best for offroad use?

[RoyBell]

Hey all, I am looking to purchase another 4R. I had a 2001 that I loved. I needed a truck so I had traded it for a newer Tacoma. Then I needed a bigger truck, so I traded the Tacoma for a Tundra . Well, now I want to get back into a smaller vehicle in addition to the Tundra. I took the tacoma offroading a couple times and it did really well...despite the length of it.

I was going to get a late 90s cherokee, but the more research I did pointed towards a 4R again. Most of my offroading will be trails at offroad parks. Not much rock crawling. My light research is saying a limited 99 is the best option. My 01 had the CDL, I am looking for a locking rear this time which will limit me to pre 2001. My budget is low, like 4-5K. I am not looking for a pristine car, more a high mile one since its main use will be weekend warrior/offroad toy.

Guess my main question is, is there a difference between 1996-1999 as far as function goes? I am looking for rear locker, V6, Automatic. All other options do not matter to me at this point. Is there a specific year I should be looking for or avoid? Thanks for the help and hopefully I can find what I am looking for.
Roy

 

[ironhippy]

If the only thing you are worried about is a locker, than 96-2000 will be the range you are looking for.

One thing to make sure you check is that the locker is actually working, up here where they use salt on the roads, if the locker hasn't been used it's almost certain to be seized. Toyota will quote at least 1200$ for a new actuator.

I would recommend looking at the 99 & 2000 models, there were a number of interior upgrades in 99 that makes it a lot nicer.

Read all the stickies at the top of this forum and you will have more knowledge than necessary, beware of the stock transmission coolers in the automatics.

 

[RoyBell]

Yea, I just checked out all the stickies and did a little more searching on this site. Major overload! How do I test the E locker to make sure it is functional?

 

[4-Ripcord]

You are on the right track with a 99 limited, that is what I would suggest. The 99-00 limited 4runners had the CDL and option of rear locker, only ones with both. Also those 99 upgrades are really nice to have.

Check this out if you havn't seen it.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html

 

[ironhippy]

Yea, I just checked out all the stickies and did a little more searching on this site. Major overload! How do I test the E locker to make sure it is functional?

To engage the diff lock you have to be in 4 low and travelling less than 5 mph.

So put it in 4 low, press the RR Lock button and drive slowly.
Try to do this on a dirt road, somewhere where there is little traction (NOT ON PAVEMENT)
The "RR Lock" light will flash on the dash, as you drive forward and your axle aligns, it should "click" in and the light should stop flashing. At this point your rear axle is locked.
If it doesn't engage right away, try taking slow, wide turns to see if you can get it to engage. There are other techniques to engage a sticky actuator, but if it hasn't been used at all it probably requires servicing. If the light is blinking, it's not engaged.

Mind you I am coming from a environment where 10 year old vehicles always have some type of maintenance issue related to rust.