Advice Choosing Between Two 3rd Gens (98 & 99)

[Koko4]

I'm seriously considering two 4Runners and am having trouble deciding between the two. Here's what I have:

'98 4Runner with 150k miles, 5-speed with a tan interior (I prefer grey). Timing belt replaced at 132k, not sure of any other maintenance items. New set of BFG 265/75/16 AT's on it, and recently installed rear shocks. I'm not sure if this has a lift / any other modifications, because I have not heard back from the seller yet. He's asking $6k.

'99 4Runner with 192k miles, 5-speed with grey cloth interior. No e-locker. SR5 package - 2.5" of lift in the front, 4" in back (SS 1.2 lift). Extra set of Bilstein shocks, and LOTS of extra parts - Power steering pump, fuel rail, injectors, ignition coils, misc gaskets, clutch slave cylinder, air box, fog light, COMPLETE transfer case, two throwout bearings, 3 O2 sensors, timing belt tensioner pulley, and an extra set of Tundra front coils and Bilstein front shocks. Recently replaced diff seal and axle seal, and CarFax came back good. Front brakes have been converted to Tundra brakes, and it has a set of 265/75/16's that will need replacing in about 10-15k I'm guessing. It has a ARB front bumper and BruceTS rear bumper, with Stubbs sliders. The sliders and exhaust have rust on them, and there is some surface rust on the frame. Not much - and I would plan on POR-15'ing it when I get it home. I've been talking to the seller all week and he's been great about being descriptive and answering any questions I may have. I get the impression that he has babied this truck and taken good care of it. He is asking $5k.

Now, I wanted to get a 4Runner with a somewhat mild lift - something like 2-2.5" all-around (I really don't like how the rear sits higher). I'm going to be using this as a DD, so I'd like a bit of practicality but also an offroad-capable vehicle. I used to have a '91 Toyota pickup with about 2" of lift and have always regretted getting rid of it.

I'm trying to figure out which would better suit my needs, and I am supposed to drive up and see the 2nd 4Runner tomorrow (weekend trip, ~8hr drive). I was about to feel confident enough to pull the trigger on it, until this other ad came along and it has me doubting myself. If anything, I'd like to lower the rear to 2.5" and then it would be pretty close to exactly what I had imagined I wanted. I don't know how much this would cost - and also factoring in the fact that I will have to replace the tires soonish (~$600-$800), and I'm at a loss of what to do. I know the '99 is desired over the '98 for a few creature-comfort related reasons (and safety reasons, if I remember correctly), but I am having a hard time making a decision. If you've made it this far, thanks for reading, and I appreciate any and all suggestions / comments you may have.

 

[BlazeRunner]

The 99 sounds like a good deal. You could always sell some of those extra parts to buy new tires if you needed them. I wouldn't let the amount of lift deter you, you can always sell off the old parts if you end up going with a different lift. Everything sounds good, as long as he took care of it and it shows in person that's the one I'd probably be choosing.

 

[TNRunner99]

Same response as above. You could get some OME coils that will drop the rear down some. He may be running Land Cruiser coils back there. They both sound like a good deal, but from reading your post it looks like you fit better in the 99. You can always post and sell any parts you don't want on it.

 

[Robb235]

'99 would be my choice. The little benefits of the '99 upgrades, being able to monitor trans temp, etc are also nice to have.

 

[Koko4]

I wouldn't let the amount of lift deter you, you can always sell off the old parts if you end up going with a different lift.

How much do you think I'd be looking at for a set of 2.5" rear shocks / springs? I need something comfortable for on-road (main use will be DD). Would the rear BruceTS bumper sag the 2.5" lift too much? And do you think there'd be a demand for the rear shocks it has now? How much would those / any of the other extra parts probably go for? Also, right now it has LC80 rims, which are a bit wider than the stock 4Runner rims..so I would in turn, have to buy a slightly wider tire. Think it would be worth it for MPG gains to get down to the stock rim width again? Do you know of any real-world MPG's that I might expect from this thing? I'm REALLY hoping for 18... =/ I don't know if it'll do that with all of the armor and extra weight.

