2nd gen to 3rd gen

[oldskminitrk]

I came across a steal of a deal 1990 4 runner 4x4....
So my question is can I get the drive train from under the 1990 4runner and will it fit up under my 1997 4runner....which is a 2wd.
When I mean fit under....I mean basically bolt all up under it or should I wait till I come across a 3rd gen 4runner or 1st gen taco 4x4?
I don't wanna do a SAS cause I don't wanna get into anything major...I have enough projects like that...

 

[SenditTr4]

Ive got a 2nd gen and the SAS swap has been daunting me also.... I already have a 3.4 on hold and i figure might as well leave ot out of commission for a summer and get to the grindstone. Sorry i didnt answer anything but felt conpelled to say im almost in the same boat lol

 

[4Reak Show]

Unlikely. Front 2nd gen diff has driveshaft on passenger side, 3rd gen is supposed to be on driver side. The 3rds are wider as well, and frames and suspension are totally different: 2nd gen uses torsion bars, rotors with integral bearings and the list goes on.

I've done the 3.4 swap, and I only suggest that if you LOVE the 2nd gen. It's a fair amount of work, and bugs to work out when 3rd gens are getting cheaper, albeit rarer, everyday. 3.4 is a solid motor and finding a 3rd 4x4 with that from factory would be the best option in my opinion, unless you have time, money and skills to burn.

 

[oldskminitrk]

That answers my question perfect.....I didn't know they had all those differences