So I sold my second toyota truck and am looking to get a 4-runner... 90-95 model. Most of the ones I'm finding are autos. I've always had manual transmission trucks. Are the auto trannys in these 4-runners worth a crap off-road and on?? Does the 3.0 have enough ass to move a set of 33's on stock gears??
I appreciate your input and I look forward to having a 4 door off-roader/daily driver.

No. The suck a lot of power and use a unique transfer case that makes it harder to modify them for off-road prowess relative to four cylinder Toyotas. This is also true of the manual used behind the V6, but it is stronger, gives you more control, and doesn't suck as much power. Also less expensive to rebuild if you get a high mileage vehicle.



No. Personally I think that these are one of the worst platforms you can start with. They are heavy, underpowered, IFS, and lots of glass and sheetmetal. I would look for a 96+ with the 3.4L, just my opinion though.

Agree 100%. I have had two friends with 4-runners, ('92 and '94) both 3.0 automatics and my '90 ext cab pickup 3.0 manual will blister both of them on and off road, hands down. Not even close.

Get a gen 1 runner. They are the poop. I'd like to see someone use a gen 1 body on a 2wd frame with an SAS. The 3.0 aint as bad as people think, its just usualy found in gen 2 runners with autos. Can't beat the simplicity of the 22re though.

I disagree with Harry... Sorry, bud. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/nana.gif" alt="" />

I can easily beat my buddies 3.0 auto 91' pickup with 28's and 4.56's with my 3.0 5spd 89 4runner with 33x12.5's and 4.10's...
a 2nd gen 3.0 with a 5spd should be fine, a bit slow, but fine.
Im planning a 3.4 swap myself, i need power to pass over 60mph....
But, a 96 would be a nice platform, or get a 98 with a 5spd and e-locker!

What part did you disagree with Brian? About the auto sucking power or the 2nd Gen 4Runners being tubby and underpowered? I value your opinion so I am curious.

Somebody is doing t-case mods for the auto's now...is it Inchworm?

Anyhow, I don't have a 3.0, and from what I've read here I don't think I'd want one. My 22re is in a first gen, it wrassles with being powerful enough and that's with an EB cam for torque and proper gears. I can't imagine a 22re in a second gen with 33's and an auto.

Be patient and find a first gen runner. The removable top cool factor is all the impetus you need. And as long as you take care of it, that 22re'll run forever.

But I'm biased....

they make a dual transfer case for the auto only if you have a A340F tranny. I do beleive that my new 96 runner is more capable than my 91 pickup

My 88 4Runner with the 3.0 and 5 speed drives great with 32's and stock gears. I would never give up the 3.0 for a 22RE unless it had a turbo. The 2nd gen 4Runners are underpowered with either engine and the auto does suck the power even more. But my old 87 4Runner 22RE turbo with 32's and the automatic was still the quickest Toyota I've had by far.