 

[BrianSD_42]

I don't know man. 40k miles less is a lot.

At 192k miles there are a lot of things that need replacing and it is usually time to jump about $3000 into maintenance or sell. It looks like he opted to sell.

At 150k miles most parts of the truck are probably still tip top.

Things you will replace on the 99 @ 190k to make it drive "tip top"

Ball joints
Steering rack
Steering bushings
Front brakes
Axel seals
Entire suspension (if original)
Possibly the tie rods

It all adds up trust me. I've mad mine for over ten years. Now at 225k.

Oh and heads don't last forever either. 150k miles is a lot more reassuring than 190k miles. I had to redo my heads at 199k miles. It's a lot more common than you may realize and not a fluke. Just Google it.

NOW with ask that said ... $5 for a clean nodded truck like that doesn't sound like a bad deal, I just wanted to warn you. To bad you don't have any pics.

 

[Koko4]

I know the front brakes are good and were replaced with the Tundra brakes, the suspension components (at least shocks and springs) are not the stock ones, and the differential seal and inner axle seals were actually replaced a few weeks ago by him. I don't know about all of the steering components / tie rod ends. Here's a link to the for sale thread, actually:

5-speed 99 4Runner SR5 4x4. INDIANA - YotaTech Forums

Let me know what you guys think. Every time I make a big decision (like vehicle / new computer / big purchase), I always go back-and-forth for forever with myself, wondering if I made the right decision, and trying to look at it from all angles. I know I will have to do the tires relatively soon (~10,000 miles), but am hoping for not much else... and an alignment.

 

[MojaveMadMan]

I'd pick the 99. $1000 cheaper, and moded so you don't have to do nearly as much. Either of these vehicles is going to require maintenance, and repair because they are 15+ years old.

Also a thing to be very aware of, get the 99+. They have a ton of extra features you may not be too thrilled about now, but they will stand out as you use your rig. I have a 97 and wish I would have got a newer platform. Now I am spending my money updating those features I could have already had... money I could have spent moding my runner instead of fixing things that aren't broken... just my 2 cents. IF you don't get this one, still narrow your search to 99+!!!

 

[Koko4]

This has just about everything I had narrowed my search down to - 1999-2000, 4x4, 5-speed, silver or white, cloth interior, tundra brakes, brush guard, mild lift, and a responsible owner that loved it like his own baby. Only complaints I have is that its a bit TOO lifted in the back, wider wheels (8" vs 7"), and the rust on the runners. Think I should go for it, all of that considered?

 

[masphx]

Don't discount 96-98 5speed 4Runners. They get a lot downing because they don't have the 'newer futures' but I will tell you a few things I have noticed over the last 2 and a half years...

-If you have the 5speed the in dash cup holders are actually a blessing. Yes you will still need to do a center cup holder mod but I classify that as a fun mod to do. You will find out that with the center console straws and larger drinks will get in the way of your shifting. Also having four cup holders instead of two is better in the end.

-The front bumper is smaller allowing a steeper angle while offroading. My friend who has a 2000 4R with that IMO 'ugly' fat lip bumper. He seems much more occupied keeping that bumper from getting dented then I do.

-96-98 are the correct grill to do the satoshi grill mod on. Does not work out too well on the 99-02 grills.

-Charcoal canister in higher so wont get flooded as easily.
There are little things that the 96-98 don't have that the 99-02 do have but IMO no enough to totally eliminate them from your search. Things like...

-Second outlet to plug in something (Mod for this but who really needs another one)
-Holes to but head rests while seats are up (~25-30 fix to that)
-Auto windows and sunroof (would be nice to have in 96-98 4Rs)
-Larger brake booster in 2001-2002 4R. would again be nice to have.
-Larger upper console (again not really a biggie and there is a mod for this, I have the larger one laying in my Garage but have yet to put it on.

