Need buying advice

[mightybrick]

Need buying advice - 97 vs 99 4Runner

I'm in the market for a 3rd gen 4runner, and there's two fairly close to me I'm looking at. I'm a former Tacoma owner (99 X-cab TRD), and after owning an F-150 for the last two years, I'm ready to get back to Toyota, and a 3rd Gen 4Runner would be the best fit for me now.

I'm down to either a 97 4Runner Limited (Toyota 4Runner | ksl.com)
or
a 99 4R Limited (Toyota 4Runner | ksl.com)

I'm not familiar with the intricacies between the two model years, so I'm not sure which would be the better buy.
What are your thoughts?

Thanks in advance, guys.

 

[SR5Runner97]

the 97 has crappy cup holders that's for sure. the 99 has them next to the e-brake while 97 has them above the stereo in a flimsy plastic thing that is annoying. Not annoying enough to sell because you can always spend 150$ on a conversion of a 99+.

Also the 99 has better looking headlights. of course i'm about to buy the 99+ headlights for my 97 so that can be interchanged too. I think that 99 might have some weird engine in it with a 4.3l v6.

 

[mightybrick]

the 97 has crappy cup holders that's for sure. the 99 has them next to the e-brake while 97 has them above the stereo in a flimsy plastic thing that is annoying. Not annoying enough to sell because you can always spend 150$ on a conversion of a 99+.

Also the 99 has better looking headlights. of course i'm about to buy the 99+ headlights for my 97 so that can be interchanged too. I think that 99 might have some weird engine in it with a 4.3l v6.

Haha. I knew of the cup holder differences, but I wasn't sure if there was some difference in the ABS system or anything mechanical that would push the 99 over the top vs the 97. I like the price of the 97 better.

 

[Limbwalker]

the 97 has crappy cup holders that's for sure. the 99 has them next to the e-brake while 97 has them above the stereo in a flimsy plastic thing that is annoying. Not annoying enough to sell because you can always spend 150$ on a conversion of a 99+.

Also the 99 has better looking headlights. of course i'm about to buy the 99+ headlights for my 97 so that can be interchanged too. I think that 99 might have some weird engine in it with a 4.3l v6.

99 also has an "automanual" transmission
its either a chevy v6 swap with some kind of weird shift kit, or these guys were in a pretty big hurry when they posted the specs. lol Both nice trucks though, OP

 

[Doc2012]

MINOR differences between the two years.

They share the same engine, transmission, ect, but the rest is really just creature comforts, until you start getting into the wiring. LOL. Don't worry, you won't need to go there.

As stated, the '99 cupholders are by the e-brake, inbetween the two seats in the center console.

The '99 Limited has digital climate control, where at the '97 doesn't.

The '99 also has taller springs, making the trick sit taller.

I believe they upgraded the injectors in '99, but don't quote me on that one.

The headlight lenses are glass, not plastic, so they won't oxidize very easily.

The '99 has a spot on the back seats to stick the head rests in when you're in the cargo config.

Ummmmmmmmm, that's really all I can think of off the top of my head.

Either on you pick, good choice. Can't go wrong with a Toyota.

 

[SR5Runner97]

I'd go with the 97 AS LONG AS IT'S IN GOOD CONDITION. To some people, excellent condition cars are really shit. On CL someone said 8/10 exterior, "few dings", went to look. 2 baseball size dents into the rear bumper, don't get me started on the front bumper and it smelt like oil all over and the spark plugs weren't even the same brand.. so much for excellent condition. Don't settle for something that doesn't look right.

I spend 1200$ more on my 97, but it's gorgeous soo.... all worth it.

 

[Mike&Ike]

I know some of the new gens use a accumulator style brake booster instead of a conventional brake booster. Not sure how often they go out, but I know they are very expensive when they do.

 

[mightybrick]

Thanks for all the info, guys. I'm learning a lot. I'm pretty savvy with the Tacomas, but didn't know how all that transferred over to the 4Runner.

