Just wondering when I shift my Runner into reverse is it the equivalent to first gear just in the opposite direction?

 

No, the ratios are different...

automatic transmission gear ratios:
First 2.804
Second 1.531
Third 1.000
Fourth 0.705
Reverse 2.393

manual transmission gear ratios:
First 3.830
Second 2.062
Third 1.436
Fourth 1.000
Fifth 0.838

Reverse 4.220

All ratios are :1

This info is for 3rd gens... not sure about earlier model years.

 

Thanks for the info.