2nd Gen Problem Areas?

[MunkeyTX]

Howdy guys, great site you've got here!

I literally just sold my 2002 F-250 V-10 4x4, and I want a 4Runner!

The F-250 was my 'dream' truck...well the dream changed and I want something cheaper and more economical.

I've read a lot, and from what I gather, the main problem areas for 4x4 2nd Gens are the timing belt, and the rear axle seals. Is there anything else I should add to this list?

I'm very mechanically inclined, and my brother-in-law works at a local Toy dealership as the parts manager, so it's a no brainer that I slide into a 4Runner.

I'm hoping to squeak out someone with a 2nd Gen for no more than $5000, or maybe even bump up to a 3rd Gen (posted same Q in 3rd Gen section too..)

Is there anything that would sway your decision between the 2nd or 3rd Gens?

I'll mainly be using the truck as a daily driver, with some mild to moderate 4x4 use (beach, hunting, camping in BFE.)

Any suggestions or tips on what I should be looking out for when I search for my new T4R?

Thanks!

 

[gizmopt2002]

Awesome!

Well I have a 2nd gen 4Runner and, depending on which engine you chose (22RE or 3VZE), youl be very happy.

If you chose the 3VZE beware of the HG, take the VIN to a dealer to get it checked to see when it was done.

Other problem areas? Pretty much none. Just standard wear and tear items to look for when you choose.

Also make sure to check EVERYTHING (or if you're not the mechanically inclined take it to a mechanic) out, and maintenance records are a big plus.

As for the max of 5k? If you were to go 2nd gen you could find one in pristine condition, and for the 3rd gen find one moderately used in the early years.

Problem areas for the 3rd gen would possibly be the rear axle seals.

2nd vs. 3rd?

Personally they both have their pros and cons.

the 3rd gen is more powerful (with the 5VZE) and get better gas mileage, plus if you want more power (for more money of course) you could supercharge it.

In capability, I personally fell they will both go the same places (maybe the 3rd gen more so if you get a TRD locker )

Either way you'll be happy.

 

[hickory]

2nd or 3rd

Go withn the 3rd. The rear tailgate and window in the 2nd is a rusting out money pit. Used tailgates in Canada are $1000 without the guts. The 2nd are getting pretty worn out now and don't try getting anywhere fast. My 2nd stock is very capable off road and cheap on gas with 22re. The front seat is difficult to get in if your over 200 lbs.

 

[Red]

Re: 2nd or 3rd

Go withn the 3rd. The rear tailgate and window in the 2nd is a rusting out money pit. Used tailgates in Canada are $1000 without the guts. The 2nd are getting pretty worn out now and don't try getting anywhere fast. My 2nd stock is very capable off road and cheap on gas with 22re. The front seat is difficult to get in if your over 200 lbs.

X2

If you can, get the 3rd gen. I have a 2nd gen and so far it has been a good truck but im contantly worried about the head gasket and it has a serious lack of power, the 3VZE is a terribly designed engine and has very limited performance AND performance upgrades but the 3.4L in the 3rd gens is a much better motor.

 

[Camokid84]

Head Gaskets

X2

If you can, get the 3rd gen. I have a 2nd gen and so far it has been a good truck but im contantly worried about the head gasket and it has a serious lack of power, the 3VZE is a terribly designed engine and has very limited performance AND performance upgrades but the 3.4L in the 3rd gens is a much better motor.

I work at a Toyota dealership, and I was asking the other techs about a 1994 4runner I was looking at getting (and still looking at getting.) I was able to found out that yes the 2nd get 4 runners did have a big problem with head gaskets, but I believe that in 1992 or 1993 Toyota had a giant recall on current models and fixed the problem for the following years. So basically, any 4runner with the 3.0 after 1993 did not have the same head gasket problem as earlier years. I got this information from someone who worked at the same dealership for 25 years. So that might help ease your concern with your 4runner.

 

[TwinsTim]

I work at a Toyota dealership, and I was asking the other techs about a 1994 4runner I was looking at getting (and still looking at getting.) I was able to found out that yes the 2nd get 4 runners did have a big problem with head gaskets, but I believe that in 1992 or 1993 Toyota had a giant recall on current models and fixed the problem for the following years. So basically, any 4runner with the 3.0 after 1993 did not have the same head gasket problem as earlier years. I got this information from someone who worked at the same dealership for 25 years. So that might help ease your concern with your 4runner.

I know that just eased my concerns. Thanks. :thanks:

 

[Camokid84]

And I also found out that you can go to any Toyota dealership and they can look up your vin number, and they can see if you vehicle falls under that recall and if it was completed or not. If it hasnt been completled by Toyota or any other shop, it still falls under warrenty. And its possible that they can do it for free. Its something you can look into.

 

[Du6]

I work at a Toyota dealership, and I was asking the other techs about a 1994 4runner I was looking at getting (and still looking at getting.) I was able to found out that yes the 2nd get 4 runners did have a big problem with head gaskets, but I believe that in 1992 or 1993 Toyota had a giant recall on current models and fixed the problem for the following years. So basically, any 4runner with the 3.0 after 1993 did not have the same head gasket problem as earlier years. I got this information from someone who worked at the same dealership for 25 years. So that might help ease your concern with your 4runner.

I have a 1990 3VZE 4Runner and the dealer told me that my vehicle was not part of that recall. I guess some of them didn't have that issue. On the other hand, the guy I bought it from said he had 1994 heads installed and they're supposed to be way better heads.

 

[Wildcat]

I have a 95 3.0. Wish i had got a 97-99 now. Aftermarket support for 1, 3, 4, 5th gen is great. 2nd gen is the forgotten child. Little support for the 3.0. Not to mention the 3.4, e locker and no tailgate. The 2nd gen is not economical by any means. My 3.0 gets 14mpg mixed driving. Some get up to 17 or so. The 4banger might get a bit more.

That being said, i love my 95 and have no plans to get rid of it anytime soon....unless a 99 shows up for a good price

 

[nobb]

I went from a 2nd gen 1995 to 3rd gen 1998. What a HUGE difference. The vehicles might look the same and have similar proportions, but the power, road noise, and ride quality are significantly improved in the 3rd gen.

That being said, the 2nd gen is still a terrific truck. IMO, the head gasket issues of the V6 3VZFE are a bit overhyped sometimes. What I do miss about the 2nd gen is the rugged gear box steering system, vs the more fragile rack and pinion steering on the 3rd gen. Not to mention Im always worried about ball joint failures on my 3rd gen!

 

[92-SR5]

I have a 2nd gen with a 22re in it. I love it. The 3.0 3vze isn't worth the hassle to me. I get 17-18 around the city and 20-21 on the highway.

 

[BucknutBob]

Other than the well-published head gasket issue (not sure about that being fixed in later years, as my '95 with just over 100K actual miles blew its gasket), the 3.0 is NOT a poorly built engine--it simply was installed in a truck that was FAR too heavy for it. Approx. 125 ft-lbs of torque for pushing nearly 4000 lbs is absurd--that engine is designed for a sedan of about half the weight. As for the fuel mileage, any engine that must struggle will return poor economy--that's why moving up to a bigger engine with more power actually benefits economy (more power, less strain, better mileage...to a point, of course--adding too much power will cause a decline in mileage). While I prefer the 2nd Gen body style, the 3rd Gen offers a stronger engine, and the possibility of a factory locking diff and supercharger, depending on what package you find. There is very little aftermarket support for the 2nd Gen.