3rd Gen Toyota 4Runner Gurus please chime in.

[mtpktz.]

Hello. Recently I've been searching for information about the 3rd Generation of Toyota 4Runners. I recently came across yotatech, but noticed they didn't have a FAQ thread, nor a Basic information one.

So, can somebody please explain to me the difference between the 2.4L and 3.4L Motors and which years got the 2.4L and the 3.4L

Also, did all 4 Runners come with AWD/4WD?

Any other big differences between the years? I know there are two different front bumpers. IIRC the 96-98 had a different front bumper from the 99-02.

What is the difference between the Limited and a normal 4runner?

Thanks for any and all information. :cheers:

[Steve_C]

I'm not a toyota expert, but our family has owned 4 different generations of 4runners. Starting with a 88 1st gen, 94 2nd gen, 97 3rd gen and a 06 4th gen, so here's my .02

2.4L were the 4 bangers, while 3.4's were the v6s.

Not all 4runners came with 4wd, some were just the rwd variety.

I may be mistakened, but 4runners came as base models, sr5 and Limited. my mom's 4runner is a sr5, and the only difference i can tell between hers and my cousins Limited is that his came with color coded fender flares for the more aggressive look and also came with leather seats.

[mtpktz.]

I'm not a toyota expert, but our family has owned 4 different generations of 4runners, so here's my .02

2.4L were the 4 bangers, while 3.4's were the v6s.

Not all 4runners came with 4wd, some were just the rwd variety.

I may be mistakened, but 4runners came as base models, sr5 and Limited. my mom's 4runner is a sr5, and the only difference i can tell between hers and my cousins Limited is that his came with color coded fender flares for the more aggressive look and also came with leather seats.

Thank you for the response.

Now what motors come with the SR5's? 3.4L?

Do you happen to know if there were Limited 96's-98's as well as the 99-02's and are the SR5's 4WD?

Any idea what "Lockers" are?

[Steve_C]

did a quick google search, hope this helps!

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=410

By the way, I met you at TC's a couple weeks back.

[mtpktz.]

Thank you very much for the link.

Were you the guy who had to have Tobi go get that part from Burt and Kuni Honda? If so, I remember you.

Thanks again :)

[Steve_C]

possibly... my car was at TC's a couple times a while back. I ended up bugging my friend justin with the orange boosted 350 to take me down to the honda dealership.

but if you remembered a 6'1 asian with glasses, that was me. :)

[mtpktz.]

Yeah, I remember you saying you frequent Off Topic a lot.

Anyhow, really appreciate the help. :)

[Brandon]

ya know how when one wheel on ice spins and the other just sits there, that's an open diff. a locker, locks the 2 wheels together that so both spin.

SR5 isn't an engine, it's a convinence package from the factory (like power windows). I don't know what years included what features in that package.

[mtpktz.]

ya know how when one wheel on ice spins and the other just sits there, that's an open diff. a locker, locks the 2 wheels together that so both spin.

SR5 isn't an engine, it's a convinence package from the factory (like power windows). I don't know what years included what features in that package.

Cool. Thanks for the information.

[Nate]

I have a 98 Limited. There are other differences between pre and post 99 including cupholders, climate control, and some others. I liked the Limited because of the leather (easy to clean as we have a toddler) and the fender flares. The 99 was barely out of my price range but I would have preferred it. I like the bumper more on the 99+ but my 98 has factory foglights which actually makes it look much better as lame as that sounds.

The 99+ SR5 Sports normally have color coded flares and a hood scoop, which a lot of people like.

Look for auctions on ebay with lots of pictures and then compare the insides and outsides, that's how I found a lot of differences.

[smithz]

I like the bumper more on the 99+ but my 98 has factory foglights which actually makes it look much better as lame as that sounds.

:rofl: A ricer comment would just be too easy here. :D

[V8SpankR]

Only Limiteds in the 99-00 had the AWD mode but later years and models all had it available.

Here's a link with year to year changes.

http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist31996.html

[Nate]

:rofl: A ricer comment would just be too easy here. :D

You're the last person that should talk about ricer comments mr. bodykitted automatic. :)

[smithz]

You're the last person that should talk about ricer comments mr. bodykitted automatic. :)

You know it!

[mtpktz.]

