I had to sell the 89 4runner I had so I can have more of a family vehicle. The 2door wasn't cutting it for the family. So I'm now curious as to wether or not I should get a 2nd gen 4runner. Preferably 90-95 because of the body style. My question is... 1. Are they a nice family/daily driving/weekend off roading truck?
2. Overall are they inexpensive when it comes to yearly maintenance? 3. Are they a good reliable truck?

I will be off roading in this truck. Also I will have to drive this daily 50 mile round trip to work and I don't want it breaking down on me... Haha.
Thanks for helping.

 

You could find one with a blown head gasket fairly cheap, do a 3.4 swap and that would be a very reliable vehicle.

Others would argue that the 3.0 L is reliable if well maintained, but buying used, you won't know the truck's history (beat on, overheat, abused, etc.). I have a '91, love it, plenty of room, and wouldn't hesitate taking it cross country, and I have a 3.4 swapped rig.

 

Roughly how much would a 3.4 swap overall cost?
And does it bolt right up?

 

I have a '95 4Runner as my daily driver, in addtion to the 84PU, and the '95 4runner is pretty solid. It has the 3.0, which isn't the strongest as everyone knows, but it's reliable. I haven't had the head gasket issue that others mention, but I don't have a ton of miles on it either.

It's all completely stock except for a little bit bigger tires. Gets 16/19 MPG and eveything still works great on it. It's the SR5 package and has 78,000 miles on it.

The 4runner has never left stranded or broken down, although it did have a little bit of a gas leak a few months back.

Overall, I think it's a fine daily driver, family vehicle that is capable of some wheelin'

I have heard that the 3.4 swap is a direct bolt-on job with no fabrication required.

 

IMO, youre better off with a 3rd gen ( '96-'02) More room, more power, better MPG. I dont know what the market is in your area, but I have been seeing most 3rd gens in my area for under $10K, most for 3K-6K. Then, most 2nd gens are $2K-$5K.....

 

if you want a 3.4 buy a rig with one and save urself the time. 96-02 much better 4runners

 

I also like the 96-02 body style but I can't find atleast a 3" suspension lift for those years all I see is 1/2"-3" body lifts. I think I might go with a 96-02 I like the interior package better. Around the same price too. About 3000-3500$.

 

Revtek, ready lift, daystar and fabtech all make lift kits for that year, 2.5"-3" same with total chaos

 

go with the 3.4 96 and newer you wont have a complaint. I own both and theres a reason why I no longer have a 3.0 in my older one and ide never buy one again with a 3.0. If you are stuck on the older get it 5spd with a 22re

 

Thanks everyone. I'm going to get a 96-02 probably.

 

Yeah id say the same get a 96-02 runner with a 5vzfe and you will have no pains. Though i personally like 2nd gen 4runners over any but if your worried about the 3vze then just dont bother. Me im not scared of mine and dont actually mind the little beast haha. If you do like the 2nd gens just try and get one with a 22re 5spd. They are pretty hard to find but atleast they are usually more reliable. Good luck

Oh an hey fill hows it goin lol

 

I had a 22re in the 89 and didn't like it. It was alright very reliable but not enough pulling power. I need something I can haul a 18'trailer with 5 4wheelers. And I don't know what 3vze and 5vzfe means can you explain?

 

just the engine codes a 3vz is 3.0 5vz is 3.4 a 22re just about has as much power as a 3.slow (3.0) power to weight ratio makes the 22re just about their to the 3.0

 

What hes said lol

I dont know about the 22re honestly. Ive had one and it drove me nuts all the time rather my 3vze has never made me mad. In my 22re truck it didnt matter wether it be a simple stupid hill it would bog out, or mpg wasnt even exciting, then the many problems i had with it bot passing emissions exc... It drove me nuts. On the other hand my buds truck has a cam'd, ported, header/full high flow exhaust, an intake 22re and it flys! Keeps up with my 3.0L all day. Problem is he is now having problems with it and mine still keeps going lol.

If you are going to be pulling big trailers you might be dissapointed. 4 quads?? I towed one with my 22re on a 6 hour trip up hill and almost killed my truck. I could imagine 4 an a trailer with even a 3.4. maybe you want a fullsize truck or a 2JZGTE swap haha

 

No problems towing my 21' bayliner lmao. probably above my tow rating but hey I wanted to cruise this summer



BTW 3.4 5spd with over 225k and rollin!