The 3rd Gen All Questions Allowed Thread

[crawlergrunt3187]

Hello all. I have a 2000 4Runner SR5 with a diamond axle and an LC 3rd member reverse high pinion up front, Detroit locker, manual hub, tundra brake. So up front is pretty solid. Running a Marlin dual case. 4.88 re-geared and on 37’s, method bead grips, Tom woods driveshafts. Rear is stock 8 axle with All pro leaf spring conversion and ballistic fan shackles, diff breather mod, actuator skid, bash plate from low range welded on. My question is: if you had money to blow for about a thousand, what mod would you do to this? Disc brake conversion? Trying to beef this as much as possible before I hit Rubicon Trail next month.

 

[Endlessblockades]

Hi all. New user here from Norway. I was hoping i could get in touch with someone with good knowledge about the different versions of the 3.gen 4 Runner as im currently looking to import one from the U.S. Have been reading up on the different models/trim etc but was still a little bit confused as to which im going for so was just looking to see if there was anyone who might be available for a 5-10 min chat on something like FB to help me out a little bit.
Currently have a 1999.4 Runner SR5 , and before that a 1995 4 Runner so im not completly 4Runner newbie incase that would scare anyone away.
Hoping for a positive answer and someone dont mind taking a little time out ro help, would be very gratefull.

Kind Regards from Norway.

I used the Google search toolbar on this site and this turned up:

3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide

Seems that all the variations are covered there.

 

[4RunnerNor]

I used the Google search toolbar on this site and this turned up:

3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide

Seems that all the variations are covered there.

Thank you sir, not sure how i missed an entire tread containing most of the info i was after.
I have a few questions still just to make sure i understood correctly.Obv the limited is the most "exclusive" one in terms of small outside trim changes and leather seats etc which is the one im after.
I was thinking about looking for the latest year made (01-02) but had a few things more experienced and knowledgeable people might help a little with.
First is the different transfer cases (have been reading up on the subject) but just wondering if theres issues with the latest models where people would prefer the 99-00 instead ?
The other thing is the latest models came with these new electronis(TRAC/VSC) that people dont seem to like to much,but with the info that people found out that it could be turned off thats on this site it seems those wouldnt be a real "problem" since it can me made to turn off with a switch.Am i correct in that or have i misunderstood ?

Im just trying to find out if im looking for a 99-00 limited or a 01-02 limited as that its whats most appealing to me when looking for a "new" 4Runner

 

[AuSeeker]

Thank you sir, not sure how i missed an entire tread containing most of the info i was after.
I have a few questions still just to make sure i understood correctly.Obv the limited is the most "exclusive" one in terms of small outside trim changes and leather seats etc which is the one im after.
I was thinking about looking for the latest year made (01-02) but had a few things more experienced and knowledgeable people might help a little with.
First is the different transfer cases (have been reading up on the subject) but just wondering if theres issues with the latest models where people would prefer the 99-00 instead ?
The other thing is the latest models came with these new electronis(TRAC/VSC) that people dont seem to like to much,but with the info that people found out that it could be turned off thats on this site it seems those wouldnt be a real "problem" since it can me made to turn off with a switch.Am i correct in that or have i misunderstood ?

Im just trying to find out if im looking for a 99-00 limited or a 01-02 limited as that its whats most appealing to me when looking for a "new" 4Runner

More info on year to year model changes.

Toyota 4Runner History

 

[Endlessblockades]

Thank you sir, not sure how i missed an entire tread containing most of the info i was after.
I have a few questions still just to make sure i understood correctly.Obv the limited is the most "exclusive" one in terms of small outside trim changes and leather seats etc which is the one im after.
I was thinking about looking for the latest year made (01-02) but had a few things more experienced and knowledgeable people might help a little with.
First is the different transfer cases (have been reading up on the subject) but just wondering if theres issues with the latest models where people would prefer the 99-00 instead ?
The other thing is the latest models came with these new electronis(TRAC/VSC) that people dont seem to like to much,but with the info that people found out that it could be turned off thats on this site it seems those wouldnt be a real "problem" since it can me made to turn off with a switch.Am i correct in that or have i misunderstood ?

Im just trying to find out if im looking for a 99-00 limited or a 01-02 limited as that its whats most appealing to me when looking for a "new" 4Runner

I'm not an expert - they're ALL good IMO and the Limited version just has the bigger fender flares, side-cladding, plastic wood-look interior, 'fat-lip' bumper, leather seats, etc. The is no benefit to that stuff WHATSOEVER in my opinion, and I don't believe a 'sport' hood scoop was available on a Limited, if that matters to you. I don't know much about the 01 and 02 years but I have heard that the brake booster and/or master cylinder is much more expensive to replace than on earlier variants. I assume you are looking for a 4X4, right? The 4X4 operation is a bit different on 01-02 than predecessors. This must all be covered in the 2 links shared above (sorry, I didn't look at the links) . I have a 2000 Limited. It's all I know. Personally, I think the 1999 'Highlander' version is the 'best' version, and I like the more 'minimal' looks of an SR5 or base model trim, but you really can't go wrong with any of the 4wheel drive versions. Edit - If you are looking for a 'late model' vehicle because it may have 10 or 20k less miles and wear and tear, I wouldn't let that limit your choices. It all depends on how it was cared for.

