Toyota 4Runner (1984–1989)
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Toyota 4Runner (1984–1989)

First-generation 4Runner (N60). A Pickup 4x4 with a removable fiberglass top.

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OverviewEnginesDrivetrainDimensionsFluidsTorque specsPaint colorsTrimsVINManuals

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

The original 4Runner was essentially a Pickup 4x4 cab-and-bed with a removable fiberglass shell and a rear seat. 1984–1985 models used the solid front axle; 1986–1989 models switched to IFS. Engines followed the Pickup: 22R, 22R-E, 22R-TE turbo and, for 1988–1989, the 3VZ-E V6.

Item Detail
U.S. model years 1984–1989 (Wikipedia)
Model code N60
Wheelbase 103.0 in (2,616 mm)
Front suspension 1984–85 solid axle; 1986–89 IFS

Engines (U.S. market)

Engine Years Type / displacement Output (SAE net)
22R 1984–1985 2.4 L SOHC I4, carburetor 97–109 hp (72–81 kW)
22R-E 1985–1989 2.4 L SOHC I4, EFI 113–116 hp (84–87 kW) / 140 lb-ft (190 N·m)
22R-TE 1986–1988 2.4 L SOHC I4 turbo 135 hp (101 kW) / 173 lb-ft (235 N·m)
3VZ-E 1988–1989 3.0 L SOHC V6 150 hp (112 kW) / 180 lb-ft (244 N·m)

Drivetrain: transmissions, transfer case, axles, lockers

Component Detail
Manual transmission G52, W46, W55, W56 (4-cyl); R150 / R151F (V6, turbo)
Automatic 4-speed electronic (A340H on 4x4)
Transfer case Two-speed gear-driven part-time
Front axle 1984–85 Birfield solid axle; 1986–89 IFS with ADD or manual hubs
Rear axle Solid axle, leaf springs
Lockers Factory electric rear locker offered on some 1986–on 4x4s UNVERIFIED

Dimensions & weights

Measurement Value
Wheelbase 103.0 in (2,616 mm)
Length 174.6 in (4,435 mm)
Width 66.5 in (1,689 mm)
Height 66.1 in (1,679 mm)
Curb weight 3,520–3,760 lb (1,597–1,706 kg)

Fluid capacities

System Capacity (US / metric) Fluid
Engine oil (22R-E, with filter) 4.5 US qt (4.3 L) 10W-30 typical
Engine oil (3VZ-E, with filter) 4.8 US qt (4.5 L) 10W-30 typical
Manual transmission (W56 / R151F) 3.2 US qt (3.0 L) GL-4/GL-5 75W-90
Transfer case 3.4 US pt (1.6 L); V6 2.4 US pt (1.1 L) API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90
Front differential (IFS) 1.6 L (1.7 US qt); 1.9 L with ADD API GL-5 hypoid gear oil (viscosity per manual)
Rear differential 2.2 L (2.3 US qt); turbo/V6 2.4 L API GL-5 hypoid gear oil (viscosity per manual)

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 76 ft-lb (103 N·m)
Spark plugs 11–15 ft-lb (15–20 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

Super White II
Code 040
Black Onyx
Code 202
Super Red
Code 3E5
Haze Gray
Code 141
Blue Metallic
Code 8B5

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
DLX 1984–1989 Base
SR5 1984–1989 Sport seats, tach, upgraded trim
SR5 Turbo 1986–1988 22R-TE
SR5 V6 1988–1989 3VZ-E

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.

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Questions about your truck? JT Outfitters has specialized in Toyota 4x4s since 1998. Call (336) 591-1108 or email joe@jtoutfitters.com.

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