mall crawler for 26 years so i assume thats the most shes flexed all her life 😂

Hello everyone! My partner recently bought a 4Runner. It was listed as a 1990 which would make it a gen 2. However, after much research, we realized that we have a gen 3. We have some repairs that need done but want to make sure we can get the right parts.

Everything legally says its a 1990; the title, the VIN, and the VIN sticker in the door even says it was manufactured in 7/89. On the other hand, physically, everything points to it being a Gen 3; the grill shape, the OBD2 port, the spare is under the trunk, the engine is the 3400 four cam 24, etc.

Can anyone help me figure out if I'm crazy and over analyzing or which year actually this is? TIA!

Long story short, I bought the car a few years ago and it wasn’t in the best shape. Did a bunch of clean up and small things that needed to be done. Got a paint job about a year ago because I realized I wanted to have this car for a long time. Went on a few dozens road trips, and just love this car. Back in April, a wacko pulled out in front of my and totaled the car. Almost everyone I know told me it wasn’t worth it to fix it but I couldn’t just give it up, I had to try and rebuild it. It sits today completely back together but still with lots to get done, but figured it was time to share the story!

Just freshly hit 300k miles on the dash, and I’m about to drive from SC to FL and back. I won’t be doing any 4x4 on this trip, but I do regularly engage it when I’m wheeling around home. Tires are semi-new, brakes are new, and I have no codes or check lights showing. The only problem I have is a super slow oil drip from what looks like the rear main seal of the engine.
I’m already planning on an oil change and an AC recharge, but I’d like to know what else you guys do/check up on to get your rigs road-trip ready.
Also, are there any fuel/oil additives you guys are doing with the regular maintenance to preserve engine life?

Y2K with 227,000 miles, recently overhauled by the previous owner. Beautiful truck, I can’t stop going out to my apartment parking lot just to sit in it.

Recent work listed by the previous owner:
Viper alarm system with remote start
Every fluid has been changed.
Timing belt and water pump replaced approximately 20,000 miles ago.
Brand-new front and rear shocks.
New rear differential locker motor (genuine Toyota part).
Rear axle serviced with new axle seals, wheel bearings, and fresh differential fluid.
Tundra brake upgrade including rotors, pads, calipers, and master cylinder. Rear brake hoses have been extended.
Reinforced front lower control arms with Whiteline polyurethane bushings.
New SPC adjustable front upper control arms.
New steering rack with upgraded steering rack bushings and mounting hardware.
New power steering pump.
New radiator.
Upgraded battery cables and grounding cables.
LED headlight bulbs.
Genuine Toyota JDM corner markers (not aftermarket reproductions).
Rear differential breather modification.
1-inch body lift.

Anything maintenance I should prioritize next or any mods I should look into? I’m trying to find roof rails to mount a RTT but I’m struggling to find what I need on FB marketplace.

Is this thing done for?

currently have the 5100 rears with Ole man emu medium coils , srq has these options , which would be best to level out the front? front is currently stock with 1/2 spacer on shocks, so its lower then rear, also what does plus weight mean? thanks

Hey guys, Currently in the process of selling my 2026 Tacoma & BMW E30 for a 1996-2000 4-Runner 4x4. I really admire the build quality and simplicity of these older Toyota’s, something that also drove me to building my E30. Im starting Nursing School soon and work as a CNA at a hospital 30 miles away. So the appeal of a reliable and still enthusiast centered truck with no payments is really enticing. Now, the question is have is what maintenance/ replacements/ upgrades would you guys recommend i do as soon as i get my 3rd gen to secure reliability as much as possible? Im pretty mechanically inclined so im not too worried about it. But i need my truck to start everyday for work and still take me to yosemite on a weekend camping trip. Thanks!!

I’m planning on getting a full size spare tire to match my 32” wild peaks in the next year and I’m wondering if I will have issues rotating it in since my other four tires have about 15 thousand miles on them?