Hi everyone,
I'm looking at getting a 4x4 within the next 2 weeks. I have max $12k to spend and have been looking at a few 4x4's... I have come to the decision that I want either a Hilux Dual Cab 2.8D or a 4runner 1994 2.8D.
What are the V6 3.0L engine's like in the 4runners?
Its hard for me to choose which is better so if anyone has any comments about either it would be appreciated.
I want to get one and mod it, raise suspension, bigger tyres, snorkel, winch...
I will be using it for driving around the city and as a weekend trips out on 4x4 tracks and at the end of the year a trip out to northern Australia. I would like to get into 4x4ing more in the future...
Your comments are appreciated.
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4runner vs Hilux... Help me choose!
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4runner vs Hilux... Help me choose!
Last edited by @cer on Tue Aug 23, 2005 3:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Both have heaps of pro's and cons.
Like the IFS on the 4Runner is not as good off road, but is better on road.
The 4Runner rear end coils are generally better than the leaves on a lux in standard form, and can cheaply gain a tonne of flex..
The 4runner V6 has more power and a better gearbox, but lower fuel economy.
The Hilux has a stronger front live axle. But if you wanted extreme, it costs as much to set it up almost as it does to get a SAS on a 4Runner.
The diesel is cheap to run, but costly to maintain. The V6 is costly to run (fuel) but cheaper to maintain.
The list can be endless realy.
The 4Runner is more comfortable but a smidgen less bulletproof off road. The Hilux is a tad more robust, but less sophisticated.
How big is big tyres? A 4Runner can fit 33's or even 35's with 2" spring lift and 2 + body lift. Same with a live axle lux.
I think it comes down to your preferences. Do you want a ute or a wagon? Power or ruggedness? etc etc
Like the IFS on the 4Runner is not as good off road, but is better on road.
The 4Runner rear end coils are generally better than the leaves on a lux in standard form, and can cheaply gain a tonne of flex..
The 4runner V6 has more power and a better gearbox, but lower fuel economy.
The Hilux has a stronger front live axle. But if you wanted extreme, it costs as much to set it up almost as it does to get a SAS on a 4Runner.
The diesel is cheap to run, but costly to maintain. The V6 is costly to run (fuel) but cheaper to maintain.
The list can be endless realy.
The 4Runner is more comfortable but a smidgen less bulletproof off road. The Hilux is a tad more robust, but less sophisticated.
How big is big tyres? A 4Runner can fit 33's or even 35's with 2" spring lift and 2 + body lift. Same with a live axle lux.
I think it comes down to your preferences. Do you want a ute or a wagon? Power or ruggedness? etc etc
Lovin the FZJ105-T, bling by Ryano
4runner went IFS in late 1985 as an '86 model
Hilux went ifs as an SR5 extra cab only in 1988, and the dual cab SR5 went IFS in I think 91or 92.
The whole range went IFS 95/96 when they went to G4
Our family has owned three 4 runners (two '85's) and I think the '85 4runners are cooler than most hilux's mostly because of the following stuff:
They are the same length as the early '80s SWB hilux (100" wheelbase)
They all have power steer
They have more bling
You can take the top off
The rear seat rocks (pretty much grew up in one)
If I was looking for a non zook project, it would be an 85 fourrunner for sure.
Hilux went ifs as an SR5 extra cab only in 1988, and the dual cab SR5 went IFS in I think 91or 92.
The whole range went IFS 95/96 when they went to G4
Our family has owned three 4 runners (two '85's) and I think the '85 4runners are cooler than most hilux's mostly because of the following stuff:
They are the same length as the early '80s SWB hilux (100" wheelbase)
They all have power steer
They have more bling
You can take the top off
The rear seat rocks (pretty much grew up in one)
If I was looking for a non zook project, it would be an 85 fourrunner for sure.
[quote="greg"] some say he is a man without happy dreams, or that he sees silver linings on clouds and wonders why they are not platinum... all we know, is he's called the stevie.[/quote]
GO THE LUX 
better suspesnion not as much hassles of the japanese import, as said for the suspseion of the 4runners if you are thinking of an early one then its onyl a the matter of the one you liek the look of but if you are thinking of going for a new 4runner go for the hilux before 96 because then it goes to IFS.
if you are thinking about buying a dual cab hilux, you will only a able to run 33`s or smaller with out cutting and moving back the rear diff, to run more than 33`s
better suspesnion not as much hassles of the japanese import, as said for the suspseion of the 4runners if you are thinking of an early one then its onyl a the matter of the one you liek the look of but if you are thinking of going for a new 4runner go for the hilux before 96 because then it goes to IFS.
if you are thinking about buying a dual cab hilux, you will only a able to run 33`s or smaller with out cutting and moving back the rear diff, to run more than 33`s
waiting for another project....................
