Unless you want to do a transmission swap, you are stuck with automatic for your Off-Road adventures. For offroad upgrades, the 4th Gen 4Runner is really similar to all the upgrades the 3rd Gen 4Runner has available. 2 were V6 and now I have an 04 V8 44. This 5th Gen 4Runner is not only running straight axles on 40 mud terrains but also features a blown Tundra V8. Some have 4wd, and some have 4wd with locker. He uses an aftermarket ecu and wiring harness as well as a different accessory drive configuration to fit in there and retain ac. Like everything else these days, you will most likely have to change out more then just the motor as everything is all connected with the electronics. : ) #cheers! Thank you! Some exceptions apply, please see individual product pages for specific fitments. The last year of the 1st Gen 4R is an 89 which saw the first 3.0 v6 in the last half of that production year. We covered 5 States in ten days and just marveled at the smooth systems of the 4Runner. If left untreated, the failed head gasket will eventually cause the engine to hydrolock. RSG Offroad is their service and installation shop with a parts showroom and RSG Metalworks is the company that produces all their branded armor; rock sliders, skid plates, etc. Copyright 2023 Trail4Runner.com Trail Made Co. |, but the 3.0 has many issues with a common head gasket issue due to the exhaust drying them out. Ryan Gibbons (@gibburnz) 2011 Trail Edition 3. I dont think I need to go into any more details on this amazing build. Here's a total hack job. It was loud, very very loud. You'll be able to keep your current trans/t-case combo in the same location. So as long as your cooling system is intact, thats all you can do in terms of preventative maintenance for your head gasket. Mitch Caldwell (@mcald18) 2016 Trail Premium 5. Anyone swap in a 1UR-FE (GX460) engine into a 5th Gen 4runner, Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum, Classifieds - buy & sell (no commercial ads please), Engines / Suspension / Wheels / Tires / Audio / Accessories, European T4R & Hilux Surf Clubs (click to view), Asia & Oceania T4R & Hilux Surf Clubs (click to view), Africa & Middle East T4R & Hilux Surf Clubs (click to view), Latin America / Carribbean T4R & Hilux Surf Clubs (click to view), TACOMA DIESEL | Diesel Toys(R) |TOYOTA DIESEL CONVERSION EXPERTS, http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-ge-jr-build.html, 4RUNNER DIESEL | Diesel Toys(R) |TOYOTA DIESEL CONVERSION EXPERTS, Engine swap Question..does L6 engine fit into 1990 Hilux/4runner. I love the 96-98 style, cant stand the limited or the extended bumpers on the 99-02. I would recommend rock sliders because the last thing you want to do is tear up your new vehicle by sending a rock through your rocker panel. Each was better than the last and all have been great. We enjoyed all of them but the 2018 is the best in my opinion. There are steel plate and tube bumpers available from many fabrication companies. First, let's back up a bit. Totaled Toyota Pickup Brought Back to Life. Last year I got my 3rd 4R. . 150 feels under powered 116 is just sad. I love my 2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5. Toby, Thanks, man. A General Overview of the4th Gen Toyota 4Runner 2003-2009, 4th Gen 4Runner Shot Cred: @uncharteredmedia Driver: @augustconte. Ive owned 3 4th gen 4runners and have driven every generation. Do you have experience with the 3.4L engine swap? So now Im going to sell it and get a 4 Runner. The 22re engine stayed unkillable as long as it was properly maintained but the 3.0 has many issues with a common head gasket issue due to the exhaust drying them out. You would have far exceeded the $6k for a Magnuson supercharger by then. $5000+ for a magnuson is some pretty cash considering what's available out there for crate motors. YotaTech is a Toyota truck and SUV discussion forum, By logging into your account, you agree to our, Announcements, Tips & Tricks, Site Feedback, Test Section, & Contact Us, Tech Write-Ups (Staging Area & More Articles In The Wiki), Staging Area For Tech Article Submissions, General Vehicle Related Topics (Non Year Related), General Electrical & Lighting Related Topics, 99+ Tundra, 00+ Sequoia, 98+ Land Cruiser/LX470, Off Road Tech, Fab Shop, Solid Axle Swaps, Tool Time, & Engine Swaps, Trip Planning, Trail Reports, Land Usage, 4Wheeling 101, Camping Gear, Off-Road Gourmet, & More, Off Road Trip Planning, Expeditions, Trips, & Events, Buying & Selling Advice - Feeler/Gauging Interest, longtime contributor to Internet Brands Auto Group sites. Thank u a lot. Odds are, if you are looking to prep the 5th Gen for off-road mortal combat, you will need some work. Im considering this too. I love the article. Sometimes, when you start working on your vehicle, you get the bug to keep going. First released in August 1989 the 2nd Gen 4Runner came with the 4cyl engine again along with the 6cyl, with your choice of a manual or automatic transmission. Ruby Villalobos (@bitchinbetty4r) 2019 SR5 8. Theres a lot of first gen tacomas that