Ok gang, I'm seriously looking to make my first 4Runner purchase.

I've found a killer 2nd gen with SAS, 3-link, etc. The one downside is it's bobbed and, although it's great for wheeling, not so bueno on pretty much anything else I'd want the backend for (such as hauling our St Bernard). I've also found a very nice - bone stock - 3rd gen. 2nd Gen is, as far as I'm concerned, 'done.' Maybe a few tweaks here and there, but it's great for my needs. The 3rd gen, as said, is bone stock. So, lots of time and $$ in its future..

Now, aside from the obvious motor difference (3.0 vs 3.4), what are some pros / cons for 2nd gen / 3rd gen? Or are there any? I've been looking at pics and really don't see much of a difference between the two. Can you guys please help out a 4Runner newb? Thanks!!

-Eric

 

Wow mod(s), thanks for the super quick move to the correct forum! <slaps head>

 

So you're comparing a COMPLETELY modified offroad only rig to a stock 3rd gen....I don't get it.

You can compare a stock 2nd to a stock 3rd though....I'd say looks for the 3rd gen and you can get elockers in 3rd gens....OH and superchargers....

 

Big Blue - thanks for the reply.

To clarify, I'm talking about a 2nd gen that is modded vs a 3rd gen that is not modded that will be modded.

2nd Gen - 1990 - on 33's, SAS, 3 link, rear disks, etc:


3rd Gen - 1997 - Bone Stock, going to go see this evening. I don't even know if it has elocker or not... Tell ya in a few hours :


4500 for 2nd gen, 3500 for 3rd gen. Mileage is about the same.

And, to eloborate further (which I should have done initially) this will be my daily driver. I work about 2 miles from home, so it's not a biggie. But I do need to highway travel from time to time. I won't wheel a LOT, but there will be weekend outings with the family to some trails a couple hours away.

Thanks!!

 

3rd.
SAS is awesome, but family will really appreciate the ride of the third, and with passengers on weekenders you'll appreciate having a full cargo area. Nice color too. I'm also guessing no locker from the trim level.

 

Ok.............so what type of wheeling to you do?

Is the 2nd gen locked f&r? What diff gears does it have?

 

Thanks guys - you rock!

2nd gen has lincoln lockers front/rear with 4.88's.

As for my wheeling, I'm more of a trail guy. Climbing rocks and such here and there, but by no means do I need to be the one vehicle that can make it up the double-black-diamond ain't-nobody-ever-gonna-make-it-up-this-pass-in-one-piece kind of run. I appreciate the hard core, but I wouldn't consider myself as a hard core wheeler - far from it. I think you guys have helped - probably a lift with 33's or 35's, keep the IFS, and start fresh with the 3rd is probably the best bet...

But, then again, at the same time - I think the biggest question is does the modifications of the 2nd gen outweigh the whole 'starting from scratch' with the 3rd. I mean, it is a pretty good deal!

-Eric

 

Lincon lockers are not for DD...

I'd start fresh.

Look up CodyX36's build, pretty sweet lookin/functional rig:
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f200...thread-197409/

 

Well, no e-locker, but still a pretty decent rig. Rear bumper's dinged up, but it'd be pulled off anyway. Driver's side running board is screwed up too, but again, who cares? Problems - CEL is on, and has been for 8 years (LOL!) and rear window doesn't roll down/up. Slight paint fading and such as well. Timing changed approx 20K miles ago, oil looks great, coolant looks great... No leaks. Underside looks really good, no scratches. Think I'm gonna pull the trigger!

-Eric

 

Pros of the 3rd gen?

Better mpg, more power, way more reliable. More comfortable, even stock VS stock.

You will be able to build it how YOU want it.

Doesnt look like a lifted Chevy Tracker...

Pros of the 2nd gen?

........

 

Get the 3rd gen, that way you can mod it to your liking.

 

Just got reply from the seller that the '97 sold tonight. Guy showed up about an hour after I did with cash in hand.


Thanks though guys - I'll be on the look out for a 3rd gen! ...so frustrating. This one was great - even had gray interior!

-E