'94 (Oct'93) Hilux Surf SSR-X Limited similarities to 4Runner?

[daSpliffy]

Good day, total newb here looking for some assistance. My friendly mechanic, who I do trust, has let me know that my Surf is due for an IFS rebuild - safety is becoming a concern. My issue is, how close is the IFS system in my '94 Hilux Surf to a domestic 4Runner? I'm finding it very difficult to find Hilux Surf parts online for a reasonable price, and am thinking that the the front suspension shouldn't be all that different from a 4Runner. I know, I'm running the 3.0L diesel, not a gas V6, and realize the steering is reversed - mine is RHD, can I still use 4Runner upper/lower ball joints? I did note that a great site in the UK (which does not export to Canada) lists parts for both RHD Surfs, and LHD Surf/4Runners - for example, they stock idler arms that are LHD or RHD specific. Sorry to be such a newb, I'm not a mechanic, but a very good friend who has done several Off Road mods, including an FJ-71 complete ground up restoration, has offered his help, I just need to track down the parts... Any suggestions on reasonably priced parts here in Canada? The only parts I have been able to track down in Canada are on average twice to three times the price (yes, after currency conversion), if you can even find them. I found 1 sight that actually listed upper ball joints, LH & RH, yet several overseas sites state there is no difference between the right and left side... Confused, and looking for help...

Model: Y-KZN130W-GKPQT
Engine: 1KZ-TE 2982cc (3.0L Turbo diesel)
Frame No: KZN130

 

[pappy]

Since you use the word Hilux, I suspect the domestic mini-truck/4Runner parts would be the same. Are you willing to purchase the parts from the US? If so, contact Cruiserdan here at MUD. He is the parts manager at a Toyota Dealer in New Mexico that discounts parts. I suspect he has sent his share to Canada. He might have the ability to use your VIN number and track down the parts. He is very familiar with JDM, and right hand drive Land Cruisers ... he owns one.

 

[jgranthevagrant]

I look at a lot of the Hilux Surfs here in B.C. There are quite a few of them, and are generally in excellent shape. Most of the IFS looks the same. Maybe the parts numbers from the U.K match the numbers from a website like Toyota DIY in the U.S? How many Ks are on the Surf?

 

[yotasavg]

From my understanding, a Hilux Surf is simply a 4Runner, or rather the other way around. I looked at importing one from Japan for a while. Your needed parts should all be the same, save for the RHD/LHD specific stuff. I wouldn't think an idler would be drive side specific, but maybe it is. As for upper and lower ball joints, tie rods, etc.... anything for a 4x4 4Runner or Pickup that has torsion bar suspended IFS will work for you. That would be 86-95 Pickups and 4Runners, all the same exact front suspension and steering (as long as it's 4wd and has power steering). Not to confuse you, but with that being said, some 90-95 4Runner came in 2wd with the same front setup, just no diff., axles, driveshaft, or xfer case, so those parts would swap over as well.