Tips on picking the right OEM parts

[marcus clarkus]

Hey guys, I've been trying to pick out all the parts I'll need for a clutch job and I've been having some trouble figuring out which ones I need.

My first question (which I feel stupid asking, and couldn't find on google/wiki/this forum), what do these mean?
RZN180
RZN185
VZN180
VZN185

I assume RZ refers to models with the 3RZ-FE engine and VZ refers to models with the 5VZ-FE engine. What does the rest of it mean?

My second question - which one of these two parts should I buy for my 4Runner (more info in signature)? How are they different? I'm running into this issue with a lot of parts, where they seem almost identical, both fit my vehicle, and the prices are very different. Can I just pick the cheaper one? Why would they even do that?

Link

SEAT SUB-ASSY, SHIFT LEVER
Part number 3350535020
$10.59
My vehicle is listed in the "What this fits" section

SEAT SUB-ASSY, SHIFT LEVER
Part number 3350535030
$31.88
My vehicle is listed in the "What this fits" section

 

[I_bRAD]

Hey guys, I've been trying to pick out all the parts I'll need for a clutch job and I've been having some trouble figuring out which ones I need.

My first question (which I feel stupid asking, and couldn't find on google/wiki/this forum), what do these mean?
RZN180
RZN185
VZN180
VZN185

I assume RZ refers to models with the 3RZ-FE engine and VZ refers to models with the 5VZ-FE engine. What does the rest of it mean?

My second question - which one of these two parts should I buy for my 4Runner (more info in signature)? How are they different? I'm running into this issue with a lot of parts, where they seem almost identical, both fit my vehicle, and the prices are very different. Can I just pick the cheaper one? Why would they even do that?

Link

SEAT SUB-ASSY, SHIFT LEVER
Part number 3350535020
$10.59
My vehicle is listed in the "What this fits" section

SEAT SUB-ASSY, SHIFT LEVER
Part number 3350535030
$31.88
My vehicle is listed in the "What this fits" section

From my experience you are correct about the RZ/VZ thing. That said, you would go with the more expensive option (the one for the VZ)

Not sure if you're just going for a part number search, or if you're actually buying from Toyota, but if you are buying from Toyota just give them a call and put it on them to get you the right one- There is some justification in higher dealer prices for this exact reason. At least that's the way I look at it.

Incidentally, here is an aftermarket option that others recommend (haven't tried it personally but I think I will when it's time to replace mine this spring.) It also give a bit more insight as to the different options.

https://www.marlincrawler.com/transmission/shifter-parts/heavy-duty-seats

 

[TheDurk]

180 is 2wd
185 is 4wd

Don't get OEM for shift seats. Get the Marlin Crawler ones.

https://www.marlincrawler.com/transmission/shifter-parts/heavy-duty-seats

 

[phattyduck]

www.toyodiy.com is another great resource for figuring out part numbers... create an account to see diagrams, etc.

-Charlie