lol how? 3rd gen is slightly bigger without looking bloated. beefier frame, wider stance.. how does it look tougher? don't get me wrong 2nd gen is vintage and awesome, i love them, but 3rd gen is the best. just one man's opinion.
The 2nd gen looks just like a suv version of the Hilux of the same year no wonder they were sold as Hilux surfs at other markets. But looking like a Hilux isn’t necessarily bad it looked More like the traditional Toyota trucks of its time. The 3rd gen was when the 4runner started to have a more unique look for its own. I see some 2nd gen on my area sometimes and they just look soo much more vintage/old then 3rd gens
wanted to add that outside of the US, the 2gen 4runners were usually sold with the 2.4L or 3.0L diesel engines. Both engines have a reputation for just going forever. the 2.4L is pretty slow with only 90HP, but the 3.0L has a more respectable 125HP (with loads of torque). I own a 3.0L TD and absolutely love it. only things i feel are missing is a rear diff-lock and a 6th gear for highway driving.
I see surfs every once in a while here in the states and wish I could get my hands on one without spending an arm and leg. I don’t know much about Toyota diesels but imagine they are bulletproof seeing how reliable their gas motors are. My driveway is nothing but Toyota’s and ford diesels but if I had the cash to import I’d definitely want a hilux or little 2 door land cruiser diesel possibly even a Nissan patrol or the inline 6 f250s from Brazil. We don’t really get as many good older diesel options as the rest of the world I guess because of emissions but the conspiracy side of me thinks it’s more of a phsyop to keep us buying newer vehicles and paying premiums to keep them operational 🤷♂️
Hello everyone…..my brother bought a 2nd Gen green 4X4 and that Runner is a solid tank….it is awesome, I bought a 3Rd Gen and I love this thing too also green 4X4 Great trucks…..we enjoy them completely.
Great looking 4runners. On your comparison, you mentioned that 3rd gen was made in the USA. Just fyi, all the generations of 4Runners to date were made in Japan. 🙂
Awesome collection and awesome comparison. Thanks for treating the 3.0 fairly. Sure, it's got problems, they all do. But if you don't get it too hot it'll go forever. I have a 1990 and trying to explain the merit of the 3.slow to friends or forums is often a lost cause. the 22r is in interference motor. With no hp whatsoever. Sure, I'd like a 3.4 and sure, the 4 cyl is better treated by the aftermarket parts community, but that's due to the heat risk with that dang passenger bank collector. If you run a new downpipe and do a dual exhaust or something, I cant think of many reasons to take the 22 over 3. Anyway, good points and thanks for the show.
I have a 95 in the shop getting 3.4 swapped as we speak. 3.0 had a dead cylinder. Mechanic called me out to see the piston moving side to side in the hole. Cant wait to get it back soon.
I was wanting to do a 3.4 swap on my 93 T100 but couldn't find a place that would do it for less than $8000 so I just opted for a new head gasket on my 3.0 for $2500, curious how much did you end up paying for the swap on yours?
Get a center console from a 99-02 and have some cupholders, game changer. I have a 97 limited 4x4 with locker and 300K and just toweda trailer to the desert with no issues.
There is a guy on ebay who 3d prints cupholders. I was trying to find one for a 5 speed that didn't block all the controls that the factory one does. The 3d printed one sits on the passenger side of the shifter. And he makes one specific for a 5 speed.Pretty mint. Love my 98 sr5 5 speed.
@dand33911 those are good cupholders but I'm sure a 99-02 came with cupholders as a 5 speed also. There's a video on CZcams Timmy the Toolman Center console swap and he shows everything to swap it put, also he has just about every Mod or Maintenance procedure you can think of, very informative.
@johnaustin2276 I've watched him, and speedys garage has a lot of info on these. The entire project seems a bit involved for a cup holder. Swapping the ebrake and rewiring stuff. I ordered one of the ebay 3d printed ones, we'll see how that goes. Whoever at toyota thought it was a good idea to have a cupholder that completely blocks the heat/ac controls, 🤷♂️. If I can find a parts 4runner that's a 5 speed with the center cupholders, maybe a future project.
