What is it?

[crewjones]

I bought a 99 SR5 and I was wondering if someone could tell me or point me in the right direction of finding out what trim model I have.
It came with a CD player, 16" wheels, gold trim and power everything????
Or is it just an SR5 with some extra stuff?
Sorry about being the newbie!

 

[RonMAIDEN]

If it's not the Limited (mulit-mode auto tranny,wood trim) or has the scoop of the Highlander then it's just the nice version of the SR5.

 

[crewjones]

Thats what is weird because I do have the wood trim and the MM auto tranny, but it is tagged as a SR5. The lettering is gold like the limited but it doesn't have a limited label anywhere. The PO didn't know and the title says SR5.
Thanks for the feed back
- Just curious?

 

[GatorGreg]

My guess is it's a well-optioned SR5. Check out J.A.'s toprunner's site here:

http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist31999.html

Click on the options list for '99 and you can see the various packages you could get. My old '00 SR5 had the so-called "Upgrade Value Package #4" which came with most, but not all, of the nice stuff found on a Limited.

If you have a 4WD '99 Limited it should have the so-called multimode 4WD system as IronMaiden said (I think '99 was the first year it came on the T4R and it was only available on the Limited version for '99 and '00 - starting in '01 they all got it). If so, there should be a button on the stick to go from 2WD High to 4WD High without the need to move the lever (owner's manual should explain this).

 

[trd_4runnin]

My guess is it's a well-optioned SR5. Check out J.A.'s toprunner's site here:

http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist31999.html

Click on the options list for '99 and you can see the various packages you could get. My old '00 SR5 had the so-called "Upgrade Value Package #4" which came with most, but not all, of the nice stuff found on a Limited.

If you have a 4WD '99 Limited it should have the so-called multimode 4WD system as IronMaiden said (I think '99 was the first year it came on the T4R and it was only available on the Limited version for '99 and '00 - starting in '01 they all got it). If so, there should be a button on the stick to go from 2WD High to 4WD High without the need to move the lever (owner's manual should explain this).

My 98 Limited has mulitmode just FYI

 

[gapboi210]

same here my 98 has it too

 

[RonMAIDEN]

So,the part time 4wd (similar to AWD) showed up prior to '99?

This is from the site

Transfer
On the limited grade 4WD model, a VF3AM transfer, which is based on the VF2A transfer and contains a center differential mechanism, has been adopted. This VF3AM transfer is a multi-mode 4WD transfer that offers the advantages of a part-time 4WD that switches between 4WD and 2WD mode as necessary, and of a full-time 4WD that excels in driving performance.

For 1999, 4Runner Limited models receive a new multi-mode 4WD system as standard. The new multi-mode 4WD feature is actually a full-time all-wheel-drive system with 2WD capability. The all-wheel 4WD mode may be used in normal driving conditions on all types of roads from dry, hard surface roads, such as pavement, to wet, icy or snow-covered roads. Driving with the new multi-mode's all-wheel drive system engaged provides the driver with a more controlled, sure-footed feel to the road because power is applied evenly to all four wheels thus improving traction.

I don't think this is the same as the ealier trannys but I may be wrong.

 

[beallen21]

I have a 98 SR5 with all the same stuff, gold badges, wood trim, 16 inch wheel, power everything, multimode trans, basically everything but leather

 

[GatorGreg]

My 98 Limited has mulitmode just FYI

That's interesting, I always thought the multimode didn't become available until '99. I checked the info on toprunners for '98 and this is what it said for '98:

"Toyota's 4WDemand shift-on-the-fly engagement system comes standard on all four-wheel drive 4Runner models, enabling the part-time four-wheel drive system to be engaged at speeds up to 50 mph. A One-Touch Hi-4 switch, available exclusively on 4Runner Limited models, makes shifting into high-4WD as easy as a touch of a button. All four-wheel drive 4Runners are equipped with a two-speed transfer case."

Does your '98 owner's manual state that you can drive on all road conditions including dry when you are in 4Hi like the description of multimode in IronMaiden's last post above?

 

[trd_4runnin]

Ok I was confused by your earlier post. I didn't know what this multi-mode was and still dont really know the difference. I do not think I have multi-mode, but I do have the shift-on-the-fly 4Hi button. Sorry for the confusion but something in your earlier post led me to believe that if you have the button then you have multimode. I know that when I am in 4hi, my driveshafts still bind up so I would not drive like that in any condition unless I needed to.

edit: To the OP: Do you have leather? Also, if you could post a picture of your truck it would help us better identify it, although if no leather, then I am with everyone else on well-equipped Sr5.

 

[GatorGreg]

Ok I was confused by your earlier post. I didn't know what this multi-mode was and still dont really know the difference. I do not think I have multi-mode, but I do have the shift-on-the-fly 4Hi button. Sorry for the confusion but something in your earlier post led me to believe that if you have the button then you have multimode. I know that when I am in 4hi, my driveshafts still bind up so I would not drive like that in any condition unless I needed to.

edit: To the OP: Do you have leather? Also, if you could post a picture of your truck it would help us better identify it, although if no leather, then I am with everyone else on well-equipped Sr5.

Yeah sorry about that my post was kind of misleading - I didn't realize some of the '98's had a button for going from 2Hi to 4Hi, I just assumed that was a new feature for '99 as part of the multimode system.

 

[YotaFun]

Yeah sorry about that my post was kind of misleading - I didn't realize some of the '98's had a button for going from 2Hi to 4Hi, I just assumed that was a new feature for '99 as part of the multimode system.

Believe it or not anyone, but they have had the push button feature since 96.

But IIRC it is not an AWD feature, it puts it into straight locked 4WD instead of having a button to lock the center diff, or pull on the stick.

I was looking around on eBay and found a 97 limited with the button on it.

But I didn't see a button to lock the center diff or a feature on the lever to pull it into a locked 4WD, also on the dash, in the gauge cluster there is not little diagram of the drive train to indicate what mode you are in.

99 was the first year to offer the full multi-mode shifter were you had AWD at the push of a button and then when you pulled on the stick you locked it to have Locked 4H.

Then in 01 they had the push button that engaged the AWD feature and then another button to lock the center Diff to have locked 4WD,

96-00 had the option of having a rear locking differential as well.
01&02 DID NOT.

Please someone correct me if I am wrong, but after reading and seeing the evidence for myself, this is how I perceive it.