info on 4runner rear locker

T

tailduster

New member
I am looking for a 97-00 4runner 4x4. I also would prefer it have the rear diff. locker. From what I have read it would have to be a limited model. I have looked at several and it seems maybe only half even have this option. Is this information correct?

I will be using my 4runner this winter in the mountains, so I figure a rear locker will be very handy.

I know the 99 4runners got a slight face lift and a improved 4x4 system. Would there be any other reason to get a 99 over a 98 model? thanks for your help
 
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It doesn't have to be a limited model. The SR5's have lockers as well. I think it's just the base model that didn't have them. Not sure about that but the SR5's have them available for sure. I have one!
 
Reason to own a '99:

CUPHOLDERS!!!!!
The hanging off the dash cuholders? WTF were they thinking

Also the crystal clear diamond headlamps and integrated fogs available

Two extra power outlets up front and one by the hatch

Auto up/down drivers and passenger windows

LCD odometer and dual tripometers and auto off headlights

Quite a few '99s had the taller coils and I prefer the skinny black flares on the SR5s vs the Limited's and '00+ widebody flares for hitting the trails since they handle abuse better.

IMO the '99 Limited's 5 spoke wheels are one of the best OEM designs period and look better than the "coke bottle" style on the '01+.

The '99 Limited's also featured digital climate control and a multi mode auto with an AWD mode.

And with the Sport Edition it was actually the "Limited" model unlike today where hood scoops on 4Runners are like big rims on er....well......4Runners. ;):

Another note on the locker;you should only use it to get unstuck as some people think you can drive with them on all the time if it's on snow or ice which is a quick trip to disaster.

Alot of it boils down to the creature and ergonomic improvements more than mechanical but there is a reason or five I don't own my '97 anymore.:)
 
The locker only operates while in 4lo but there is a way around that.............. http://www.hboss.net/4runner/locker_safety.htm


And here's a couple of links for control over the fogs and full time power outlets and a couple of other things...............

.............. http://www.top4runners.com/ja/electrical.html#fogmod



The locker is only for getting unstuck once out of your predicament you turn it off. ABS is disabled when the locker is engaged and never use it on dry pavement since it's a true locker meaning the rears are positively LOCKED together.

The locker is also invaluable when off roading and you get a wheel in the air since w/o a locker the wheel in the air would spin and no pwer to the stuck wheel.
It makes hill climbs a lot easier.
 
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i dont get why anyone who was gonna drive it onroad only would ever really need a locker.

i think the awd systems in the 00 limiteds and all 01s and 02s are great for on-road.
 
I did not know that about the locker only good when in 4 lo. I thought I used a locker on a tacoma when in 2 wheel. But I may have been mistaken.

The front interior of a 98 limited and a 99 limited is really different. The 99 is 3 times as nice.
 
go for the 99+... lots of creature comforts that didnt come earlier, and trust me i know. my family has had a 98, 99 and now a 2002 4runner, soon to add a new one to that list. as for you using a locker in a tacoma in 2wd. chances are that they have done the grey wire mod, or it was a prerunner, in which instnace, they dont have 4wd, so you can use your locker whenevr
 
lee said:
i dont get why anyone who was gonna drive it onroad only would ever really need a locker.

i think the awd systems in the 00 limiteds and all 01s and 02s are great for on-road.
Click to expand...

true. my truck has yet to see a trail since I've gotten it and I've never locked the rear.
 
Well in the early years Lockers were available on the base models w/ the 2.7, they were eventually offered only on the V6, and then not at all. As for using the locker only when stuck, that is misleading, if you are running trails all day you can keep the rear locked, you certainly don't want to wait until you get stuck to use it, on the road is a different situation.

I am not sure what was meant by the Sport model being the LTD, but the Sport 3rd gen is in no way a LTD, the Sports have their own nice options, but not like a LTD.

In 99 only the LTD got the new multi mode 4WD system, all SR5 and base models in 99 and 00 had the traditional part time setup, and not all LTD models got the multi mode. In 01 all 4wd Runners got the multi mode system. Depending where you are the locker is common in the Limited and pre 01 Sports, here in MA I have never seen a pre 00 Limited w/o a locker. I agree that the changes made in 99 are nice, but the pre 99 Runners are very nice as well, I would not shy away from a 98 because of cup holders or auto up and down windows, or any other small difference that will be pointed out.
 
I have looked around the last few days in my area and it seems maybe more than half of the 98-2000 limiteds do not have the rear diff.
 
You can run the locker for the whole trail off road but I choose not to due to the extra wear and tear on it and I just flip it on when in doubt and steep inclines are one of those doubting moments.
 
More than half the 98-2000 have no rear diff, I wouldn't buy those ones! J/k, I assume you mean no diff lock. The headlights are auto off in that when you open the door they shut off, they are not on a timer like true auto lights.
 
Yep,like stated above they are on til you open the door. I'm not sure if they had the 30 second power delay for the windows/sunroof (don't work for the rear window tho') before '99 but they probably did.
 
tailduster said:
I did not know that about the locker only good when in 4 lo. I thought I used a locker on a tacoma when in 2 wheel. But I may have been mistaken.

The front interior of a 98 limited and a 99 limited is really different. The 99 is 3 times as nice.
Click to expand...

Really different?

Different color gauges, slightly different center console, ummmmmmmm what else is REALLY different about a 98 or 99?
 
Now I'm not jumping on the 99 are better than 98 train, but the differences are noticeable.

99 and up had the center area reworked so instead of a big useless cubby you get 2 useful cup holders that don't spill or shoot your drink out everytime you hit a bump and a nice slot for a cell phone, out of sight. You get the rear window button in the dash, digital OD w/ 2 trip meters and reworked HVAC, instead if slides you get dials. Aslo in 99 you got the upgraded headlights, which are better, integrated fog lamps, extra power outlets, and a new all in one CD, cassete radio standard on SR5, that may have started in 2000. Also 99+ got the driver and passenger auto up and down windows.
 
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