 

[mightybrick]

I'd go with the 97 AS LONG AS IT'S IN GOOD CONDITION. To some people, excellent condition cars are really shit. On CL someone said 8/10 exterior, "few dings", went to look. 2 baseball size dents into the rear bumper, don't get me started on the front bumper and it smelt like oil all over and the spark plugs weren't even the same brand.. so much for excellent condition. Don't settle for something that doesn't look right.

I spend 1200$ more on my 97, but it's gorgeous soo.... all worth it.

Since you're a 97 owner, what is the largest tire size that will fit the 97 with the shorter springs? Also, does the 97 have 15" or 16" wheels?

 

[SR5Runner97]

Since you're a 97 owner, what is the largest tire size that will fit the 97 with the shorter springs? Also, does the 97 have 15" or 16" wheels?

I actually bought mine with a 3" lift and 285/75/16 tires with aftermarket wheels already. But I have the stock wheels, he threw them in. I think every stock rim available are 16" rims for 3rd gens. I've heard that 265/75 will fit with little trimming. There are more than enough threads that cover it.

used the search and just put in "tire size" in 3rd gen forums and found this.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...size-stock-height-3rd-gen-16-inch-wheels.html

they say 265/75/16 will fit with stock. I think that means with the shorter springs too.

 

[SR5Runner97]

Also if you want friendly advice, stay with t4r.org and don't go to yotatech. If you can handle some rude people when you ask a question you can go over there. But the very first comment on any thread you make there says "Use the search button!! ughh I hate these new people who don't know anything!!" I started off over there and didn't care for it, found my place at t4r and love it here.

 

[mightybrick]

I actually bought mine with a 3" lift and 285/75/16 tires with aftermarket wheels already. But I have the stock wheels, he threw them in. I think every stock rim available are 16" rims for 3rd gens. I've heard that 265/75 will fit with little trimming. There are more than enough threads that cover it.

used the search and just put in "tire size" in 3rd gen forums and found this.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...size-stock-height-3rd-gen-16-inch-wheels.html

they say 265/75/16 will fit with stock. I think that means with the shorter springs too.

Thanks. I actually found that thread a week ago, but couldn't find confirmation on the shorter springs or not. Thanks for your input.

 

[02SE]

Since you're a 97 owner, what is the largest tire size that will fit the 97 with the shorter springs? Also, does the 97 have 15" or 16" wheels?

The Base and SR5 models had 15" wheels stock. However, a very common option from the factory was 16" wheels. As a result, Base and SR5 models will show 225/75R15 tires on the door placard, as being standard. Even though there's a good chance they came fitted with optional 16" wheels.

Limited models were only fitted with 16" wheels from the factory.

I've been running LT265/75R16 tires on my stock suspension '97, since it was two weeks old.

'97 headlight lenses are glass too.

Assuming they are both in good condition, I would prefer the '97, because of the less likely to fail manual HVAC.

As for the cupholders, I think they are a good design. In the summer you can put a cup in the holder in front of the vents, and the AC blowing on it keeps the drink cool. Conversely in the winter, the heat blowing on the cup keeps the drink warm.

One big difference between a '97 Limited, and a '99 Limited, is that the '97 has shift-on-the-fly part-time 4wd. Whereas the '99 has a multi-mode transfer case.

 

[mightybrick]

The Base and SR5 models had 15" wheels stock. However, a very common option from the factory was 16" wheels. As a result, Base and SR5 models will show 225/75R15 tires on the door placard, as being standard. Even though there's a good chance they came fitted with optional 16" wheels.

Limited models were only fitted with 16" wheels from the factory.

I've been running LT265/75R16 tires on my stock suspension '97, since it was two weeks old.

'97 headlight lenses are glass too.

Assuming they are both in good condition, I would prefer the '97, because of the less likely to fail manual HVAC.

As for the cupholders, I think they are a good design. In the summer you can put a cup in the holder in front of the vents, and the AC blowing on it keeps the drink cool. Conversely in the winter, the heat blowing on the cup keeps the drink warm.

One big difference between a '97 Limited, and a '99 Limited, is that the '97 has shift-on-the-fly part-time 4wd. Whereas the '99 has a multi-mode transfer case.

This is exactly the type of info I was looking for. Thanks guys. This place is so helpful. Reminds me of the good old days with my Tacoma on TTORA.com.