Best year for 3rd gen T4Rs?

[Ol'Blue]

Glad to be of service, but I was sad to see her go

Not really sure what to say but thank you. We are both very excited to have it in the family, we will give it lots of love and question about it. Thanks for all the extra parts also. PM me and let me know what the bushings were for so I can look at it when I get up there.

Blue

 

[JayRolla]

Or a 99 SR5 with a 5speed and a e-locker like some girl I know [MENTION=99834]rn_trauma903[/MENTION] finds and buys after her 97 get totaled that is already lifted and on 33's.... That is a nice 4Runner for sure.

Blue

Im all about limited and Auto. I have had 5 speeds my whole life and in cliff edge situations when offroading I really like my Auto. But for daily driving it is boring.

Also my next street/drag talon im building will also finally be an auto but thats for straight line only purposes!

 

[2fas2c]

I have a 99' Limited w/ rear locker, absolutely love this truck! My last two were first gens. I thought I could not love a truck more until I bought this 3rd gen. Amazing how much they can improve on a vehicle, I mean the first gen was a great off roader but man this 3rd gen is like a fine timepiece or something, I always marvel at the level of design and function, this thing is a masterpiece of Toyota Engineering!! :banana:

 

[jgue467]

Extremely subjective question I know. But I'm scared of getting screwed on buying a used T4R. I always seem to find out after the fact of buying a truck that "you should have got 'XX year cause they redesigned the heads", or "should have got 'XX year cause they upgraded the rear end" or something.
So I'm asking a lot of questions. What I'd like to hear is, "You can't go wrong with a T4R from '96 to '02! But that ain't happenin'.
I do know I am gonna get one, and soon. I do have a good friend who is a mechanic and has worked at a Toyota dealership that will help look it over with me.
My usage will primarily be work and back. Driving around town with some freeway and grocery store. But will need it to take me hunting/fishing/camping in snow, dirt, wet, off roads. I want comfortable, automatic tranny, cruise, tilt, etc. Will be interested in adding on some stuff like wench, sturdy roof rack, oversized tires for a little lift, driveway add-ons. And will tow ATV trailer with 2 machines (2500 lbs est)

Based on this, I suggest a limited. Year? 01-02 (I'm kinda biased) I understand about all the rear locker stuff the other guys have mentioned over and over but you didn't indicate a need above. Here is a cool link. It shows all the features for each model year so you can decide on details.

Toyota 4Runner History 1997 (just dial in the year on the left). The one thing common to all 3g w/auto trans & 4x4 is the potential for the 'strawberry milkshake'. Its cheap to take care of (buy a good tranny cooler & replace stock) but must be done or it could cost you a tranny rebuild. Good luck and enjoy!

 

[Srabai]

I've got a '97 and the cup holder location is one of Toyotas less intelligent ideas. Almost as bad as the early 90's celicas where a drink in the cup holder prevents normal shifting through 3rd and 5th gear. If I got to pick out of all of them, I'd probably get a 99 with the e-locker and a 5speed. Maybe try to find one with the supercharger already installed, that would be a pretty nice truck.

 

[rn_trauma903]

Or a 99 SR5 with a 5speed and a e-locker like some girl I know [MENTION=99834]rn_trauma903[/MENTION] finds and buys after her 97 get totaled that is already lifted and on 33's.... That is a nice 4Runner for sure.

Blue

Awwww, Blue, don't be hatin'...you know you'll get to drive her eventually...xoxo:kiss:

 

[rn_trauma903]

Glad to be of service, but I was sad to see her go

And I love her!!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!:thanks::hug:

 

[slapdappy]

'99

'99 Ltd or Highlander/Sport w/multi mode auto and elocker.
Can't go wrong. I have the Ltd which includes leather interior. I recommend the Highlander with the fabric interior. I think it wears better, it is easier to repair a tear or replace a worn panel, and it is more comfortable. The leather is quite stiff and cold in the winter, sticky and hot in the summer. Not trying to start a leather vs fabric war, just sharing my experience. The leather feels like vinyl (to me) because the color is sprayed on and is basically a colored plastic coating. The durability of the fabric Toyota used is astonishing.
The Highlander has more modest trim and fender flares.
Add Airlift airbags for towing. Less than $100.