Question for the 4Runners in the audience

[TeleScooby]

So, my hopes of owning an FJ62 have been dashed into the proverbial rocks...reactivated an old back injury, can't daily drive such a "truck-like", solid axle vehicle. Right now I'm borrowing a RAV4, which has a great city ride, but it's overlanding potential is a bit lackluster.

So, the question:

How do those of you with stock suspension (or anyone else who can remember having stock suspension) feel about the road ride of your 2nd or 3rd gen runners? Funding may allow for a 3rd gen, more likely I'll be scoping out a nice, clean, soccer-mom 2nd gen with the 4-banger (it's the 3.4 that has head gasket issues, correct?)...

Anything else I should know about this vintage runner? I'm hoping to test drive one with some freeway time in the next couple of weeks to get an idea for myself...but wanted to collect opinions here also. Enlighten me oh 4Runner Gurus

and of course, thanks!

 

[DaveInDenver]

it's the 3.4 that has head gasket issues, correct?

The V6 in the 1st (84-89) and 2nd gen 4Runner (90-95) is a 3.0L 3VZ-FE. That did have head gasket problems which are covered under warranty. The 4 cylinder in this vintage is a 2.4L 22R-E. I personally believe the HG issue is more hype than major design flaw, they did have an issue and it's addressed with new parts and a head job. There is an issue of how the exhaust is routed around the back of the engine that I think is a major part of the problem. The engines themselves are reliable, easily going 200K or more without issue if you take care of the HG. It had something to do with the materials Toyota used, I think they had to stop using asbestos in the late 1980s and it took them a while to dial in the formula for new HGs. Land Cruisers of this era also have HG issue and some 22R headgaskets only go 150K before blowing. It's just that the 3VZ-FE was the worst (again, I think it's that crossover pipe routing that made it worse).

The 3rd gen (97-2002) has a 3.4L 5VZ-FE. No real issues ever with those, top notch engine. The 4 cylinder of that vintage would be a 3RZ-FE in a 4WD, 2.7L, also a great engine. Suspension is different, coils in front rather than the torsion bar IFS of the '84-'95 trucks. The early trucks had leaf springs in the back and the 2nd generation 4Runner had rear coil suspension.

Personally, I think the 2nd gen and 3rd gen are pretty comparable overall. The 3.4L engine is probably the best option, all things considered. I'm a fan of the 22R-E and 3RZ-FE engines for simplicity, economy and ease of working under the hood. But they are not fast. Also there's quite a bit of after market for the 4 cylinders due to the rally cars.

If it's a single choice, it would be a '96-'99, 3.4L, 5 speed with the factory locker that's probably the best combo.

 

[TeleScooby]

If it's a single choice, it would be a '96-'99, 3.4L, 5 speed with the factory locker that's probably the best combo.

Wow, thanks Dave! When I get to Boulder I'll have to take you out for a beer!

As to this last comment, if I add in my damaged knee (you believe I'm only 31?!?!) and that I can only drive Auto...same conclusion? What if I add that power for the sake of power has never interested me, I'd rather go with economy and ease of maintenance?

 

[DaveInDenver]

Wow, thanks Dave! When I get to Boulder I'll have to take you out for a beer!

As to this last comment, if I add in my damaged knee (you believe I'm only 31?!?!) and that I can only drive Auto...same conclusion? What if I add that power for the sake of power has never interested me, I'd rather go with economy and ease of maintenance?

I don't think there's anything wrong with the auto in the 3rd gen, it would be A340H. It's just fine for the 4Runner. I think with an auto that the 3.4L is more important. As far as power goes I hear ya, I don't mind driving my 22R-E and you just learn to chill and go with the flow more. It'll take as much time as it takes. But the 4 cylinders are really pretty poor matches to the automatics, just not a wide enough power band to live in harmony. The 3RZ-FE makes about 150HP, though, so it wouldn't be a whole lot different than a 3VZ-FE, which also made 150HP. I would avoid a 22R-E with an automatic, I think the rest I could live with.

 

[tacollie]

I had 90 4runner. It had head gasket issues. IT also wasn't much more peppy to drive than a 22re. So don't get it over a 22re just for the power. The thing road great and tracked great over rough terrain. I think the 3rd gen is worth the money if you can afford. The 2nd gen is a good truck.

 

[shawkins]

Having owned both, the 3rd gen 4Runners have a lot better ride than the 2nd gens. The 2nd gen 4Runners ride pretty much like a truck.

The 3rd gens with the 3.4L V6 and auto transmission aren't terribly slow like the 2nd gen with 3.0L V6 and auto tranny combo. I would avoid a 2nd gen with the auto tranny at all costs.

