Is there any other way visually other than the 4WD badge on the back to distinguish a 2WD model from a 4WD model 3rd Gen 4Runner? I know the obvious of looking inside, but what about when you're on the road? I was just curious because they look identical to me but all I've ever owned is 4WDs so maybe there something slight that I am missing.

 

I think 15 inch wheels(?),'96-'98s look like they sit lower than the 4wd. The later 3rd gens and 4th gens are hard to tell.

 

look for cv axles when you are in front of them

 

From the side you can see the transfer case if they don't have running boards:

Here is 2wd:


Here is 4wd:


....and as was mentioned, look for CV's on the front.

 

Ditto that. Spot em two hunnert yards away. Laugh and point when you go past - they hate that...

 

Do you get alot of that yourself with that paintjob?

 

My '97 4x4 has factory 15" wheels, so that's out. I don't think there were any 2wd versions up here in BC. Never seen one anyway.

 

Wow, a 2wd 4runner. What a dud.

 

Did early 3rd gens not have the 4wd emblem? I know the rear emblem placement changed around 98 or 99 - was this the time the 4wd emblem was introduced?

 

The early ones had the 4WD mudflaps.

 

the 4WD emblem was introduced with the '99s.

 

i see some 4wd 4runners without the "4wd" emblem.
maybe they do exist, but i've never seen a 3rd gen with 4wd factory mudflaps. that's a second gen thing.

 

calrockx your avitar rules

 

Yeah, it's a lot easier in Canada, they didn't sell any 2wd 3rd or 4th gens here.
They also didn't sell any with 5 spd trannys

 

Mine doesn't have any 4WD emblems on it.

 

Not at all. It's a kick really, everyone from kids to blue haired old lady's stop and look and chat with me about it. Even guys with dented up rusted up dedicated trail rigs and work trucks come over and gawk. I've never heard or seen one negative reaction yet. In fact the closest to that I've ever heard is when it's muddy, people can't believe THAT! You really have to see it in person, pics just don't do it justice. Of course, it's not 2wd....

 

Sounds like you are mad cause you have a 2wd...
Anyways, I have a 98 and they don't come with 4wd emblems but I ordered one from the dealership that goes on the 99's. If you ask me, they shouldn't make 2wd 4runners, after all doesn't the name come from: 4wd meets off road runner or something like that. Or either call them 2runners. Like the 2wd tacomas that sit up high are called pre-runners.I'll probaly get alot of flack for this post I know....

 

I have no beef with 2wd 4Runners, but I think they should call them Station Wagons...

 

Hey, we used to have a 97 2WD 4Cyl and I used to whell that thing. It was a whole lot better than you'd think! Great truck until it got totaled when some moron slid into the back of it at a stoplight in the rain That's what got me going on Toyota trucks Now I have a 91 Ext Cab and love it.

 

I would say 80+% of the 4Runners here in TX are 2WD, the 4WD's are pretty rare actually. That's why they carry such a premium price tag. Opposite in Colorado I know. But it's still not that easy to identify 2 and 4 WD's just at a glance.. too bad they don't have locking hubs. Oh well, at least 3rd Gen 4Runners have an actual lever to pull for 4WD unlike the Pathfinders of the same years that just had a knob on the dash.