I'm new to this forum and looking at possibly purchasing a 3rd gen 4WD 4Runner in the near future. I need some solid advice and where better to get it from than the experts on this site. Now in your opinion should I only consider a 99 & up due to the upates from that year on? Or is it overrated? What if I found a mint 96-98? I happen to like the front bumpers on the 96-98 but also like the idea of an AWD system with a centre diff., not to mention integrated fog lamps, keyless entry etc. The majority of Runners for sale around here are actually 99-01 models but mostly with really high mileage and beat up. Should I be more concerned about condition rather than year and be open to any 3rd gen? Another question, what were the stock OEM tires that came on this vehicle from the factory?
96-98 or 99-02 4Runner
- Thread starter Orion
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
I had a '97 and with all the upgrades in my '99 I don't even look back and the cupholders in a more appropriate location is a huge reason not to mention upgraded headlamps,mulit power outlets including one by the hatch.
Part time AWD is only available on the Limiteds prior to '01 then you got the center diff lock on all but you lost the rear locker after '00.
Here's a link to a rundown of the yearly changes:
http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist31996.html
'99 was the year of the big changes so give the upgrades a good look and decide for yourself.
Part time AWD is only available on the Limiteds prior to '01 then you got the center diff lock on all but you lost the rear locker after '00.
Here's a link to a rundown of the yearly changes:
http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist31996.html
'99 was the year of the big changes so give the upgrades a good look and decide for yourself.
MARSHALLMAY
New member
due to the shorter front bumper on the 96-98, the approach angle is much better. I also like having a part time 4wd with locking transfer case and rear diff locker. It is very capable of handling many off road situations. But if I were in the market, I would shop for the best condition. tire size for a 4x4 i believe is 265/70 r16 for ltd models
RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
Look for the '99s blessed with the 1" taller coils and go with 265/75/16 tires and gain another 1".
The aproach angle is slightly compromised with the "fatlip" bumper but nothing that's a real issue.
If you really are going off road then look for one with the rear locker since if you don't you'll be spending a chunk of change to either retrofit an OEM one or going aftermarket;it's just easier and cheaper to buy one with it already in it.
The aproach angle is slightly compromised with the "fatlip" bumper but nothing that's a real issue.
If you really are going off road then look for one with the rear locker since if you don't you'll be spending a chunk of change to either retrofit an OEM one or going aftermarket;it's just easier and cheaper to buy one with it already in it.
neliconcept
New member
RonMAIDEN said:
yeah approach angle sucks.. why i have a tjm now.
99 if you want the rear locker and higher ride height, good looking bushwhacker flares and highlander pkg with hoodscoop
neliconcept
New member
RonMAIDEN said:
what i meant.. i call the smalller black flares bushwackers.. call mine limited flares
RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
Actually the Bushwacker flares are just under a half inch thinner then the Limiteds and actually those are the extenda-flare version which I did like better than the Limited's.
Bushwacker is the only company that does makes a similar version to the OEM SR5 flares pre' 00.
Bushwacker is the only company that does makes a similar version to the OEM SR5 flares pre' 00.
MARSHALLMAY
New member
spend $650 and get a ome lift and it doesn't matter that the 01 has taller coils.
MARSHALLMAY
New member
Very observant young grasshoppah. I have to make sure my point is made.RonMAIDEN said:Wow,same post on two different threads.:
Griffeycom
New member
RonMAIDEN said:Two words that make the '99s improved and worth repeating: cup holders
My '97s were useless off road and not much better on road and just try to keep your soda cold if the heats on;I guess that's great for coffee in the winter tho'.
Use the floor vents only! Heat rises!
4RunnerDNA
New member
I sold my 92 for my 99Limited and love it. The 99 I have has some features i prefer. Rear Locker, properly placed cupholders, digital climate control, AWD option (great for in between weather), taller coils, auto window up,..and just to mention the 96's had some minor headgasket issues.
