Common or Not?

[adkinsadam1]

So just a question. I am looking to finally purchase my own vehicle and have decided it has to be a 1999 4Runner SR5 3.4L V6 MANUAL 4WD WITH rear differential locker. Does anybody own this specific type? What has been their experience with it? Thanks all! I know it has more standard ground clearance than any other 4runner ever made, and the rear locker would be a great standard off road. And manual transmission is always a must!

 

[t4r4life]

4wd with locker is pretty common, all pre 01 limited models have that, 4wd locked with 5 speed, not so much they are hard to find and usually cost more.

 

[Park]

I'm pretty sure that 99 was the last year for the manual. To find that year maybe difficult though and you might have to settle with a 96 to 98 If you really want a manual. On another note this is debatable but in my opinion manuals are going to have been driven harder than most autos on account that most manual owners are men who, to a degree, actually use their trucks. Once again this is obviously debatable but its just my 2¢ good luck with your search

 

[t4r4life]

I'm pretty sure that 99 was the last year for the manual. To find that year maybe difficult though and you might have to settle with a 96 to 98 If you really want a manual. On another note this is debatable but in my opinion manuals are going to have been driven harder than most autos on account that most manual owners are men who, to a degree, actually use their trucks. Once again this is obviously debatable but its just my 2¢ good luck with your search

but it's cheaper to replace the clutch than spending 2-3 grand for a auto tranny, and manual are build tougher than auto esp the r150f our 4runners have.

 

[0xfded]

Don't know about your area, but around Seattle, there were probably 10-20 autos for every manual when I was shopping earlier this year.

They didn't seem pricier, but you definitely have a smaller pool to choose from.

 

[snivilous]

Why is a manual a must?

Or am I just weird for preferring an automatic in most cases.

 

[Park]

Why is a manual a must?

Or am I just weird for preferring an automatic in most cases.

I've always wondered that too. I get that they can be be better for wheeling but IMO the auto is a great tranny for offroading and another thing: it gets 1to 2 mpg better than the manual on the highway because it maintains a lower rpm. Honestly, I think people just want them for the exclusive factor. Their too much work in town anyways.

 

[gornish_hick]

My 99 is a manual and love it for the type of trail wheeling I tend to do. In my option and experiences the manual transmission in these rigs are bullet proof. As long as the clutch isn't burnt out from the previous owner I think you will be fine and happy with it.

 

[adkinsadam1]

I am still trying to decide if I want a manual. I feel like I do. I am sick of the transmission doing whatever it wants - I want control. How is this particular model anyway? Good used ya think?

 

[Tucson Mike]

Manuals were available up to 2000 as I have a 2000 with 5 speed and locker. I wouldn't limit myself to a 1999 just because it sits a little taller stock than the rest of the years. You can always upgrade the others to 99 coils or lift kit. Good luck.

 

[Ol'Blue]

So just a question. I am looking to finally purchase my own vehicle and have decided it has to be a 1999 4Runner SR5 3.4L V6 MANUAL 4WD WITH rear differential locker. Does anybody own this specific type? What has been their experience with it? Thanks all! I know it has more standard ground clearance than any other 4runner ever made, and the rear locker would be a great standard off road. And manual transmission is always a must!

I'm just going to throw this out there now. GOOD LUCK man. This set up is hard to find. There are guys here that have been looking for 4-6 months for this truck. They are out there but you are going to pay for it IF one come available.

Kraze has this truck and loves it. Other than it is a little challenging on harder trails than an auto(meaning he kills it from time to time) he loves it. His is on 35's.

Blue

 

[white_n_slow]

I've had two. After the first one, I knew that was what I needed for the second one. I was able to find a 5-speed v6 with a locker in only a week. And it was cheap and low-ish miles for an old truck. If you're on the front range, there are tons of 4runners out there, so if you're patient, you can definitely find that combination of hardware.

As for the preference, I've never met an automatic that I liked. Especially when driving in the mountains, I want to decide what gear is best for what I am trying to do, not have the antiquated valve body and throttle position decide for me. If the truck had a lot more power, I might be OK with an auto. That and in my experience, manuals are more reliable and robust. Sure, you'll have to replace the clutch once or twice in the trucks lifetime, but you'll probably never have to replace the transmission itself unless it was abused. I have seen plenty of "pink milkshake" threads on this board.