Toyota 4Runner (1996–2002)
U.S.-market specifications. Items flagged UNVERIFIED have not yet been matched to a Toyota factory document. Confirm them before you rely on them.
Overview & model years
A clean-sheet 1996 design based on the Land Cruiser Prado / Tacoma mechanicals. The 3.4 L 5VZ-FE V6 is the common engine. From 2001 the automatic got full-time 4WD (One-Touch 4WD with center diff lock).
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| U.S. model years | 1996–2002 |
| Model code | N180 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone coil-over |
| Rear suspension | 4-link solid axle, coil springs |
Engines (U.S. market)
| Engine | Years | Type / displacement | Output (SAE net) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3RZ-FE | 1996–2000 | 2.7 L DOHC I4 | 150 hp (112 kW) / 177 lb-ft (240 N·m) |
| 5VZ-FE | 1996–2002 | 3.4 L DOHC V6 | 183 hp (136 kW) / 217 lb-ft (294 N·m) |
Drivetrain: transmissions, transfer case, axles, lockers
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manual transmission | 5-speed (through 2000) |
| Automatic | A340F 4-speed |
| Transfer case | Part-time two-speed (lever, or button-shift One-Touch); full-time 4WD with locking center diff on 2001–02 automatics |
| Front axle | IFS |
| Rear axle | 4-link solid axle, coil springs |
| Lockers | Factory electric rear locker option (factory manual lists capacities with and without it) |
Dimensions & weights
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 105.3 in (2,675 mm) (Toyota via Wikipedia) |
Fluid capacities
| System | Capacity (US / metric) | Fluid |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil (5VZ-FE, with filter) | 5.5 US qt (5.2 L) | 5W-30 typical |
| Automatic (A340F) | Drain & refill 2.1 US qt; dry 10.8 US qt | Dexron III |
| Transfer case | 1.0 L (1.1 US qt) lever type; 1.2 L (1.3 US qt) button type | API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 |
| Front differential | 1.2 US qt (1.1 L) | API GL-5 hypoid gear oil (viscosity per manual) |
| Rear differential | 2.6 US qt; 2.9 US qt with locker | API GL-5 hypoid gear oil (viscosity per manual) |
| Fuel tank | 18.5 US gal (70 L) | Unleaded |
Refill capacities are approximate. Fill to the dipstick, check plug, or reservoir mark, not by volume alone. Use the fluid grade on your oil filler cap / owner’s manual.
Key torque specs
| Fastener | Torque (ft-lb / N·m) |
|---|---|
| Wheel lug nuts | 83 ft-lb (110 N·m) |
Always confirm torque values in the factory repair manual for your exact year and engine. Use a calibrated wrench; tighten wheel nuts in a star pattern and re-check after 50 miles. Values marked UNVERIFIED are commonly published figures we have not yet matched to a Toyota document.
Paint colors
Code 056
Code 202
Code 1C0
Code 1A5
Code 8L7
Code 1D4
Code 6Q7
Swatches are approximate screen colors. Order paint by the code on the vehicle’s ID label (driver door jamb or firewall, marked C/TR or COLOR), never by the swatch. Lists show common U.S. colors and are not complete for every year. Code–name pairs confirmed via the automotivetouchup Toyota color listings; availability varies by year and trim.
Trims & options
| Trim / package | Years | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Base | 1996–2000 | I4 or V6 |
| SR5 | 1996–2002 | Volume trim |
| Limited | 1996–2002 | Leather, color-keyed trim |
| Sport Edition | 1999–2002 | Hood scoop, sport trim |
VIN decoding basics
| Position | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 | Country: J = Japan, 4/5 = USA, 3 = Mexico |
| 1–3 | World Manufacturer ID (e.g. JT_ = Toyota Japan) |
| 4–8 | Vehicle descriptor: body, engine, series/model code (varies by era) |
| 9 | Check digit |
| 10 | Model year: B=1981 … Y=2000, 1=2001 … 9=2009, A=2010 … S=2025, T=2026 (no I, O, Q, U, Z, 0) |
| 11 | Assembly plant |
| 12–17 | Serial number |
Decode any 1981+ VIN free at NHTSA vPIC. The paint code and trim code are printed on the ID label, not encoded in the VIN.
Factory manuals & brochures
Official and public sources only. We do not host copies of copyrighted Toyota manuals.
- Operation CHARM: factory service information, 1982–2013 (public, free) ↗
- Toyota Owners: owner’s manuals & warranty guides (official) ↗
- NHTSA vPIC VIN decoder (U.S. government) ↗
- NHTSA recalls lookup by VIN ↗
- Toyota Technical Information System (official factory repair manuals, paid subscription) ↗
- Toyota Newsroom (official press kits & spec sheets) ↗