1sick4runner
New member
hey guys im wanting to buy another 3rd gen and want to start getting off road with the kiddos. what is the best yr and features to look for in the third gens. thanks for any input and know how and knowledge.
Wanting to buy another 3rd Gen, Whats the best model and options to get?
- Thread starter 1sick4runner
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
1sick4runner
New member
how do you know if they have the locker?
LuckyRunnerLTD
New member
To the left of the steering wheel theres a button that says " RR DIFF" it was only an option on the 99-00 4runners I believe.
ShooterMcGavin
New member
Check on that. I think the rear locker was an option on 4Runners from 1996-2000.
paddlenbike
Member
It mostly depends on what transmission you want. If you're fine with an auto, you can pick and choose exactly what you want because 97% of 4Runners sold are autos. If you're an enthusiast and value the driving experience, you'll choose only a manual transmission and will be limited to what you can find. I think many of us would say a mica green 4Runner Highlander (the one with the hood scoop) with a sunroof, 5-speed manual transmission, rear locker and a TRD supercharger would be about the most sought-after of all of the 3rd gens.
PitbullRescuer
New member
You are correct.
OP, in general try to find one that has good maintenance history and NO rust. The 99 + have a little bit nicer interior than the 96-98's do but for the most part, they're all the same.
There's a few years where they had multi-mode 4wd/Awd with e-lockers, which would be the ultimate combo, I would think. I'm guessing it's somewhere between 1999-2001 model years.
Plus the 1999 + have the better cup holders. But I'm personally not a fan of the fat lip bumper of the 1999 + years.
Plus the 1999 + have the better cup holders. But I'm personally not a fan of the fat lip bumper of the 1999 + years.
ShooterMcGavin
New member
That's correct. 1999-2000 Limiteds had Multi-mode and the chance to have the rear locker option.
1sick4runner
New member
So "ALL" 4x4 limited came with the rear locker or was it only an option in those yrs?
Kraze
New member
It's an option. I'd say the 1999-2000 Limited with e-locker is the most desirable, especially in places where you have snow. Or if you prefer manual transmissions, the 1999-2000 5 speed with e-locker would be the most desirable, especially a Highlander edition, which is what I was lucky enough to find.
Here is a basic run down of the optional 4wd systems as well as personal opinions on the entire 3rd gen range
96-98 Tried and true basic 4wd. You have 2wd for everyday driving. Pull the transfer case lever to 4wd-Hi for your standard locked center diff 4wd (like most 4wd vehicles) as well as a low range in the transfer case. These did come with the locking rear diff as an option.
Im my opinion, this is the best platform for a true offroad vehicle as they have a simpler design and are usually cheaper to start a build than the newer more featured vehicles.
99-00. These vehicles came with a multi mode transfer case. Basically, you had a push button 4wd system that would effectively be an AWD system. Power is transferred to the front wheels but without locking the center differential. You could then lock the center diff for true 4wd hi as well as a low range in the transfer case. These also offered a locking rear diff as an option. There were some nice mid generation upgrades that do make these a bit more family friendly and the 99 highlander model is often the most coveted version of the 4runner do to some of these options. Due to the increased price, I feel it is a trade off to have the options such as multi mode along with more complicated electronic controls etc vs a more simple 96-98 design.
01-02 These vehicles have multi mode transfer cases along with adding traction control and stability control systems. These did not have the option for a locking rear diff and in my opinion are the least desirable for a wheeling vehicle due to the complex traction control and stability control systems that can be a pain when wheeling.
96-98 Tried and true basic 4wd. You have 2wd for everyday driving. Pull the transfer case lever to 4wd-Hi for your standard locked center diff 4wd (like most 4wd vehicles) as well as a low range in the transfer case. These did come with the locking rear diff as an option.
Im my opinion, this is the best platform for a true offroad vehicle as they have a simpler design and are usually cheaper to start a build than the newer more featured vehicles.
99-00. These vehicles came with a multi mode transfer case. Basically, you had a push button 4wd system that would effectively be an AWD system. Power is transferred to the front wheels but without locking the center differential. You could then lock the center diff for true 4wd hi as well as a low range in the transfer case. These also offered a locking rear diff as an option. There were some nice mid generation upgrades that do make these a bit more family friendly and the 99 highlander model is often the most coveted version of the 4runner do to some of these options. Due to the increased price, I feel it is a trade off to have the options such as multi mode along with more complicated electronic controls etc vs a more simple 96-98 design.
01-02 These vehicles have multi mode transfer cases along with adding traction control and stability control systems. These did not have the option for a locking rear diff and in my opinion are the least desirable for a wheeling vehicle due to the complex traction control and stability control systems that can be a pain when wheeling.
Last edited:
Kraze
New member
Fixed that for you. Base and SR5 models didn't have the multi-mode in 99-00.
Correct. Sorry i missed putting that part in. :happens: lol
i beleive some of the late 98 limited models started to implement the push button 4wd system before the 99 model year.
BlazeRunner
Member
96-98 limited have the push button lever for 4hi and all others are manual shifter into 4-hi.
This thread should answer most of your questions http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html
And this should tell you differences in transfer cases between the years, multi mode, 4-hi, low etc.. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...-transfer-case-awd-multi-mode.html#post669885
This thread should answer most of your questions http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html
And this should tell you differences in transfer cases between the years, multi mode, 4-hi, low etc.. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...-transfer-case-awd-multi-mode.html#post669885
Last edited:
BrianSD_42
New member
In my opinion, more valuable than an eLocker or 5-speed is LOW MILES.
You can always add an aftermarket locker but you can't roll back the odometer.
More miles = more things break due to normal wear and tear.
Try to get something below 140k miles if you want peace of mind for a few years.
You can always add an aftermarket locker but you can't roll back the odometer.
More miles = more things break due to normal wear and tear.
Try to get something below 140k miles if you want peace of mind for a few years.
JohnsD90
New member
People are still going on about this E-locker circle jerk? It is nice, but i would not go out of my way to get a truck with one, there are far more important things to look for. I've offroaded many times, and while in some situations it would make it easier, ive always made it out of the woods with no damage, Go read those expedition threads on expo portal, many of them go all across africa without one, and you guys need one to run through some pennsylvania forrest? End rant.
99-00 4x4 5 speed v6 is most desired from what i have gathered, i only buy manuals, check for rust, make sure it was treated well, and buy the best truck you can get for the money, dont worry about what year it is.
99-00 4x4 5 speed v6 is most desired from what i have gathered, i only buy manuals, check for rust, make sure it was treated well, and buy the best truck you can get for the money, dont worry about what year it is.
