'00 vs '01

[Wahooo03]

Fellas,

I'm looking to pick up a SR5 4runner in the next few weeks and my price range seems to put me between a 2000 and 2001. I'm new to Toyota trucks but from what I've read here using the search function (and please correct me of I'm wrong) and from a Yotatech page, there were some pretty significant changes for 2001. In terms of reliability and off-road ability, would it be better to try to find a 2000 with a 5-speed (the rear locker is pretty tough to find from what I understand) or go with a 2001 with the auto? How different are the 4wd systems and is there anything else I should be looking at? I appreciate your help.

MEC

 

[peter78]

Rear lockers are hard to find. We have had discussions if a auto or stick is better for off road. If you like driving a stick, stick with a 2000, BUT they are extremely hard to find. The 2001 biggest change to me is the VSC, vehicle skid control.

Here are some of the things new on the 2001: "Standard anti-lock brakes now come with brake assist, which detects emergency braking and applies supplemental line pressure to help maximize the effectiveness of the ABS system.
All 4Runners (SR5 and Limited) feature standard Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) with traction control (TRAC) and 4x4 models will receive standard multi-mode four-wheel-drive (4WD) and four-wheel traction control (Active-TRAC).
A center differential lock switch has been provided on the instrument panel so that the locking and unlocking can be controlled by the push of a button, rather than through the 4WD shifter."

 

[lee]

depends on what you want.

the truth of the matter is, you can make either one work (00 or 01), and they both will do terrifically offroad in stock form.

vsc can be disabled, and you can add an aftermarket rear locker to the 01 or the 00 if you want.

if you find an 00 w/the rear locker and you want to actually offroad it, then of course jump on it. if you might do light duty offroading, then go with the one thats a better deal.

this page will help you a lot:

http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist.html

 

[Wahooo03]

All 2001 4Runners (SR5 and Limited) feature standard Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) with traction control (TRAC) and 4x4 models will receive standard multi-mode four-wheel-drive (4WD) and four-wheel traction control (Active-TRAC).
A center differential lock switch has been provided on the instrument panel so that the locking and unlocking can be controlled by the push of a button, rather than through the 4WD shifter."

Thanks for the info. To clarify a few things, how is the multi-mode 4wd on the 2001 different from the 2000? And does the 2000 have the center locker at all? What's up with the VSC? Thanks again for all of your help!

MEC

 

[lee]

Thanks for the info. To clarify a few things, how is the multi-mode 4wd on the 2001 different from the 2000? And does the 2000 have the center locker at all? What's up with the VSC? Thanks again for all of your help!

MEC

heres the thing: limiteds in pre01 years (actually i think its 98-00) have the multimode 4wd. thus, a 2000 limited will have the multi mode. the non limiteds (sr5s) pre 01 have a different 4wd system.

the multimode is more of an awd with a low range option. its push-button.

the 4wd shifter in a 2001 works as such:

when youre in 2wd, the button is out, and the shifter is placed in H. When you want 4wd to be on, you push the button in. the lights will begin to blink. you must be in motion for it to actually engage. once you get to a decent roll, youll hear a "pop"/"clunk!" and the lights will stay on. this means 4wd H is on. to go into low, come to a stop, shift your auto tranny into N, then shift the 4wd shifter all the way forward. dont do this too quick or youll hear the crunch!

the general rules are:
-dont shift into 4wd above 55mph or so, it will not engage
-if you want to turn it on while driving (say at 25 or 30 mph), it wont engage if you are accelerating (so let off the pedal while in motion and it should engage right away -- mine does)
- to disengage you must also be in motion.

vsc is a feature that helps you on-road, but limits you offroad. essentially once it senses slip, it cuts all power to the tires and makes you wait till the tire stops spinning before you can continue.

you can disengage it though. look in this thread where we discuss vsc and how to disengage it for more info:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=13618

 

[Wahooo03]

Thanks Lee. I'm looking at SR5's so I guess bettwen an 00 and 01, there will be a difference. But you're happy with how yours does in the snow up in Boston? My brother used to have '98 Land Cruiser which I guess had the old system on it. I just wonder if there is any advantage to one or the other.

MEC

 

[lee]

yes, mine does just fine in the snow. i didnt know about the plug to disengage the vsc last winter and i still only got stuck once, and that was my fault.

i was going from a stop up a hill after we'd gotten 18 inches of snow... you do the math

i slipped up and vsc kicked right in. if id known about the plug, i couldve stopped, unplugged it, charged through, then plugged back in.

a lot of your traction depends on things like tires, speed, and driving ability too...