Noob deciding which 3rd gen 4runner to buy

[Desert Dweller]

Hi all,

Been reading around here for a couple days and have really found the site helpful. Now, I need a little more help with my decision. I have decided I want a 4R and I'm not sure which one I want. I have a few questions about my decision.

If this was to be a toy only, I would probably look for a 1st gen, but it is going to be a daily driver for awhile and I kind of want something a little newer. Actually, it's because the Mrs. doesn't want to drive a 1st gen, apparently it's not "cool" enough. So I decided after reading on the board the past couple days that a 3rd gen might be best. It looks new enough that she will like it, and it's still tough enough for me. My main concern is that I want something I can work on myself. I have hated having newer cars that a.) are so electronic and ran by computers you can't do anything with them, or b) everything in the engine compartment is so difficult to get to you don't even want to bother. So, am I going to be happy with a 3rd gen? Is it easy to work on?

My next thought is that since I hate electronics, I might want to go pre-2000 when the TRAC and VSC were introduced. Or is it not that big of a deal?

Finally, I do want to make this thing off road worthy, like more than it already is. I would like to have the factory rear locker, otherwise I'd want to add it on myself anyway. Is the factory elocker really that great? Or should I just find a runner that has a good condition and plan to add it myself later?

I'm really up in the air about some of this and the different classes are kind of confusing me a bit. A little help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Dan.3]

So its between a 1st gen (88 V6 auto) and 3rd gen (99 limited). I have had both. As for the cool factor, is your wife aware the top comes off. I think that definitely give edge to the first gen. As far as electronics, the third gen is simplified in my opinion. My first gen had more computers and vacuum hoses than my 3rd gen.

You have to ask yourself, what is your ultimate goal. If you are going for solid axle, dualcases, lockers, then save your self the trouble and get a 1st gen. Big aftermarket support and they are just so easy to modify. And cheap to modify too. A third gen, you are somewhat limited with aftermarket compared to the first gen, but it is getting better.

The factory rear locker in a 3rd gen is nice for a DD especially in snowy ice conditions compared to a lunch box type locker. If its just going to be a toy, a lunch box is your best bet. They are cheap and easy to install.

If you have plans to go big, get the first gen. If you just want something fairly well set up in stock form, go for a pre 2000 limited. IMHO, the 99 limited was probably the best set up stock 4runner

 

[Desert Dweller]

Another issue I forgot to mention is that I prefer 4 doors. Because of that, I might take a 2nd gen over a first for a daily driver.

 

[highcountry]

A 99/00 SR5 Sport w/e-Locker should answer the mail. The 3.0 in the 2nd gen is considered problematic.

Good luck!

 

[Dan.3]

Another issue I forgot to mention is that I prefer 4 doors. Because of that, I might take a 2nd gen over a first for a daily driver.

Same goes for the second gen as with the frist gen for aftermarket. You can even find the second gen with factory 4.88s with a considered rock solid and argued to be stronger than aftermarket 4.88s. Just throw in a lunch box and you are set. Just have to ask your self where do you want to take it.

The 3.0 in the 2nd gen is considered problematic.
Good luck!

Just the head gasket issue but you can drop in a 3.4 and solve that issue. The 3.4 will bolt right in. Splice a few wires and you are driving in no time. Otherwise the 3.0 is considered very reliable

 

[Desert Dweller]

Problem solved. We bought an Explorer. I didn't really want another Ford because I swore off them last time I had an Explorer, but we really needed another vehicle and I had already been looking for a week. Had a decent deal with the Explorer, so i took it. Now I get to have whatever I want for my personal truck. Looks like I might go 1st gen 4Runner after all......just gotta keep my eyes peeled for something to come along!

 

[Singtoe]

You bought an exploder. :redbrick:

 

[Millerad1651]

Problem solved. We bought an Explorer. I didn't really want another Ford because I swore off them last time I had an Explorer, but we really needed another vehicle and I had already been looking for a week. Had a decent deal with the Explorer, so i took it. Now I get to have whatever I want for my personal truck. Looks like I might go 1st gen 4Runner after all......just gotta keep my eyes peeled for something to come along!

You might as well keep looking for that 3rd gen for when that Explorer falls apart. You'd never convince me to buy another Ford...my wife has an Escape and I want to drive that damn thing off a cliff. Only reason I haven't is we don't have any cliffs in Indiana!
There is a nice 1st Gen in the classified section BTW.

 

[Desert Dweller]

Yup, I NEEDED something quick and the Explorer was there. It is what it is. I will probably only put about 600 miles a month on it, so it should be alright for awhile.

I'll check out the classifieds for the 1st gen you speak of, thanks.