need 4runner advise
- Thread starter Wildcat
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irish_11
Explorer
There are two different generations that span those years. 2nd gen (90-95) and 3rd gen (96-02).
As far as the hubs go. 2nd gen and 3rd gens can have manual hubs. The 3rd has shift on the fly (or ADD) hubs, that can be switched out for manual if you would prefer that option.
The 2nd gen have the option of a 22re (4cyl) engine that is underpowered in my opinion of the weight of that rig. The other option is the 3.0 (v6, also called "three-slow"), it was prone to a 5cyl issue that caused the head gaskets to fail and was part of a massive recall in the 90's.
The 3rd gens have a 2.7l (4cyl) and a 3.4l (v6) that provides a good amount of power. I have the 3.4l in my Tacoma and do not regret any gas mileage loss, especially when the rig is loaded down and I'm going over a pass or freeway on ramp. There is an option for a factory real electronic locker which is a large selling point. Along with a newer looking, more spacious interior. The downside is the locker and 5spd combo was only produced in something like 5% of 4runners produced. So as long as you are fine with a auto and a locker you are good to go there.
As far as the hubs go. 2nd gen and 3rd gens can have manual hubs. The 3rd has shift on the fly (or ADD) hubs, that can be switched out for manual if you would prefer that option.
tanglefoot
ExPoseur
The '92 through '95 4runners are part of the 2nd generation. That was Toyota first all-steel bodied 4runner. I really like the look of them, myself, but they do have a few complaints, such as short rear doors and a cramped rear seat, and the rear tailgate w/power window (if the power window stops working, you can't open the back). They also came with the earlier 2.4L 4-cylinder and 3.0L V-6, which aren't as powerful as the engines in the later generations. The 2.4L is very reliable. The 3.0 had some issues with head gaskets but most were replaced by Toyota and many people do like them.
'96 Began the 3rd generation of the 4Runner. It has longer rear doors and more rear seat room, more powerful engines, and a rear lift-gate that is quicker to open. The 2.7L 4-cyl in the 3rd gen is often considered to be more powerful than the previous 3.0 V-6 and the 3.4L V-6 in the 3rd gen has generous low-end torque and additional horsepower.
Some of the earlier 2nd-generation 4runners can be found with manually-locking front hubs, usually with the 4-cylinder. Most 2nd gens and all 3rd-gens I have seen in the US have the auto-axle disconnect (AAD) without locking front hubs. Both offer the same amount of traction but some people (myself included) prefer manual front hubs for their simplicity and reliability. The ADD does offer full shift-on-the fly 4wd engagement without the need to get out of the car, however.
All 4wd 4runners come from the factory with open front differentials that distribute power equally between the front wheels. It is sometimes mistaken for "1 wheel drive" because sometimes only one tire will spin while the other follows the ground but in fact each is receiving the same amount of power--the spinning one just has less grip at that moment. The biggest disadvantage of an open differential is when one tire has nearly no grip--if it is on a very slippery surface or is dangling in the air, then it will require very little power to spin and the opposite wheel will receive exactly that same, small amount of power, so that axle will hardly provide any motivation.
The 3rd-generation 4runner has an available electronic rear differential locker. It is engaged with a button on the dash, to the left of the steering wheel, labelled (RR DIFF LOCK). It operates as an open differential normally (for best street manners) but when the locker is engaged (it only engages in 4wd-low range), it makes sure each rear wheel is locked to the axle carrier and can deliver all the torque from the driveline. This way, even if one rear tire is dangling in the air, the one on the ground will still provide full torque-delivering ability. It offers a big improvement in traction in many situations.
Each generation of 4runner has a distinct feel and personality. I recommend test-driving and investigating a 2nd gen and a 3rd gen to see which you prefer.
'96 Began the 3rd generation of the 4Runner. It has longer rear doors and more rear seat room, more powerful engines, and a rear lift-gate that is quicker to open. The 2.7L 4-cyl in the 3rd gen is often considered to be more powerful than the previous 3.0 V-6 and the 3.4L V-6 in the 3rd gen has generous low-end torque and additional horsepower.
Some of the earlier 2nd-generation 4runners can be found with manually-locking front hubs, usually with the 4-cylinder. Most 2nd gens and all 3rd-gens I have seen in the US have the auto-axle disconnect (AAD) without locking front hubs. Both offer the same amount of traction but some people (myself included) prefer manual front hubs for their simplicity and reliability. The ADD does offer full shift-on-the fly 4wd engagement without the need to get out of the car, however.
All 4wd 4runners come from the factory with open front differentials that distribute power equally between the front wheels. It is sometimes mistaken for "1 wheel drive" because sometimes only one tire will spin while the other follows the ground but in fact each is receiving the same amount of power--the spinning one just has less grip at that moment. The biggest disadvantage of an open differential is when one tire has nearly no grip--if it is on a very slippery surface or is dangling in the air, then it will require very little power to spin and the opposite wheel will receive exactly that same, small amount of power, so that axle will hardly provide any motivation.
