What year to buy?

kind of upset reading this thread, to find out that I don't have the holy holy of 3rd gens.

to most of the things mentioned in this thread I say MEH..

1) fat lip bumper :( not really a style "upgrade" IMO; it was probably done by the same guy who designed the 2010 Tundra styling (i'm not a fan, hope this doesn't upset anyone)
2) 99 lights, yes they are better but the are VERY cheap to find used or OEM
3) 97 abs system, I have never once had an issue even in the snow
4) cupholder from 99 looks nice but again not that big deal I already have 4 spots
5) ride height, well my 97 now has a 3.5" SS 1.2
6) 5 speed tranny, did not know about this; guess I don't have one since I am 97.
7) my 97 eLocker works fine
8) Limited - I love it! thousands of dollars in add ons for very little added resale value/cost, leather (for those who like it), brown glass, premium sound system, alarm,sunroof, bigger tires and wheels.

with so many mods possible I would only focus on the big stuff
1) eLocker, when possible
2) V6 !
3) 4WD
4) low miles; can't stress this enough; get one with low miles < 150k because that is when things start to go downhill.
5) Limited if you can find one

- Brian
.
 
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I owned a '97 before I got my '99 and yes most of the mid gen upgrades can be done to the older models but the biggie changes for me switching to the '99 Highlander model were simply the cupholders (the older ones are useless off road) locker and sunroof while the headlamps,Limited wheels,scooped hood,extra power outlets,dual digital tripometers were just nice to have along with auto up and down windows which the older ones were just auto down on the driver's side only. Some of those things make it nicer to live with on a daily basis.
Another nice touch was holders for the headrests when the back seats are up.
 
Okay so I am Necro-bumping this thread but I have read a few(Actually a lot of threads) and this one( http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html#post706219 ) came up with POST 3 Being of most concern. Namely towards the bottom, where it says, " -The '99-'00 limited 4runner had both of these if you can find one with the e-locker option." What this is referring to(From my understanding anyway) is both the RR button, AND the Center DIFF locker(ie. the AWD) option.
Now reason for my asking is because, I am looking at potentially purchasing a 2000 Limited with the RR button, But I don't see the AWD button(At least not on the pictures of the vehicle in question)? I am also looking at another dealership that has a 1999 Limited (As well with the RR Diff button), but again no "AWD" button.. How do or can I determine this?
Thanks in advance for your time.



EDIT:
Okay so after searching yet a little bit more, I think I may have found my answer:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...rs-3rd-gens-transfer-case-awd-multi-mode.html

The Standard "J" Config, except where the H2 is, now there is an H4 next to it, ie. this picture (Yes, borrowed from that same thread, hope it's okay):
 

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awdjunkies said:
Okay so I am Necro-bumping this thread but I have read a few(Actually a lot of threads) and this one( http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html#post706219 ) came up with POST 3 Being of most concern. Namely towards the bottom, where it says, " -The '99-'00 limited 4runner had both of these if you can find one with the e-locker option." What this is referring to(From my understanding anyway) is both the RR button, AND the Center DIFF locker(ie. the AWD) option.
Now reason for my asking is because, I am looking at potentially purchasing a 2000 Limited with the RR button, But I don't see the AWD button(At least not on the pictures of the vehicle in question)? I am also looking at another dealership that has a 1999 Limited (As well with the RR Diff button), but again no "AWD" button.. How do or can I determine this?
Thanks in advance for your time.



EDIT:
Okay so after searching yet a little bit more, I think I may have found my answer:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...rs-3rd-gens-transfer-case-awd-multi-mode.html

The Standard "J" Config, except where the H2 is, now there is an H4 next to it, ie. this picture (Yes, borrowed from that same thread, hope it's okay):
Click to expand...

If you hold the transfer case lever with your right hand, your thumb will naturally fall to the center diff button. The lever locks the center diff going to H4L. The button switches from H2 to H4. (H4 is AWD, or limited slip differential mode.) Look near the speedo for the 4 wheels and center circle diagram. The tires will change to green when driven. The center circle lights up to indicate a locked center diff, IIRC. (Don't do this on dry pavement!) If the lights flash in unison, it's just not meshing well immediately, give it a moment. If the lights flash out of sync, press the button again immediately, there's something really not right with it.

You can even see the edge of the button in the picture you posted.

Have to go, time to meet co-workers at the shooting range.
 
ChildrenOfBodom said:
It sure sounds like these people are just favoring the years that they own.

Many would disagree with anything 1996-1998. They're pre-facelift trucks, they have poor headlights, different style grille, front bumper, side mirrors, center consoles, and lack certain mid-generation upgrades. 1996-1998 had poor ABS systems, ESPECIALLY in snow.

