geoff

I've seen references to RN, YN, VZN referring to various pickups and 4Runners. What do these mean? I was looking at a service manual on ebay that was for a VZN, but the seller said it applied to the 6 cylinder models. Sorry if this is a newbie question, but I've had my truck since new for over 19 years and just saw these terms recently. I couldn't find anything searching this site, or in the Haynes or Chilton manual

jht3

i believe that refers to the VIN #. it tells you where it was built, what engine was installed, etc. for instance, my '95 4runner V6 built in Japan starts with JT3VZN...or something

BC Rider

As usual 4crawler has the answer:

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ToyVIN.shtml

BC Rider

If you want info on what the engine designation means here is a good reference

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Toyota_engines

geoff

Thanks for the inputs. I now know what some of these codes mean. I couldn't find a definitive guide to decoding my VIN, but have pieced enough together to make some sense out of it. My 1988 pickup VIN JT4RN50R5J5XXXXXXX means:

J = Japan (country of origin)
T = Toyota
4 = Truck
RN50 = chassis code, 2WD regular cab regular box set up for 22R/22RE engine
R = ?
5 = check digit
J = 1988 model year (I bought mine in 11/87)
5 = assembly plant (somewhere in Japan?)

At least now I know that anything that says VZN doesn't directly apply to my truck!

Toyota's own decoder at http://fleet.toyota.com/html/vin_decoder.asp doesn't work for the older models like mine

http://www.toyotareference.com/#TR had some more information

4Rocker

I believe that RN refers to trucks (or 4Runners) with a R series 4cyl (eg 22R or 22RE), and VZN refers to the vehicles with a VZ series 6cyl (eg 3VZ-E). I think the number after the letters refers to the style of frame such as solid axle or ifs, or short wheelbase or long.

geoff

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/faq/vin/ clarified more!

The "vehicle description section" RN50R means:

R = 22R
N = Truck

Model 50:

5 = 4x2
0 = short wheelbase

Series/grade:

R = standard

This is consistent with the reality of my truck :bigclap:

Now I need to look at the ID plate under the hood to see if I've really got it correct