07-06-2016, 03:17 AM
|
#1
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Central California
Posts: 44
|
|
Member
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Central California
Posts: 44
|
It's Finally Hitting Home...I Have a 2nd Gen 4Runner...The Unloved Gen.
The guy at 4Wheels Parts suddenly had to take a call...his phone was not ringing. Not one specialty shop even bothered to return my call; after I tell them I want the lift kit and/or whatever on a '94 4Runner.
115K original miles, I rebuilt the front end of the engine..belts, bearings, water pump. The Toyota dealer wanted $6,700 to "fix" the 4Runner; bring it back to factory condition. Including $325 just to change the plugs and wires; I tested the Ohms on the aftermarket plug wires myself...well within tolerance.
But other than that, the Toyota analysis came back very good...score a 4Runner for me.
Now I am checking the social media scene for the "cool" factor of owning a 2nd Gen 4Runner...there is none...like zero.
There are no really great vids on YouTube...no hot chicks salivating at the chance to go off-roading in a 2nd Gen 4Runner...That's kind of a let down.
I got a Warn winch guard and 10K Model 6000 winch for $500 and am struggling to get that on. I have 3 Jerry cans, a Hi-Lift and other recovery gear. Non-recovery gear includes tie-downs for multiple coolers, a Coleman stove, an AC inverter to run a blender (you can't make a decent margarita in the desert without a blender), handheld auxiliary lights that double as flashlights and a set of Decent off road 31" tires.
I'm heading to Mono Lake Cali this Thursday; I am told there is an easy dirt road that runs to Nevada from the east side of the lake.
CentCalKid
Real name: Chris Real Age: 55
Call or text if you want to convoy up that Mono Lake road.
415-609-nine nine four four
I'd post a pic or two of me wheeling in my 2nd Gen 4Runner but I can't figure out how to do it on this website.
Last edited by CentCalKid; 07-06-2016 at 03:24 AM.
Reason: people will know I'm a loser if I don't use correct spacing in my text and if I fail to use proper grammer. How's that for a
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
07-06-2016, 01:46 PM
|
#2
|
|
Elite Member
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Utard
Posts: 12,985
Real Name: Kevin
|
|
Elite Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Utard
Posts: 12,985
Real Name: Kevin
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by CentCalKid
Now I am checking the social media scene for the "cool" factor of owning a 2nd Gen 4Runner...there is none...like zero.
There are no really great vids on YouTube...no hot chicks salivating at the chance to go off-roading in a 2nd Gen 4Runner...That's kind of a let down.
|
You do indeed have the redheaded stepchild of the 4Runner family - all the sex appeal of a 50 y/o Kardashian and the screaming horsepower of a Yugo with a chest cold. But don't let that stop ya, it's still a 4Runner (even if it is more boring than a Yanni concert). Huck the faters and go find some dirt.
__________________
.
'My needle always settles between west and southwest. The future lies that way to me, and the earth seems more unexhausted and richer on that side.' - Thoreau, sort of.
The Grey Bastard, 1985 4Runner, driveway ornament.
Utah DesertRunners T4R, for all things wheeling and 4Runner in Utah.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
07-07-2016, 02:42 AM
|
#3
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Central California
Posts: 44
|
|
Member
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Central California
Posts: 44
|
At least in the quarter mile run; I would put my money on the Yugo.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
07-07-2016, 03:15 PM
|
#4
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Redwood City CA
Posts: 231
|
|
Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Redwood City CA
Posts: 231
|
I'll give you some 2nd gen love , I have a 90'. I think the 3vze motor that came in many 2nd gens really holds them back (literally) in many people's opinion , especially since the 3vze is sandwiched in between two legendary Toyota motors , the 22re and the 5vze...
...here's some pics of that trail around Mono . It's an easy trail , a little sandy in spots , great views . I saw some wild horses out there once ...
