Seeking Advice: Buying a 2000 T4R

[4-Ripcord]

Hmm so the "TRAC" is still on even with Center Diff locked?
But the TRAC preforms poorly in the snow even with Center Diff locked?

I thought the multimode was supposed to work very well in the snow, I have not had mine long enough to know.

If I seem dense I apologize but I have the Flu right now and I am sick as hell and not thinking clearly at all.

There is a big difference between icy roads and deep snow..

That's how I read it too, VSC is disabled with center diff locked, but ATRAC continues to operate. There's got to be a mod to disable it somehow, right? I'm glad mine doesn't have it.

Andymod 2.0

 

[ddach]

Thanks & more questions...

Thanks everyone for your input, very helpful to new guy like me.

I decided not to get the one I was looking at due to no rear locker...I don't want to limit myself, and I want to minimize any chance of getting stuck

So, I have a couple more questions:

-how much does a 3" lift kit effect handling ON road?

-Are 17" wheels/tires that much better on/or off road than 15"?

Thanks again!!!

 

[ddach]

Now I'm lookin' @ a 1996 Limited

Okay guys, here's my next candidate:
-1996 4Runner Limited, 190k miles.
-Most of the usual Limited stuff, including rear locker, but no tow package or bar, no running boards, spoiler was removed.

It's been years since I worked on a "car", back when I was a teen. The idea of getting one of these things actually has me thinking I might enjoy working on it! With that in mind, the front & rear bumper are dinged up...how big of a job is it to change them out? Are they hard to find? Any idea on the cost? Can just the chrome panel or plastic valance/apron be replaced? I'm seeing stuff like that on eBay.

Does anyone have experience with any of the custom fit seat covers? Any recommendations? Looking @ the driver's seat, I'll definitely need to do something with the front seats if I get this.

Thanks Guys!

 

[BrianSD_42]

hmmm

running boards are terrible. you only need them if your wife is 5 ft or less.

the tow package isnt that big or a deal. you can buy a used one or aftermarket cheap.

the bumper is easy to replace, I sold my whole front bumper for $150 earlier this year.

What would be important to me ... paint (once it starts to go you are SOL), engine and tranny.

 

[ddach]

The paint appears to be *mostly* good in the photos I saw, with a few small exceptions. Anyone have any idea what it would cost to have the paint job refreshed, minor scratches buffed out, touched up, etc?

Engine & tranny are good supposedly...haven't seen it in person yet to test drive.

 

[Stick Figure]

Thanks everyone for your input, very helpful to new guy like me.

I decided not to get the one I was looking at due to no rear locker...I don't want to limit myself, and I want to minimize any chance of getting stuck

So, I have a couple more questions:

-how much does a 3" lift kit effect handling ON road?

-Are 17" wheels/tires that much better on/or off road than 15"?

Thanks again!!!

the lifts effect for on road driving are going to depend a lot on which lift you go with. The one sure thing is lift and larger tires will have a negative effect on the gas mileage.

Biggest advantages to a larger wheel is added clearance for brakes, and a potentially lighter wheel/tire combo. Down side is more expensive wheel, usually more expensive tires, and more aluminum/steel to rub the rocks off road.

The paint appears to be *mostly* good in the photos I saw, with a few small exceptions. Anyone have any idea what it would cost to have the paint job refreshed, minor scratches buffed out, touched up, etc?

Engine & tranny are good supposedly...haven't seen it in person yet to test drive.

Best part about a 4x4 truck is scratches, and such are just more character. lol