Hey Everyone,

New member here, although I've been reading posts on this forum for quite some time.

This is a question about stock runners, like the title says, I'm wondering if anyone can give some insight into the difference between the torsen-type LSD, and the locking CD of the push-button vs. manual 4wd systems on 3rd gen 4runners.

I live in CO and drive I-70 between Vail and Denver almost every week. If you've driven at all up here, you know the conditions are extremely variable and can get crazy very quickly.

I had a '99 limited with the push-button and am looking at a '00 sr5 sport without it. Would I miss this feature so much that I would have buyer's remorse? Would I be less safe on my Vail-Denver journeys without it? FYI the '00 has 91,000 mi. and the owner is asking $9,000, but it would need about $1,500 to be brought up to snuff.

Any and all info/thoughts is much appreciated.

Thanks!

First, I would read this thread about the differences in the 4wd systems. You can probably judge better than we can once you have a full understanding of how they work and the benefits of one over another.

I have had my 2001 for almost 2 weeks and it has the AWD option (Multi-Mode). I love it already. I've used it in some pretty heavy rain we've had recently just for the added safety and I'm glad I have it. Being able to just push the button on the fly is great. Being in Colorado, I would think the AWD feature would be priceless and you'll probably miss having it.

During your drives to and from Vail, how often have you found it necessary to shift into 4H? If the answer is more than often, then you probably won't miss the AWD too much. But if the AWD suits you most of the time then I'm betting you'll find the difference between RWD and 4WD in the '00 to be great enough that you miss the '99's AWD.

I went from an 01 to a 00 w/ a locker. I don't miss the push button at all. If it gets dicey you can still swtich to 4H on the fly with the J shifter, just read your manual. The push button was nice but I am used to the old fashion method. Plus that Trac Control pissed me off like no other.

Thanks for all the input, guys.

I ended up finding a nice '02 with the button and have already used it in one of our early April blizzards here in CO!

Happy runnin'!