Best 3rd Gen

nmelkaholic

nmelkaholic

New member
Hello all, I am new here to this forum and am looking to buy a 4runner, I like the looks of the 3rd gen models and wanted to get some advice from 3rd gen owners.

I currently have a 83 Toyota 4x4 that I still enjoy driving... here is what I would like to know.

out of the 3rd gen 4runners, what year is the best as far as reliabilty, gas milage, motor and best offroad.. etc...

My usage would be for hunting/fishing.. daily driver, must be offroad worthy.. where I hunt it is rough!!

future mods= bigger tires /rims small lift, roof rack etc... (once you start it is hard to stop!!) :-)

any info would be greatly appreciated..:thanks:
 
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99 sport or limited in black with the multimode 4x4 center diff and the rear elocker. Best of both worlds. Hard to find. All years are pretty reliable.
 
Coming from someone who has had 3 4runners. A 99 Limited 4x4, 99 SR5 4x4 Auto, and a 99 SR5 Manual 4x4. The one I like the most is the my current 99 manual because I really enjoy the add power that manual seems to offer. I know its not much but my manual seems to not be as slow as the autos I have had in the past. The multi mode transfer case is nice if you actually use it but when I had my mine I never needed AWD. It all really comes down to what you actually need but I 99-02 seem to be the favorite years.
 
Don't count out the 2.7's, if your 83 is a 22r, then you'll already be pretty familiar with the drivetrain set-up.
 
To me Auto/Manual is preference. I do a lot of wheeling and I will never want a stick for my daily/wheeler. Its a scary situation when you on a cliff side, snowing, tires losing traction and you have to work the clutch.
 
Hi here ya JayRolla... been there done that!!

So ya'll say the 99 limited are hard to come by??? guess I better start lookin all over..

Thanx..
 
My Vote is a 2.7L 5speed/ elocker! :) (some may say im partial!)
The only combo with 4.556 gearing from factory in a 3rd gen is some of the 2.7L/5spd/Elocker/265/70/16 Tires

Less fuel usage+1
Less weight up front+1
Engine bay is less JAM PACKED+1
Timing Chain+1
 
3rzrunner said:
My Vote is a 2.7L 5speed/ elocker! :) (some may say im partial!)
The only combo with 4.556 gearing from factory in a 3rd gen is some of the 2.7L/5spd/Elocker/265/70/16 Tires

Less fuel usage+1
Less weight up front+1
Engine bay is less JAM PACKED+1
Timing Chain+1
Click to expand...

I don't think we got this combo in the US. I know we could get the 2.7 with a manual but I don't think e locker was a option with the 3rz here in the states. I wish it was lol
 
Good to hear these conversations!! I have a lot of rigs.... but have always wanted a 4runner...and I always try to get the best.. so it is good to hear from folks that actually have them.. Thanx!!
 
The autobox (A340F) isn't a bad unit, it's pretty damn reliable. The A340H is what gets the bad reputation, but the 3rd Gen never had that. Just make sure that it has had fluid changes. People often forget to change ATF. V6 and I4 are both good engines.
 
PhdNPrerunners said:
I don't think we got this combo in the US. I know we could get the 2.7 with a manual but I don't think e locker was a option with the 3rz here in the states. I wish it was lol
Click to expand...

We did. I'm quite certain that the original 1999 4Runner that Sonoran Steel had came with those options. They are quite rare.
 
Regarding the 99 highlander edition.

How do you tell the difference between a Limited and a Highlander? Do they have a badge or is it just a nickname or a special trim package? I was asking a Toyota salesman and they couldn't grasp what I was saying...no...not a Highlander a 4runner Highlander...
 
TXRick said:
Regarding the 99 highlander edition.

How do you tell the difference between a Limited and a Highlander? Do they have a badge or is it just a nickname or a special trim package? I was asking a Toyota salesman and they couldn't grasp what I was saying...no...not a Highlander a 4runner Highlander...
Click to expand...

The exterior cladding would be the most obvious giveaway. The buyers guide would have more details. I doubt the salesman would know jack considering the last new 3rd Gens were on lots around mid to late 2002. That and probably because most of his knowledge on Toyota's are based around selling dull and boring Corolla's, Camry's, Rav4's, and Highlander's.
 
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