@dand33911 true it is a bit of a process but nothing a couple hours max. I like the update because I can put my tumbler in and it's secure. No matter what as long as your enjoying your 4runner that's all that matters.
I’m not sure why I was watching this other than curiosity. I have a 3rd gen. It’s been in the family since new. I do love it but I gotta say the steering box is a compelling argument for the 2nd gen. In general, when something needs to be repaired my first thought is “do I want it anyhow?” So I will gladly ditch the cruise control and the AC when they act up. I wish I could say the same for the power steering but that’s not a viable option for the 3rd gen. And what brainiac at Toyota decided against a tailgate?! With a tailgate you can actually camp and lay down in the back. Granted they weren’t thinking about a 6’5” guy like me car camping but still. Ha! Anyhow thanks for the video. This is great information.
I definitely agree on the tailgate but my old lady likes the 3rd gen hatch for groceries especially when it’s raining. I like the little more room and more reliable engine in the 3rd gens as well.
Can you please make a video how your differential lock works on your 4RUNNER? I have 1999 4RUNNER and I don’t know if don’t work my differential lock works on my 4RUNNER or maybe is not working
I did one with my Tacoma that is the same procedure. Some times they are sticky if not used that often. Must be in 4low to engage unless it’s been modded (grey wire)
All the third gen were made in Japan, dependent on date either of two of the Japanese plants. I've had the 3.4 V6 petrol, bullet proof engine but the 1KZ four pot 3 litre diesel is my choice and if you get the intercooled 1KZ-TE version you gets 15 more horses and 60nm more torques and they punch pretty well and sip fuel. Bottom ball joint one to keep an eye on, I had one let go and whole wheel and hub flew off and I ended up in someone's front yard and absolutely f$cked their geraniums
Luckily I stayed on the road when I lost my spindle from not paying attention to my ball joints. I wish I could get my hands on a hilux or surf but when they do come up for sale (rarely) they usually want a fortune for them.
1kzte is by no mean economical engine. Do not confuse it with TdI from vw. It is not even close to VW MPG numbers. On average it gets 15l per 100km town and 11l per 100km on highway. Same MPG as 4 or 6 cyl petrol engines. Maybe will consume a bot less offroad, since pentrol has to work harder offroad.
I had the first and the 2nd gen 4runners, the 1st gen having the SAS and 22re with the 5 speed, the 1995 4runner had the 3.0 v6 and installed air lockers, 4:88's and 33's. I still drive the 1985 4runner, it sits on 35's with 5:29 gearing.
Heck yeah. I bet the 529s are sweet. I Have 488s and 35s on my 3rz Tacoma wouldn’t mind going lower but seems to do pretty good so will probably leave them alone
A 2nd gen with a 3.4 or 3rz swapped into it would be best of both worlds. But a 3rd gen has a little more room and with a set of 5100 bilstiens up front and 265 75 16 or 265 70 17 tires it should get you to some pretty awesome spots. Plus the 3rd gens can be found with the factory e locker
Got a 93' with 350k, all white w/blue interior, refurb leather seats and new carpet, in even better shape....as original...so cal truck...has only seen mist from the ocean... It's understood this truck was built for purpose, oddly, people complain about only what its not . . .
I used to get almost 220 miles to a tank with my old 3.0 it gets 0 now that it's getting ready for the 3.4 to be wired up, lol. But my 3rd gen gets 170 to a tank bone stock
Never let it go! Mine had 420K before someone ran into me. I miss it to this day. I replaced it with a 1997 4Runner, the automatic transmission is terrible.
Toyota’s usually are a little underpowered. You’d have to drive an older 3 liter for a while to really appreciate the 190hp that you get from the 3.4. I remember when I got my first 2.7 3rz pickup after driving a 22re powered 1st gen 4Runner for a year or so, it felt like a rocket.
I rather have a hatch over the 3.0slow, rather have rack & pinion over the 3.0 slow, & i just rather have the 3.4 over the 3.0 slow. Its more like the 3.0 blow…blow head gaskets 😅
@@MorrassZ84 just did mine(93 4runner) and I am not getting passed by school buses anymore! Lol you won't regret it. More power and better mileage is so nice.
