3rd gen 4Runner versus Surf - Differences

[Carnutbmw]

On an Australian forum I found an old thread in which a bloke had posted that the 4Runner has “thicker axles” than the Hilux Surf. Although his post seems to refer to 2nd gen 4Runners/Surfs, it gave me food for thought.

In this forum I did find some information on differences between 4R’s and Surfs, mainly regarding:

- interior options, spoilers, etc.;
- the lack of the diesel engine option for vehicles sold in USA/Canada;
- the fact that the fulltime time 4WD transfer case was offered on the 4R quite late in its life cycle, whereas it is fairly common on 3rd gen Surfs of any age.

Although I don’t know much about Japan, I imagine that off roading/overlanding is not so much part of the culture. Less so than in North America or Australia, surely. For that reason it wouldn’t be entirely unlogical if Toyota had been cutting costs on components like axles.

Are there any Surf owners around who have information on this, or any other technical differences?

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[SLEEPR]

I've got a 99 Surf. All my technical docs are at work, can post some of that next week. It's a 3.4 vzn. Chose that over diesel cause parts are easier to get.

It's got a rear spoiler, power folding mirrors, center diff, power rear mirror, updated HVAC controls. It had suspension control, but I had to replace with bilsteins.

Biggest problem I've had so far is the remote fob. I've only got one and it doesn't have the FCC id on the board. So I don't know if a NA fob will program to work. Terrified to lose my fob lol

 

[Carnutbmw]

I've got a 99 Surf. All my technical docs are at work, can post some of that next week. It's a 3.4 vzn. Chose that over diesel cause parts are easier to get.

I would really appreciate that. I’m after a 3.4 myself, so I’m very interested!

It's got a rear spoiler, power folding mirrors, center diff, power rear mirror, updated HVAC controls. It had suspension control, but I had to replace with bilsteins.

Do you have the rear spoiler which moves downwards, and can be used as a parking aid? If so, is it any use?

Biggest problem I've had so far is the remote fob. I've only got one and it doesn't have the FCC id on the board. So I don't know if a NA fob will program to work. Terrified to lose my fob lol

One would think the dealer can supply a new fob using the VIN.

 

[HiluxSurf SSR-G]

The Hilux Surf is the JDM equivalent of the 4Runner. Being a JDM unit, it is RHD and it has goodies that are only available in Japan.


To name a few of these goodies/options:

1. Wind Deflector with Power Rear Under Mirror - available as standard on the SSR-G and as an option on the SSR-X Limited. It is helpful as long as you do not have the rear spare tire carrier (see below). If you have the rear tire carrier and especially if you have 285 or wider tires, then the view gets blocked by the spare tire.
2. Swing-out Rear Spare Tire Carrier - This is common to all model grades although units with spare tire located underneath the body is also available.
3. Climate Control AC - available in the 1996 MY and up, although the digital model was introduced in the second half of 1998
4. TEMS (Toyota Electronically Modulated Suspension) - you can choose between hard or soft settings of the shock absorbers. In the 1999MY, REAS was introduced.
5. Recaro Seats - Available as an option with matching interior door trim and rear seats
6. Momo Steering wheel - 3-spoke wood-grain steering wheel made by Momo Italy. Available as an option
7. Power Folding Side Mirrors
8. TRD Suspension - Available as an option for the shock absorbers, coil springs, stabilizer bars, alloy wheels, and a few other items.
9. Adjustable Rear Seat back rest position
10. Field Monitor - this is available as either GPS or non-GPS version
11. Triple-DIN Center Panel - it will allow a 2-DIN head unit plus a 1-DIN cabinet with door




The fob, if lost, will have to be requested from Toyota Japan

 

[JohnMc]

I have a slight desire to get an 'offset' Hilux Surf rear hatch - to go with my rear mounted spare bumper:

But that slight desire vs. the cost of buying/shipping/repainting a hatch? Lol, it will absolutely never happen.

 

[Carnutbmw]

The Hilux Surf is the JDM equivalent of the 4Runner. Being a JDM unit, it is RHD and it has goodies that are only available in Japan.


To name a few of these goodies/options:

1. Wind Deflector with Power Rear Under Mirror - available as standard on the SSR-G and as an option on the SSR-X Limited. It is helpful as long as you do not have the rear spare tire carrier (see below). If you have the rear tire carrier and especially if you have 285 or wider tires, then the view gets blocked by the spare tire.
2. Swing-out Rear Spare Tire Carrier - This is common to all model grades although units with spare tire located underneath the body is also available.
3. Climate Control AC - available in the 1996 MY and up, although the digital model was introduced in the second half of 1998
4. TEMS (Toyota Electronically Modulated Suspension) - you can choose between hard or soft settings of the shock absorbers. In the 1999MY, REAS was introduced.
5. Recaro Seats - Available as an option with matching interior door trim and rear seats
6. Momo Steering wheel - 3-spoke wood-grain steering wheel made by Momo Italy. Available as an option
7. Power Folding Side Mirrors
8. TRD Suspension - Available as an option for the shock absorbers, coil springs, stabilizer bars, alloy wheels, and a few other items.
9. Adjustable Rear Seat back rest position
10. Field Monitor - this is available as either GPS or non-GPS version
11. Triple-DIN Center Panel - it will allow a 2-DIN head unit plus a 1-DIN cabinet with door

The fob, if lost, will have to be requested from Toyota Japan

Thanks!

Do you know of any differences between the 3rd gen Surf and 4Runner regarding suspension parts, such as the "thicker axles" the Australian guy was writing about? Just trying to find out whether the 4Runner's reputation for longevity applies just as much to the Hilux Surf.

 

[HiluxSurf SSR-G]

except for the LSD rear diffs, the axle and housing part numbers are the same as those of the USDM 4Runners with ABS.


the aussie guy was probably just bragging about the 2nd gen 4Runner being locally available there and designed for local conditions. in reality, those with JDM 2nd gens replace the worn out parts with parts (either genuine Toyota or aftermarket replacement) meant for the 2nd gen 4Runner.