Best 4runner year?

[AspenFJ40]

Hi guys,

I'm thinking about adding a 4runner to the collection - most likely a DD, but with occasional offroad ventures.

In your opinion, what is the best 4runner year and why? Also, is there a way to tell the difference in years? (or maybe, more specifically, a site that lists the years with the differences?)

Thanks!

Kevin
77 FJ40 2F and....???

 

[Cube Dweller]

Dunno about a site, but Yotatech is heavily focused on 4runners and taco's/hilux. Pirate has techy specs for some areas in the FAQ's.

Gen 1 was 85-89. Removable top, 2 door. IFS in '86 and later.
Gen 2 was 90-95. 4 door(rumors of 2 doors exist, but I've never seen them). Rear window slides down into tailgate. Parts are plentiful. Engine choices are 3.0 V-6 or 2.4 4cyl. IFS w/ torsion bars
Gen 3 was 96-'03(I think). 3.4 V-6 or the bigger 4. Believe the front suspension was coil over but not sure. Rear window does not roll down, entire rear door lifts.
Gen 4 is the current, dunno anything about it.

Let me know if you have any specific questions about Gen 2. I like mine.

 

[bkg]

There's a 4Runner FAQ on 4x4wire.com.

As for best, that's highly subjective and no one but you can answer.

 

[FirstToy]

Rear window does not roll down, entire rear door lifts.

Rear window rolls down and the rear hatch lifts on 3rd and 4th gens.

1st and 2nd gens, the window rolls down and tailgate flips down like a pu.

 

[Cube Dweller]

DOh! That's kinda cool though. Thanks for correcting.

 

[jnuke1]

I had an 87 4cyl 5speed and I currently have a 90 6cyl automatic and in my opinion my 87 was a much better truck all around. Sure having power everything and a/c on the 90 is nice but the 87 was better off road and much better on gas and also a lot faster. I’m not sure if that’s because the 87 was lighter or the fact that the 3.0 engine is crap.
The first gen runners are also a lot cooler looking IMO and the rear sliding windows are very nice when you don’t have a/c.It is actually Toyotas first suv so its just a modified truck so the rear seats are higher than most suv's.From everything I have heard the 85 or earlier is the best years because of the solid axles. Hope this helps.

 

[HZJ60 Guy]

1985 straight axle baby.

OR, 1989 and a straight axle front end conversion.

 

[jnuke1]

1985 straight axle baby.

OR, 1989 and a straight axle front end conversion.

Ooops...I meant to say straight axle

 

[4x4CPOSEADOG]

The best year of 4Runner for me would be the 3rd Gen from 96 to 99 that came equip with a rear locking diff and a 3.4 V6 engine and some came with fender flares and body side molding like the LX 450. I wish I could trade my 2nd Gen with a low mileage locked 3rd Gen.

 

[Wayneraintree]

85' last year for the SA and first on the 22RE: good chioce for wheeler.

Any other year would be great for a DD. 4cylinder gets good mileage and is reliable. IFS for DD'ing is ideal. 3.0 V6 had head gasket recall (mandatory or failure may occur).

 

[robinhood4x4]

Gen 2 was 90-95. 4 door(rumors of 2 doors exist, but I've never seen them).

Here are a couple 2 door 4runners. I see them around here once in a while.
http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=48386&highlight=door+4runner+2nd+gen

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=375452&highlight=door+4runner

 

[Cube Dweller]

The 2 door 2nd gens look cool! Can't believe I've never seen one. But the convenience of a 4 door, especially w/ kids trumps the coolness factor for me. If I was gonna drive a 2 door runner, it would be a first gen to have a removable top.

 

[clownmidget]

It is actually Toyotas first suv...

You obviosly haven't seen any Land Cruisers! 4-door and Troopy 40's were around in the mid-60's, the 4-door FJ-55 was early 70's and the FJ-60 hit the US in 1982.

 

[Bob_Garrett]

Gen 2 was 90-95. 4 door(rumors of 2 doors exist, but I've never seen them). .

2 door models were only available in 90-91, I think. There were several running around Dallas back in the early '90s. At least one of 'em was 2wd :-(

Bob

 

[Wayneraintree]

You obviosly haven't seen any Land Cruisers! 4-door and Troopy 40's were around in the mid-60's, the 4-door FJ-55 was early 70's and the FJ-60 hit the US in 1982.

actually, that would be the FJ-28VA (if SUV= wagon) distributed starting in 56'.

The first toyota 4x4 ever was around 51'... BJ10 so I read online recently...

 

[JimL]

For daily driving I'd go for a 2nd gen 89-95 (thats if you have passengers often). The 1st gens were all 2 door. I had a 2nd gen 2 door till the 2LT diesel engine $hit itself, strapping little kids in was a real pain. The 2nd has a drop down tailgate like on the pickup and the 3rd gen has a whole liftup jobbie. The 2nd gen has torsion bar FS and the 3rd has coils which is a plus for the 3rd I suppose.

I just loved my 2nd gen '91 but 3rd gens are cool too, only more expensive.

 

[Eric Winkworth]

The best Gen in my opinion is diesel Land Cruiser, lol

I'm J/K, well I'm not, but I don't want to many bad replies!!!

Don't see why you wouldn't just get a wagon style LC, unless you want a newer vechile that is. The IFS is nice for a cushy ride too and so you don't have a big diff smaking s*** you are going over, but other than that LC cruiser is a better truck, stronger frame, axles, thicker body panels, better engineered they need less fixing (although most/some never see maintence and need alot of work)
although that is just my bias opionion I wouldn't mind a runner, but I think a newer JDM diesel cruiser would be more in my interest.

Bring the diesel LC's back to northa america dam it

Eric

 

[JimL]

friend saw a 70 series in good cond at a nearby auction house with 2.4 diesel yesterday, it went for €600 ($726)

:-D

 

[Devils Paw 80]

Use to own an '85 4-runner and currently own a '90. Both generations should have very nice examples available used for reasonable prices. Make sure the V-6 has been replaced, or had a new head gasket. I'd opt for the 2nd generation for a DD, although it's certainly been more problem prone for me than the '85. 2nd gen look the coolest of all, IMO. On the other hand, why not pick up an FJ-62 or a diesel wagon from Canada!

 

[AspenFJ40]

Thanks for all the replies and help with info.

I currently have an FJ40 - love it, but like I said, the manual tranny and overall "truck-ness" of it make it hard for my fiance. I would consider an automatic Cruiser too, just don't see that many around me.

What are the opinions out there on the 3.0 engine? Are they really as bad as everyone seems to say? I know about the HG problem, but will I be sorry to give up my 77 2F for a V6 3.0???

I like the 1gen, 2gen body styling as well - but what about the engine performance!?!?!

Thanks again!!
Kevin
77 FJ40 2F