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
07-07-2016, 10:09 PM
|
#5
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Tennessee
Age: 26
Posts: 2,852
Real Name: Charlie
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Tennessee
Age: 26
Posts: 2,852
Real Name: Charlie
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by v_man
I'll give you some 2nd gen love , I have a 90'. I think the 3vze motor that came in many 2nd gens really holds them back (literally) in many people's opinion , especially since the 3vze is sandwiched in between two legendary Toyota motors , the 22re and the 5vze...
...here's some pics of that trail around Mono . It's an easy trail , a little sandy in spots , great views . I saw some wild horses out there once ...
|
Duuuudddeeee that's gorgeous!
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by STX4Runner
90% of the build threads in the 5th Gen section consist of Fuel Wheels, Plastidip, Duratracs and window tint.
|
1998 4Runner "Diamond" - Daily Driver (rolled & rebuilt) - 3.4 5-Speed, Coastal Bumper, Manual Hubs, 255/80r17 AT3Ws (409k+ Miles)
1997 4Runner "Becky" - Camping Rig - 3.4 Auto (for now), Armored, Cable E-Locked, Coastal Bumper, Sleeper Deck, 255/80r17 AT3Ws (185k+ Miles)
1989 4Runner | Tennessee 4Runner Group
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
07-07-2016, 11:03 PM
|
#6
|
|
Elite Member
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Shangrila
Posts: 5,037
|
|
Elite Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Shangrila
Posts: 5,037
|
WTF are you talking about?
The second gen is only hated on the forums, but to the rest of the world it is the reason why the 4Runner became so popular. I doubt the name would have gotten this far if they stuck with the 2-door removable roof idea. I actually want a second gen more than a first gen.
BTW, the 22RE is a total piece of crap. Maybe the turbo version is nicer, but I hate that engine in its basic form. Hate it. Clattery, gutless, crude, noisy... all words that come to mind when I think of that engine. Not even that reliable honestly. My mechanic sees them come into the shop with head gasket issues more often than... the 3VZ! Give me a 3VZ over that miserable lump of cast iron ANY day. It still has more power than a 22RE, even if the fuel mileage is equally poor. I just can't understand the praise of it and it drives me crazy to think about it when I get behind the wheel of one. The 5VZ is far more reliable than the 22RE.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
07-08-2016, 11:37 PM
|
#7
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: TN
Posts: 65
Real Name: Dan
|
|
Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: TN
Posts: 65
Real Name: Dan
|
Uh, the 2nd gen has something many 3rd gen owners lust over: TAILGATE!
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
07-09-2016, 12:04 AM
|
#8
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Sister Bay, WI
Posts: 986
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Sister Bay, WI
Posts: 986
|
I had a 95 with the infamous 3.0, or 3.SLOW! engine.
It would barely do 55 up the passes in Colorado where I used to live, but damn that beast was fun on dirt! It would go straight up almost anything in 4LO!
And the tailgate was great! Nothing like chilling around a campfire sitting on that tailgate! I didn't even need to bring a chair!
Enjoy that thing man!!
__________________
2022 LUNAR ROCK TRAIL SPECIAL EDITION
2010 MAGNETIC GREY SR5 PREMIUM
2004 V6 WHITE 4RUNNER SPORT
1995 V6 3.0 BLACK 4RUNNER 4X4 (Retired)
4th & 5th Gen UCA Install Thread
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
07-09-2016, 12:23 AM
|
#9
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Dayton, OR
Posts: 3,042
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Dayton, OR
Posts: 3,042
|
Nothing special in factory form, but one of the best generations for building insane modified rigs out of.
__________________
'97 3RZ 5 Speed "FrankenRunner" ( Build Thread) - Dormant
The "shitmobile" 500$ 3RZ Auto 4Runner - ( Saved from the Scrapyard: Resurrecting a 500$ 3rd Gen
02 Tacoma Double Cab, mid-travel, locked, armored, supercharged and riced. (Longbed and 5 speed in the works)
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
07-09-2016, 10:59 AM
|
#10
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Westminster CO
Posts: 431
|
|
Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Westminster CO
Posts: 431
|
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
07-12-2016, 07:54 PM
|
#11
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: North Vancouver BC
Posts: 40
Real Name: Mike
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: North Vancouver BC
Posts: 40
Real Name: Mike
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by v_man
I'll give you some 2nd gen love , I have a 90'. I think the 3vze motor that came in many 2nd gens really holds them back (literally) in many people's opinion , especially since the 3vze is sandwiched in between two legendary Toyota motors , the 22re and the 5vze...
