1996-2000 4Runner, 5-speed, 4-cyl?

[DaveInDenver]

Yeah, I don't want the fancy stuff. I want the power nothing package
A/C of course though.

It may be very basic. The liberated one that I know of up north has a AM/FM only radio (no tape, no CD), basic gauges (no tach, volt meter or oil pressure), small center console (just cupholders). It looks like a base 2WD truck inside, although it has carpet and bucket seats. It could be a fleet thing and not a regularly available model, though. BTW, it came out from St. Louis (a friend of a friend) and just lives in Ft. Collins until mid December.

 

[Dave Bennett]

They made a 2 door version up until 1993 (discontinued for 1994).

I have only seen this model once or twice, even counting all the Auto traders I've perused over the years. Very rare IMO.

 

[DaveInDenver]

I have only seen this model once or twice... ever. Very rare IMO.

That is my thought, too. They do exist, though it seems more than a few are 2WD, too.

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

A friend had this combo in a '97 Tacoma in college. It was an excellent truck and the 4 cyl had surprising power. It did great on the highway and I could hardly tell the difference between it and the 6 cyls but I spent much less time in the 6 cyls at the time. But he would routinely drive 80 mph + to the ski areas and such. If you do decide on a locker, the entire rear diff from a V6 tacoma can be sourced for as little as $250-$300 via car-part.com. It will bolt in other than a little modification of the axle housing, there was recent discussion of it just a couple days ago. I have done it a couple times and it is an awesome route versus a full time locker in my opinion... Just takes a day or so to install...

 

[Martinjmpr]

I have zero experience with the 3RZ or 5VZ, heck with anything newer than 1991 really. But I didn't know the 3.4L V6 got as good or better mileage than the 2.7L 4 cylinder. If that's the case, then I don't know that it makes as much sense. One reason that I like the 4 cylinder trucks is working under the hood is so much less of a PITA because it's not shoe horned in. In the 22R/3VZ comparison there is a bigger aftermarket for the 20/22R motors and to some extent that's true of the 2/3RZ.

Is the 3VZ motor a further development of the old 22r or 22RE motor or is it a completely new one?

When I was shopping for my Taco last year, at first I wanted a 4 cyl for the MPG, but after doing a bit of research I realized that the MPG difference is pretty small (I think the 4 cyl/5 speed was rated at something like 18/22 vs. 17/21 for the 6.) I also realized that finding an X-cab 4x4 with a 4 cylinder was going to be pretty difficult in CO, and would get more difficult as I got to newer vehicles. I finally found an '04 with the V-6 and 5 speed and decided on that one, even though it wasn't a TRD, since it was in decent shape and had most of what I needed.

One of the things I like about having a fairly plane jane vehicle is that there's less stuff to go wrong: No power door locks, no power windows, no RKE, no auto tranny, no pushbutton T-case. If the interior materials are a little cheap(and they are, especially the seats) I can either live with that or replace them with something better, but the basic vehicle is as stone-axe simple as I'm willing to put up with (for example, I wouldn't buy a vehicle without AC but that's because for 20 years I lived without AC and realized that I was being stupid.)

 

[DaveInDenver]

Is the 3VZ motor a further development of the old 22r or 22RE motor or is it a completely new one?

The 3VZ is the 3.0L V6. The 2RZ and 3RZ are sort of similar to the 22R, but not interchangeable. I think the best description is that the 2RZ 2.4L and 3RZ 2.7L took a 22R and fixed the weak spots and made it overall more efficient and better. I really think they are fantastic motors that just got under appreciated in the line-up because Americans wanted more and more power. The 3RZ makes 150 HP, same as the 3.0L V6 but with better mileage and reliability. I think in the real world the 4 cylinder would get better mileage than the 3.4L V6 (5VZ), but the EPA numbers are generalized. The 5VZ is technically a refinement of the 3.0L engine, but they are not really in the same class. Sort of how a 22R is technically the same family as an 18R, but parts aren't interchangeable.

 

[neliconcept]

along side the comments of others, ill put in that these 4runners came with 4.56 gearing standard plus did not have ABS, and I think had the smaller breaks so that 15" wheels could be fitted.

good luck in the search

 

[Nullifier]

So if we find one in a different color would you consider just getting the right one painted white? If not then I think I know what you are trying to build.

 

[Fireman78]

I know I'm gonna sound like a tool , but whats the deal with white?

 

[cowboy4x4]

hey nullifier ...post a guess!!:safari-rig:

 

[Cackalak Han]

Here is one on Yotatech. LINK

I don't see any advantages with the 2.7L vs. 3.4L. Unless you're thinking of swapping in a diesel? Now, that would be cool.

 

[Maddmatt]

Maybe come to Denver?
http://denver.craigslist.org/car/508211204.html

I don't know this truck or the dealer, but it hits on at least three of your criteria (age, color, trans), and unless my eyes are deceiving me thats a 4banger in there as well.
-Matt

 

[lionsbreath]

Here you go. It's not white but at a good price I think and it's local.

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/car/505995413.html

Was this combination available? A 4wd, 4cyl with a 5-speed in the 1996-2000 4Runner (I believe that 2000 was the last year of any manuals in the 4Runner lineage).

 

[wagner_joe]

found a couple on-line..

$10,980
103,842 mi.1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5
White, 5 door, 4X4, SUV, MANUAL 5SPD, 3.4L V6, Stock# A1402.
Dealer: Gold Rush Chevrolet (Auburn, CA ~612 mi. away)
866-502-2443

Scott ya got a price range?

 

[shawkins]

$10,980
103,842 mi.1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5
White, 5 door, 4X4, SUV, MANUAL 5SPD, 3.4L V6, Stock# A1402.
Dealer: Gold Rush Chevrolet (Auburn, CA ~612 mi. away)
866-502-2443

Scott ya got a price range?

That sounds like a pretty good one, I wouldn't pay more than $10k for it though more like $9.5k.