1996 Toyota RAV4 Type G | JDM 3S-GE | AWD
Specs:
* Year: 1996
* Model: Toyota RAV4 Type G
* Chassis: XA10, 2-door
* Market: JDM, right-hand drive
* Engine: Gen 3 3S-GE
* Transmission: Automatic, currently running a temporary USDM 4-speed auto
* Drivetrain: AWD
* Suspension: Lowered
* JDM goodies: Roof bars, rain visors, and nudge bar with fog lights
This little RAV4 has been through a bit of everything. I’ve taken it off-road out to a glacier and even ran 29-inch tires on the stock suspension before eventually going in the complete opposite direction and lowering it.
Since then, I’ve taken it to the track and drag raced it. I eventually blew up the original transmission, so I threw in a USDM four-speed automatic as a temporary replacement. I also did the timing belt myself, which was my first time tackling a timing job.
The car has been great and definitely turns heads. I love the goofy look of these little two-door RAV4s, and the JDM Type G spec with the 3S-GE makes it that much more interesting. The factory JDM accessories are the cherry on top.
Long-term plans: Manual swap and eventually a 3S-GTE swap. Still have some things to figure out, but that’s the end goal.
From glacier runs on 29s to a lowered AWD street driven track car, this thing has had quite the journey. More updates to come!