Mason

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Those in-dash cupholders suck period and are useless off road. I've owned a 97 before my 99 and the 99 tipped the scales for me with it's extras and less extra work to get the older model up to snuff.
Having three outlets up front and one in the back actually comes in handy since we live in a world where you probably have more than on device that needs to be charged at the same time.
You do get the better headlamps and integrated fogs on the '99 plus the auto up/down on both front windows is nice.

I do like the idea of less miles but with the 99 being cheaper and getting all the extras would be hard to pass up.
And even on the less mileage 4Runner the age is still there and miles might not matter as much so you'll still be fixing things on the older one anyway sooner than likely later.

I would get really good looks at both and pick the one in the better overall shape inside and out.

 

[MojaveMadMan]

This has just about everything I had narrowed my search down to - 1999-2000, 4x4, 5-speed, silver or white, cloth interior, tundra brakes, brush guard, mild lift, and a responsible owner that loved it like his own baby. Only complaints I have is that its a bit TOO lifted in the back, wider wheels (8" vs 7"), and the rust on the runners. Think I should go for it, all of that considered?

The rear lift is a super easy thing to fix. New coils of most any brand fall in the $160 range which is cheap enough to deal with. Plus it already has all the lift options you won't need to buy.

Wheels, that all depends on how much you want to spend. You can take offs from the tacomas and other toyotas for as low as $100 a set. If you want something flashy or more desired, then that is a personal choice...

Rust on the runners, if it's just surfice rust, thats a $20 fix with sand paper, a can of spray paint and your time!

 

[Koko4]

The rear lift is a super easy thing to fix. New coils of most any brand fall in the $160 range which is cheap enough to deal with. Plus it already has all the lift options you won't need to buy.

Wheels, that all depends on how much you want to spend. You can take offs from the tacomas and other toyotas for as low as $100 a set. If you want something flashy or more desired, then that is a personal choice...

Rust on the runners, if it's just surfice rust, thats a $20 fix with sand paper, a can of spray paint and your time!

That makes me feel a LOT better about this decision. I am happy because I won't have to go out and spend ~$1200 on a SS1.2 lift or anything. $100/set for stock Tacoma wheels would work just fine for my needs. It's got surface rust on the runners, as well as some on parts of the frame (definitely looks SURFACE - and I got very detailed pictures on the underside of the 4Runner via email). I should probably sand down / spray those areas too. Don't really know what product would be recommended for that. At least it will be coming to GA where the weather will not be as harsh on it. Before this it was a California 4Runner. What types of rear spring / shock combos should I look at within that price range, or even up to ~$200? Keep in mind that this will be a DD and I want it to ride comfortably, and it also has the steel bumper on the back so I don't want it to sag down too much!

 

[MojaveMadMan]

For rear spring and rust recomendations, there are a ton of write ups on here. The quick and dirty, Wheelers Offroad sells OME springs for that price, so thats a place to start. It all depends on how much weight you are gunna have in the back. If you don't have a plate bumper and a spare hanging off the bumper then the lighter springs might be your choice. For the rust, sanding, a good rust stopping primer, and then semi gloss black seems to be the easiest way. There is info out there about other rust stoppers and wanys to do it. Do your homework and you will find a plan that works for you. Just know that it's going to be between $20 - $100 depending on your method, which is reasonable.

Wheels, it's all about patients. I found my 2nd gen Tacoma TRD off-road wheels for $50 on craigslist which was a hell of a deal. Just keep looking and send out some offers and you will track a set down. You can always get the split 6's from the 4runners for really cheap because nobody likes the way they look. Or I like the 4runner steel spares... those can be collected at the parts yards for a low price.

