Hello!
I'm about to buy a '90-95 4Runner and wanted to get some insights and glean some knowledge from current and/or past owners. As it stands now, I want to buy a '93-95, definitely must be 4wd, and it HAS to be a manual with a tow package or tow hitch. Everything else is not really an issue. My questions are pretty much in the realm of reliability and maintenance. Should I jump on a '92 with low miles or go for a '95 with higher miles? Are there any mechanical devices I really need to check out specifically (steering pump?)? Above all, I need my 4Runner to be reliable, should I hold out and save up more for a gen 3? I can do most any mechanical procedures, I've kept my 1973 Porsche 914 going this long (ergo my user name), should I got with a '92-95, what might some prudent maintenance procedures be?
Thank you in advance!

I loved my 94, then my 95, and will love my 93 once I get done with my engine swap. I would tell you though that the 2nd gens are under powered and occassionally I have had a problem pop up with them that shouldn't have happened (3rd member grinding, Tansmission overheating, rust). Honestly, the only reason I stuck with 2nd gen for so long was because of the body style (I like it more than the 3rd gen) and the rear tailgate. For you though, I would go with a 3rd gen mainly because of the power difference in the two trucks.

I would start by draining and replacing every fluid in the engine, trans, t-case, diffs, cooling, and brake systems.

Take it from another guy that also owns a '92 4runner your looking at.

I absolutely LOVE this thing. I myself have a '92 runner w/ currently 286.5k miles on it w/ manual 5spd 4WD. It runs like its on pavement when in 4WD going 40-50 mph offroad.

I do agree, the engine IS underpowered as far as being able to tow goes. But, that isn't a problem. I can easily get that fixed w/ some power adjustments through a few mods which I will do.

The only major maint you have to do which is only every 70k miles on it is change your timing belt, pump, etc. Other than that, your basic oil changes and just clean your engine once in awhile.

Gas is about a 18-19.5 gal tank, w/ roughly 20-24mpg.

I'd go with the 2nd gen, as you can easily fix the engine to get more power.

And looks good w/ mods.

1st and 2nd gen use the same two engines, the 22RE and the 3.slo.
So whatever you can do to a 2nd gen you can do to a 1st gen.

And there's not much you can do to improve the 3.0.

What are you planning to tow? My '95 is okayish towing a small aluminum bass boat but I think it'd have issues with anything heavier. Out of all the 4x4s I've owned over the years my 4Runner is by far the slowest. Granted mine isn't running as well as it should. I'm considering replacing the 3.slow with something beefier.

Apart from the performance issue I love the truck. She looks great, has gobs of offroad ability and as with most Toyota's, should be pretty reliable.

Thank you all so much for your input, I'm definitely feeling a lot better about getting one now!

Eventually, I will be towing my '73 porsche 914 with me when I move. Currently, it's just a bit over 2000 lbs. My room mate had a '97 tacoma with the 2.7L and that towed my car just fine.

I believe the 2.7L 4cyl has the same power as the 3.0 v6 in the second gen which is 150hp...not sure about torque but you can google the specs if you're interested.

torque is almost the same aswell 177 lb/ft in the 2.7L vs 180lb/ft in the 3VZE

Thank you all for your help, I have here my new 1991 SR5 4Runner! 195K miles and mechanically everything is working great, picked it up for $2300.

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Looks like a sweet ride. Love the color. Good luck with her.

congrats, thats a lot of vehicle for the money !!!

duuude, nice buy

Man, that thing looks mint. Hopefully the 3.0 will treat you right.