Basically my question is this: When buying parts at the autostore or online, many times I see the 89 4runner parts grouped 89-95. This seems strange to me as it seems they would be more similar to the 86-88. Should I be bypassing their system and ordering parts for the '88?

More info:

Bout three months ago I picked up a 1989 4runner 22re. It's the first generation 4runner. Since then, I've just done some routine work, oil, brakes, cleaned battery and replaced cables etc.

Clutch started slipping yesterday, and I'm bound for a round trip in a couple of weeks. I'd like to do the repair it myself, if possible. But time is something of an issue obviously and I plan on it taking me a couple of days. I go online and look for clutch kits and it is bizarre to me that the clutch kits that come up for me when I selected 1989 4runner seem to be for 89-95 models, with different kits for 88 and previous. It seems as if the 1st gens (or at least 86-89) would have the same kits, and the 90 onwards would be different?

I kinda had a similar experience where I bought my brake pads at the autoparts store here and selected the '89 model via their computer system. when I got the truck up and wheels off, they didn't fit, but when we selected the pads they had listed for the '86 they did fit! What gives? Has anyone else had issues like this?

Thanks,
C

 

The 89 runner is the older body style while the 89 pickup is the newer style. Just as easy to order parts for the 88 runner and save yourself alot of confusion, is how I would do it and have seen others owning an 89 runner saying the same thing.

 

thanks, good to hear that this could be the case. any other thoughts from anyone, especially in regards to clutch kits? I'm not excited about jacking the truck, getting the transmission out and having something not fit.

 

Maybe they made some second gens in 89...I know ive seen alot of companies group it from 88-95 because those are the years with the 3vze...but im not sure.

 

If you not sure, Use your VIN to order parts, most places/sites have a vin decoder to show what parts are for you rig.

 

I recently bought an 89 4Runner and have been having trouble buying aftermarket parts. With some research, I found that in 89 both 1st and 2nd gen 4Runners were produced. Places like Advanced and Autozone specify parts for an 89 either "to 2/89" or "from 3/89 on."

The issue I had was when I tried purchasing a throttle body gasket. I ordered one from Advanced that was said to fit my 89 (http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...ket#fragment-1)

Wrong size. I needed the one from LCE (http://www.lceperformance.com/Gasket...-p/1061000.htm)

Even buying a TPS was difficult because of the "up to 2/89" and "from 3/89" differences. I purchased the 2/89 thinking that it would be more of the 1st gen and it has been working (all 4 prongs are brass), but the "3/89" one looked more like the OEM (4 pronged w/ brass and silver alternating).

Anyone have information on the 89 4Runner?

 

I have issues with the '89 thing too. Everything non engine I just say it's an '87 and I haven't had an issue.

However, my engine is a complete hit or miss. I normally bring in the part that I need replaced and match it up with the dealer or auto part. There's something about 22re's that have the throttle body pointed down and the ones that have them level. Mine's level and the earlier ones appear angled down.

I'd be interested to know if anyone has more info too.

 

I tried to purchase a plain air filter and the filter was too big. I had to get an oem one. Now I may look to see if the K&N would fit so all there would need to be replaced is the oil.

 

Might have to replace my clutch pretty soon. All the kits are 89+ or 88-

Should I just go with the 88s? Pretty annoying not knowing for sure.

 

I just completely rebuilt the motor on my 89 4runner and discovered a lot. If ordering anything non engine related, it's easier to go with the 88 (body / exhaust / brakes / trans / etc.)- with one exception! The Intake / TB / vacuum lines / etc. are the same from 89-95 and do not match up with the 88 and earlier.

 

The cut off date usually show to 8/89 from 9/89. Aparently the 8//89 was the last month that the first gen runner was made. To make it worse, mine was made in 08/89, so I have found some of the engine parts from the newer trucks on this truck also. Not sure if it was standard but my truck also has a 4 wire Oxygen Sensor.

Throttle body gaskets are the kicker, most of the ones listed up to 88, are wrong. And the ones listed for an 89-95 are wrong. I have the Fel Pro part number if anyone needs it. I ordered 2 from rock auto. Had to dig deep to find the gasket, and the one on the 89 runner is different than most of them.

 

I am in the process of swapping everything from my 86 4runner to the 89 I just bought. A lot of stuff is the same however I have found that a lot of electrical parts are different, ended up swapping every bit of wiring except for tailgate as it is the same connector. Even the one wire door ajar switch is different.

 

I believe the 1989 4Runner was like an 88 and 1/2 year model or something.

If the guys at the dealer don't input my whole VIN number, instead just using the last eight digits, it comes up as a Camry.