 

[4RunnerNor]

I'm not an expert - they're ALL good IMO and the Limited version just has the bigger fender flares, side-cladding, plastic wood-look interior, 'fat-lip' bumper, leather seats, etc. The is no benefit to that stuff WHATSOEVER in my opinion, and I don't believe a 'sport' hood scoop was available on a Limited, if that matters to you. I don't know much about the 01 and 02 years but I have heard that the brake booster and/or master cylinder is much more expensive to replace than on earlier variants. I assume you are looking for a 4X4, right? The 4X4 operation is a bit different on 01-02 than predecessors. This must all be covered in the 2 links shared above (sorry, I didn't look at the links) . I have a 2000 Limited. It's all I know. Personally, I think the 1999 'Highlander' version is the 'best' version, and I like the more 'minimal' looks of an SR5 or base model trim, but you really can't go wrong with any of the 4wheel drive versions. Edit - If you are looking for a 'late model' vehicle because it may have 10 or 20k less miles and wear and tear, I wouldn't let that limit your choices. It all depends on how it was cared for.

Is it just cosmetic that you prefer the Highlander ? From what i can see the only difference between the Sr5,Highlander and Limited is just a few different cosmetic changes,both in and outside. The scoop would think its something one could add to both the Sr5 and Limited if it was something that really mattered (though i have to admit i like the look of it on the Highlander ) The choice as far as looking for a Limited is purely cosmetic,esp leather interior. Have a 1999 Sr5 atm but was looking for for alittle change thats why im looking at the Limited instead.
Yes obv its only 4x4 thats of any interest. Just trying to see/hear/check if i understand all the differences before i start searching for the exact vehicle.
So just checking to see if i found more info in here from people with alot more expertise then me on 4 Runners, reading all the info i could find online here with the links people are providing (but im probably not mechanicly inclined to figure it out myself just by myself, so feels a bit "safer" to dobbelcheck with people here)
And just trying to check about these electronic changes in the 01-02 models along with what i wrote before regarding the different transfer casings between 99-00 and 01-02 cars

 

[Endlessblockades]

A lot of people seem to like the 99-00 variant best, but that is a subjective can of worms as they say. When you can, you may want to create a new post to get more eyes on your questions. Is there a 4Runner or Surf club in Scandinavia where you could get some hands-on/firsthand info?

 

[4RunnerNor]

A lot of people seem to like the 99-00 variant best, but that is a subjective can of worms as they say. When you can, you may want to create a new post to get more eyes on your questions. Is there a 4Runner or Surf club in Scandinavia where you could get some hands-on/firsthand info?

3.Gen was never sold anywhere over here so impossible to find, cant even find em i europe.
I will wait a day or 2 to create a new post (figured people might be annoyed if i created an entire new post since i was sure this had been asked 1000 times before by people like me so didnt want to get kicked after 1 post

 

[phattyduck]

And just trying to check about these electronic changes in the 01-02 models along with what i wrote before regarding the different transfer casings between 99-00 and 01-02 cars

The transmission, throttle body (and throttle control), brake booster / ABS system, etc. are different on the 01/02 models and is slightly less reliable because of the extra complexity.

The transfer case between a '99/'00 Limited and a '01/'02 (all) is minor (both are multi-mode, but the controls are a bit different). '01/'02 could not be had with rear diff locker if that interests you.

All this info should be in the linked thread.

-Charlie

 

[4RunnerNor]

Thank you all for the help. Pretty sure ill skip going for a 01-02 due to the added electronics and people saying certain parts in the engine bay beeing less reliable.With 99-00 having the multimode transfer case and maybe even finding one with rear locker ill start looking for that.
Again thank you to everyone who helped

 

[3bears]

I agree with the differences phattyduck listed above.
2000 was the last year of a manual tranny option, and the 99-00 highlander sits an inch taller from factory.
I briefly had a 2001 and did not like the way it drove in snow, it has a traction control function that if one wheel starts spinning faster, it reduces power to the other wheels and lowers engine speed.... so had to do the "andy mod"

 

[96RedRunner]

Pretty sure ill skip going for a 01-02 due to the added electronics and people saying certain parts in the engine bay being less reliable.

I wouldn't skip looking at 01-02's if on the market, their all getting scarce. For me body & frame condition
played a role overall in the picture, local offerings 500 mi radius were slim for 2 yrs.
01-02's I've found over 200k mi. good chance any or all will give you problems.
Bought with bad VSC/Trac module lowered selling price, ABS/Brake Master Cylinder, Throttle Body,
Transmission is known for OD Planetary failures, still going strong knock-on wood.
Feel I'm good for 200k mi except Trans.

