Let me introduce you to my new runner. She's a '97 made for the central american market. I guess very few of these were produced and it has the 3.0L Turbo Diesel but unlike the Surfs it has a mechanical ignition. Basically livin' the dream with this one. Currently on the road up from Costa Rica to California to do a complete suspension and undercarriage overhaul. Just completed the engine work here in Costa, I figured that work was better done down here. But as far as the suspension and undercarriage protection I'm looking for suggestions....From what I read maybe a 1" body lift and the 3" toyotech ultimate lift will let me tuck 33"s under there. I'm also thinking new tranny its a R150F maybe from Marlin Crawler. Pretty sure my front differential shot and my steering is shot or at least will be by the time I make it up there. And by the end of it the big bumpers, winch, roof rack, rock gaurds etc etc...looking for ideas, links, advice and maybe people to see in the western united states. It'll be a couple months before I start the work and I will be sure to start a thread in the 3rd gen. section from start to finish. She will become THE ULTIMATE 4RUNNER. Thanks for help/advice/bumps you can send my way. Cheers...

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Welcome to the forum!

You must have found a really rare one...I have never heard of a 4Runner coming from the factory with a diesel engine...thought diesels only came with the Surfs. Well anyway nice find!

Thanks...Don't know too much about it but definitely factory. Can't get a good pic of the builder's plate but if anyone has the resources.
model: KZN185L-CKMSX
vin: KZN185L-0024808
engine: 1KZ-T (not TE) 2982cc
tranny is R150F
and then i don't know paint code axles or what in #s
926 YD16
A03A
A51

anyone?

and the speedo/odo is in KM.

wow wow wow nice find. Congratulations on your new ride. Where did you buy it from? If you bought it from a dealer then can you please give me their phone number or website address? I am really looking into buying a diesel 4Runner..dont want a Surf though coz they are all RHD.
No doubt extremely extremely rare find.


Please post more pics inside and outside. Thanks.

Wow a lefty TD 5 Speed, BTW we are trading once you hit cali .

Nice find man.

Welcome aboard!

Diesels weren't uncommon outside the US but can't get them here or have them imported due to US emissions restrictions which keeps you from legally titling it but if you're sneaky................