What year 4Runner to buy?

Discussion in '4Runners' started by vijay, Oct 20, 2017.

  1. Oct 20, 2017 at 11:24 AM
    #1
    vijay

    vijay [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2014
    Member:
    #137852
    Messages:
    404
    Gender:
    Male
    Hello team, I'm entertaining the idea of buying a used 4Runner. Can you please help me find some answers?
    Here is my search criteria(model range: 90s to early 2000s):

    A) Has to be a manual: In that regard, is there a year(s) that I need to avoid? The reason for this question is rather silly: I own a 1989 Jeep YJ and if someone had told me that 1989 had BA/10 5 speed, one year only French Peugeot transmission, I would have avoided it(they are prone to failure). Now, I have too much money tied up to sell it. Are they all 6 speed? or is a there a 5 speed variant?

    B) 6 Cylinder: between versions of 90s-2000 model, is there an engine better than others? in terms of reliability?

    C) Cost of lifting, re-gearing: I want 3-4 inch lift kit. Looking through EBay, it appears early 90s lift cost a lot more than late model 90s lift. So, I guess late model 90s is better equipped for lifting and modification?

    D) SMOG: I live in CA and emission is rather strict. Is there one V6 more prone to engine issue versus others? I assume 90s model are all EFI?

    More to follow...thanks for you help.
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #1
  2. Oct 22, 2017 at 6:03 PM
    #2
    TeecoTaco

    TeecoTaco Liberty Biberty

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2017
    Member:
    #211739
    Messages:
    10,567
    SW Ontario
    Vehicle:
    16 Taco DCSB TRD Sport 6MT
    Modified the level of gas in the tank
    Ok, that's a lot to ask but I'll kick in a quarter lol...

    Everything you seem to be asking, for points to a 3rd gen. I've had a 1st gen '85, and two 3rd gens. Currently own 99. I keep my stuff stock, so I can't comment to the lift questions. Here's where I think you are going to find yourself hard pressed to check off the items in your list. Manual transmission, with the 3.4L in a 3rd gen. They do exist, but you might find it just as easy as finding a owner willing to part with a 1st gen in original condition.

    And nobody really ever talks up the 2nd gens...but manuals are more prevalent

    I genuinely am in your corner...dont tell me if you find one before you buy it...cuz I just might have to fight you for it

    Good luck amigo! Do report if you find it pls!
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #2
    vijay[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  3. Oct 22, 2017 at 6:10 PM
    #3
    Balockay

    Balockay Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 19, 2014
    Member:
    #144595
    Messages:
    4,167
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Blake
    Cleburne, TX
    Vehicle:
    2017 4Runner TRD ORP
    Just look at the build thread
    96+ only. Earlier than that had 3.0L V6. Don't waste your time with one of those.
     
    vijay[OP] likes this.
  4. Oct 22, 2017 at 6:16 PM
    #4
    03 NIGHT TACO

    03 NIGHT TACO Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2016
    Member:
    #201056
    Messages:
    1,012
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jack
    Eastern Washington
    Vehicle:
    3.4 5 speed TRD
    Kings/Dakars/ARB
    It sounds like you would be happier in a third gen ('96+) than a second gen. More power and better reliability from the 3.4 than the 3.0. The third gens went from '96-'02 but the 5 speed was discontinued for model year 2001. 5 speed third gens are hard to find - good luck!!
     
    vijay[OP] likes this.
  5. Oct 22, 2017 at 6:23 PM
    #5
    Danno1985

    Danno1985 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 2, 2017
    Member:
    #217999
    Messages:
    325
    Gender:
    Male
    Milwaukee
    Vehicle:
    2003 Prerunner TRD Off-Road (RIP)
    3rd gen (96-02) with the 3400 V6 are pretty much bulletproof, and while rare, 5 speeds are out there. I adored my '96 and put about 293K on mine with no issues other than routine maintenance before selling it. You might have an easier time finding a 2wd one with a manual out there in Cali since they seem to be found in base stripper models, but I've seen 4X4s with manuals pop up as well. This part is subjective of course, but I really appreciate the fact that the 3rd-gen is the last 4runner that feels like a small, nimble Japanese truck with a big greenhouse that makes it easy to maneuver and park, and it also has clean lines and the classic uncluttered Toyota interior that feels more truck-like than the newer ones. I like the looks of the 2nd gens, but the 3.0 doesn't seem to have the same legendary all-time reliability home run status as the 3.4, and the 1st gens are just too old and either rust buckets or trailer queens here in the midwest.
     
    Last edited: Oct 22, 2017
    vijay[OP] likes this.
  6. Oct 22, 2017 at 7:00 PM
    #6
    old55guy

    old55guy Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2016
    Member:
    #191623
    Messages:
    330
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    mike
    Vehicle:
    2011 dcsb trd white
    none
    first gen the best real 4x4

    P1030775(103).jpg
    P1030775(63)-2.jpg
     
    MicComa, TeecoTaco, JayRolla and 2 others like this.
  7. Oct 22, 2017 at 9:19 PM
    #7
    vijay

    vijay [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2014
    Member:
    #137852
    Messages:
    404
    Gender:
    Male
    Thanks guys! I have started looking for 1996+ with manual 5 Speed with 6 Cylinder. I have few more questions(hopefully thats it):

    A) Axle: solid axle rear with leaf pack? Front is coil over? No surprises there, correct? Any diff lock etc?
    B) Gear ratio: I read the std gear ratio is 3.73, any changes to this ratio based on tow package?
     