That makes me feel a LOT better about this decision. I am happy because I won't have to go out and spend ~$1200 on a SS1.2 lift or anything. $100/set for stock Tacoma wheels would work just fine for my needs. It's got surface rust on the runners, as well as some on parts of the frame (definitely looks SURFACE - and I got very detailed pictures on the underside of the 4Runner via email). I should probably sand down / spray those areas too. Don't really know what product would be recommended for that. At least it will be coming to GA where the weather will not be as harsh on it. Before this it was a California 4Runner. What types of rear spring / shock combos should I look at within that price range, or even up to ~$200? Keep in mind that this will be a DD and I want it to ride comfortably, and it also has the steel bumper on the back so I don't want it to sag down too much!

 

[Millerad1651]

Two things.

I like my 98. Don't mind the cupholders, like the smaller bumper, and would have loved a locker. I bought mine in Indiana two years ago for $5k with 156K on it...$6K is a bit high IMO.

Is the modded one still in Indiana? If you want, let me know and I can probably look at it for you if its close. I'm pretty open this weekend and wouldn't mind driving a few miles to make sure its as nice as he says it is. If it is clean, I'd go with it. A lot of the work is done (I'd buy those extra Billy 5100s off ya!) and with the savings you can buy another set of tires and any maintenance work that may pop up. I know some people start freaking out when their truck gets to 200K...just drive it until something needs fixing. My wife's has 296K and drives like a top. Downpour11 has over 400K and still wheels the piss out of his.

My 2 cents...

 

[grey_ghost]

I used to own a '98 several cars ago and often regret selling it. It's a subjective choice but I do like the traditional real metal chrome front bumper on the 98, and like someone else mentioned it improves your approach angle for some off-road situations.
plus that timing belt at 132k is a real money saver, that makes the 98 mileage a plus... i didn't catch if the 99 had a timing belt change recently...?

 

[Brique]

Honestly, both sound like really good trucks. If it were me, I'd do the 98 only because i hate the grey interior. If i liked the grey interior I'd be all over the 99.

I wouldn't mind a crack at the extra tundra/5100s, myself. Pm me if you get that one and want to get rid of them.

 

[Koko4]

I went and looked at both of them this weekend, and I ended up getting the '98. The pictures don't do it justice - it is in great shape!!

The '99 was in good shape, but you could tell the 4 Indiana winters weren't too kind to it. Surface rust at this point on a lot of the frame welds, BUT I didn't want it to develop into anything worse later on down the road. Plus, for what I'm going to be using it for, the lift, brushguard, and rear bumper weren't absolutely necessary.

The '98 is a two owner vehicle (well, now three!), and the second owner had it since '08. Kept it in a garage the ENTIRE time. It was his DD until his work commute got longer, then it served as the 3rd vehicle for the family. Only time it's seen offroad (by him) was at the beach on family vacations. It has 150k, and the timing belt and water pump were done at 132k by a Toyota dealership. Radiator was also flushed at this time. He said the differential fluid / tranny fluid / transfer case fluid had been changed out approximately last June, but I will probably do them again at some point just to be safe. I looked under / over the car and found a small valve cover leak towards the rear of the passenger side of the engine. One sway bar link is broken. Other than that, everything else looked great. Drove like a DREAM; it had KYB Monomax shocks installed front / rear last year (5,000 miles ago), and the rear springs were replaced as well. Brand new BFG tires (265/75/16).

There will be some little things to get used to - on top of the front cupholders being crappy, they are also BROKEN (had to literally pour a Red Bull into an empty water bottle so I could drink it while driving home). The antenna doesn't go up automatically, and the clock doesn't work. I can live with these things, because they are a VERY small price to pay!

I paid $5k for it (he was originally asking $6k which I definitely thought was high). Here are some pictures:

What do you guys think??

 

[GrampsT4R]

I say try to find a center console from a wrecked 99 just to get the cupholders. Then you're good to go!

 

[masphx]

Very nice! Fyi that toyota white is a great color to have. No clearcoat so if it is or ever gets foggy it can be buffed back to life. Enjoy!