Toyota SUV Spotter's Guide - 4Runner Facts - Four Wheeler Network
Toyota 4Runners weren’t the first sport utility vehicles (SUV) to hit the planet, but they have definitely made their mark off the pavement, along with their senior sibling, the Land Cruiser. The 4Runner was introduced in 1984 and has survived in the Toyota product line for over three decades to the current fifth-generation model, always being built in Tahara, Japan. Similar to the Toyota truck line, the 4Runner has been offered in numerous configurations over the years, including both 2WD and 4WD models in some generations. SR5 and Limited models often got many of the aesthetics and mechanical upgrades, to include lower axle gearing, lockers, and various versions of 4WD and traction-control systems. Here we’ll take a look at the evolution of the 4WD 4Runner as it has progressed through five generations of body styles and models. Over the past 30 years, Toyota has offered three styles of front suspensions. Beginning in 1986, Toyota converted to their Hi-Trac independent front suspension (IFS) using A-arms and upper torsion bars on the 4Runners. Source: www.fourwheeler.com