Stock vs stock the 2nd gen looks way better imo and tougher too. Only con is motor. Imo.
Couldn't agree more
100% and the 2dr even sexier.
lol how? 3rd gen is slightly bigger without looking bloated. beefier frame, wider stance.. how does it look tougher? don't get me wrong 2nd gen is vintage and awesome, i love them, but 3rd gen is the best. just one man's opinion.
The 2nd gen looks just like a suv version of the Hilux of the same year no wonder they were sold as Hilux surfs at other markets. But looking like a Hilux isn’t necessarily bad it looked
More like the traditional Toyota trucks of its time. The 3rd gen was when the 4runner started to have a more unique look for its own. I see some 2nd gen on my area sometimes and they just look soo much more vintage/old then 3rd gens
@@jvogler_art4708looks like a pregnant 4Runner .
My 1988 3.0 blew a head gasket after 32 years,. Restored it and still driving.
Did you ever pipe the other head down? That crosspipe delete is a must!
First gen 4Runner is always my favorite but second gen 4Runner for the win
Ahh the older 2nd gen has such a charm, a honest, simple, tough machine
I bought my 2nd gen for 2800 at 170000 and it's the best purchase I've ever made
wanted to add that outside of the US, the 2gen 4runners were usually sold with the 2.4L or 3.0L diesel engines. Both engines have a reputation for just going forever. the 2.4L is pretty slow with only 90HP, but the 3.0L has a more respectable 125HP (with loads of torque). I own a 3.0L TD and absolutely love it. only things i feel are missing is a rear diff-lock and a 6th gear for highway driving.
I see surfs every once in a while here in the states and wish I could get my hands on one without spending an arm and leg. I don’t know much about Toyota diesels but imagine they are bulletproof seeing how reliable their gas motors are. My driveway is nothing but Toyota’s and ford diesels but if I had the cash to import I’d definitely want a hilux or little 2 door land cruiser diesel possibly even a Nissan patrol or the inline 6 f250s from Brazil. We don’t really get as many good older diesel options as the rest of the world I guess because of emissions but the conspiracy side of me thinks it’s more of a phsyop to keep us buying newer vehicles and paying premiums to keep them operational 🤷♂️
I've got a 92 surf gen 2 ssr-g in the UK, has the 2.4td with the rare recaro interior, the old girl ir bullet proof
@@WreckingBall541 Or higher import fees on foreign diesels to protect domestic manufacturers
The 1kz-te motor is good but you need to stay on the cooling system. Don't take much to over heat and crack a head.
My 1985 EFI 22re has the 118 HP and goes very fast with 5:29 gears and 35's 5 speed.
Hello everyone…..my brother bought a 2nd Gen green 4X4 and that Runner is a solid tank….it is awesome, I bought a 3Rd Gen and I love this thing too also green 4X4
Great trucks…..we enjoy them completely.
Great looking 4runners. On your comparison, you mentioned that 3rd gen was made in the USA. Just fyi, all the generations of 4Runners to date were made in Japan. 🙂
True
They were built in the USA tho, might’ve been designed in Japan.. at least the newer omes
@@bassassassin4053 My first and fifth gens were built in Japan and then sent to the US ready to sell.
Awesome collection and awesome comparison. Thanks for treating the 3.0 fairly. Sure, it's got problems, they all do. But if you don't get it too hot it'll go forever. I have a 1990 and trying to explain the merit of the 3.slow to friends or forums is often a lost cause. the 22r is in interference motor. With no hp whatsoever. Sure, I'd like a 3.4 and sure, the 4 cyl is better treated by the aftermarket parts community, but that's due to the heat risk with that dang passenger bank collector. If you run a new downpipe and do a dual exhaust or something, I cant think of many reasons to take the 22 over 3.
Anyway, good points and thanks for the show.
I have a 95 in the shop getting 3.4 swapped as we speak. 3.0 had a dead cylinder. Mechanic called me out to see the piston moving side to side in the hole. Cant wait to get it back soon.
