new to 3rd gen

[oneal48]

So due to growing kids I had to get rid of my 93 pickup with a 5 inch lift and a locking rear diff. Sad day. It was a 3vze with a 5 speed. Now I have a 95 3.0 with power everything. It is rhino lined. The guy gave me a bj lift with rear springs for it. I have had it about 3 weeks. It has some blow by and I was planning on a rebuild after winter. Yesterday I came into a 2001 that needs a transmission. So now I'm torn as to which one to fix up. I would love opinions.I know a lot about the second gen but not so much about the third. At this point I have $500 into the third gen.

 

[JayRolla]

So due to growing kids I had to get rid of my 93 pickup with a 5 inch lift and a locking rear diff. Sad day. It was a 3vze with a 5 speed. Now I have a 95 3.0 with power everything. It is rhino lined. The guy gave me a bj lift with rear springs for it. I have had it about 3 weeks. It has some blow by and I was planning on a rebuild after winter. Yesterday I came into a 2001 that needs a transmission. So now I'm torn as to which one to fix up. I would love opinions.I know a lot about the second gen but not so much about the third. At this point I have $500 into the third gen.

3rd gen motor makes more power, 100 times more reliable and the trans are a lot better than the autos in the 2nd gens. You can get an OEM reman for around $1500 and it would last forever. 240k miles and still kickin strong.

 

[ARC]

Unless you are looking to SAS I can't think of a single advantage the 2nd gen would have over the 3rd gen.

 

[my92t4r]

Unless you are looking to SAS I can't think of a single advantage the 2nd gen would have over the 3rd gen.

Factory tire swing out

 

[foskco87]

I have a 2nd gen 4runner and a 3rd gen 4runner and I can tell you the 3rd gen is generally way more user friendly and easier to work on, and really just better in every way. I love my 2nd gen, but I am blown away by my 3rd gen.

 

[JBurt]

Being the 3rd gen section I'm sure that you will get some biased suggestions. That being said I looked at a fair number of 2nd gens and 3rd gens before I bought mine and I'm very glad I got the 3rd.

Neither motor makes insane amounts of power but at least there is a supercharger for the 3.4

 

[AZ4Running]

The 5vz is a much better motor in every way. More power and tq, easier to work on, better fuel economy, coil style ignition, obd2 and bullet proof. The auto trans is much better stronger and more reliable. Many differnent tcase options on the 3rd gens plus optional factory e locker.

 

[oneal48]

I really appreciate everyone's input. I have had 3 of the 3vze pickups and 2 of the second gen 4runners. When this 3rd gen popped up for $500 I jumped on it. I drove it too it runs amazing compared to the older engine. I like the idea of obd2. It's loosing reverse. Also the TC is going out. It doesn't start moving until about 1500 rpm. No SAS here lol. My wife and I each have our primary vehicles and I'm not going to pay for insurance on 4 vehicles so I'm getting rid of one. Based on what all of you say and my first impression of it after driving it I will probably keep the newer one and sell the other to fund the project. Basically it will be a hunting and camping rig.

 

[ARC]

The legendary 5-VZE is the primary reason I own a 3rd gen.