What are the main differences between the 2nd and 3rd Gen's?
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Martinjmpr
New member
Although they look similar they are completely different. 2nd gen had the 22re 4 cyl (2.4l I believe) or the 3.0l V-6 whereas the 3rd gen has the 3fe (I think?) 2.7l 4 or the 5VZ 3.4 V6.
Suspension: 2nd gen had torsion bar, 3rd gen had coil springs up front. I think the 2nd gens were a 2-link rear suspension (i.e. trailing arms with coil springs) while 3rds are a 4 link (or 5 link if you count the panhard bar as a link.)
2nd gens were based on the Hilux truck, I think the 3rd gens are based on the Tacoma (although the Tacoma is not made in Japan, so I'm not sure about that.)
Visually the quickest way to tell a 2nd gen from a 3rd gen is to look at the rear side windows. If they "wrap around" the top of the vehicle it is a 2nd gen, if they don't, it's a 3rd gen. The front end of the 2nd gen is also slightly shorter than the 3rd gen, which has a fuller, more rounded look. From the rear it's easy to tell because the 3rd gen has a liftgate and the 2nd gen has a drop gate.
RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
Here's a year by year breakdown and the 3rd gens IMO were an improvement in nearly every way especially in power and comfort.
http://www.top4runners.com/runhist/index.html
http://www.top4runners.com/runhist/index.html
Martinjmpr
New member
I could see going with a 2nd gen if you can find one cheap that is in good running condition. Other than price, I can't think of one thing that would make a 2nd gen superior except possibly the fact that it has a real tailgate and IMO that's a minor concern.
Rock Slide
Senior Member
Having owned a '95 2nd gen and three 3rd gens since, I'll never own another 2nd gen. Had a 2nd gen back in college and I'll admit, they look great inside and out, but wow are they under powered. The 3.0L is often referred to as the 3.SLOW, b/c it is just that.
Plus, 2nd gens have less leg room in the back seat than 3rd gens. (Looks like the leg room in the backseats of a 2nd gen were designed for horse jockeys only to ride in...) That's not a big deal for most, but I'm always haulin' ppl around in my 4Runner. I feel much safer when I'm driving, so if I have a choice to ride or drive, I'll drive. I got tired of driving cramped, so the 2nd gen had to go. With the 3rd gen, I can haul ppl around and not even have to slide my seat up. Love it.
The extra 2" or so of rear passenger leg room and addt'l power of the 3rd gen was all the motivation I needed to step up to one. Have not looked back since.
More info on their differences. Just click on a year in both links to learn more about each one:
90-95 2nd gen: http://www.top4runners.com/runhist/runhist21990.html
96-02 3rd gen: http://www.top4runners.com/runhist/runhist31996.html
Edit: Ron, you beat me to it.
Plus, 2nd gens have less leg room in the back seat than 3rd gens. (Looks like the leg room in the backseats of a 2nd gen were designed for horse jockeys only to ride in...) That's not a big deal for most, but I'm always haulin' ppl around in my 4Runner. I feel much safer when I'm driving, so if I have a choice to ride or drive, I'll drive. I got tired of driving cramped, so the 2nd gen had to go. With the 3rd gen, I can haul ppl around and not even have to slide my seat up. Love it.
The extra 2" or so of rear passenger leg room and addt'l power of the 3rd gen was all the motivation I needed to step up to one. Have not looked back since.
More info on their differences. Just click on a year in both links to learn more about each one:
90-95 2nd gen: http://www.top4runners.com/runhist/runhist21990.html
96-02 3rd gen: http://www.top4runners.com/runhist/runhist31996.html
Edit: Ron, you beat me to it.
peter78
Super Moderator
Yes, the engines are a big difference. The 2nd gen also has head gasket concerns and the gas mileage is usually worse than the third gen.
To me the biggest differnce is safety. Air bags and 4 wheels anti-lock brakes. The 2nd gen. has 2 wheel anti-lock brakes and NO air bags.
ChildrenOfBodom
Moderator
Just to throw it in there, the 2.7 is the 3RZ.
armybass
New member
Wow, those are some pretty big differences. I am glad I asked. there is a really nice 2nd Gen for sale but given all of the things you all are saying, it is way overpriced. I will certainly reconsider my idea of getting a 2nd for my son. I have seen really good deals on 3rd Gens too.
Pikeman
New member
Another difference is the 2nd gen is right hand chain drive transfer case like the first gen and the early pick-ups. If this will be for a really tough rock crawler build then 2nd Gen since a Solid Axle swap is a lot easier. For Daily driver there is no comparison, the 3rd gen hands down. Power, Mileage, Safety and still extremely capable off-road and thanks to sites like this more and more aftermarket parts becoming available.
glenyoshida
New member
The breakover (clearance in the middle of the rig) is also about 2.5 inches higher with the 2nd gen. The 3rd gen has a gas tank that hangs lower and if you do intend to rock crawl will undoubtably dent it many many times. I know I do lol.
It may not seem like much but you can run 30" tires on the 2nd gen and have the same breakover angle as a 3rd gen with 35" tires.
It may not seem like much but you can run 30" tires on the 2nd gen and have the same breakover angle as a 3rd gen with 35" tires.
:bigok: Toyota did a good job. They took a great midsized suv that's extremely durable and made it better.
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