First off if this is in the wrong section can a mod please move it.

I want to get into wheeling and am looking for a 4 runner. I am debating between a 2nd and 3rd gen.

What are the differences between the generations? (excluding 3.0 vs 3.4)

 

3.4 is way better than the 3.slooooo search around on here and you'll find more information.

 

3rd Gens have a different (improved) front suspension system.

3rd Gens are slightly larger and nicer (interior).

3rd Gens have a 1 piece rear door (no tailgate).

2nd Gens are easier to swap a straight axle into.

2nd Gens are cooler.

 

3rd Gen is trouble free than 2nd......no offence!!

 

Bah.... who wants to drive a 4Runner that's already good to go and you don't have to cut-up/ chop/ swap and mod.

 

Do 3rd gens have more of a roll-over risk?

 

2nd gens have the 22re a little slow but a kiiiiiillller engine .. MY FAVORITE!!!!!

 

3rd gen - bigger cab room/cargo hold
2nd gen - More Ground Clearance

3rd gen - factory e-Locker
2nd gen - less electronics to be damaged

3rd gen-Coil Over front suspension
2nd gen-no plastic bumpers

3rd gen-nicer wheels
2nd gen-Less Family Oriented

3rd gen-haul more family
2nd gen-More Off Road oriented

 

2nd gen year by year
http://top4runners.com/ja/runhist21990.html

3rd gen year by year
http://top4runners.com/ja/runhist31996.html

My take is if it's a daily driver a 3rd gen is a much better choice with more powr,more room and just quite a bit more up to date.

My 3rd gen has more clearance than my neighbors 2nd gen.

Bumper contruction is pretty much the same as a 2nd gen - steel with plastic valence

Much more useable power then the weak 3.0 thus can tow more and more easily and get pretty much the same MPGs or even more.

3rd gens are safer and more up to date with those safety features i. e airbag,bigger brakes,more room for crumple zones.

3rd gens have an available rear locker.

I have driven a couple 2nd gens through the '90s and I'd never take one over my '99.

Mine is pretty much stock except for bigger tire and does quite well off road and looks good cleaned up and cruisin' the city.

 

when it comes to 3rd gens i think u'll only be looking at 99/00 b/c i've seen on here that the pre 99 had diff/worse interior options and the post 00 had lower suspension stock. also 00 is the last year of the 5spd if that matters. there are lots of trim packages too...sport, highlander, sr5, limited. i personaly like the the leather and auto climate of the limited. also the rear lift gate is WAY more convenient in my opinion then the 2nd gen (i had a first gen with the same style gate). plus, its just a newer vehicle. less miles and newer technology.

 

For street or off road? If I were going to be driving mainly on road 3rd gen, if off road 2nd gen.

 

From what I have seen is this. If you want a truck that you can hack up and make a total offroading machine, you should go with the 2nd gen. From what I have seen and felt between the two is the 2nd gen is more like a tank, very solid and heavy.
But, if you want a truck that you don't have to do much to, and probably won't have money to make huge changes to, you should get a 3rd gen.

Obviously you should know the engine size differences between the two. So go from there. But what happens when you put a 3.4 in a 2nd gen what now? heheh.

 

Well, this is a toughie. I had a 92 4Runner and loved it, but now have a 99 and would not go back. If its soley for beating up offroad then get a 2nd gen since they can be had at a lower cost and the 3.0 is ok (my previous 92 is still going at 300K).
But as mentioned the 3rd gen front suspension is better and allows for more options than just cranking the t-bars or bj-spacers.
And in reality the 3rd gen is just as much of a tank as the 2nd gens, just more refined and superior. When i sat in my 99 for the first time you can see the 2nd gen within it.
The 3.4 is a solid engine and can be supercharged if wanted.
Again, you can find the 3rd gens with an e-locker.
Also, the aftermarket for 3rd gens is pretty huge now in terms of body armour, suspension, etc.
For those who have had both, they will tell you the 3rd gen is a perfect 2nd gen.

 

check this thread out:

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f123...y-style-43279/

also, see my sig.

 

Wouldn't Fn mind it

 

3rd gen hands down, no doubt. More power, refined ride, available locker, and you can buy them for pretty cheap now, as cheap as $4500 for a V6 4x4. And it makes a killer daily driver.