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This thread will serve as a resource to all prospective buyers of 3rd generation 4runners.
If you have questions of what to look out for and what trim model is right for you, this is where you should be able to find your answer. The information here is meant to be purely informative. If you have any further questions on a topic that may have not been covered, just search or post a reply, the helpful members of this forum will help you find your answer. If you find a promising 4runner, post it up so we can dissect it. And to forum members who spot an error in this guide, please do not hesitate to notify me so I can fix it.






Thread Outline:

Post 2- Known Issues & Red Flags, Maintenance Items.

Post 3- 4WD variations, E-locker, Traction Control, 5-speed, 4Cyl information.

Post 4- Trim Levels Differences, colors

Post 5- Mid-generation upgrades.

Post 6- Wheel Variations, $ Pricing & Searching Information.

Post 7- New Owners section: Tune up pointers, Beginner FAQ, Supercharger info, Basic Starter Modifications.

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But to start off, here is a little summary of the factory specs 3rd gen 4runner. Written by J.A.
Toyota 4Runner History 1996

And another, more maintenance oriented thread, with owners manual links and a lot of data like bolt torque and part numbers from iH8mud(.com):
3rd Gen 4Runner FAQs

And be sure to check out the 4Runner Wiki page:
Toyota 4Runner - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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-The 3rd generation Toyota 4Runner was available from 1996 through 2002. There are basically 3 SUB-generations within the 3rd gen. '96-'98, '99-'00, and '01-'02.
You may want to keep track of the options each of these SUB-gens had, in order to help you make a list of what you want and which years had it..

-The 3rd generation 4Runner is a body-on-frame truck based SUV with Independent front suspension (IFS) and solid rear axle with coil springs in the front and rear.

-It was available with two engines, the 2.7L 4 cyl with 150 HP and the more common 3.4L V6 with 183 HP. The 4runner came with a 4-speed Automatic transmission or an optional 5-speed manual transmission. After 2000, The 5-speed and 4cyl engine were discontinued. It was also available in many different trim levels; base, SR5, Limited, ‘highlander’ model, sport package, and the sport edition. These will all be covered later in the guide.

-MPG (miles per gallon) is rated at 16/19 (city/HW) for V6/auto/4wd models. Real world numbers on a well-maintained, stock vehicle are more like 18/20+
Other options such as 5-speed, 4cyl, 2wd will change that number slightly.


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If you find yourself at a loss with all of our acronyms, here is a helpful list:
May God have mercy on my soul for linking to a thread from a Jeep forum, but it is a very comprehensive list.
Acronym List