Quick answer
The Toyota Surf, the Hilux Surf and the 4Runner are the same truck sold under different names. In New Zealand most are Japanese imports, so you will see Toyota Surf on the paperwork and Hilux Surf in the sheds and on the forums. Parts are not interchangeable across generations though, so the first job is working out which one you have. Find your generation and chassis code below, then jump to the parts that fit.
Same truck, three names
- Toyota Surf: the Japanese domestic market name. Most NZ trucks arrived as used imports, so this is what is on the import papers.
- Hilux Surf: the name used in NZ, Australia and Europe. It is built on the Hilux platform, which is why the drivetrain and suspension parts are so familiar.
- 4Runner: the US name. A lot of aftermarket parts are sold under it, but US trucks and Japan trucks differ in places, so always check fitment against your chassis code and not the name.
We list parts under Hilux Surf and 4Runner, and everything here applies to a Toyota Surf as well.
Find your generation in 60 seconds
Start with the model years, then confirm with the chassis code. The chassis code is on your registration or import papers and on the plate in the engine bay.
- 1st gen (1983 to 1988): the short, boxy original. 1st gen parts.
- 2nd gen (1990 to 1995): chassis codes such as KZN130, LN130 and VZN130. The 1KZ-TE turbo diesel is the one most people want. 2nd gen parts.
- 3rd gen (1996 to 2002): chassis codes such as KZN185, RZN185 and VZN185. Rounder body, coil sprung all round. 3rd gen parts.
- 4th gen (2003 to 2009): the newest of the lot, and a different truck again. 4th gen parts.
Not sure what you are looking at? Our free Hilux Surf Buyer's Bible covers every generation, engine and trim.
What fits what
2nd gen (KZN130 and friends)
The popular upgrades are snorkels, lift kits, bull bars, lighting and interior bits. Start with the 2nd gen snorkels, the 2nd gen lift kits and the 2nd gen bull bars. Genuine Toyota parts are in the 2nd gen OEM collection.
3rd gen (KZN185, RZN185, VZN185)
This is where most of our range sits. Good starting points are the 3rd gen lift kits, snorkels and airboxes, bumpers and bull bars, lighting and skid plates. For the factory option, see 3rd gen genuine Toyota parts.
4th gen
Browse the 4th gen collection and message us with your chassis code if you cannot see what you need.
What does not swap across generations
The expensive mistakes come from assuming a part from one generation will fit another. The big ones:
- Snorkels: the guard cutout and airbox connection differ, so a 2nd gen snorkel will not line up on a 3rd gen. See the snorkel install guide.
- Bull bars and bumpers: mounting points and body shape change between generations. Check the bull bar guide before you order.
- Lift kits: spring rates, shock lengths and mounting differ, and the 2nd and 3rd gen suspension layouts are not the same. The lift kit guide explains what suits which.
- Headlights and grilles: the front end is different on every generation.
When in doubt, send us your chassis code and we will confirm fitment before you pay.
FAQ
Is a Toyota Surf the same as a Hilux Surf? Yes. Toyota Surf is the Japanese market name and Hilux Surf is the name used in NZ and Australia. The truck is the same, and so are the parts.
Do 4Runner parts fit a Surf? Sometimes. Many aftermarket parts are sold under the 4Runner name, but US and Japan trucks differ in places. Check fitment against your generation and chassis code, not the model name.
Where do I find my chassis code? On your registration or import papers, and on the plate in the engine bay. It looks like KZN130 or KZN185.
Which generation is the best one to buy? That depends on budget and how you will use it. Our Buyer's Bible breaks it down by generation, engine and trim.
Do you ship parts around NZ? Yes. We ship from NZ, and if you tell us your generation and chassis code we can confirm what fits before you order.
