New from NorCal with questions about 1st thru 3rd gen

[4RunnerCali]

Hi everyone,

I am a newbie to your forums and plan on purchasing a 1 thru 3 Gen 4Runner here pretty shortly.

I have read some problems with head gaskets in the 2nd Gens and that they are under powered. Although I really like the body style, now I understand why I can get a decent priced 2nd Gen for $2500 in decent condition.

My needs:
1) 4x4 a must
2) Tow package - perhaps for a small pop trailer
3) Sunroof
4) Prefer a 5 speed because it is cheaper to fix
5) Comfort (at least some)

I try to keep my options to color other items open as to get the best 4Runner I can. My budget is about $3500 for the vehicle itself, which limits me to higher mile 3rd gens, but opens the door on 1st and 2nd by a lot.

My question to the community here is that what would you recommend as a first time 4Runner owner to purchase? I am not building a Rock Crawler but more of a camping/road trip set up for my wife and our two dogs and some light off-roading.

I would really appreciate any and all advice from you good people. Please post links to prior questions that relate to this or give me your experiences of which way I should head.

 

[KidVermicious]

The 1st and 2nd gen trucks are nearly mechanically identical. 1st gen has the removable top, 2nd gen has a 3link rear instead of leaf suspension. The 22RE is bulletproof as long as you pay attention to the timing chain, the 3VZE is more powerful but you already know about it's gasket issues. Either engine can be found in either gen of truck. SR5 models will have better seats. Definitely go for the manual if you aren't wheeling, the auto behind either engine is a slushbox for sure. You can tow with either engine, but not very fast.

The 3rd gen has the 5VZE, which is a much more powerful motor and probably just as reliable as the 22RE, if not quite as easy to work on. Couldn't tell you more than that, I've never owned one.

 

[4RunnerCali]

Thanks for the heads up and info on the 2nd Gen. I see a few 2nd gen SR5s with 22REs and manual. Noticing that the norm is more 3vze with auto, but I see a few out there with manual too, so I am still hunting for the right 4runner. After test driving an auto + 6 cyl., I was not impressed with the auto tranny at all.

Considering a 3rd Gen too due the engine reliability but I am on a budget so I will have to see what pops up. Not in a rush but I plan on making a purchase here in the next two months.

Found this 98 but he wants to yank the wheels from the deal and won't negotiate at all.



So I'll keep looking.

The 1st and 2nd gen trucks are nearly mechanically identical. 1st gen has the removable top, 2nd gen has a 3link rear instead of leaf suspension. The 22RE is bulletproof as long as you pay attention to the timing chain, the 3VZE is more powerful but you already know about it's gasket issues. Either engine can be found in either gen of truck. SR5 models will have better seats. Definitely go for the manual if you aren't wheeling, the auto behind either engine is a slushbox for sure. You can tow with either engine, but not very fast.

The 3rd gen has the 5VZE, which is a much more powerful motor and probably just as reliable as the 22RE, if not quite as easy to work on. Couldn't tell you more than that, I've never owned one.