Hello T4R fans!

I'm on the hunt for a 2002 Limited. I'm curious what in the vehicle history I should be worried about - apart from general used car evaluation, are there any peculiarities with T4Rs that I should look for? I have heard they boast amazing reliability, but each vehicle has it's quirks and character.

I am coming over to Toyota from Jeep, owning a 1997 Grand Cherokee.

I have read that the Limited offers a touch-button Hi-4 control - is this like Selec-Trac, where I can choose if she drives in AWD or 2WD? As well as, the Limited comes with a locking rear differential - what are the advantages to this?

In the future, I may decide to modify the exhaust system. Is there anything I should look for on a Limited that may hinder may ability for mods later on?

Thanks so much everyone! I do have a few more questions, but I do not want to overload you.

Ryan.

You'll be glad you came to t4r from a jeep gc!

Why a 2002 specifically? I have a 2000 limited with push button and the rear locker.

As far as your exhaust question I can't think of anything that would get in the way.



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Just because the 2002 the youngest model of the generation I like best!

I am in Canada, so perhaps some of the features came to us a bit later.

3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide

Will answer all your questions..

In the future, please try to search. This one was stickied right at the top of this very subforum.

My apologies. I will take a look right now.

The '01's and 02's did not come with a locking rear dif. The last year that was a factory option was '00. They do have a center locking dif which essentially allows you the option of 2wd, AWD and 4WD.

So the 2002 allows you to select the drive train? This is standard across all trims/models?

Good lord, read the thread.

Started to, but I had to run out.

Will get on it.

Sorry to come off like a prick. But its all right there.



Anywho, I forgot to welcome you to the forums. So,

I hope you find a nice 4runner.

Yep. If you get a 4wd 4Runner, day to day driving will be in 2wd. If you hit the 4wd button, you will engage the front wheels, but they will not be engaged with the rears thus allowing you to still drive on pavement (good for mixed conditions). When you hit the center locking button, the front and the rear lock together, so then you have a traditional 4wd system.

What is more desirable; the TRAC and center-lock in the 2002 Limited or the e-lock on the 99-00 Limiteds, if I can find one?

When shopping, how do I check if the 99-00 I am looking at has the e-lock option?

My most rugged driving would be up and a down a 1.1km gravel, twisty turny, hilly dusty road, occasionally pulling an 18' boat with a 4.3L motor, and smaller trailers with lumber, furniture, trash.

More desirable depends on what you're using it for. It sounds to me like more desirable for you would be an 01-02 with TRAC and the option to have the center diff unlocked. The locking rear diff is really only useful for real offroading where you have wheels hanging in thin air while going over really rough terrain. Not to mention, with the older system, the center diff is always locked, so you can't use it as safely on paved roads in inclement weather.


Look through that thread some more, and you'll see a picture of each button. The locking rear differential button has orange lettering and says R/R Diff Lock. The locking center differential button is just a typical 4x4 symbol.

X2.

And if you do decide that the rear diff is what you think you want, make sure to look at the rear diff housing. You'll see extra components around the housing since it's an electronic locking rear diff. Some people have bought 4Runners thinking they had a locking rear diff only to find out later that it was just the button in the dash without the actual locker.