 

[3bears]

I wouldn't skip looking at 01-02's if on the market, their all getting scarce. For me body & frame condition
played a role overall in the picture, local offerings 500 mi radius were slim for 2 yrs.
01-02's I've found over 200k mi. good chance any or all will give you problems.
Bought with bad VSC/Trac module lowered selling price, ABS/Brake Master Cylinder, Throttle Body,
Transmission is known for OD Planetary failures, still going strong knock-on wood.
Feel I'm good for 200k mi except Trans.

I forgot about the OD Planetary failures

 

[96RedRunner]

[MENTION=124615]3bears[/MENTION] to clarify the good for 200k mi I've replaced the M/C and Throttle Body also not by choice, so 3 of 4 so far.
Knock on wood with Trans has not been a wing n a prayer thing.
Did 3 drain n fills first year of ownership, 4 yrs. or so later trans whine developed 40*F temps then 70*F temps.
Oh chit moment, decided to drop pan change filter, filter not too bad no shiny bits 15 qt fluid exchange whine better not gone.
Poured in a pint of Seafoam Trans cleaner 2-2 1/2 yrs. ago within 6 months whine gone shifts solid/firm up/down shifting quicker.
There are 4 strainers in valve body the Seafoam seems to have cleaned them out. Fluid has nice color to it still.
Overdrive stays off till 50-55 mph and up has been my practice. I've been wondering if going into OD at 45 mph
has been the culprit of Planetary problems after seeing pics of damage.
The short of it, 01-02's anything 20+ yrs. old bit of a crap shoot I'm over the cost of fixes, AndyMod2.0, Lockers, Gears, Bumpers,
6112's 5160's, SPC UCA's etc.
It pulled a new to me 2900# boat 300 mi no problem I feel better about it after that workout than I have since owning it.

 

[ryedog]

Condenser question

Hello all! Working on a TB/WP replacement and it’s been going fine. While I was loosening the adjuster bolt for the AC pulley my wrench slipped and smacked my condenser pretty good. Attached is a pic of the fins now, should I be okay? Didn’t hear any hissing or anything like that to say refrigerant was escaping but I figured I’d ask while I have it apart. Thanks!

 

[atfall]

Differential question - Limited Slip or not? W or W/o ADD

I'd like to change the differential oils and transfer case oils--- for the first time on my own. I have a 1997 automatic transmission, 3.4 V6, with 4WD.

Been doing research about which fluids to use and one thing I'm uncertain of if this truck has a limited slip differential and if I need to add an additive? A mechanic friend of mine told me I need to look on the rear differential itself to see if what code is stamped -- or jack up the truck and spin the wheels from the drive shaft and see how they respond. Curious if there's another way to know?

also a few other questions about tools I'll need:

24mm socket?
10mm hex key?
18mm or 21mm socket?
torque wrench
fluid pump
breaker bar?

Thanks for any insight. I'm fairly new to doing my own maintenance.

 

[BeachRunner98]

3rd gen supercharger 4runner sticker

Hello,

I am curious if anyone can help me with a little issue I’ve run into. I have a supercharged 1998 4runner and have been unable to get the smog check pushed through because I don’t have a sticker for it.

Would anyone happen to have a TRD supercharger sticker for the 1998 runner they wouldn’t mind sharing?

I found one for 1998 but it is only for trucks and not the 4runner model.

Any info to point me in the right direction would be a huge help. Thanks in advance.

 

[Spiker Engineering]

Hello,

I am curious if anyone can help me with a little issue I’ve run into. I have a supercharged 1998 4runner and have been unable to get the smog check pushed through because I don’t have a sticker for it.

Would anyone happen to have a TRD supercharger sticker for the 1998 runner they wouldn’t mind sharing?

I found one for 1998 but it is only for trucks and not the 4runner model.

Any info to point me in the right direction would be a huge help. Thanks in advance.

Maybe this can help - CA Smog: TRD Supercharger CARB Stickers Here AGAIN (3rd Gen)

 

[PeteCain]

Everything died? Sat idling and then truck freaked out.

Hey all,

So tonight I was sitting idling for about 30 minutes - wanted to keep the AC on in the Utah heat. Went to leave and got about 15 yards, and truck started acting really weird.

First noticed my steering getting rock hard, then the A/T Oil Temp Light and Battery lights came on, then brake pedal got rock hard, and then nothing from the gas pedal. Wouldn't rev or move at all.

Turned the truck off, waited a sec, started up again really clunky and rough. Same symptoms. Turned it off again, waited, and turned it back on and then it was normal.

Towed it home out of caution, didn't want it to happen again as I was heading down i80.

Any thoughts? I will add that I have a P0420 code and CEL on right now. Have had those since mid-July.

Would love some insight as to what on earth is going on with the truck.

 

[OYGVALT]

Side Decals

I'd like to do something like this on my '99. Anybody have any leads on decals or wraps in this style? Snagged a sport hood and having it color matched to my white paint. I've seen some of the smaller decals but I'm looking specifically for ones that run the length of the vehicle as in the photos.

Thanks