Up until the 2003 model year, the 4Runner had been the leader in its class with its generous amount of ground clearance. This is the main reason why they initially caught my eye and one of the main features for the off-road enthusiast should look for when looking to buy, especially if they have no plans to lift their vehicle. Toyota officially lists the ground clearance of 1996-2002 4Runners at 11 inches. However, I had always felt that the pre-2001 4Runner's ground clearance looked higher to me. Then late 2002, a few people online mentioned that 2000 models looked lower than a 1999 in a side-by-side comparison. I had to settle this mystery for my own peace of mind since I had never seen anyone post the true numbers, so over the course of a year or so, I went to a couple local dealerships a few times each to take some measurements.

The ones I have measured are a cross between Limiteds, Highlander/Sport Editions (where applicable) and regular SR5 trim levels. Base models with 15" wheels are not measured as they are substantially lower. The 3rd Generation 4Runners are all 4WD with 265/70/16 tires. In general, 2WD models run an inch shorter springs. The measurements were taken from the lowest point on the front differential skid plate, the body seam below the rocker panel between the front and rear doors, and the rear differential. For the most part, they were all consistent with each other for each model year, though there were some slight variations (.25-.5") with others, likely due to being used differently, or springs settling quicker than others, so for this reason I have decided to keep the highest figures that I have gathered.

What you will see below is that Toyota did, in fact, lower the 4Runner by one inch for the 2000-2002 models. And, the 1999s were higher than the 1996-1998s. So obviously, the 11-inch specification listed in their literature for all models is a marketing gimmick, just as it is with most manufacturers. The measurement they list seems to have been taken at the transfer case. It does not tell the whole story, and it is not even the lowest point on the vehicle. Without question, Toyota shortened the springs in response to the SUV rollover craze/theory that was running rampant at that time and in an effort to make them more stable. So, keep in mind that if you use the same springs, original equipment or aftermarket, on a given 1996-2002 model, they will be at the same height.

Just for kicks, I also even gathered measurements on a 1999 Durango and Grand Cherokee, though I failed to get which models they were. I believe the Grand Cherokee was a Sport Edition, if that makes any difference.

1999 4Runner in foreground, 2000 in the back

4th Generation (2003-current)

2004 (2 gathered to date)

Front diff: 8"
Angled crossmember: 8.5"
Body seam: 16"
Transfer case: 10.5"
Gas tank: 9.5"
Rear diff: 9.25"
Front fender: 34"
Rear fender: 35.75"

2003 (3 gathered to date)

Front diff: 8"
Angled crossmember: 8.5"
Body seam: 16"
Transfer case: 10.5"
Gas tank: 9.5"
Rear diff: 9.25"
Front fender: 33.25"
Rear fender: 35.75"

3rd Generation (1996-2002)

2002 (2 gathered to date)

Front diff: 10"
Body seam: 17.5"
Gas tank: 10.5"
Rear diff: 9.5

2001 (7 gathered to date)

Front diff: 10"
Body seam: 17.5"
Transfer case: 11.25"
Gas tank: 10.5"
Rear diff: 9.5"
Front fender: 34.5"
Rear fender: 34.75"

2000 (~19 gathered to date)

Front diff: 10"
Body seam: 17.5"
Transfer case: 11.25
Gas tank: 11"
Rear diff: 9.5"
Front fender: 34.25"
Rear fender: 34.75"

1999 (~11 gathered to date)

Front diff: 10.75"
Body seam: 18.75"
Transfer case: 12.75"
Gas tank: 12"
Rear diff: 9.5"
Front fender: 35.25"
Rear fender: 35.75"

1998 (3 gathered to date, 1 of which was confirmed by "keisur" [Houston, TX] of YotaTech)

Front diff: 10.25"
Body seam: 18.5"
Gas tank: 11.25"
Rear diff: 9.5"
Front fender: 34.5"
Rear fender: 36"

1997 (2 gathered to date)

Front diff: 10"
Body seam: 18.5"
Rear diff: 9.5"

1996 (1 gathered to date)

Front diff: 10.5"
Body seam: N/A
Gas tank: 11 3/8"
Rear diff: 9.25"
Front fender: 34.5"
Rear fender: 35.5"

2nd Generation (1990-1995)

1995 (2 gathered to date)

Front diff: 11"
Rocker panel: N/A (running boards on)
Pinch weld: 19.75
Rear diff: 9.5"
Front fender: 36.5"
Rear fender: 34.5" (the infamous sag in full effect!)

1991 (1 gathered to date)

Front diff: 11.25"
Body seam: 19.75"
Transfer case: 11.5"
Gas tank: 13"
Rear diff: 9.5"
Front fender: 36"
Rear fender: 34"

1st Generation (1984-1989)

1989

Thanks to "mtnfreak" (Boulder, CO) of 4x4Wire:

Tires: 235/75R15 (worn); V6 Auto

Front bumper: 18.25"
Front diff: 9.75"
Rocker panel: 18"
Tranny cross member: 9.75"
Gas tank: 10.75"
Rear diff: 8.5"
Rear bumper: 17.25"

Xterra

For good measure, I have measured 3 Xterras (2001-2003 models) as well since I had heard they have similar measurements. In addition, if I wasn't a 4Runner guy, I would choose these as my next favorite. Not bad, Nissan:

Tires: 265/70R16

Front diff: 10.5"
Rocker panel: 18"
Rear diff: 8.75"

Here are a few other main models in the midsize SUV class. As you can see, they aren't exactly built great for 4-wheeling out of the factory.

1999 Durango

Only measured one

Tires: 31x10.5R15

Front diff: 8"
Body seam: 15.75"
Transfer case: 9.25"
Gas tank: 10"
Rear diff: 8"
Rear shock mounts: 8"
Front fender: 35.25"
Rear fender: 35.75"

1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Only measured one

Tires: 245/70R16

Front diff: 8.5"
Body seam: 13 13/16"
Transfer case: 8.5"
Rear diff: 8.5"
Front fender: 35.25"
Rear fender: 35.75"

2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo

Only measured one

Tires: 245/70R16

Front diff: 8.5"
Rocker panel: 13.5"
Transfer case: 8.5"
Gas tank: 10.5"
Rear diff: 8"

2001 Ford Explorer (Eddie Bauer Ed.)

Only measured one

Tires: 255/70R16 (I think)

Front diff: 10.25"
Front section of exhaust pipe: 8.5"
Body seam: 14.25"
Transfer case: 11"
Gas tank: 10.5"
Leaf springs: 8.25
Rear diff: 8.25"