I was tossing up a 84-85 4runner, Having cabin space is really handy unless you have a specific reason for wanting a ute.....
Anyway once you jack it up for offroad you will barely be able to use it as a ute anyway. If you'll only use it a few times as a ute you're better off with a trailer.
Shortened 4 runners look really cool.
Anyway once you jack it up for offroad you will barely be able to use it as a ute anyway. If you'll only use it a few times as a ute you're better off with a trailer.
Shortened 4 runners look really cool.
I prefer having a tray so I can chuck stuff in, so my choice would be a dual cab Hilux 2.8d. If you spend your time mostly on the road, buy a 4runner v6. If you prefer to get down and dirty, a hilux can be cheaply modified to perform well off road.
4in Lift kit for 4 runner = $$$
2in leaf + 2in shackle lift for Hilux = not much
4in Lift kit for 4 runner = $$$
2in leaf + 2in shackle lift for Hilux = not much
Re: 4runner vs Hilux... Help me choose!
i have a 4runner forsale if you interested, 95 model rv6 model, recod gearbox, muddies etc around the price you are looking at spending
I bought a 93 V6 4 runner a bit over a year ago and am very happy with it. It depends whether you want a ute or a wagon. I personally find the wagon more usefull as everything is out of the weather but thats just me.
They can be a bit heavy on fuel, but they are pretty good for power on the road and suprisingly have a fairly decent low torque band for a v6. Admittedly they're not a diese ut not bad all the same. For 4 wheel driving ability they're ok but as with any car with IFS it'll never be fantastic, or even close. Suspension lifts for the ifs are easy to find you just have to get the ones from the US as their were heaps of them over there but they will cost you - $3500 or so. I have a 4" superlift kit on mine and a 2" body lift which makes room for my 35" claws. This along with changed ratio's and front and rear air lockers has made up for most of the lack of articulation.
The only other thing to consider is the distance u can get out of a tank of fuel as the 4runner's 65 litre tank won't get u too far especially off road. There's nothing worse than being stuck out in the boonies without fuel. (had one close call).
Baiscally i got it because of the wagon feature (that and i didn't have enough cash at the time for a 80 series cruiser). Just make sure you get one with manual locking hubs and not the ADD system as this system has the front diff permanently turning. This means no SR5 but if u still want the power windows and such look out for the 1993 model. People call it an sr5 but its actually a getaway and it has most of the luxuries of the sr5 but with manual hubs. Only disadvantage of this is that they don't have the higher gear ratio's of the SR5 which is handy if u want to get bigger tyres. Hope this helps and if you have any questions about the 4runner just ask as much research into them and how to mod them has left me with a pretty good idea of their pro's and cons.
They can be a bit heavy on fuel, but they are pretty good for power on the road and suprisingly have a fairly decent low torque band for a v6. Admittedly they're not a diese ut not bad all the same. For 4 wheel driving ability they're ok but as with any car with IFS it'll never be fantastic, or even close. Suspension lifts for the ifs are easy to find you just have to get the ones from the US as their were heaps of them over there but they will cost you - $3500 or so. I have a 4" superlift kit on mine and a 2" body lift which makes room for my 35" claws. This along with changed ratio's and front and rear air lockers has made up for most of the lack of articulation.
The only other thing to consider is the distance u can get out of a tank of fuel as the 4runner's 65 litre tank won't get u too far especially off road. There's nothing worse than being stuck out in the boonies without fuel. (had one close call).
Baiscally i got it because of the wagon feature (that and i didn't have enough cash at the time for a 80 series cruiser). Just make sure you get one with manual locking hubs and not the ADD system as this system has the front diff permanently turning. This means no SR5 but if u still want the power windows and such look out for the 1993 model. People call it an sr5 but its actually a getaway and it has most of the luxuries of the sr5 but with manual hubs. Only disadvantage of this is that they don't have the higher gear ratio's of the SR5 which is handy if u want to get bigger tyres. Hope this helps and if you have any questions about the 4runner just ask as much research into them and how to mod them has left me with a pretty good idea of their pro's and cons.
New converter and pretty much everything else under the bonnet, the exsisting converter was the wrong size. I also had to get a new air flow meter as the old one was damaged from backfiring due to the old system. Everything new and well tuned it is all running sweat as now, so much so that i don't want to sell it, but we have just bought an 80 series. The minister for war and finance's doesn't believe that we need 2 4wds.
Regards Travo
Regards Travo
80 series Turbo Cruiser twin lockers.
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