Need help with 4WD options

[Nicelag]

To preface things I have never had a 4WD but need one for hunting and fishing. Been stuck a few times and that's enough.

In layman's terms what is the differance in the 4WD systems in the 1999-2000(e-locker era) and the 2001-2002 era?

Getting tougher in California to find the 1999-2000 models in decent shape and those that are seem to want to much $$. What they call excellent or very good cond is good at best but they want top dollar.

For my hunting and fishing needs I am not rock climbing or doing super crazy stuff. My hunting revolves around birds. Just need the comfort of knowing I can get my family in and out of mud, sand, silt, and pot holes etc, especially after it snows or rains. Will all of these years suffice, and are there any specific features I should look for? I do know the wifey wants a limited.

Please help a 4WD newbie get some education. Don't want to get something and say "I wish I would have gotten that feature".

Thank you,

 

[KidVermicious]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html

 

[jgue467]

...In layman's terms what is the differance in the 4WD systems in the 1999-2000(e-locker era) and the 2001-2002 era?

For my hunting and fishing needs I am not rock climbing or doing super crazy stuff....

The elocker ties the rear wheels together, so both must turn at the same rate with the same force, this feature of course cannot be used on hard surfaces, there must be a surface that 'gives' to allow the wheels to turn at different rates on turns. So as you noted the 99-00 had this feature as an Option.

The 01-02 changed from the rear 2 wheels locking to the center differential locking, forcing the 2 diffs to turn at the same rate yet only 1 tire will turn on each axle, to make up for this (to some extent many will argue this point, get ready) toyo added vsc & traction control to limit the free wheel spin.

So based on what you stated you wanted the 4wd for I would recommend an 01-02 limited. Here is some more info on 4wd options and the limited options. I Love the heated leather seats, garage door openers and sunroof (all standard on limiteds + other stuff).

Toyota 4Runner History 2001

ToyotaReference Brochure Viewer

Enjoy the hunting! :banana:

 

[KidVermicious]

The 01-02 changed from the rear 2 wheels locking to the center differential locking, forcing the 2 diffs to turn at the same rate yet only 1 tire will turn on each axle

No. Before multimode, there WAS no center diff on Toyota trucks. Please look up the difference between part-time and full-time 4wd and stop confusing the noobs.

OP, everything you need to know about changes to the 4WD in different models of 3rd generation 4Runner (or at least everything you need to be able to search for the rest) is in the thread I linked. Any of those 4WD systems will serve your needs just fine.

 

[jgue467]

No. Before multimode, there WAS no center diff on Toyota trucks. Please look up the difference between part-time and full-time 4wd and stop confusing the noobs.

OP, everything you need to know about changes to the 4WD in different models of 3rd generation 4Runner (or at least everything you need to be able to search for the rest) is in the thread I linked. Any of those 4WD systems will serve your needs just fine.

How did i cause confusion? He asked what the difference was between 1999-2000(e-locker era) and the 2001-2002 era. I answered that. I did not say there was a center diff before "multimode".

He said he wanted all the features and not to miss any, gave him the best suggestion that doesn't have a bunch of options, they come as standard equipment. Sorry if it all sounded confusing. Luck.