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 the world.
Similarities between 90's and 3rd Gen 4Runner
- Thread starter KyleT
- Start date
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This is what I have been able to confirm about similarities.
GAS ENGINES: The 3RZ-FE 2.7L 4cyl and the 5VZFE 3.4L V6 are the two engine options on 3rd gen 4Runners (USA) and are also present in gas powered 90s. No diesel 4runners in the US, but one would think that in other markets, they also share the 3.0 TD.
SUSPENSION: Same double wishbone IFS. Same coils & shocks. In fact, the Old Man Emu kits sold in the US for 4runners, are in reality designed for the Prado. Rear suspension is identical, same coils and panhard.
STEERING: Same rack & pinion system.
AXLE: Ring & pinion are exactly the same, I think the axle width is the same but have not confirmed it. The E-locker is offered as an option in both models.
Not sure if the chassis are identical, maybe the body mounting points differ. Can anybody confirm?
I am willing to bet that the tranmissions and transfer case (w56?) are the same, so your swap should be fairly easy.
GAS ENGINES: The 3RZ-FE 2.7L 4cyl and the 5VZFE 3.4L V6 are the two engine options on 3rd gen 4Runners (USA) and are also present in gas powered 90s. No diesel 4runners in the US, but one would think that in other markets, they also share the 3.0 TD.
SUSPENSION: Same double wishbone IFS. Same coils & shocks. In fact, the Old Man Emu kits sold in the US for 4runners, are in reality designed for the Prado. Rear suspension is identical, same coils and panhard.
STEERING: Same rack & pinion system.
AXLE: Ring & pinion are exactly the same, I think the axle width is the same but have not confirmed it. The E-locker is offered as an option in both models.
Not sure if the chassis are identical, maybe the body mounting points differ. Can anybody confirm?
I am willing to bet that the tranmissions and transfer case (w56?) are the same, so your swap should be fairly easy.
My RZJ90 (2door) is assembled in Japan at the Tamara plant, just like the 3rd gen 4Runners. (The same RZJ90 is currently being assembled in Colombia for various South American countries) This model, like the 3rd gen 4runner does not have full time 4WD.
UK models (Colorado) and Australia 4 door Prados are full time 4WD if I'm not mistaken.
UK models (Colorado) and Australia 4 door Prados are full time 4WD if I'm not mistaken.
- Thread starter
- #5
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.
the 01 and 02 4runners have all time 4wd with a center locking dif like the 80 and 100 series.
If they are the same, here is a website that I have been having a gander at.
http://www.sonoransteel.com/
Have some interesting ideas and mods
http://www.sonoransteel.com/
Have some interesting ideas and mods
Steve Shaeffer from Sonoran Steel is a member here on ih8mud. Very knowledgeable guy, and always willing to help. My homemade panhard drop was inspired by Steve's design.
- Thread starter
- #8
i have his suspension on my 4runner. it is an excellent setup for the 4runner. might do well for the prado as well.
The Prado VZJ90 / 95 and 3rd gen 4Runner similarities are many, since they are both based on the same plataform.
Differentials are the same except that the 90's most common ratio is 4.30 (which is very uncommon in the 4runner) in the V6 an 4.56 in the 4 Cyl . Note: 90's made in Colombia have DANA model 207 Third members in the rear only, which are different from the Toyota V6. The DANA might not as tough as the Toyota becouse it has just 2 pinions instead of 4 (you have to change the third member to take advantage of all the aftermarket parts available for the Toyota V6 differential )
V6 3.4 Liter engine is the same, however there are differences in the exhaust sistem. The TRD Supercharger fits perfectly
Automatic transmission are not the same, 4runner is A340E or H, and 90's is A343F (to my understanding a bit stronger)
4runners Fuel tank is used as the auxiliary tank in the australian 5 door 90's. Both Fuel tanks could fit in th 90 or in the 4Runner
Front brakes are the same in the 4runner and the 90 series, rear brakes are disk in the 90s and drums in the 4Runners (AFAIK)
Suspension parts are the same (Springs, shocks, bars)
One of the best ways to fin the similarities is using the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) available by doing some search online
Guess this covers the main areas
Differentials are the same except that the 90's most common ratio is 4.30 (which is very uncommon in the 4runner) in the V6 an 4.56 in the 4 Cyl . Note: 90's made in Colombia have DANA model 207 Third members in the rear only, which are different from the Toyota V6. The DANA might not as tough as the Toyota becouse it has just 2 pinions instead of 4 (you have to change the third member to take advantage of all the aftermarket parts available for the Toyota V6 differential )
V6 3.4 Liter engine is the same, however there are differences in the exhaust sistem. The TRD Supercharger fits perfectly
Automatic transmission are not the same, 4runner is A340E or H, and 90's is A343F (to my understanding a bit stronger)
4runners Fuel tank is used as the auxiliary tank in the australian 5 door 90's. Both Fuel tanks could fit in th 90 or in the 4Runner
Front brakes are the same in the 4runner and the 90 series, rear brakes are disk in the 90s and drums in the 4Runners (AFAIK)
Suspension parts are the same (Springs, shocks, bars)
One of the best ways to fin the similarities is using the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) available by doing some search online
Guess this covers the main areas
The Prado VZJ90 / 95 and 3rd gen 4Runner similarities are many, since they are both based on the same plataform.
