Shopping for mid to late 90's runner for my hun. Which ones are the ones to avoid?

3.0 with automatic tranny.<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" /> i just pickup up a 3rd gen with 3.4 and in love!!

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The 3.4L(6 banger) and 2.7L(4 banger) are Toyota's new generation of truck engine, Tundras excluded. The 2.7 has the same ponies as the old 3.sl0w 6 banger.

We also have a couple of online references for the FSM's over in the Taco section sticky'd there. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Actually, the 4.0, 2.7, and 4.3 are the NEW generation of Toyota truck motors <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I agree, go with a 96+ 4Runner. They have come down in price in recent years.

FYI, the '96-'02 4Runners are the "3rd gens".

Glad to see this post. I've been looking at 2nd gen runners but am now thinkin about goin 3rd gen. Is their rear link suspension quality? Front coilovers good? What are any con's? Lookin at the 3.4L 5speed combo. Any of these come w/ factory e-locker?

I'm really enjoying my recently aquired '98 4Runner with the 2.7 motor. It has somewhat more power than the 22r and slightly better gas mileage. As noted above, that motor is still being used in new rigs so even though mine is high miles (runs great though) I figure I'll be able to get a low miles motor from a wreck when the time comes.

Since it is for the hun. the 3rd gen with the 3.4 will make her happy.
You can get them with a factory electric locking rear differential if you look for it. Also TRD makes a factory supercharger for them. There are different gear ratio's available. think now about what you want it to do.

Rear suspension design is very similar between 2nd and 3rd gens, but it's rare to see a 3rd gen with the saggy butt syndrome. Front suspension is great - much better than 2nd gens. Regarding off-road, 2nd gens get 2" of front wheel travel stock, or 4" with the swaybar disconnected. The 3rd gens get 4" stock, or 7" with the swaybar disconnected, or 9-10" with aftermarket upper control arms and coil-overs. So flex off-road is great for IFS, plus the daily ride around town is good. I personally thought the 3rd gen stock shocks in both front and rear were a bit soft.

IMO, I can't think of any cons to getting a 3rd gen instead of a 2nd gen. [Edit: OK, I just thought of one con - it's more involved and more expensive to do a lift to the front suspension due to the coil-overs, but there are still inexpensive options, such as spacers or Bilstein shocks inside other Toyota coils. Using Tundra coils gives some lift without making it too stiff. All the benefits to the 3rd gen far outweigh the cons.]

The 5 speeds ('96-'00) were available with the rear locker, but they aren't very common.