body/chassis interchangability

[Barrington Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Barrington]

I know the american 3rd gen 4runner has the exact same chassis as the 90 prado, so body and chassis are interchangable, but how far off would a 2nd gen 4runner body be to bolting on a 3rd gen 4runner/90 series prado chassis? If your replies arent based off facts, then dont bother replying.

[glen_ep Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close glen_ep]

I was wondering how someone with a single post could already have negative reputation points, then I saw your last sentence.

[williade Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close williade]

Very few people on this forum will have a detailed knowledge of the differences in the body and chassis between 2nd and 3rd gen 4runners so I'm guessing your expectation of detailed factual answers might be beyond the scope of this forum.

To my knowledge detailed specifications of the chassis of either of these vehicles won't be found in existing threads on this forum.

If you have already done your research and exhausted the world wide web of information, you really ought to get a tape measure and take lots of measurements from some sample vehicles. Check the classifieds for 2nd gen 4runners and 95 series Prados and ask the sellers if they are happy for you to inspect the vehicles so you can take measurements.

Here's a few things you might want to check.
- Compare the wheelbases.
- Compare differences in suspension and steering systems and the related clearances
- 2nd gen 4runners use recirculated ball steering with the steering box in front of the diff where as 95 series uses rack and pinion steering with steering rack mounted behind the front diff so check possible issues with the steering shaft.
- Check for fuel tank clearance and mounting options.
- Compare the firewall location relative the wheelbase.
- Compare location of the body mounts relative to the firewall and the wheelbase
- Compare the location of the engines relative to the firewall
- Compare the height of the engine relative to the chassis rails
- Compare the height of the bonnet relative to the chassis rails
- Check for engine/bonnet clearance issues
- Check the radiator for fan shroud clearance issues
- Compare the location the gear shift levers and/or linkanges relative to the firewall
- Takes lots of photos.

[Barrington Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Barrington]

thanks for that williade, your reply was actually great help and has given me more to think about. That is a good point about the steering being different, although some steering components are interchangeable, pretty sure the steering rack is interchangeable but thats all I know so far. As for the secondary fuel tank, the only place to store a spare tyre would be on the back like the prado, not underneath like the 4runner. Just a point to make, seeing as the 3rd gen 4runner in america uses the same chassis as the 95 prado, america has A LOT of after market suspension upgrades to their 3rd gen 4runner, like adjustable panhard rods, more hardcore shocks and even a front sas conversion, which would all work on the 95 prado.

[glen_ep Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close glen_ep]

The 4runner's also have a horsecollar crossmember near the rear drive shaft. I thought this was the 3rd gen, which would make it different to the 95 Prado, but I'm not certain.