Differentials are the same except that the 90's most common ratio is 4.30 (which is very uncommon in the 4runner) in the V6 an 4.56 in the 4 Cyl . Note: 90's made in Colombia have DANA model 207 Third members in the rear only, which are different from the Toyota V6. The DANA might not as tough as the Toyota becouse it has just 2 pinions instead of 4 (you have to change the third member to take advantage of all the aftermarket parts available for the Toyota V6 differential )
V6 3.4 Liter engine is the same, however there are differences in the exhaust sistem. The TRD Supercharger fits perfectly
Automatic transmission are not the same, 4runner is A340E or H, and 90's is A343F (to my understanding a bit stronger)
4runners Fuel tank is used as the auxiliary tank in the australian 5 door 90's. Both Fuel tanks could fit in the 5 door 90's or in the 4Runner
Front brakes are the same in the 4runner and the 90 series, rear brakes are disk in the 90s and drums in the 4Runners (AFAIK)
Suspension parts are the same (Springs, shocks, bars)
One of the best ways to fin the similarities is using the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) available by doing some search online
Guess this covers the main areas
Differentials are the same except that the 90's most common ratio is 4.30 (which is very uncommon in the 4runner) in the V6 an 4.56 in the 4 Cyl . Note: 90's made in Colombia have DANA model 207 Third members in the rear only, which are different from the Toyota V6. The DANA might not as tough as the Toyota becouse it has just 2 pinions instead of 4 (you have to change the third member to take advantage of all the aftermarket parts available for the Toyota V6 differential )
V6 3.4 Liter engine is the same, however there are differences in the exhaust sistem. The TRD Supercharger fits perfectly
Automatic transmission are not the same, 4runner is A340E or H, and 90's is A343F (to my understanding a bit stronger)
4runners Fuel tank is used as the auxiliary tank in the australian 5 door 90's. Both Fuel tanks could fit in the 5 door 90's or in the 4Runner
Front brakes are the same in the 4runner and the 90 series, rear brakes are disk in the 90s and drums in the 4Runners (AFAIK)
Suspension parts are the same (Springs, shocks, bars)
One of the best ways to fin the similarities is using the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) available by doing some search online
Guess this covers the main areas
- Thread starter
- #12
hmm, i want a 90 series rear axle.
So if the "platform" is the same or similar, does that mean that the chassis is the same or similar.
If so I wonder how similar.
I have heard that they are very (almost identical) close brothers, although I can't verify this info.
Be good if they are, cause that means that there is heaps of stuff that can be used on either.
If so I wonder how similar.
I have heard that they are very (almost identical) close brothers, although I can't verify this info.
Be good if they are, cause that means that there is heaps of stuff that can be used on either.
Yes, they are almost identical, all the suspension is exactly the same, shocks, springs, control bars, front control arms, skid plates. The differences, if any, are minimal and irrelevant to lift mods. Like the hanger for the spare tire in the 4runner which is not present in the 90's, and maybe some hanging points for the exhaust.
- Thread starter
- #16
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.
The front clip would also be indentical to the 95.5-04 Tacoma's. I too would love a diesel engine swap for my 03 Taco. Wonder how one can get a front clip off of a diesel 90, left had drive prefered?
- Thread starter
- #19
so basically the body and interior are different, besides th ediesel option and rear disc brakes.
KyleT, besides those two you mention,
the Automatic Transmission on the 90s is an A343F Vs. the A340F on the 4runner. I've read that the A343F is the one used in some Series 80 in the US
The 4runner has the spare tire under it and the 90s have the fuel tank there with the spare on the rear door, so you could use the 90s fuel tank as an auxiliary tank with 24gls capacity. This goes vice versa for the 90s with the 4runner fuel tank, just like they were sold in Australia.
Most of the 90s come with a 4.30 FGR, were the 4runner come with a 4.10
the Automatic Transmission on the 90s is an A343F Vs. the A340F on the 4runner. I've read that the A343F is the one used in some Series 80 in the US
The 4runner has the spare tire under it and the 90s have the fuel tank there with the spare on the rear door, so you could use the 90s fuel tank as an auxiliary tank with 24gls capacity. This goes vice versa for the 90s with the 4runner fuel tank, just like they were sold in Australia.
Most of the 90s come with a 4.30 FGR, were the 4runner come with a 4.10