Heck yeah. Wish I would’ve known how easy the swap was 15 years ago when you could pick up cherry blown up 3.0 pickups and 4Runners for 500-800 bucks
Is there a good shop you can recommend for that swap?
how much was the 3.4 swap i just got a 95 as was looking into the 3.4 swap
I was wanting to do a 3.4 swap on my 93 T100 but couldn't find a place that would do it for less than $8000 so I just opted for a new head gasket on my 3.0 for $2500, curious how much did you end up paying for the swap on yours?
@@Freebird1765 I paid $5000. There's still a punch list of items to attend to. But I like the extra power.
Sick collection btw man.
Can you make a video about bull bars? Which one works best for 3rd gen?
I like my 1994 4runner.
3.4 swap it...
No. 4.7 from a tundra. You can get a tundra for cheaper than a 3g 4r. The 3.4 is super slow
Im 21 and i own a 02 sport edition 4runner 4x4, i like the 3rd gen, reminds me of the 2011 adventure 4runner.
That fleet 🥵😍
Is it possible to fit the 3rd gen headlights to a 2nd gen truck.3rd gen doesn't exist where I live?They also look similar
Excelente!
Hi good morning how do u feel about the second gen as an overlander?
Get a center console from a 99-02 and have some cupholders, game changer. I have a 97 limited 4x4 with locker and 300K and just toweda trailer to the desert with no issues.
There is a guy on ebay who 3d prints cupholders. I was trying to find one for a 5 speed that didn't block all the controls that the factory one does. The 3d printed one sits on the passenger side of the shifter. And he makes one specific for a 5 speed.Pretty mint.
Love my 98 sr5 5 speed.
@dand33911 those are good cupholders but I'm sure a 99-02 came with cupholders as a 5 speed also. There's a video on CZcams Timmy the Toolman Center console swap and he shows everything to swap it put, also he has just about every Mod or Maintenance procedure you can think of, very informative.
@johnaustin2276
I've watched him, and speedys garage has a lot of info on these.
The entire project seems a bit involved for a cup holder. Swapping the ebrake and rewiring stuff. I ordered one of the ebay 3d printed ones, we'll see how that goes.
Whoever at toyota thought it was a good idea to have a cupholder that completely blocks the heat/ac controls, 🤷♂️.
If I can find a parts 4runner that's a 5 speed with the center cupholders, maybe a future project.
@dand33911 true it is a bit of a process but nothing a couple hours max. I like the update because I can put my tumbler in and it's secure. No matter what as long as your enjoying your 4runner that's all that matters.
Rock solid video
Good job
I’m not sure why I was watching this other than curiosity. I have a 3rd gen. It’s been in the family since new. I do love it but I gotta say the steering box is a compelling argument for the 2nd gen. In general, when something needs to be repaired my first thought is “do I want it anyhow?” So I will gladly ditch the cruise control and the AC when they act up. I wish I could say the same for the power steering but that’s not a viable option for the 3rd gen. And what brainiac at Toyota decided against a tailgate?! With a tailgate you can actually camp and lay down in the back. Granted they weren’t thinking about a 6’5” guy like me car camping but still. Ha! Anyhow thanks for the video. This is great information.
I definitely agree on the tailgate but my old lady likes the 3rd gen hatch for groceries especially when it’s raining. I like the little more room and more reliable engine in the 3rd gens as well.
Would you go back with OEM ball joints or another brand/design? Thanks! 97 4Runner owner here.
Oem is best option 👍
1984 4runner with Texas plates vintage .
Can you please make a video how your differential lock works on your 4RUNNER?
I have 1999 4RUNNER and I don’t know if don’t work my differential lock works on my 4RUNNER or maybe is not working
I did one with my Tacoma that is the same procedure. Some times they are sticky if not used that often. Must be in 4low to engage unless it’s been modded (grey wire)
Will the 3rd gen fender flares fit on the 2nd Gen? I have a 94 SR5 and I'd rather not pay $475 for Bushwhacker Fender Flares.
Doubt it
All the third gen were made in Japan, dependent on date either of two of the Japanese plants. I've had the 3.4 V6 petrol, bullet proof engine but the 1KZ four pot 3 litre diesel is my choice and if you get the intercooled 1KZ-TE version you gets 15 more horses and 60nm more torques and they punch pretty well and sip fuel. Bottom ball joint one to keep an eye on, I had one let go and whole wheel and hub flew off and I ended up in someone's front yard and absolutely f$cked their geraniums
Luckily I stayed on the road when I lost my spindle from not paying attention to my ball joints. I wish I could get my hands on a hilux or surf but when they do come up for sale (rarely) they usually want a fortune for them.
