It's Finally Hitting Home...I Have a 2nd Gen 4Runner...The Unloved Gen.

[russman]

Now I am checking the social media scene for the "cool" factor of owning a 2nd Gen 4Runner...there is none...like zero.

So pretty much, the 2nd Gen 4runners are the TITS! :girl: The only thing really holding them back is the reputation of the 3VZ-E. Well, that is pretty easily figured out with a 3.4 conversion! I will argue that the 2nd gen can actually be a better platform to build off than the 3rd gens because of its slightly smaller, more compact architecture and overall lighter mass. It also has a better breakover angle than the 3rd gens, and as somebody else mentioned on here, the Hilux Surf trucks are legendary across the rest of the world. I've seen them in crazy places all over Europe! In terms of its comparison to the 1st gens... Well, you can't argue that the earlier trucks are incredible and extremely bad ass, but they're also colder to sleep in, louder on the road, and overall a less refined driving experience. I find that the 2nd gen is that "perfect" combination of old school Toyota experience and core offroad capabilities, but also a super fun and playful overall driving experience on road as well.

Here are some pictures of my "un-steezy", "not that badass" black 2nd gen 4Runner that does 0-60mph in less than 6 seconds, thanks to its JDM imported 3.4 5VZ-FE, TRD Supercharger and URD 7th injector. This truck also has a custom gear-driven transfer case from a 1986 pickup with twin sticks, A340f automatic transmission from a 2002 (3rd gen) 4Runner, Budbuilt skids, ARB air lockers + ARB high capacity compressor, custom exhaust, and many more mods in the works. I can thank the guys at TorFab in Everett Wa. for finally helping me get all the details figured out. Those guys are amazing.











Have I mentioned that this truck is fast as HELL?! :bolt:

And holy crap... its crazy capable offroad! Lockers are amazing...

My point with this post is that I see a lot of bashing on the 2nd gens primarily because of the 3.0, but its my belief that on a fundamental level these trucks are an incredible platform. Even to build a sweet 3rd gen, while its true that the 3.4 is way better, its not that hard to throw one in a 2nd gen. Also, in terms of offroad features, all you really have to start with is an E-locker (maybe) and the variable locking transfer case (maybe). So again, any of the 4Runner gens can be bad ass. And as I already mentioned, the 2nd gen has slightly better architecture for offroad performance than the 3rd gens, stronger stock steering, and in my opinion, carries a far more rugged look, to name a few.

Anyway, happy 4Runnering everybody!! :guitar3::guitar3::guitar3:

 

[Jixxer6]

I'm a fan.





https://youtu.be/WY4d1xlZt7M

Any build thread on this thing?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ajordan1975]

Any build thread on this thing?


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no not really. bits and pieces here and there. I don't think of taking pics when wrenching and i'm to lazy to write stories about the process. that being said it's a pretty common build. SAS, dual stock cases, leaf sprung all corners. bud built skid, hydo assist, 4xinnovations cage, spool rear, detriot front. OG longfields, 6 shooter knuckles (soon to be for sale), etc, etc, etc.... :fro:

 

[hmartin99]

Hey I loved my '92 back when it ran! Never saw it having issues. Of course ever since my uncle abandoned it, it has problems aplenty. Still though, gorgeous rig decent performance. Can't wait to get it fixed.

 

[santanvalleydirt]

Trying to love mine, but the damn thing keeps breaking down on me every time I start to feel a little better about it. :cry2:

 

[Ay Ay Ron]

Vman, those pics are gorgeous :thumb3:

Also don't worry about the 2nd gen being a bastard. As long as you have fun with it who cares

 

[willyt4r]

91 going strong

I drive my 91 up to Mammoth and Big Bear during ski season. I do have to shift into third to get up the steep parts but it has never let me stranded. 16 Mpg up the climb 21 mpg going down.:hail::hail:

 

[Dropzone]

i paid $400 for mine and towed it home

front tire locked up on my neice after her husband hosed a brake job


i think i am into it for about $1400-1500 so far (including getting junk for the SAS)
it is a pig up hill with the auto but i drive it more than my dodge truck.:target:

 

[92blue3.slow]

Love both of my 2ND Gens
The white one is 2WD auto 4.88 locker king shocks long travel
Other 4X4 5spd 3.0 both kick but on the trail.!!!

