I wonder for which market is this 4runner

[monmendoza]

Hello guys,

I bought this 4runner about a month ago. It was imported and originally used
by an Asian Development Bank Executive in the Philippines. After checking
the 4runners sold in the US , I cant seem to determine for which market
this 4runner has been intended for. It has a mph display and a 3.4L V6
engine. It has rear difflocks and a push button 4WD and is an automatic.
Here are some pictures.


Front view



Side view

[RAY185]

What makes you think it was not intended for the US market?

Why is it important to find out? Do you need to locate a brake booster?

[monmendoza]

Hello Ray185,

I have already solve the whining sound problem. I solve it by
replacing the brake booster. Many thanks to all the people
who gave their opinions and advice.

The reason why Im asking is because, in the my internet search
I have noticed that it has a different front grills, lights and hood as
a US 4runner of the same year 1997 up to 2003. That is why
I am thinking it may not be for the US market.

Here is a US 4runner of the same period



here is another one.



here is my 4runner. Notice the disfference in the front.

[mick80]

it looks like a hilux???
cheers mick

[RAY185]

Yeah I see your point monmendoza. We used to have the same model as the US 4 runner in the pics. Although it was called a Hilux Surf in Japan and was imported here as such. Yours definately looks like it is a 185 series Surf/4Runner with a hilux front end. No idea what market it was for, possibly South America?

Try the guys here, they might have some info.

http://www.toyotasurf.asn.au/forum/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[monmendoza]

yeah, the front definitely looks like a hilux, although upon
closer inspection, The front grills of the hilux would have
subtle differences with my 4runner. That is why it has
really intrigued me. hahahaha need to do a little detective
work .

[stilivn]

Just a guess but japan maybe seeing as it was an import from there. They do drive their own cars

[RAY185]

Just a guess but japan maybe seeing as it was an import from there. They do drive their own cars

Japanese drive on the left like us. The 4 runner is LHD.

[GO79]

Is it Left hand drive or right hand drive mate

[monmendoza]

its left hand drive, like in the US.

[DUDELUX]

I dont think its a Japan model, as they Jap models usually have those little mirrors on the Passenger guard.
Is there a different language on any of the build plates in the engine bay??

Id probably guess South Africa from what Ive read.

[thrashlux]

dont they have a local dealer? at all
i have 2 80 series 1 in aus and one in vanuatu
1 is rhd 1 is lhd
both are very different
there are only about 6 80 series in vanuatu it was a locally delivered car to the local toyota dealer

the lhd vanuatu one its a weird one its a 97 petrol has 40th anniversary wheels the updated maf 4.5 twin cam petrol auto badged gx (no L)
it has dual aircon as in an extra rear aircon system in the rear quarter like sahara in aus
a factory center consol fridge
no seat belts except for front seats
factory part time 4x4
elec windows
no elec mirrors
drum brakes on the rear

i think toyota build them to the market or what the dealer wants

[GO79]

dont they have a local dealer? at all
i have 2 80 series 1 in aus and one in vanuatu
1 is rhd 1 is lhd
both are very different
there are only about 6 80 series in vanuatu it was a locally delivered car to the local toyota dealer

the lhd vanuatu one its a weird one its a 97 petrol has 40th anniversary wheels the updated maf 4.5 twin cam petrol auto badged gx (no L)
it has dual aircon as in an extra rear aircon system in the rear quarter like sahara in aus
a factory center consol fridge
no seat belts except for front seats
factory part time 4x4
elec windows
no elec mirrors
drum brakes on the rear

The reason yours has gx badge is that's the genuine Jpn Toyota badging for that model
gxl is a Australian badging same as the vx modle Toyota australia rebadge / rename them the sahara
every other country bar aus if you have a middle of the range 80 or 100 it will have a gx if you have top of the range it will have vx
same in 7x series , those RV ute and troopys there acutaly modle of trim or vehicleis a lx all those new gxl utes and troopys etc are lx's from Toyota jpn, ocationally you see a 80 series with a gx badge on the back these are original badging and ocastionally you see a lx badge on the back of a new "gxl" wagon or troopy

i think toyota build them to the market or what the dealer wants

[craz3d]

*nothing*

cool story bro

and lol at that 80, reading that is just .. wut?

[GO79]

*nothing*

pretty cool ay ,
I think you will find what I wrote above the 80 pic below the quotes


cool story bro

and lol at that 80, reading that is just .. wut?

[bj on roids]

US didnt get that front end, or the guards that go with it.

Is it possible it was in an accident and had a new front end?

That front end is a 2001-2005 Hilux, SR5 4WD front end.

[monmendoza]

Hi Bj,

Actually that was the first thing that came to my mind. Maybe
the front end was replaced by a hilux. Although I have checked
a lot of hilux models and there is a subtle difference between
my 4runner and the that of any hilux picture I have seen.
Also all the curves fit perfectly. even the curves from the fender
going to the door matches perfectly. I have also inspected the hood
if there are any signs of collission and have not found any.

Do you have a picture of a 2001-2005 SR5 hilux front end?
The ones Im seeing have a subtle difference in the grills.
Thank you.

[monmendoza]

finally I have seen a similar front end. Thank you everybody for
the wonderful tips.

Cased closed.

[bj on roids]

Hi Bj,

Actually that was the first thing that came to my mind. Maybe
the front end was replaced by a hilux. Although I have checked
a lot of hilux models and there is a subtle difference between
my 4runner and the that of any hilux picture I have seen.
Also all the curves fit perfectly. even the curves from the fender
going to the door matches perfectly. I have also inspected the hood
if there are any signs of collission and have not found any.

Do you have a picture of a 2001-2005 SR5 hilux front end?
The ones Im seeing have a subtle difference in the grills.
Thank you.

The difference in the grille is the double chrome bars. The mini truck guys do it all the time. Its just normally black paint over the chrome!