could use RSG sliders. I would start at 99-2002 depending on your budget and the deals you come across. This is a HUGE addition to the 4Runner world. We need to get it out and play! Custom exhaust work so the new engine connects to the existing exhaust system, A 'donor' 3.4L V6, which can be pulled at a junkyard or sourced from any number of websites. I just cant see spending money on another 2.4 or rebuilding this 140lb motor if I can get 200 lbs for nearly the same money. JC, glad that you like it. The TRD Pro comes with beefier Bilsteins. To each their own. 20 years old and just under 200K, they build them GOOD in Japan! Front IFS suspension. Not sure if I should put some $$$ into it or get sell it. Stock, the 1st Gen 4Runner has good gas mileage with a 19mpgcity and 23 highway but the 22re is pretty sluggish compared to later years. They are Gen III engines though, so they have the same modular compatibility. We put 210K miles on our 3rd Gen 4Runner and replaced the drums/ rotors 7 times (thats not normal). The dual overhead camshaft design of the 3.4L lends itself to fuel efficiency and the opportunity for more power upgrades. We had a trip planned for Ouray and Telluride with Konrad from TrailTacoma.com but with plans to also stay in Denver before we headed down. There was a two-door version available, but they are not too common to find anymore. When is RSG going to start offing SAS V8 swaps as a service?? Instead of gaining a new driveline the 4.7l v8 is lost and only the 4.0 6cyl stayed paired with an automatic transmission. I believe these should have had a V8 option or at least a V8 option on the top-tier TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro models. Thanks a million. Tell us about it onFacebook! If you could wheel anywhere, where would it be? I'm guessing you will need to use the Lexus ECU to control the engine and then do all the CAN communications to the 4Runner ECU for the dash to work appropriately. People use the wrong nomenclature for the 5.3L, prob because they want to feel included by saying they LS swapped it. A General Overview of the3rd Gen Toyota 4Runner (1996-2002), 3rd Gen 4Runner Shot Cred: @4RunninDownaDream. Probably 99-2002 but there are really nice 96-98 4Runners out there as well. ButKolton5543has some even more interesting suggestions that also involve off-brand engines. We have owned 97, 2007 and now a 2018 TRD Off Road. Toyota 4Runner Fitments: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 Toyota 4Runner with 4.0L V6 & 2.7L I4 engines. It was a great SUV. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Welcome to part 1 of the 4th gen 4runner LS swap. I need to finish up my Tacoma and focus on my Land Cruisers. For the first time in Toyota 4Runner heritage, the4th Gen 4Runner now comes packed with an option for the4.7l v8. It would probably be difficult to do the electronics. That isn't an LS. We will be comparing the pros and cons of every 4Runner 1984-Present. An Off-Road Overview of the 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner (2009-2018+Present). This is the first of 2 videos. Yeah for sure, the 3rd Ge 4Runner is so hot. If you want to be sure that your head gasket is solid, FIRST, get your local dealer to run your VIN and see if the recall was done. Also, look at salvage title but check the VIN. toyotanation.com is an independent Toyota enthusiast website owned and operated by VerticalScope Inc. Its a vehicle with a long production history, lots of user communities for support, and exceptionally good off-road [], can i replace front bumper from 2004 4runner with same from 2008 if I do whole assembly? They took it so far and I really love it. Re-gearing allows your engine to work a little easier and efficiently turning those wheels especially during acceleration or while under load. Granted these are for gear heads that want power. To start, the 3.4L engine features better technology than the 3.0 engine your 4Runner came with. WOW, I knew my 98 Limited was made in Japan, but didnt know 4th Gen Runners were too! Wondering if anyone has knowledge on engine swap possiblities for a 4Runner.. like an earlier model.. early 90's I'm thinking.. Then do a 3.4 swap if you want to keep it toyota or a 7mgte motor. It took me a while to even find the wiring for it due to how well they wired it up. Talk to the guys at your local 44 shop, theyll be able to tell you. Thank you so much for putting this info together in one article. Head over here and chime in with your recommendations! 