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4Runner History
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| 1998 4Runner History: |
The following changes are made for the 1998 model year.
1. Interior Equipment
The steering wheel has been changed from the 2-spoke type to the 4-spoke type which is color-keyed on Limited models
and black on all other grades. On models with the normal separate seats and sports seats,
a pocket has been provided on the inner side of the front passenger seat.
A power outlet is provided in the right deck side trim. A lighted vanity mirror has been provided on the
front passenger side sun visor. Coat hooks have been added to the rear seat assist grips.
2. 5VZ-FE Engine
The power steering idle-up control has been changed to a method which uses a pressure switch and the IAC valve.
3. Clutch
A clutch disc which provides damper springs at 3 locations has been adopted on the 3RZ-FE engine model.
4. Brakes
A compact ABS ECU is used. The EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable ROM) is adopted on the ABS ECU and
discontinued the battery (BAT) terminal. The IC (Integrated circuit) has been integrated and the heat sink and
the battery (BAT) terminal have been discontinued to realize the compact size of ABS ECU.
5. Suspension
The suspension has been optimally tuned to realize excellent riding comfort.
The items of the suspension listed below have been changed to realize excellent riding comfort.
The low friction oil seal is used on the front and rear shock absorbers to reduce sliding resistance of piston rod.
A plastic inter ring has been inserted into the rear shock absorber lower bushing to optimize the bushing’s spring rate.
The shape of the lower control arm bushing of the rear suspension has been changed to optimize the bushing’s
spring rate.
6. Steering
A check valve has been provided to the pump side of the control valve of the power steering gear.
Ordinarily, the reverse pressure input from the wheels creates a pressure in the cylinder causing the fluid to
flow back to the pump. The check valve prevents the backflow, thus ensuring excellent steering feeling.
The same contract mechanism used on the ’98 Tacoma is used in the intermediate shaft.
7. Combination Meter
A transmission shift indicator has been provided on the model with automatic transmission.
The indication method of the seat belt warning light has been changed from the illuminating type to the flashing type.
The faceplate provides a “FUEL DOOR” display to enable the driver to easily verify that the fuel lid is located on the
left side of the vehicle.
8. Air Conditioning
In place of the previous lever type heater control panel, a dial-and-lever type heater control panel has been adopted.
9. Audio
The design of the audio unit has been changed and the switch layout has been revised.
AM/FM multiplex ETR (Electronic Tuning Radio) with 4-speaker system has been discontinued.
A control system for the CD auto changer has been provided.
A larger LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) has been adopted to improve visibility.
The Toyota 4Runner has broken its previous annual sales record for the last three years in a row. Redesigned from the
ground up in 1996, 4Runner sales will exceed 100,000 units for the first time ever in calendar 1997. For 1998,
the third-generation Toyota 4Runner combines backwoods ruggedness with in-town comfort and enters its third year
with numerous interior upgrades.
Dial-type heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) controls, coat hooks on the rear seat assist grips and an
additional power outlet in the rear cargo area are a few of the small touches which make 4Runner more accommodating.
The 4Runner's audio systems feature new faceplates and the Limited grade now includes a Premium ETR/CD as standard
equipment. A lighted, covered passenger-side vanity mirror is now standard equipment on the Limited grade and optional
on SR5 models. The 4Runner's steering wheel also features a new, four-spoke design, which is color-keyed on Limited
models and black on all other grades.
Available in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations, 4Runner offers three trim levels: 4Runner,
SR5 and Limited. Each trim level can be powered by either a four-cylinder or V6 engine coupled with a five-speed manual
or optional four-speed automatic transmission. The 4Runner's automatic transmission is electronically linked to the
engine control computer to momentarily retard engine timing while changing gears, ensuring smooth shifting.
The four-cylinder, two-wheel drive model is the 4Runner's value-leader. Powered by a 2.7-liter, 16-valve,
dual-overhead cam, four-cylinder engine with balance shafts, it produces 150 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 177 lb./ft. of
torque at 4,000 rpm. The four-valve combustion chamber combined with independent intake runners create an exceptional
blend of fuel efficiency and power across the rpm range. City/highway EPA mileage estimates are 19/24 mpg with a
five-speed manual transmission and 20/24 mpg with four-speed automatic transmission for two-wheel drive models.
Four-wheel drive models deliver an estimated 17/21 mpg with five-speed manual and 19/22 mpg with four-speed
automatic transmissions.
Additional power can be found in 4Runner's rugged V6 powerplant. This 3.4-liter, 24-valve, dual-overhead cam
engine is designed to boost power in the higher rpm ranges, while providing the low-rpm torque necessary for
towing and off-road use. Long independent intake runners and a large capacity air cleaner maximize the engine's
performance, helping to deliver 183 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 217 lb./ft. of torque at 3,600 rpm. Two-wheel
drive models deliver an estimated city/highway EPA fuel economy of 17/21 mpg. Four-wheel drive models provide 16/19
mpg when paired with a five-speed manual transmission and 17/20 mpg with four-speed automatic.
