99 & 00 Limited Perks

[Jidaran]

I know the 99 and 00 Limiteds are highly desirable due to the fact that they only model to have both mutli-mode and the option of an e-locker. I seem to recall reading about some other advantages though (when compared to SR5 and the 01 and 02s), but I’m having trouble nailing down the facts. Here’s what I got so far:

99 Advantages
-Taller rear springs (though these are easy enough to replace)

99 & 00 Advantages
-No TRAC / VSC (though this is super easy to disable)

Limited Advantages
-Leather interior (though this is debatable since most driver’s seats are cracked)
-Larger brakes (though it’s not important if you plan on doing the TBU)
-Better sound system

Remaining Questions
-I remember reading that the 99 and 00 transfer cases are better than 01 or 02 since they’re mechanically actuated instead of push button. Any truth to this?
-I also remember reading that the older models are better as there are fewer electronics to break. I can’t find a list of what additional electronics were added after 99 though.
-I heard the 01 and 02 are more sluggish with the pick up, for some reason.

 

[Mark_BC]

I think the front differential is vacuum ADD whereas the 01/02 is electrical. Not sure about the transfer case.

01/02 has an electric brake booster that is practically impossible to repair and expensive to replace. 99/00 is the old style.

The 01/02 transmissions can have problems, I hear.

99/00 still has lots of electronic controls though. It's the 96-98 that are mechanical which I prefer.

 

[APhelps]

frankly the 99+ cup holders is the best thing.

 

[T4topher]

I know the 99 and 00 Limiteds are highly desirable due to the fact that they only model to have both mutli-mode and the option of an e-locker. I seem to recall reading about some other advantages though (when compared to SR5 and the 01 and 02s), but I’m having trouble nailing down the facts. Here’s what I got so far:

99 Advantages
-Taller rear springs (though these are easy enough to replace)

99 & 00 Advantages
-No TRAC / VSC (though this is super easy to disable)

Limited Advantages
-Leather interior (though this is debatable since most driver’s seats are cracked)
-Larger brakes (though it’s not important if you plan on doing the TBU)
-Better sound system

Remaining Questions
-I remember reading that the 99 and 00 transfer cases are better than 01 or 02 since they’re mechanically actuated instead of push button. Any truth to this?
-I also remember reading that the older models are better as there are fewer electronics to break. I can’t find a list of what additional electronics were added after 99 though.
-I heard the 01 and 02 are more sluggish with the pick up, for some reason.

Yep tcase in 99-00’s are J-shifters w/ the multi mode button on side. This is the main reason I got a 2000 limited w/ locker. Last year of locker & j-shifter!

Edit: Another good thing about the 99+ models is the storage compartment in the cargo area is much larger. Also there are slots to store the back seat head rests on the seat when you fold the rear seats down.

 

[Jidaran]

Yep tcase in 99-00’s are J-shifters w/ the multi mode button on side. This is the main reason I got a 2000 limited w/ locker. Last year of locker & j-shifter!

Is there a mechanical advantage to the J shifter? Any other advantage? (other than the obvious fact that a shifter is more fun than a button.)

 

[tcT4R]

This will help:

T-case Differences (all years of 3rd gens).. transfer case, AWD, multi-mode

 

[Jidaran]

This will help:

T-case Differences (all years of 3rd gens).. transfer case, AWD, multi-mode

Oh yeah, I'm aware of the differences in functionality (mainly due to reading that thread a few times over). I'm wondering about the actual systems - are certain ones more reliable than others? Easier to repair?

 

[phattyduck]

Sadly, the "left side" of the J-shift on the '99-'00 is NOT mechanical. It operates a switch, which then tells the transfer case shift motor to operate. It is basically a button you operate by moving the shifter down.

Brakes are the same on all 16" wheel trucks. The only 'smaller' brakes are on the 15" wheel 4Runners, which also had much smaller diameter tires. Most 4WD's had 16" wheels and all Limiteds do.

The taller springs are on all of the '99 4WD's, not just the Limiteds. They were already getting 'lower' by '00.

How about Limited weaknesses?
- Leather (cracking with age, hot in the summer, cold in the winter - at least it is easy-ish to clean)
- Electronic HVAC system is less reliable

-Charlie

 

[T4topher]

Sadly, the "left side" of the J-shift on the '99-'00 is NOT mechanical. It operates a switch, which then tells the transfer case shift motor to operate. It is basically a button you operate by moving the shifter down.

Brakes are the same on all 16" wheel trucks. The only 'smaller' brakes are on the 15" wheel 4Runners, which also had much smaller diameter tires. Most 4WD's had 16" wheels and all Limiteds do.

The taller springs are on all of the '99 4WD's, not just the Limiteds. They were already getting 'lower' by '00.

How about Limited weaknesses?
- Leather (cracking with age, hot in the summer, cold in the winter - at least it is easy-ish to clean)
- Electronic HVAC system is less reliable

-Charlie

So your saying when I shift to 4hi it’s an electrical switch but then shifting to 4lo is mechanical? Is that what you meant by “left side”?

Is there a mechanical advantage to the J shifter? Any other advantage? (other than the obvious fact that a shifter is more fun than a button.)

No clue lol..

 

[JWaldz]

So your saying when I shift to 4hi it’s an electrical switch but then shifting to 4lo is mechanical? Is that what you meant by “left side”?

Yes. The "left side" as you shift down from 2wd position into 4hi is electrical. Moving the shifter over to the right and then up into 4lo is a mechanical operation. This can be evident by the occasional grinding of gears if the vehicle is not at a complete stop or not in Neutral/Park.

 

[Jidaran]

it sounds like there are a few reasons to get a 99.

i recently came across this on CL:

1999 Toyota 4runner Limited - cars & trucks - by owner - vehicle automotive sale

i was really hoping for something with fewer miles, but the upgrades are nice and it looks like he took care of it. he sent me pics of the frame and there is hardly any rust. i'm on the fence right now, but the advantages of a 99 are making me lean towards scooping it up.

 

[octanejunkie]

Don't forget the expensive, electronic master cylinder on 01-02 that costs your first born to replace when it fails

Also, the charcoal EGR canister on 01-02 is under the truck, in front of the rear axle/cross member and is easily flooded and compromised on trail

 

[thenightman]

While considered a negative by some, I like the digital hvac controls, with the auto button. Having the outdoor temp option is fun as well. I agree with all previous points, especially the cupholders.

 

[Insomnia]

I haven't really had any luck with my auto a/c button working I thought about getting it fixed and then I found out my frame is rotted to hell. "Low" mileage engine and trans is for sale if anyone's interested (don't have enough posts to put up something on the classifieds) 166k limited

 

[Insomnia]

i was really hoping for something with fewer miles, but the upgrades are nice and it looks like he took care of it.

I'll sell you my running rig right now and you could swap to a motor/trans with 40k less?

 

[gamefreakgc]

frankly the 99+ cup holders is the best thing.

This guy knows priorities! I had to put cupholders in mine, that tray design stuck around for way too long.

I like my 98. Taller springs than any other year except 99, and manual controls for everything. No electronic systems to break here, including climate controls.

 

[thenightman]

Addendum, it is important to note that the '99 was the beginning of the "fat lip" bumper. The '98 and earlier bumper In my opinion is better looking. However, I like having the option of AWD or 4x4, and the rear locker, so I am happy I got the 2000.

While considered a negative by some, I like the digital hvac controls, with the auto button. Having the outdoor temp option is fun as well. I agree with all previous points, especially the cupholders.