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What is the best year? So when Yota Tech memberhoytyota84found himself in need of a heart transplant for his 90 pickup, he wisely headed to the forums for advice on the matter. The 4Runner body was not designed to contain the sound level that a supercharged V8 pushes out. To start, the 3.4L engine features better technology than the 3.0 engine your 4Runner came with. Am I missing something here or am I mistaken? The Flanges are countersunk to use the same round factory style exhaust gaskets for a factory type seal.. On many fabrication websites, you will see a 3rd gen category-specific set of mods. Of course, price and availability play a big role. So, if you use this as a 44 always be sure to make sure everything is in tip-top shape so you dont break down your rig or blow a head gasket. Yeah I wasn't expecting the Engine ECM to be the same. Interesting, I didnt know that about the BMW ecu. A 3.8 is definitely the more powerful option. Those 3rd Gen 4Runners are nasty but you cant quite compete with the 5th Gen 4Runner these days. Drivetrain. Instead of a 4cyl being the smaller engine you now have the choice of a 4.0 6cyl or the sought after 4.7l v8. Lotso options. 1st gen taco ls swap? Experience improved power and performance each time you hop on the accelerator with these 2010-2023 Toyota 4Runner Engine Parts & Upgrades! Ive done an EMU lift, 33 tires and CBI bumper and skids. Now for the fun stuff youve been waiting for, the upgrades. There are so many people who helped out to show each and every generation 4Runner in their true beauty. Just found me a 86 first gen! Trail 4Runner participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links or to other retailer sites from Trail4Runner.com. Derrik Bustos (@djbustos) 2016 Limited 6. 5th Gen 4Runner girl all the way for me! Possibly one of the most desired Toyota 4runners ever is the 19851st Gen 4Runner as its the last year they offered a solid front axle and the first year of Fuel Injection. My dad just got number 8 4Runner. Its a beast. Or, you can head down to your local Off-Road performance shop and have something custom done. I owned a 1999 SR5 and put a few miles on it. With all my heart and soul, this is where Trail4Runner.com passion started. For whatever reason on our first3rd Gen 4Runner (1999 SR5), we replaced the brakes multiple times. but damn something is always breaking. I've already discussed it with them. 1st gen 4Runner - anybody else getting pulled over constantly? The skill it takes to extract an entire ECU, all the wiring harnesses, and the engine from a Tundra, and then swap all that over to a body thats 20% smaller all while making it look factory on the inside is crazy impressive. I was a Cherokee fan (1996 & 2000) but these Toys are far superior on all aspects. As I have done some research, I realized that it does not have rear locker, and traction system is a little different on those, and a little suck in the snow. So, if you use this as a 44 always be sure to make sure everything is in tip-top shape so you dont break down your rig or blow a head gasket., an article we wrote on the TRD Pro Vs. the TRD Off-Road, It comes fire-road ready out of the gates, our overview of the TRD Pro over the TRD Off-Road, Ellis Precision TRD Shift Knobs 4Runner/ FJ, So Its Been A Minute | Blogging Ashland. As long as you can get your hands on a 1st Gen 4Runner that is well cared for, with a nice interior/ exterior, they are amazing if maintained properly. All this depends on how much you want to spend in time and money. Depending on the situation, I would really want a stock 4Runner to choose my own bumpers, sliders, and skids. Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum, Classifieds - buy & sell (no commercial ads please), Engines / Suspension / Wheels / Tires / Audio / Accessories, European T4R & Hilux Surf Clubs (click to view), Asia & Oceania T4R & Hilux Surf Clubs (click to view), Africa & Middle East T4R & Hilux Surf Clubs (click to view), Latin America / Carribbean T4R & Hilux Surf Clubs (click to view), https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gbiography.html, Bad_Vision's 1985 Toyota 4RUNNER TDI Swap (Completed swap). 1986 Toyota W56 transmission issues. Make the truck a new experience. Sometimes salvage titles are really good deals and the reason they are salvaged is minor. When I was a kid my father, Craig, restored Early Ford Mustangs and Broncos in beautiful Wheatridge, Colorado. I actually owned an 88 4runner with the 3.slow V6. Not straight axel. There are many reasons to perform this engine swap, but the main reasons have to do with performance and reliability (and whose not interested in that? Thank you to everyone who contributed, shared photos, and was cool enough to be cool about what we are doing here on Trail4R.com. So, why not? This dude can seriously build a 4Runner. With this being said, you are going to need more than a basic suspension upgrade that comes stock on an off-the-lot model. There are GREAT benefits to KDSS and not too many downfalls. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. A question commonly asked in the Off-Roading 4Runner world or for 4Runners in general. Rock Sliders! Im wondering how to do the headlight and grill swap on my 95 4Runner as showed in the pictures. It has been rebuilt from the block up twice. I was just in pure awe of what Jason has created. You would most likely have to swap transmissions as well. You can do a swap without a kit, but the kits are priced very reasonably and save a lot of time. Youll be able to keep your current trans/t-case combo in the same location. There are tons of lighting brackets available as well which is perfect if you go trailing/offroading after dark or at dusk. Interesting suggestions, indeed. The guy puts an LS1 (LS2/3 maybe?) No roll cage kits are available yet again, commonly that is. I will note that you missed one not-so-small thing about 4th Gen reliability. Were not restoring that build thread here today (maybe one day if you guys want us to), but instead sharing a basic interview with the man himself along with a ton of rad T40R shots. About the only thing you can do to blow a head gasket, short of adding boost or increasing compression, is overheating your engine. After youve swapped out your engine, be sure to visit our website for a wide selection of quality OEM parts, even for older 4Runners. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Would like avenue to get expanded front fenders. We covered KDSS and really praised it. Any issues with 4th gen now thats its been almost 2 years? Today, RSG offers a streamlined fabrication production line including rock sliders, skid plates, and electronic parts for many different Toyota and Lexus models. KDSS was introduced in the 5th Gen 4Runner. Our maiden drive was Yellowstone and it got 23mpg at 7000 feet. Now if youre in the market for something that is offroad capable while being brand new or fairly used, the 5th Gen is the one for you. The new driveline comes in two options like the previous years but the 4cyl engine is now out of the picture completely. So yes, the 1st gen 4R does come with a 3.0 v6 but only a very limited number of them exist. I guess I might have to take some measurements to see if it's possible to keep the front drivetrain. ): Basically, the 3.4L is better than the 3.0L, and the swap is about as straightforward as engine swaps get. It was the easiest for me to work on, but then again I have been driving it forever now so. Its commonly equipped with the 22re 4cyl and a 3.0 6cyl with the choice of a manual or automatic transmission. Check out an article we wrote on the TRD Pro Vs. the TRD Off-Road 4Runner. Email me anytime. I find a bunch of swaps that are rwd. I'll keep my eyes peeled for a wrecked GX460 in a couple of years. The fifth gen just never really met what I was looking for. They have no real support, body-wise, though. The two grills have completely different mounting positions and the rad support is completely different. Flipped Dana 300 or an old ford 205 if I could find one. This article was a joy to read. I've had a number of emails me asking questions about it and what makes it harder than doing the swap into a Tacoma. Today I am going to go over how to transition the front end of your 4th gen 4runner to a 2015 Tacoma. Our maiden adventure to Yellowstone was excellent. The upgraded KDSS suspension is nice, but if you are going to swap your suspension, links, add some sliders and skid plate, KDSS can be a little more time-consuming to work with. Love my RSG sliders. Its Toyota solid axle conversion kits are user-friendly and affordable, packed with all the parts you need to perform your upgrade. JavaScript is disabled. For a human being like me from the other dimension, who is new to this, it is really a source of knowledge and ideas on where to and what to do. When can we expect a T-Case and Crossmember Skid Plate? The one I had self-destructed spectacularly by dropping a thrust washer Not maintenance related it just wore out. I dig the 3rd Gen. Should he stick with a Toyota motor, or save some cash with a sacrilegious GM swap? Its hard to pick just one so Ill name a few: We will most likely do some crazy things to the 6th Gen 4Runner when its available. Yes, you read that right. The shops have been extremely busy this year and we have yet to take it off-road since the 5.7 swap so thats whats next. But, the 4-door version is common. 4L60 variant trans. First was a 2nd Gen and I can attest to the comment about the head gasket issues as mine went without any warning. Back in November of 2022, my wife, We Asked 10 Owners Why They Added Amber Off-Road Lighting To Their 5th Gen 4Runners Heres What They Said! The downfall is travel. In our opinion, the 3rd Gen 4Runner, as of 2015-2017, is probably one of the go-to off-road 4Runners. I have a 93 Jeep ZJ that I put OME springs and Bilstein 5100s, with 3110.5 shoes. If youre looking for modern but fully capable, both the 4th and 5th Gen 4Runners are amazing vehicles. Im thinking of upgrading, but still like it a lot. I got my first 2nd gen for $300 with a blown engine. This Weeks Topic: Off-Road Recovery Gear Hey guys, welcome. Just lookour overview of the TRD Pro over the TRD Off-Road and decide for yourself. Also had a 1990 pickup with a 22RE, and I can tell you those engines are not unkillable. Under first gen, its indicated it came with a 3.0 V6. As far as ls swaps I've been looking into it off and on. How much Its value? It really has to be THE best 4Runner in history. Hey there. This kit provides you with the necessaryparts to complete a 3.4L conversion.