Thank you everybody who has replied with helpful information. :)

[smithz]

What about those of us who replied with silly nonsense? This is HAI afterall... ;)

[boostedEG]

95.5-97 had one style of front bumper, the 98+ all had another style.

just about everyone sold in colorado is 4wd. none of the dealers out here order any 2wd models.

4 cylinder 4 runners are uncommon.

there was also a "highlander" edition in 98-99 with a scoop on the hood. they had the same thing in 00+ but i think it was just called a sport edition.

there was never an AWD 4-runner. i think the 99+ had a setting for auto 4wd, but thats still way different than AWD.

not sure about 4 runners, but tacomas were available with both 2.4's and 2.7 4 cylinders.

although any of the motors are great motors i would buy a V6 one. the 4runners need the extra power (hence the reason why there werent many 4 cylinders made) plus you can get a supercharger for the 3.4 V6.

if you are buying a used one get maintenence records about the T-belt. the original gasket on the waterpumps for the 3.4 motors notoriously starts leaking around 60-100k. a leaking waterpump is usually replaced at t-belt service unless its leaking a lot, then it needs to be done immediatly. you'll notice pink crusty stuff around the crank pulley area if its leaking.

some SR5 and limited models came with the E-locker (electronic locking rear diff). it is friggin sweet. try to get one with that.

the 95.5-99 (i think) had a lower balljoint recall about a year ago. im sure most have been fixed, but you never know.

all in all they are VERY VERY reliable vehicles.

oh yeah if you put a K&N or similar air filter on it then expect to set a check engine light - code PO171 (lean condition), the oil from the filter gets on the mass airflow sensor... just clean the sensor with brake cleaner or electrical cleaner and its fine.

alright, well thats about everything i know about them....

[smithz]

oh yeah if you put a K&N or similar air filter on it then expect to set a check engine light - code PO171 (lean condition), the oil from the filter gets on the mass airflow sensor... just clean the sensor with brake cleaner or electrical cleaner and its fine.

AEM DryFlow to the rescue... no more oil.
http://aempower.com/ViewCategory.aspx?CategoryID=93

[mtpktz.]

Thanks BoostedEG.

[Steve_C]

all in all they are VERY VERY reliable vehicles.:werd: On my mom's 97 4runner, Stevinson Toyota's been taking care of the oil changes, since they use to run a free oil change for life program. Only thing we've basically put out money for are tires, brakes, t-belt/water pump and the lock solenoid wore out, so we had that replaced as well.

[STIBungy]

There's maf sensor cleaner out there. I suggest using that instead of brake cleaner.


oh yeah if you put a K&N or similar air filter on it then expect to set a check engine light - code PO171 (lean condition), the oil from the filter gets on the mass airflow sensor... just clean the sensor with brake cleaner or electrical cleaner and its fine.

[boostedEG]

There's maf sensor cleaner out there. I suggest using that instead of brake cleaner.

yeah i was surprised when i was told to use brake cleaner. i figured i would atleast need an electrical cleaner, but every single tech @ john elway toyota (where i worked) uses brake cleaner, and has since toyota started using MAF's. never had any problems.

[V8SpankR]

Ok,let's get it straight. 2nd gens are from '90-95 and 3rd gens are from '96-02 and the fatlip bumper showed up in '99 the '96-98 had the flat metal bumper.
The Highlander or Sport edition was available from '99-'02.

in '99 Limiteds had the multi-mode auto which had AWD. In '01+ the SR5s also had the AWD mode.

That is all.:)

Here's the straight poop on all years of Runners...........

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

[boostedEG]

technically 3rd gens are 95.5-02

every 98 i ever saw had the newer style bumper

and i still disagree about the AWD. ever rebuild one of those T-cases? there is no viscous coupling. they are not AWD. if you are refering to that "auto" button on the side of the 4x4 shifter that you can push and just drive around like that all the time... well that is auto 4x4, not AWD

[V8SpankR]

technically 3rd gens are 95.5-02

every 98 i ever saw had the newer style bumper

and i still disagree about the AWD. ever rebuild one of those T-cases? there is no viscous coupling. they are not AWD. if you are refering to that "auto" button on the side of the 4x4 shifter that you can push and just drive around like that all the time... well that is auto 4x4, not AWD

Technically yes,the '96 came out in mid '95 but it's still a '96 and no '98 had the fatlip bumper period;it debuted on the '99 model.
The "awd' isn't awd like a Subi's but it's close and is much better in the slick stuff than standard 4wd by far.