Toyota's 4WDemand shift-on-the-fly engagement system comes standard on all four-wheel drive 4Runner models,
enabling the part-time four-wheel drive system to be engaged at speeds up to 50 mph. A One-Touch Hi-4 switch,
available exclusively on 4Runner Limited models, makes shifting into high-4WD as easy as a touch of a button.
All four-wheel drive 4Runners are equipped with a two-speed transfer case.
Off-road enthusiasts will find improved low-traction performance available through a locking rear differential,
optional on all four-wheel drive models (except SR5 models equipped with automatic transmission). Sporting a 4.3:1
differential gear ratio, this feature locks the rear wheels together while in low-4WD, forcing both wheels to turn
together.
4Runner successfully balances on-road comfort and off-road performance. Both the suspension and frame were
designed to provide the long wheel travel and damping characteristics required by off-road conditions, as well as
on-road smoothness and control. A coil-spring, double-wishbone front suspension features a closed structure
for the lower arm. This design gives added strength while minimizing unsprung weight. Low-pressure, gas-filled
shock absorbers cushion 4Runner's passenger cabin from the occasional bumps in the road, with stroke-dependent
shock absorbers accompanying models with P265 tires.
The four-link coil spring rear suspension also utilizes low-pressure, gas-filled shock absorbers for optimum ride
comfort. Front and rear stabilizer bars are incorporated into all models. The compliant suspension works well with
4Runner's rigid frame for maximum performance. A wheelbase of 105.3 inches contributes to ride comfort as well as
impressive rear seat legroom. The frame is reinforced throughout, while dual front suspension crossmembers
enhance 4Runner's ride and braking performance.
Braking is responsive, thanks to power-assisted, 12-inch ventilated front disc brakes with 12-inch rear drums.
Models equipped with the P265 tire package feature 13-inch front ventilated discs and 13-inch rear drums.
All V6 4Runners feature a four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) as standard equipment while four-cylinder
models offer it as an option. This ABS system automatically switches off when the optional locking rear
differential is engaged, since that feature does not allow the rear wheels to rotate independently of each
other.
The '98 4Runner features three-point ALR/ELR seat belts in all outboard positions (except for driver's ELR-only seat
belt) and a dual front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS). Additional safety features include side-door
impact beams, a two-point non-retracting seat belt in the rear center seat, center high mount stop lamp, and
child protector rear door locks.
A rugged exterior houses a spacious interior with plenty of creature comforts. Full cut-pile carpeting,
front four-way adjustable fabric bucket seats and rear split folding fabric bench seat successfully blend
comfort and utility. A driver-side footrest, dual front and rear cup holders, a center console storage box,
and an additional power outlet in the rear cargo area make 4Runner convenient to use as well. Additional
amenities include full door trim with armrests, color-keyed instrument panel, power rear window, tinted glass,
headlight-on warning chime, spring-back antenna, day/night rearview mirror, dual-fabric sunvisors with passenger
vanity mirror, remote fuel door and hood releases, cigarette lighter, five entry/exit assist grips, and
intermittent mist cycle windshield wipers.
The SR5 grade adds several key features to upgrade its interior. A lighting package featuring an illuminated
ignition key ring, ash tray and glove box light is included as standard equipment. Front map lights, power
mirrors and door locks, a digital clock, tilt steering wheel, and variable intermittent front and rear
windshield wipers round out the list of features.
The 4Runner Limited adds still more features, giving it a heightened sense of comfort and convenience.
Leather seating surfaces with a leather covered steering wheel, power driver's and passenger bucket seats,
power windows, cruise control, and floor mats are included as standard equipment. The Limited edition also offers
superb sound quality as a Premium ETR/CD with six speakers, power antenna and diversity antenna is standard.
Ten exterior colors are available with coordinating interiors of either Gray or Oak.
The Lavender Steel Metallic color was replaced with Cool Steel Metallic.
Limited Warranty
Toyota's 36-month/36,000-mile basic new vehicle limited warranty applies to all components other than normal wear
and maintenance items. Additional 60-month limited warranties are available and cover powertrain components for
60,000 miles and corrosion perforation with no mileage limitation.
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., reported 4Runner total calendar year-end sales of 118,484 units, down 7.8% from prior year.
1998 Detailed Specifications and color chart
1998 4Runner Canadian Brochure (PDF) provided by nighthawk
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1998 Toyota 4Runner
Limited |
1998 Toyota 4Runner
Limited |
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