground clearance.

I used to load up the bed of both with compressor, generator, tools and spares crate, then hook up a flatbed and haul my race car to the track for the weekend. Towed boats with both, etc….the x was way more fun to drive.