 

[jeffryscott]

Have a 3rd Gen with the 3.4/Auto and it is a great combo. From what I understand, economy-wise, there isn't much difference between the 4 and the 6 in real world figures. Even with a modified suspension, it is a nice ride - and you know you'll modify it.

 

[TeleScooby]

Thanks all! Keep it coming!

Even with a modified suspension, it is a nice ride - and you know you'll modify it.

Oh, I know I will, but with a move to CO coming, I need a rig that'll get me there, mods will have to wait 'til I'm settled.

 

[slosurfer]

I have a 2nd gen. 3.0 automatic and it is a real dog. I still love it and it always gets me where I'm going, but I do get jealous when I drive my wifes tacoma. At the time we got it, it was my wife's dd/family car so she wanted an automatic to make it easier with the kids. Now that it is mine, I really wish it was a 5spd although the automatic is great for the trails. I'm usually hanging with the VW vans when I'm going through the passes of CO, although I could probably pass a unimog on a grade.

The 2nd gens are notorious for a saggy rear, replacing the coils cures that and gives them a nice ride, this may be something you would want to do right away, but isn't overly expensive to do.

I would say, if you have the $$ go with the 3rd gen. 3.4L with a locker, which I think was already said.

 

[SOAZ]

Thanks all! Keep it coming!





Oh, I know I will, but with a move to CO coming, I need a rig that'll get me there, mods will have to wait 'til I'm settled.

Of course of course. Just put a set of what we call 99 coils on it (this year sat about an inch higher than the other years) or maybe a set of performance products coils, or just a set of donahoes and maybe a winch and bumper to help poor stranded people on the highway and maybe a roof top tent in case you got stuck and had to stay some where and... Well. You get the idea.

 

[Christian P.]

I have a 2001 3.4L with auto. I LOVE IT. Don't worry about maintenance/repairs/etc. It's a Toyota.

I never thought I would give up on a manual transmission but the 4Runner is fun to drive even with the auto. I bought mine for an older lady here in SF with only 60000 miles, always garaged and never used the 4x4. The truck is virtually brand new. I'll try to post a picture later.

The only thing I would say is that it may be a bit cramped if you are tall and have a damaged knee. It is a compact truck - which I love. It's much more modern that the FJ62 (which I owned before) but the ride is still a bit bumpy. Also watch out for the rust depending where you live.

I would not get a 2nd generation - it's getting old, it will be very difficult to get one in good shape.

 

[Dumpolina]

Had 94 (2nd Gen) Auto 3.0, now have 97 (3rd Gen) Auto 3.4 Limited- all stock
Dittos' on what most have said- go 3rd gen.
I am tallish, 200 lbs, herniated disc, jacked right knee- I love the 3rd for the room it has. I doesn't feel small like 1st and 2nd gen (maybe they tape measure out similar, but it sure seems to have more interior room) Better seats than my 98 Suburban, more adjustment. After 30 minutes in the Burban I have radiating knee and back pain which would take 4-5 hrs to develop in the 4Runner.
Plenty of power for what I do, and reasonable mileage if I keep my foot out of it. Bought it for my wife but I love it, driving it to Spokane is a pleasure (from Everett)
Hope this helps- bummer about yer knee

 

[Gear]

2aroundtheworld wrote "I have a 2001 3.4L with auto. I LOVE IT. Don't worry about maintenance/repairs/etc. It's a Toyota."

Ditto, My wife drives the same 4runner. We have had it since new. She just passed 90,000 miles. Our only problem, 2 electric radio antennas have stopped working. The second one is still on the truck. Makes a weird noise when she starts it up but the radio still works.

This 4runner is very capable of doing the speed limits on hills. Actually it outperforms my 07 Jeep JK. Now granted it is in stock form and my Jeep is very modified.

 

[kcowyo]

Our only problem, 2 electric radio antennas have stopped working. The second one is still on the truck. Makes a weird noise when she starts it up but the radio still works.

Ditto in our '99 kid hauler.

She wanted the manual and got it. Then she got a cell phone. Now she doesn't like shifting as much. Still, it runs out great and other than the antennas and a squeaky clutch pedal, it hasn't had any problems.

It's made several long trips from WY to Missouri, Colorado and Oregon. Good run around and highway ride in stock condition. Built up, the 3rd Gens are extremely impressive.

 

[Tucson T4R]

Of course of course. Just put a set of what we call 99 coils on it (this year sat about an inch higher than the other years) or maybe a set of performance products coils, or just a set of donahoes and maybe a winch and bumper to help poor stranded people on the highway and maybe a roof top tent in case you got stuck and had to stay some where and... Well. You get the idea.

This goes back to a quote from the 07 Expo Trophy event......."Go to Slee Offroad's Website, get your credit card out and select all with overnight delivery". That usually satisfies the itch. :jumping: