3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide

[serge928]

What's better for wheeling?: 5 speed or. Multi-Mode + E-Locker

I'm new to T4Rs and love this threat. Tons of useful info ...

i hope the following question isn't too noob ...

What's a better starting point to build a wheeling T4R a 5 speed with E-locker or Multi-Mode + E-locker.

I'm a big fan of 5-speed/ manual transmission and am having tough time accepting a slush box. Do you think Multi-mode is worth giving up the manual transmission?

-Serge

 

[4-Ripcord]

For a dedicated wheeler, you should look for something with the elocker and J-shift transfer case. ei earlier models.

The only thing you should be thinking about is auto vs manual. For a pure offroad rig, I would choose an auto. Dont get me wrong, I like manual as much as the next guy. But, auto makes things so much easier offroad.

 

[bluegrass40]

Great summary! Thumbs up

 

[Dark Lord]

I'm new to T4Rs and love this threat. Tons of useful info ...

i hope the following question isn't too noob ...

What's a better starting point to build a wheeling T4R a 5 speed with E-locker or Multi-Mode + E-locker.

I'm a big fan of 5-speed/ manual transmission and am having tough time accepting a slush box. Do you think Multi-mode is worth giving up the manual transmission?

-Serge

I would go with the 5-speed. I originally had a 2000 Limited with multi-mode and e-locker. I gave that up to have a 5-speed without e-locker. The fact is, the truck is my DD, and I prefer a 5-speed. Offroad, yeah it's a little difficult, but it's also more fun.

Not to mention, the multi-mode was really glitchy on my Limited. The AWD seemed to work half the time, and for some reason I always had issues with shifting in and out of 4Hi as well. I always got that light blinking, and it was just annoying. I'm sure it's an easy fix, but on my SR5 5-speed, 4Hi and 4Lo engage flawlessly.

Check out this thread:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/107114-help-choosing-between-awd-5-speed.html

 

[Diablo4R]

Hello All.......I just bought a 2001 SR5 4Runner (2 Owners) with 128001 miles. A Toyota Dealer in NJ wanted $10000 but got them down to $6900 cash. This 4R is mint in and out except for the rear bumper rusting. The timing belt and water pump along with the all fluids were changed by the dealer. One less thing to worry about. I've always love the 4R up to 2002 body style.

This is the BEST forum for the the 4Runner very informative.

I got rid of my 04 Subaru STi and 07 MazdaSpeed 3 to be a 4Runner dude :zoom::banana::drummer:arty:

I have no need to ask queastions all the answers are right in front of me

 

[4-Ripcord]

Welcome!

 

[KAILUAZ]

Congrats, sounds like a good deal.

 

[Diablo4R]

Thanks ! Eventually I want to put on a lift kit and bigger wheels and maybe a supercharger :banana:

 

[danspeicher]

Thanks so much for all your work on this. Im currently looking at two 4runners and would like some advice.

The first one is a 98 limited with 122k for $39995 and the second is a 2000 4runner with 140k for $4400 is it worth going newer and higher milage? I live in Pa, and spend most weekends skiing or mountain biking. But am looking to do some exploring out west with my wife next year. Most likely I wont be modding heavily. Maybe a small lift, and bigger tires, extra lights, trailer hitch if its not already on there. But most likely not much more than occasional stream crossing or mud trail to friends cabins.

Thanks for your help. IM a yota newbee, having just lost my pathfinder to the nissan recall

 

[Hepar]

Thanks so much for all your work on this. Im currently looking at two 4runners and would like some advice.

The first one is a 98 limited with 122k for $39995 and the second is a 2000 4runner with 140k for $4400 is it worth going newer and higher milage? I live in Pa, and spend most weekends skiing or mountain biking. But am looking to do some exploring out west with my wife next year. Most likely I wont be modding heavily. Maybe a small lift, and bigger tires, extra lights, trailer hitch if its not already on there. But most likely not much more than occasional stream crossing or mud trail to friends cabins.

Thanks for your help. IM a yota newbee, having just lost my pathfinder to the nissan recall

I would say it all depends on condition. 18k isn't a big difference at all. Especially if properly maintained. Plus you being from the NE, a few years difference could be a big difference on the amount of rust. If you plan on modding it at all, keep that in mind. Rust has its obvious problems, but it can also make it a nightmare to mod. The 2000 does have some nice features that the 98's don't.

Not sure if you glanced over this or if you actually checked it out, but it has some good info on the differences between each year.

Toyota 4Runner History 2000

 

[4-Ripcord]

Welcome, were gonna need a lot more information about each one to give any advice.

 

[danspeicher]

I would say it all depends on condition. 18k isn't a big difference at all. Especially if properly maintained. Plus you being from the NE, a few years difference could be a big difference on the amount of rust. If you plan on modding it at all, keep that in mind. Rust has its obvious problems, but it can also make it a nightmare to mod. The 2000 does have some nice features that the 98's don't.

Not sure if you glanced over this or if you actually checked it out, but it has some good info on the differences between each year.

Toyota 4Runner History 2000

Thank you. Im heading out to test drive them both today. Same dealer, both just came in the lot... Hopefully I can get it on a rack, but i'll be taking a light to check the underside

 

[dctacoma]

Advice on 99 limited

ive been searching around for a 3rd gen for the right price and cam across a 99 limited 4x4 with 177,000 miles. Thats alittle high on mileage but i know toyotas can go forever i own a tacoma and an older celica already. But the price is only $3500 only problems he said were a check engine light he said it was an O2 sensor and the a/c control panel buttons must be pressed hard to choose modes. Any thoughts?

 

[gen3Ken]

This thread is full of awesome, thanks so much!

It helped me pick a "98" limited that I am bringing home this week.

More details to follow, but I think it's a good one...........:bravo:

 

[sr5owner?]

Nice message board! Looking to get a 3rd gen soon! With the info already posted on here it'll help me look for things like the ball-joint and strawberry shake issues.
I actually found this one... 1999 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD - Stop Looking and Buy Me
Looked underneath and it was rust city! Someone had painted over the rust and it looked bad so I stopped right there! Will continue to look!
How easy is it to roll back the mileage on the 4Runners with the digital odometers? 119k miles seems low for the amount of rust underneath this one.

 

[4-Ripcord]

I get asked about superchargers a lot so I added a little spot about those in the new owners/ beginner mods section.

hope that cuts down on the PMs...

 

[Rudy97]

Hey 4-Ripcord, I noticed a change that may need to be addressed. In post #5 you were talking about the differences between years. You stated that all 97+ 4Runners came with the rear 12v power outlet. This puzzled me because my 97 Base doesn't have it. So that got me wondering whether my 97 was actually a 96. Long story short, I ran a carfax on my 4runner and it is indeed a 97.

Side note, my carfax says that my 1997 4runner with a 2.7l 5sp is an SR5???? what is going on with this mystery vehicle?

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

Hey 4-Ripcord, I noticed a change that may need to be addressed. In post #5 you were talking about the differences between years. You stated that all 97+ 4Runners came with the rear 12v power outlet. This puzzled me because my 97 Base doesn't have it. So that got me wondering whether my 97 was actually a 96. Long story short, I ran a carfax on my 4runner and it is indeed a 97.

Side note, my carfax says that my 1997 4runner with a 2.7l 5sp is an SR5???? what is going on with this mystery vehicle?

Some early base model 3rd gens (ULTRA base, super duper base model) didn't come with lots of stuff. Some of them didn't come with tint, power windows or locks, rear wipers, additional outlets, A/C etc, etc.

Some didn't even come with the defroster on the rear window at all. No AM antenna in the right cargo window, either. Bottom of the bottom.

 

[Rudy97]

Some early base model 3rd gens (ULTRA base, super duper base model) didn't come with lots of stuff. Some of them didn't come with tint, power windows or locks, rear wipers, additional outlets, A/C etc, etc.

Some didn't even come with the defroster on the rear window at all. No AM antenna in the right cargo window, either. Bottom of the bottom.

I believe it, however mine came with tint, power everything, cd player, a/c, rear heater, power mirrors, 16" alloy wheels, and cargo cover.

Just seems strange, I mean somethings gotta be wrong. Either the thread, or my VIN number.

 

[ICD]

Man this thread has been both a blessing and a curse.

Currently looking between a $3500 98 SR5 and a 99 Limited for $6500