  8. Oct 22, 2017 at 9:26 PM
    #8
    03 NIGHT TACO

    03 NIGHT TACO Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2016
    Member:
    #201056
    Messages:
    1,012
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jack
    Eastern Washington
    Vehicle:
    3.4 5 speed TRD
    Kings/Dakars/ARB
    The 4runners have coils in the back, not leafs. Some had a rear e-locker like first gen tacos, but it was a somewhat rare option.

    Not sure on the gear ratios...
     
    vijay[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  9. Oct 22, 2017 at 9:59 PM
    #9
    Danno1985

    Danno1985 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 2, 2017
    Member:
    #217999
    Messages:
    325
    Gender:
    Male
    Milwaukee
    Vehicle:
    2003 Prerunner TRD Off-Road (RIP)
    Rear diff lock was available from 96-00, CDL from 01-02 on the Limited models IIRC.
     
  10. Oct 23, 2017 at 5:01 AM
    #10
    TeecoTaco

    TeecoTaco Liberty Biberty

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2017
    Member:
    #211739
    Messages:
    10,567
    SW Ontario
    Vehicle:
    16 Taco DCSB TRD Sport 6MT
    Modified the level of gas in the tank
    Annnnndddddd....found one for ya...in BC. Price is real spendy, but it is what your after!

    https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks...le/1297151675?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

    edit: is a 4cyl

    good luck
     
    Danno1985 likes this.
  11. Oct 23, 2017 at 5:13 AM
    #11
    JayRolla

    JayRolla Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2017
    Member:
    #214833
    Messages:
    2,888
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Colorado Springs
    Vehicle:
    Wife's 2012 DCSB Tacoma Sr5
    Trd stickers for 10whp 32s on MK6 17s
    Coils on rear so they ride better than leafs. They have e locker versions. Most 4x4 have 410 gears. Some 5 speed e lockers had the rare 456 gears.

    I say go with 96-98 to avoid the electronic traction crap.
     
  12. Oct 24, 2017 at 10:47 AM
    #12
    Coopsdaddy

    Coopsdaddy Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2017
    Member:
    #223417
    Messages:
    103
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Quinton
    Vehicle:
    2000 tacoma 2000 4runner
    Toytec lift,4xinnovations bumper
    Love my 2000
     
    68dave likes this.
  13. Nov 1, 2017 at 7:10 PM
    #13
    Phryinghigh

    Phryinghigh Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2017
    Member:
    #220354
    Messages:
    93
    Gender:
    Male
    GA
    Vehicle:
    2001 Reg Cab 4x4
  14. Nov 1, 2017 at 7:13 PM
    #14
    TeecoTaco

    TeecoTaco Liberty Biberty

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2017
    Member:
    #211739
    Messages:
    10,567
    SW Ontario
    Vehicle:
    16 Taco DCSB TRD Sport 6MT
    Modified the level of gas in the tank
    Phryinghigh[QUOTED] likes this.
  15. Nov 1, 2017 at 8:46 PM
    #15
    Balockay

    Balockay Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 19, 2014
    Member:
    #144595
    Messages:
    4,167
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Blake
    Cleburne, TX
    Vehicle:
    2017 4Runner TRD ORP
    Just look at the build thread
    It's a typo. Clearly a 3.4L in the pictures.
     
  16. Nov 2, 2017 at 4:00 PM
    #16
    JoeySauce

    JoeySauce Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2013
    Member:
    #94744
    Messages:
    1,945
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Joe
    Eagle PA
    Vehicle:
    11 DCSB
  17. Nov 2, 2017 at 4:31 PM
    #17
    TeecoTaco

    TeecoTaco Liberty Biberty

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2017
    Member:
    #211739
    Messages:
    10,567
    SW Ontario
    Vehicle:
    16 Taco DCSB TRD Sport 6MT
    Modified the level of gas in the tank
  18. Nov 2, 2017 at 4:51 PM
    #18
    DaveInDenver

    DaveInDenver Not Actually in Denver

    Joined:
    May 18, 2013
    Member:
    #104390
    Messages:
    3,604
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    David
    Grand Junction
    Vehicle:
    2008 Super White TRDOR AC 6MT
    Unexceptional
    I'll throw this wrinkle in. The 3.0L is IMHO overly maligned but it's not as desirable as the 3.4L. But none the less finding a 5 speed 3rd gen can prove to be difficult. But to swap a 3.4L in for a 3.0L is about as easy as an engine swap can be. The 3VZ and 5VZ blocks are similar to the point that the motor mounts and bell housing don't have to move, it's a bolt-in affair. The hard part is the plumbing and electrical and even that isn't insurmountable. Just saying that finding nice 2nd gens is still possible and would give you options and probably more cash to build it.
     
    TeecoTaco likes this.
  19. Nov 2, 2017 at 5:07 PM
    #19
    TeecoTaco

    TeecoTaco Liberty Biberty

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2017
    Member:
    #211739
    Messages:
    10,567
    SW Ontario
    Vehicle:
    16 Taco DCSB TRD Sport 6MT
    Modified the level of gas in the tank
    Bingo on the nice 2nd gens also...people don't complain about the 3.0, but they don't rave either.

    The 2 door 2nd gen 5 speed in nice shape would be vedy vedy noice

    [​IMG]
     
    BassAckwards likes this.
  20. Nov 2, 2017 at 5:13 PM
    #20
    68dave

    68dave Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2012
    Member:
    #91096
    Messages:
    7,626
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dave
    Baltimore/WV mountains
    Vehicle:
    $500.00 project 04 TRD 4x4 Lifted 4runner Stock Tacoma TRD Lifted 94 FZJ80 Stock 95 FZJ80
    Toytec Boss kit & OME leafs, 231mm tundra brakes SCS wheels...
    I have a lifted 2000 & my wife has a stock 02, love'em both. I recently sold a 2000 5 speed v6 runner.
     
    TeecoTaco likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top