as far as suspension, www.sonoransteel.com has a very nice kit that works very very very well on the 4Runner. which is similar to the 90 series Prado. His kit uses almost all Toyota OEM components.
Post pics
the 4Runner has rubbing issues there as well. I rub like crazy with 295's and suspension lift and 1" body lift. It will pop the fender flair off if I am not careful.
i wouldnt do over a 1" body lift. some have done 2" and even 3" on 4runners. I dont think that is wise as there is alot of force on the mounts.
that isnt enough to clear 285's without a ton of trimming either.
i thought i read somewhere that the prado was a stronger frame, but i cant find the article now, it had alot to do with Hilux trucks and us spec pre-taco trucks.
in some cases the tires will rub the upper control arm at full locl, and worse at all times. I dont have any problems, but I have 4th gen wheels that are backspaced more and 1.5" wheel spacers.
i have 295's on my 4runner. the 2 major issues are 1, the upper control arm and 2, the pinch weld. I have a 2.5" front lift and a 1" body lift. i am going to have to get a hammer and go after the pinch weld to stop the rubbing. I would assume that these 2 areas are the only things to look out for.
I read somewhere that the U.S. 4Runner and Tacoma frames are 1/2 ton, vs the rest of the world getting a beefier frame. not sure if thats the case on the 3rd gens or not.
the 01 and 02 4runners have all time 4wd with a center locking dif like the 80 and 100 series.
I think that finding the similarities between the 90 series and the 3rd gen (96-02) 4Runner might be benificial to both vehical owners. I for one would love to have the diesel motor. I would definately be interested to see what everyone has to say. Tips and tricks that have been learned around...