@@subtegral there’s good intell here: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_4Runner
@@subtegral no problem thanks anyway.
1kzte is by no mean economical engine. Do not confuse it with TdI from vw. It is not even close to VW MPG numbers. On average it gets 15l per 100km town and 11l per 100km on highway. Same MPG as 4 or 6 cyl petrol engines. Maybe will consume a bot less offroad, since pentrol has to work harder offroad.
@@Aldan001 tell me about it. 600 KM on a 65L tank on a long road trip. 350 km around town. They’re a heavy car.
I had the first and the 2nd gen 4runners, the 1st gen having the SAS and 22re with the 5 speed, the 1995 4runner had the 3.0 v6 and installed air lockers, 4:88's and 33's. I still drive the 1985 4runner, it sits on 35's with 5:29 gearing.
Heck yeah. I bet the 529s are sweet. I Have 488s and 35s on my 3rz Tacoma wouldn’t mind going lower but seems to do pretty good so will probably leave them alone
What gen would you recommend for an overland/ long distance traveler?
A 2nd gen with a 3.4 or 3rz swapped into it would be best of both worlds. But a 3rd gen has a little more room and with a set of 5100 bilstiens up front and 265 75 16 or 265 70 17 tires it should get you to some pretty awesome spots. Plus the 3rd gens can be found with the factory e locker
Can you swap the rack on the 3rd gen for the 2nd gens box? Will it bolt up?
No.
4 classic Toyotas all right there? I'm a fan.
Got a 93' with 350k, all white w/blue interior, refurb leather seats and new carpet, in even better shape....as original...so cal truck...has only seen mist from the ocean... It's understood this truck was built for purpose, oddly, people complain about only what its not . . .
I used to get almost 220 miles to a tank with my old 3.0 it gets 0 now that it's getting ready for the 3.4 to be wired up, lol. But my 3rd gen gets 170 to a tank bone stock
have exact same white 2nd gen 4runner, except it's a manual!
Me too
Never let it go! Mine had 420K before someone ran into me. I miss it to this day. I replaced it with a 1997 4Runner, the automatic transmission is terrible.
@@billchesser1475 is 97 still 2nd gen or 3rd?
@@yamatomusashi1412
The 97 is the 3rd generation.
Me too
Will the 3.4 bolt up to a 3.0 automatic transmission
Yessir
I got a 94 1kz manual
Thou shalt not covet Bob's Toyota collection.
Pretty sure all 4runners are made in Japan.
My 3rd gen was made in Japan
You called Tubbs a kitty
Only con I have about my 3.4 is that it's slow as hell
Toyota’s usually are a little underpowered. You’d have to drive an older 3 liter for a while to really appreciate the 190hp that you get from the 3.4. I remember when I got my first 2.7 3rz pickup after driving a 22re powered 1st gen 4Runner for a year or so, it felt like a rocket.
all 4runners are made in japan
All are made in Japan
I rather have a hatch over the 3.0slow, rather have rack & pinion over the 3.0 slow, & i just rather have the 3.4 over the 3.0 slow. Its more like the 3.0 blow…blow head gaskets 😅
Delete Cross over pipe or dual exhaust it with AM headers. Problems solved and more power
I take it you like toyotas..
You keep calling the 2nd Gen a 3rd Gen lol
Haha it’s tough because I’ve had more pickups than 4Runners
@@WreckingBall541 lol all good.. love your rigs! I have a 2nd Gen about to do a 3.4 swap.. super stoke!
@@MorrassZ84 thank you. The 3.4 is a tough mofo.
@@WreckingBall541 that’s what I hear!
@@MorrassZ84 just did mine(93 4runner) and I am not getting passed by school buses anymore! Lol you won't regret it. More power and better mileage is so nice.
poor deer
they are not "motors" they are "engines"
I cant stand people who call a engine a motor@@victorheath2698