i keep hearing about how much trouble the 3.0 and auto is in the 2nd gen. Is this true? I like all of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd gen but they all have pros and cons. the 2nd looks to be a good middle ground with age, price, looks and some comfort for long road trips. I figure i would like to use it for mild wheeling and camping,outdoor stuff and road trips.

I love the 1st gen but clean ones are getting hard to find. Also i think they might be alittle rough for long road trips. the 3rd gen is great but i they get a little pricy and i like the older truck styling. Anyopinions of the 2nd gen quality?

 

welcome to YT

you are going to get mixed opinions about the 3.0 auto 2nd gen 4Runner.
some folks love them, some hate them. Head Gasket issues.
Most are gonna have a saggy butt as in old rear springs, not a mileage champ.
sluggish....

Plenty of info about the Pro & Cons of the 3.SLo...just keep doing your research

My Neice bought a 94 awesome shape, just high mileage (175k) for $1500 last summer. I put a new PS pump on it and this was it...she loves it, but can't afford it...if she sells it cheap I might pick it up...something about a chopped 2nd Gen that is pretty cool

 

Its all quite subjective really. I own a '92 Runner with the 3.0/Auto combo. Its a heavy, slow compact SUV but so far has proven to be very reliable despite sitting on a lot for over three years. I bought it with a bad tranny, but it had 11 previous owners so something tells me it *cough* may have been abused. All the work I've put into it has been non-engine related. The fuel consumption is not very great. I also have a '95 pickup with the 3.0 but with a 5-speed, its faster, lighter and more fun to drive (mostly cause its a manual). I've learned to enjoy my 4Runner more and more. The (front) 4Runner seats are quite comfortable and its nice to have rear seats that are bigger than an xtra-cab. You are opening a can of worms asking for peoples opinions about the tranny/engine combo. Just like everything else in this world, some have had good experiences and others haven't.

I'm glad I have my 4Runner with a 3.0L/Auto , although I'm a bit of a Toyota truck nut.

 

3.0 and auto will suck BIG TIME.

get the 5speed and you'll be happy.

 

x2 on what CAMO said or get a newer 4runner with the 3.4 and auto

 

the newer 4runners are actually lots better in my opinion.....just more expensive.

 

Having own 2 of the 2nd Gen 4runners I can say with confidence they have their limitations. I loved them both and they never let me stranded.

I would add that now that I have my v8 4th gen, I would never go back.

The 2nd gen is really a great platform to start with and there are still lots of parts available for them. Just do a search for just about anything you can think of and you will find a mixed bag of opinions. Good luck in your quest.

 

I have a built 3.0 with every "performance" mod available. Strapped to the Auto, it still isn't letting out it's full potential. Yep, I've tried all the gearings for my 33's. 4.88's slow, 5.29's not as bad, but still slow. I got fed up with the auto.... thankfully my lady gave me an out when she blew up the torque converter.....My A340H is currently out of the vehicle.... a 5speed is getting swapped in.

 

I honest to god love my truck. I loved it with the auto as well!

But i loved it even more when i blew my automatic up and got to swap a 5speed in!

I also believe the 2nd gens are THE best looking 4runners next to the 1st gens, Anything after doesnt look so hot IMO.

Get it, wheel it, love it, fix it! (and swap a 5speed in!)