PoBoy

I feel like a newb, but I dont think this question has every been asked...usually its 1st or 3rd gen. Im looking for those little things that make one year better than the other. A thrid gen example, I wish I had a 99 instead of a 96 just because of the damn cup holders and a/c controls. But I need 2nd gen input. So for those of you with 2nd gens, is there a year you would have rather had?

And of course if there is a year to stay away from for mechanical purposes...thats good input. I fear the 3.0 hg problem, but it's looking like a 2nd gen is going to be the most practical daily driver and future trail truck

arjan

I've had two '91s. The first one was a two door. I wish I never sold it. At the time I didn't really realize that they were not that common. I also like the TOYOTA in the front grill. 91 was the last year with that. I don't think there are many differences between the 90 & 95's. The all wheel abs became an option later on I think. In '95 there was a seqoia (please correct my spelling) with fender flares and a rear spoiler. I was never a big fan of that model.
Also I think the rear tire carrier was an option until '92. I had that on my second '91. I looks cool but is a pain when backing up on a trail. I blocks quite a bit of your sight when you need it most.
Those are the things I can think of from the top of my head.

Arjan

scubasteve83

I love my '91. Most people spend big money to have a rear tire carrier and mine already has a stock one. I would recomend finding one that has one, but its all personal preference.

Yoter

I have a 91 and would only change four things.
1.I want a rear tire carrier
2.I want power windows
3.I want power locks
4.I want a 5 speed

* The best feature as is on mine would be the tail gate. Gives me the truck & suv feeling all in one.

Corect me if I am wrong but for the 2nd gen the only major difference is in the grill/headlamps. I like the sealed beam set up over the halogen style lamps.

Ideally I would love to end up with a 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Gen Runner. Not to fond of the 4th yet. 4Runner are just so cool!

Yoter

Scuba I have that pic of my steering spacer for you. I need your email address though so I can send it to you. I dont feel like downsizing it so it will fit in a post. Blue

AznSky

Marc P

I really like my 95--last year of the 2nd gen, mine came with stock 4:88 gears and 31's. I bought it 2 years ago with 85k and have 120k on it now--not a problem, great truck!

pics

PoBoy

What package threw in 4.88 gears? And is this only on 95's??

Hey atleast I dont need to make emergency phone calls to someone 400 miles away b/c you cant change a spare tire. OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Marc P

There was a post a while back that showed what codes on the drivers door had what ratio. This was great for me because that is the ratio I would have switched to if it didnt come stock.

arjan

If I'm correct the 4.88 came only with automatics. The '91 5spd with the big tire package comes with 4.56. This ratio is also available with the elocker in the later models. Something to keep in mind if you want to upgrade later on.

My favorite: 91 two door v6 big tire package roofrack & rear tire carrier. It won't be easy to find on though.

Skydigger

also on '92 and up trucks the V6 came with sequential fuel injection which supposedly makes for better mileage.


Warren

Doc279

I have a 1990 4 runner with the 3.0L V-6 automatic
and now have 206,000 miles on it. The head gaskets were replaced and I have replaced the timing belt a couple of times.

This is by far the best damn vehicle that I have ever owned !
People can not believe that my 4 runner is a 1990 model because it still looks like new inside and out. I have power everything
and it came with the swing away tire carrier in the back.

If I could change anything - it would be for the manual transmission. Even with 206,000 miles - I would not hesitate to head for anywhere in the USA. The motor is just as strong as it was when the 4 runner was new - does use a quart of oil between changes though. I bought a spare tire carrier that bolts up under the rear end - like a Tacoma and occasionally move the spare to that location when I pull my boat to another state. I am thinking of leaving the spare underneath and mounting a tool box to the swing away tire carrier - just have not found a box that I would consider hanging back there.

I will never own anything else for a vehicle - 4 runners are awesome !

Highland Runner

There was also a difference in the 94/95 engine. The idler pulley/tensioner had a slightly improved design (it self adjusts). The 94's had anti lock brakes optional, 95's may all have them which I wouldn't want.
If you get an earlier 2nd gen, you can put E-code or Hella Vision Plus type headlights in, but my lights are pretty good.
I think only the later years 92? on had a leather option. I have leather and it holds up very well to abuse.
Side impact door beams were installed in 94. This may get a lower insurance rate. This was also the first year for a third brake light. This may also help with insurance.
A big one for me is 94 is the first year for 134A refrigerant. This can be bought anywhere cheap whereas R12 can't.
It seems like the later the year per generation, the engineers should have fixed little glitches. But, its a Toyota and they are all great.

My99

My bro had a 95 limited - no abs.

Memphis4X4

Here's a site that I always go to for 2nd Gen history and info

http://www.top4runners.com/ja/index.html

Another difference is that the front brakes changed from '91 to '92 and above because the pads are different. Which is better? I don't know...... I just know that they are different.

David

CTB

Late model year 95's. That is what I've got (built in May 1995 I believe). No headgasket issue (at least none that any dealer or Toyota corporate has addmitted to me ). I've got a 5 speed, all power, sunroof, 31's with 4.56. Life is good....

Corey

iTrader: (1)

I too am partial to the Toyota being spelled out on the '90 & '91 models.

I also favor the headlights, as you can pull them, junk them, and put in better housings like I have from Hella or that Danial Stern has, and put in a good H4 bulb.

175K plus, and going strong

anthony1

iTrader: (1)

I got the same thing....built in Jan 95. except I mod a few things.....hehe..
I got 112K now and I drive it to work m-f. want more power? sure...but it's all relative...depend on who you want to pass..

KING

The '94s are OK although just for the sakes of it, a '95 seems better.

The only thing I would of rather had, would have been the SR5 package, with the power windows and all that luxurious stuff.

But in that case, I would have just gone for a TACOMA

Fink

I have a '95, not sure of when it was made but it came with 4.88 gears and 31's...and still going strong, other than a slight knocking sound but I don't think its anything serious.

But ya know what...I don't care what year it is or model...its a Toyota and Toyota's RULE!

Fink