From its humble beginnings in 1984, the 4Runner has proven
itself to be a top-notch off-road SUV, and has lent itself well to
modifications. The aftermarket is ripe with upgrade offerings since the 4Runner
has proven itself a popular vehicle for backcountry exploring.
Toyota 4Runners weren’t the first sport utility vehicles
(SUV) to hit the planet, but they have definitely made their mark off the
pavement, along with their senior sibling, the Land Cruiser. The 4Runner was
introduced in 1984 and has survived in the Toyota product line for over three
decades to the current fifth-generation model, always being built in Tahara,
Japan. These reliable vehicles have changed with the demands of modern consumers
and with the advances of automotive technology, but they remained patterned
after the sturdy construction of the venerable Land Cruiser line.
Toyota 4Runners
weren’t the first sport utility vehicles (SUV) to hit the planet, but they have
definitely made their mark off the pavement, along with their senior sibling,
the Land Cruiser.
Similar to the Toyota truck line, the 4Runner has been
offered in numerous configurations over the years, including both 2WD and 4WD
models in some generations. SR5 and Limited models often got many of the
aesthetics and mechanical upgrades, to include lower axle gearing, lockers, and
various versions of 4WD and traction-control systems. While other SUVs have
morphed to unibody construction or slipped to AWD crossover designation, the
4Runner maintains reinforced bodyon- frame construction. Here we’ll take a look
at the evolution of the 4WD 4Runner as it has progressed through five
generations of body styles and models.
Similar to the
Toyota truck line, the 4Runner has been offered in numerous configurations over
the years, including both 2WD and 4WD models in some generations.
Toyota took what they had developed with their popular
mini-truck and their experience with the Land Cruiser to create the first
generation 4Runner. These early models were basic and utilitarian like the
pickups. This was also the only generation to come with a removable fiberglass
top.
The 4Runner had a straight front axle for only two years
before they converted all U.S.- bound trucks and 4Runners to IFS. Over the
years, the most highly sought after 4Runners have been the 1985 era models,
where the factory offered the straight front axle and multi-port fuel injection
with the 22RE engine.
For the 1986 model year, the 4Runner was changed over to
Hi-Trac independent front suspension (IFS) with torsion bars used on the upper
A-arms. Numerous solid-axle swaps (SAS) have been done on models up to third
generation and a number of kits help complete the conversions. Fourth
generation and newer swaps are far less common and typically require more
custom work.
Toyota took what
they had developed with their popular mini-truck and their experience with the
Land Cruiser to create the first generation 4Runner.
First Generation (1984 to 1989)
The earliest 4Runners built from 1984 to 1989 had squarish
fenderwells. Unfortunately, in some ways, these were the only years that
allowed you to remove the top without reverting to the use of a reciprocating
saw. These original versions were all two-door versions with the shortest
103-inch wheelbase.