In 1999, Toyota introduced many new upgrades that are particularly desirable. Here is a link showing those upgrades: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/44297-99-mid-gen-upgrades-w-pics.html

The optimal truck for many to own is a 1999 4Runner "Highlander" Edition. It has the highest ground clearance of any year 4Runner, it has the hood scoop that many desire, and color keyed bumpers and grille. It has the lever operated 4WD transfer case as opposed to the push button AWD counterpart. It is also available with E-locker and a 5 speed transmission. Many also prefer that is does not have daytime running lights. Their skinny profile fender flares, which mount without drilling holes in the fender, are often preferred.

In 2001, they did away with the 5 speed and 4 cylinder engine. They also did away with lever 4WD. The 2001 is the lowest suspension height of all 4Runners.

Many have shown that a 1999 4Runner Highlander 4WD with 5 Speed, E-locker, and supercharger would be the "Holy Grail" of 3rd Gen 4Runners.

They are still available with automatics, though, of course. They're only available with the two best colors, IMO, Imperial Jade Mica (Dark Green) and Black. The 2000 4Runner Sport Edition compares well, but is lower and has larger fender flares.

2001 and 2002 4Runners are low, have daytime running lights, push button AWD/no e-locker option, a center diff lock option for true AWD, traction control (which you may or may not prefer), and do not have a 5 speed option.
Click to expand...

Agreed! :iagree:
 
There's so much wrong.

96-00 - the same engines and transmissions for the base and SR5. They drive the same. Get the 1999 Highlander if you love fake hood scoops and only two choices of color. The 2000 Sport is pretty much the same and you get Millennium Silver and some color keyed flares to go with your color keyed bumpers. Regardless, it drives the same as a 1996 SR5.

The real difference is in the 99-00 Limited. That multimode transfer case is by far the most functional and performance oriented upgrade, AND you can get a rear locker. The ABS system is the same from 1996 to 2000, this forum just narrows it down to being a 96-98 problem because they feel like they are disrespecting that fake hood scoop. The ABS isn't really a problem, but I think the pumps wear out after time causing an issue. I have one 96 with good ABS and another with bad ABS. Best advice, slow down when it's snowing so that ABS doesn't trigger anyway.

So yeah, the main functional advantage to 99-00 is multimode and cupholders that work. I guess the clear headlights kind of make a difference, but unless you do a projector retrofit you're kinda just bragging about how your headlights are less shit. Kind of like arguing about who's grandmother was hotter 60 years ago. If you're dead set on a certain color then you need to focus on certain years, disregarding the fake scoop and cupholders, which can be added later.

01-02 - you lose the locker, manual, and 3RZ. You get drive-by-wire and a slightly less durable A340 transmission as a consequence. They are still above average in reliability, but they definitely have proven to be more fragile than 96-00 A340s. The VSC system is an early variant, which just means that it sucks ass and cuts power every time you decide not to drive like a little *****. They all have dual cats which becomes a pain in the ass of P0420 codes after 15 years. They ALL have multimode, but they just made the way to engage it a little easier for stupid people who get scared of moving levers. I will admit that I have a serious fetish for the stellar blue 2002 Sport Edition. That monotone stellar blue goodness and coke bottle wheels just look so right. These years also have better sound deadening from the factory.

So yeah.
 
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I'm in the same boat here. I've been researching 4R's for a couple of months now and have always wanted one. I'm getting ready to go look at a 2000 limited with 188,000 miles on it. Any suggestions on what I need to be looking for as far as potential problems and issues go? Am I crazy to buy one with this many miles on it and if I do go for it what should I expect to do first?
 
mcfly0913 said:
I'm in the same boat here. I've been researching 4R's for a couple of months now and have always wanted one. I'm getting ready to go look at a 2000 limited with 188,000 miles on it. Any suggestions on what I need to be looking for as far as potential problems and issues go? Am I crazy to buy one with this many miles on it and if I do go for it what should I expect to do first?
Click to expand...
I'd start here:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html

Check for rust before buying. Then go from there...

-Charlie
 
Thanks, I appreciate the info. I'm new to the forum here and can't believe the amount of information there is. This is a great resource. I might add that I don't plan on doing a whole lot of mods to mine. Ideally I'd like it to be a daily driver that only requires routine maintenance. It seems like the 3rd gens are fairly easy to work on, and that's really what I want is a truck I can learn to do maintenance on myself and teach my daughter as she grows up.
 
Im biased a bit to the older rigs. I like the open diffs and no traction controls. Lot less to go bad and parts are cheaper. Look up the price on the newer model brake master cylinder.
 
I as well am a fan of the older ones. 96-99 or 2000. I like the simplicity of them which is part of the reason we are driving 3rd gens after all.
 
This thread has been helpful. I'm checking-out a '98 in the morning...

Are there any retrofit or aftermarket options for these older 3rd gens to address the cupholder issue? Thanks.
 
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