3rd Gen 4Runner Guide

Welcome to my blog, everyone. This blog will talk about the 3rd Generation of the Toyota 4Runner. There are a lot of different trim levels and engine/drive train types in the United States but it does not even come close to the options offered international models, known as the 'Hilux Surf'. I own a 98 4Runner and am quite knowledgeable about this line of vehicles. First off, before the model '4Runner' was deemed, Toyota experimented with creating an SUV body on their pickups. They had a partnership with Winnebego, a company that produced camper trailers and RVs. They called this proceeding vehicle the 'Toyota Trekker' and was produced for two years, 1981-1983, and only had about 1,500 Trekkers produced. The 1st Generation 4Runner was introduced in 1984 and continued until 1989. The 2nd Generation 4Runner was produced from 1989 to 1995. The 3rd Generation was produced from 1996-2002. 

The 3rd-Gen 4Runner came with two engine types. The inline-4 cylinder 2.7L '3RZ-FE' and the V6 3.4L '5VZ-FE' The 3RZ was the forerunner to the infamous 22-RE, which is known for being a simple and reliable engine. The 5VZ was the forerunner to the 3VZ-E, which was known for blowing head gaskets and burning oil. The 3RZ produced 150HP/177 ft-lb of torque, and the 5VZ produced 190HP/220 ft-lb of torque - hardly anything to brag about. However, my 4Runner has the 5VZ-FE with nearly 300,000 miles on it and still drives like new. The 5VZ had an option to add a Magnesium Supercharger that the dealer-installed. This brought numbers to 245HP/255ft-lb - still nothing to brag about but made it somewhat quicker. 

                             5VZ-FE w/ Supercharger                                        3RZ-FE

Driveline options included having a two-wheel-drive model or a four-wheel-drive model equipped with either a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission, however, the manual transmission was phased out in 2000. Four-wheel-drive options had a manual J-Shifter transfer case from 1996-1998. 1999-2000 had an electronically controlled transfer case. All 3rd-Gens came with coil-sprung Independent-Front Suspension and a solid-axle in the rear. This suspension setup has been used since the 1986 4Runner and is still being used. 1984-1985 4Runners were equipped with leaf-sprung dual solid-axles, but you would be lucky to find one of those now. There were options to include an electronic-locking differential, which prevents slipping. My 4Runner is a 1998 4WD model, and it has a 5-speed manual transmission with a manual J-shifter transfer case.

                                    Manual Transmission Shifter and Transfer Case J-Shifter

Independent-Front Suspension/Solid Axle rear

There are three trim options customers could choose from: the base model, SR5, and Limited Trim. We can distinguish the different models from their body styles. From 1996-1998 base models had no fender flares, SR5 had subtle fender flares, and the Limited had wide fender flares. Base models may have had manual windows, manual locks, and manual HVAC controls. SR5 and Limited Trim had options to include electronically controlled windows, locks, but kept manual HVAC controls until 1999. In 1999 the 4Runner had a face-lift. The Limited Trims' front bumper was changed to a larger, more protrusive bumper. The interior was improved as well. Useable cupholders were implemented into the center console and electronic HVAC units gave the user more information, but are notorious for not working properly.

                                                Base Model                                                SR5

                       

    Limited Trim

4Runners are great off-road/project vehicles. The aftermarket support is extensive, with companies manufacturing parts for replacing or upgrading the vehicle to how the owner wants it to be. Aftermarket bumpers, lockers, suspension kits are among the few things readily available for purchase. On my 4Runner, I installed an ARB bumper and Warn winch, as well as Bilstein coil-overs and a good set of all-terrain tires. I have taken this vehicle on my trips and it has been really reliable and capable. However, much of a person's wheeling abilities are dependent on the person and not the vehicle. I would not sell or trade this truck for anything except for one vehicle: the 60 Series LandCruiser.

FJ60 LandCruiser