2nd Gen 4Runner tailgate window question

A nice 2nd gen popped up for sale locally but I was mostly looking for a 3rd gen.

I had a question about the rear window and tailgate.

is it my understanding that every time I would want to put something in the back I would have to first roll down the rear window to open the tailgate? What happens if the window mechanism fails? Can you no longer get in to the back?

thanks!

 

yes, you have to lower the window to open the tailgate. if the window doesn't go down, you can't open it

 

I guess that’s another plus for the 3rd gen.

 

personally, I felt this rolldown feature of the rear window in the 2nd gen hatch was the best part of the 4Runner. The 3.0L V6 though - slow and a gas hog.

 

I’m contemplating a 3.4 swap

 

My 90 Runner has the same tailgate layout. No issue on the window. Work around if needed. The 3.4 is the best route. The coil spring rear suspension with air bags tracks straight in the washboard, huge advantage.