Hey all,
Due to an unfortunate incident with water, my 2nd Gen now has a dead engine.

I can pick up a 1st Gen (86 model) with a commodore v6 in it for roughly the same price as it is going to cost me to repair my 2nd Gen (92 model).

I could then swap some of the 2nd Gen parts from mine such as seats etc over into the 1st Gen.

Is the suspension on the 1st Gen similar or the same as the second Gen? Are there any interchangable parts? The second Gens are wider aren't they?

I also like the idea of the removable roof on the first Gens.

Can anyone give me a comparisson between the two generations? I'm more interested in performance off road, as the only time I really drive it on-road is to get to the 4x4 tracks.

Also interested in parts availability for suspension/mods and reliability of suspension. Also any rust issues in the first gens?
(I don't need to know about the first gen's engine, but maybe some driveline reliability info would be good)

thanks in advance

 

Go for the 1st gen..once you pop the top you won't think twice lol.

 

First gens with the top off will get you laid.

 

I just blew snot on my keyboard!

 

As far as I am concered.....the 1st Generation 4Runner.....is the only true 4Runner. The Original!

The decision would not be very hard for me.

Old School Rules!

Carry On!....

 

so (to keep the missus happy), whats the comfort like compared between the two of em?
I will put the seats from my 92 in the 86 if i get it. was thinking about the dash swap too but apparently it's a lot more trouble that it's worth.
is there any rust issues with the 86 model? ie. around where the fiberglass roof attaches?

 

yes there are rust issues, the typical toyota fenderwells... you can swap seats and the ride will be almost as equally comfortable, without the top on ull get some without tops as well, you will get some!

 

ROFL!!!!! Indeed! (I'm stealing that for my signature FYI)


Go for the first gen. I've got seats out of a 94 4runner SR5 in my 89 4runner and it's damn comfy. Oh and as others have said once to take the top off you'll never think of going to another rig. Probably need to get a bikini top from Wabbit also, it really really makes the rig sexy.

 

1st gen. Swap in 3.4l, sc it. Boom. Done.

 

wow. didn't see a lot of straight answers to your questions, so here's some info. (nothing about getting laid)

1. i don't know what a commodore v6 is. but the 3.0 v6 is the same in both models.

2. you can swap the later seats in, but remember that one is 2dr and one is 4dr, so you'll have to customize the passenger seat if you want it to slide forward so you can get in the back seat. you can also just swap the cushions. there's how-to threads on this site to do it.

3. the rear suspension is different. both have the same IFS, but the later rear is coil spring, the earlier rear is leaf spring. the earlier first gen, 84-85 has a narrower track measurement.

4. essentially, the 86-89 model and the 90-92 models are similar and there's a some swappable parts, but only if they have the same engine. emissions, fuel mgmt. computer etc. will be different.

as far as rust goes, it depends on where it's from and how much road salt it's seen. the frames are the same. there's plenty of aftermarket parts available from online retailers that specialize in toyota, as well as the usual 4wd aftermarket sources.

but the end of discussion comes down to one has a removable top and one doesn't. get the 1st gen and don't look back!

 

The day I bought my 1st gen in 2002, I took the top off by myself - it was a PITA, but awesome!! If you're in a climate that has sun, driving around with the top off in that truck incomparable - they don't make anything like that anymore and I doubt ever will.

A week after I got it I spent the night in the back under the stars with my (now) wife. She may hate it now, but it's been a special bond since "day 1".

get the first gen before you can't anymore!!