...here's some pics of that trail around Mono . It's an easy trail , a little sandy in spots , great views . I saw some wild horses out there once ...
|
WOW gorgeous, I guess I have to add this to my road trip list.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
07-12-2016, 11:02 PM
|
#12
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Tennessee
Age: 26
Posts: 2,852
Real Name: Charlie
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Tennessee
Age: 26
Posts: 2,852
Real Name: Charlie
|
I want a 2nd gen...
Hopefully, next summer, I'll get a wrecked one and build it into a trail rig
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by STX4Runner
90% of the build threads in the 5th Gen section consist of Fuel Wheels, Plastidip, Duratracs and window tint.
|
1998 4Runner "Diamond" - Daily Driver (rolled & rebuilt) - 3.4 5-Speed, Coastal Bumper, Manual Hubs, 255/80r17 AT3Ws (409k+ Miles)
1997 4Runner "Becky" - Camping Rig - 3.4 Auto (for now), Armored, Cable E-Locked, Coastal Bumper, Sleeper Deck, 255/80r17 AT3Ws (185k+ Miles)
1989 4Runner | Tennessee 4Runner Group
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
07-12-2016, 11:37 PM
|
#13
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Colorado
Posts: 250
|
|
Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Colorado
Posts: 250
|
I've had.... lmao, hopefully I don't forget any. An 84, an 87, an 88, an 89, a 95 and now a 97.
84, carb motor, LAAAAAME (sorry carb lovers but just not for me). 87, 88, 89 EFI was sweet, missed the solid axle. 95, very cool, and loved all the tailgates in the ones previous to my 97. I wasn't the hugest fan of my 3.0 but it didn't give me a problem, couldn't take the top off but 4 doors is VERY nice. My 97 has an elocker, with a small lift and 285s it will go a lot of places and the 3.4 is much nicer on the highway, plus I love my sunroof and the little bit better soundproofing. Oh and coils, so much softer than busting down a trail with slightly cranked torsion bars.
Nothing wrong with any of the 4runners if you ask me, it's all about what you want and each generation has something different to offer. As long as you like it, nobody cares!
Also, I was able to get a few ladies in my 2nd gen so just keep trying lol
__________________
97, e-locker, OME heavy/heavy springs, OME front/rear shocks, 285/75 16 BFG AT KO2, no sway bars.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
07-15-2016, 07:37 AM
|
#14
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Big Rock, Illinois
Posts: 243
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Big Rock, Illinois
Posts: 243
|
Breath taking!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
07-15-2016, 04:15 PM
|
#15
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,181
Real Name: Ron
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,181
Real Name: Ron
|
I like my '94. Beats the socks off my stock '06 for trail use. A friend with a highly modified '07 (to the tune of at least $9000 of lifts, lockers, armor, etc.) and I went to the Canyonlands Maze district this spring, which has some pretty gnarly roads. My '94 never broke a sweat keeping up with him, except on I-70 going over the passes.
And he was drooling over my tailgate:-)
__________________
2006 Sport Edition, V8, 206K miles, 2.5/1.5" OME lift, SPC adjustable UCA's, 255/75/17 BFG KO2's load range C @ 40psi. Regeared diffs to 4.30, with TrueTrac in rear.
1994 SR5, V6, 5-spd, Aussie locker front, Aisin manual hubs, Truetrac rear, 33/10.50/15 BFG KO's, stock suspension, OBA (Viair 400C), Front Range Offroad twin stick, 225K miles. Dual 2.28 transfer cases, for a 90:1 crawl ratio.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is On
|
|
|
|