Are these front bumpers on both your 2nd gens from Rock Defense on LRORs site? I'm looking for a front bumper and have been highly considering the hoop-less option. I've been trying to find pics of it from different angles, I think these sold me!

 

[Sean K.]

I have a Gen 3....bought it new and while the 3.4L engine is the best part....from the factory it sat 2.4" lower than the 2nd Gen.

IMO, the 2nd Gen is the best looking one of the bunch. LOVE that body style. Frame is much stronger/better suited to a SAC than the 3rd Gen...and, you had the option of a gear driven tcase.

I'd love to swap a 3.4L into a 2nd Gen....but I'm putting dual ultimate Marlins in the 3rd Gen now with Tundra/Fj80 axles and 37s....so I doubt that'll ever happen.

 

[2ndGenFlip]

Are these front bumpers on both your 2nd gens from Rock Defense on LRORs site? I'm looking for a front bumper and have been highly considering the hoop-less option. I've been trying to find pics of it from different angles, I think these sold me!

Its the trail gear bumper got it at a local shop Yotamasters almost 2 years ago i love it its strong good fitment looks good.i can post more pics if u like let me know

 

[HanginInUtah]

Its the trail gear bumper got it at a local shop Yotamasters almost 2 years ago i love it its strong good fitment looks good.i can post more pics if u like let me know

I've had my eye on those Trail Gear bumpers for a while. I think the biggest issue with loving a 2nd Gen is that the after market doesn't. TG bumpers are readily available in multiple places.

 

[92blue3.slow]

Its the trail gear bumper got it at a local shop Yotamasters almost 2 years ago i love it its strong good fitment looks good.i can post more pics if u like let me know

Yeah man, if you have some other pics I'd love to see them. Previous owner tweaked the front bumper, making it nearly impossible for me to get the grille off to swap a burned out low beam. So this is high on my order of mods to do. Also need to swap out the headlight housings, adjusters don't work anymore, driver side spring tab is missing, meaning it's aimed just above the bumper. Ugh haha :thumb3:

Are there mounting holes for lights? I saw weld on tabs for mounting lights, but couldn't find info if there are holes already drilled..?

 

[2ndGenFlip]

Yeah man, if you have some other pics I'd love to see them. Previous owner tweaked the front bumper, making it nearly impossible for me to get the grille off to swap a burned out low beam. So this is high on my order of mods to do. Also need to swap out the headlight housings, adjusters don't work anymore, driver side spring tab is missing, meaning it's aimed just above the bumper. Ugh haha :thumb3:

Are there mounting holes for lights? I saw weld on tabs for mounting lights, but couldn't find info if there are holes already drilled..?

Heres some pics from when i had it sprayed u need to weld tabs for lights also i welded other tabs to run LED turn signals

 

[bullydub]

That 4runner is awesome! I hope to get my 2nd gen there someday.

 

[GotAnyAcid?]

I could afford a nice 5th gen, but I legitimately like my 94 better for a number of reasons. First and foremost is they don't make sticks anymore...deal breaker. Second is I get to rally in the woods without wondering if I'm going to cause thousands in body damage, and if I do cause any, who gives a shit? There are features on the 2nd gen that they just don't make anymore, like that tailgate for instance, but styling as well. Parts are cheap and readily available at most junk yards.

I think it's cool and that's all that matters. They are getting more rare every year, especially 2nd gens in good shape like mine, most look like they should have been scrapped years ago. They will be cool again, when they are hard to find in 10 years.

 

[Heavy_GD]

Digging up the old threads.... I love my 92P/U.

There are tons of custom shops that would build a killer rig.

 

[Bumbo]

This thread makes me want one.

 

[Endlessblockades]

I think 2nd Gens gave the best body shape/style and they are relatively compact which can be both good and bad.

I took the advice here and got the rear back to stock height with some Moog springs and a couple of cheap KYB monomax for under $100 in parts for all. What is a good place to start to tighten up the stock front 'suspension'? A couple of gas shocks?

I'm gonna get a set of 31x10.5s and call it a day for now - but we've already been of some nice camping on MTB trips together. Too bad my wife has a fondness for something called "airbags" and doesn't really like to travel in it....

 

[Beau.95.4rnr]

Love both of my 2ND Gens
The white one is 2WD auto 4.88 locker king shocks long travel
Other 4X4 5spd 3.0 both kick but on the trail.!!!

What front bumper is that on the white one In the first pic? Thing is super cool looking