The 3rd-generation 4runner has an available electronic rear differential locker. It is engaged with a button on the dash, to the left of the steering wheel, labelled (RR DIFF LOCK). It operates as an open differential normally (for best street manners) but when the locker is engaged (it only engages in 4wd-low range), it makes sure each rear wheel is locked to the axle carrier and can deliver all the torque from the driveline. This way, even if one rear tire is dangling in the air, the one on the ground will still provide full torque-delivering ability. It offers a big improvement in traction in many situations.
Each generation of 4runner has a distinct feel and personality. I recommend test-driving and investigating a 2nd gen and a 3rd gen to see which you prefer.
john101477
Photographer in the Wild
I will second the 3.4
The old 22re is by far one of the most reliable motors ever, but it is slightly underpowered even as far back at the 86 4runner. oddly a lot of those old 22re motors are still running strong with 400k miles on them so.
I would never buy a 3slow. If I was to buy newer now I would probably lean toward that 3.4 although the V8 of the 2003 ish keeps callin my name for some reason.
The old 22re is by far one of the most reliable motors ever, but it is slightly underpowered even as far back at the 86 4runner. oddly a lot of those old 22re motors are still running strong with 400k miles on them so.
I would never buy a 3slow. If I was to buy newer now I would probably lean toward that 3.4 although the V8 of the 2003 ish keeps callin my name for some reason.
irish_11
Explorer
Agreed on the 3.4L. I have had a 22re and a 22r. They were both SOLID engines (the 22re blew on account of the PO not maintaining it). They are underpowered for the weight of the more modern rigs, but they do have a long life span.
arcteryx
Adventurer
Ditto on what was said. I wouldnt buy a 3slow (90-95) as it has HG probs. Just look on CL and you will see a few really cheap. 3.4 is powerful. 2.7L 4cyl for 3rd gen is hard to find, esp in the 4wd model. 22r(e) is a solid engine. I routinely get 20mpg in my 86. Fun, but wish it had a little more umph at times.
Martinjmpr
Wiffleball Batter
Powerful?
Well, I guess if you're used to a 22r or 3.0, a 3.4 could seem "powerful" but I would rate it more as "adequate." Especially with the automatic (i.e. slushbox) tranny in the 3rd gen 4runner. Go drive an 03+ 4runner with the 4.0 or an 05+ Xterra and you'll see what I mean. Those engines produce somewhere around 240 - 250hp to the 3.4's measly 185. Best of all, there's really no MPG penalty with either one, in fact, I think the 05+ V6 4runners with the 5 speed automatic actually rate higher in MPG than the 3rd gen 3.4 with the 4 speed slushbox.
Not knocking the 3.4 by any means, it is approaching the 22r in terms of legendary reliability. But I wouldn't call it "powerful."
the 3rd gen 4runners are the most solid vehicle platform toyota ever made. thats why i have 4 of them. I am selling my 98 right now cause it just sits & i dont drive it anymore.
Its a 98 5spd (stick) 3.4 v6 4x4 with rear locking diff. Its truly a very rare breed. Let me know if you have any q's.
Heres the link to my ad here on portal ad. http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...998-Toyota-4Runner-4x4-5spd-V6-factory-locker........
Its a 98 5spd (stick) 3.4 v6 4x4 with rear locking diff. Its truly a very rare breed. Let me know if you have any q's.
Heres the link to my ad here on portal ad. http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...998-Toyota-4Runner-4x4-5spd-V6-factory-locker........
After owning multiple Cherokee's over the years I finally bought a Tacoma and now a third gen 4Runner. The Tacoma I actually sold to a friend and was recently bought by another friend. Still impresses me because the diehard Bowtie and Blue Oval guys I affiliate with all have bought Toyota's over the years. I couldn't be anymore pleased with my 2000 Limited. There's more and more aftermarket support every year and as an "all around" daily driver or second vehicle it truly can't be beat. The factory locker and 4.30 gears was my selling point. Comfort wise my next 4Runner will be without a sunroof because of headroom but I will be looking for another third gen.
Applejack
Explorer
To answer part of the OP's question, locking front hubs do not mean that both front wheels will get power equally at all times. In fact most of the time they wont unless you have a locking front differential like a limited slip or a full on "Locker".
Open differentials are great on the street because as your vehicle makes a turn the inside wheel does not need to make as many revolutions as the outside wheel. To prevent binding of the drivetrain the torque needs to be cut to the inside wheel, the outside wheel will then be the only powered wheel. As the vehicle straightens out after the turn is executed, both wheels can receive power again. This is a simple mechanical system that is not computer controlled, and the drawbacks are many.
In short- With an open differential the wheel with the least amount of traction will be the one that receives the power
Open differentials are great on the street because as your vehicle makes a turn the inside wheel does not need to make as many revolutions as the outside wheel. To prevent binding of the drivetrain the torque needs to be cut to the inside wheel, the outside wheel will then be the only powered wheel. As the vehicle straightens out after the turn is executed, both wheels can receive power again. This is a simple mechanical system that is not computer controlled, and the drawbacks are many.
In short- With an open differential the wheel with the least amount of traction will be the one that receives the power