RN, VZN, etc. nomenclature
 

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

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

As usual 4crawler has the answer:

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

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

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

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

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.

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