Which Year 3rd gen should I be looking for?

[coolhand297]

Been lurking for a few weeks on here and I am getting to the point were I am serious about pulling the trigger on a 4R. I know I want to stay in a 3rd gen (price and comfort). Here are the things I know I want, 4x4 and elocker. Truck will be my daily driver and wheeling vehicle. Light wheeling as I live in Miami and I am not going to sink this truck as has been the case in the past. Will see some more serious stuff up in NW GA in the winters when I go hunting. Also recommendations on small lift and tires would be great.

Thank guys and let the fun begin...

 

[rjaudi]

Get a 99 to 2000 limited. They typically have a higher rate of having a locker. A 99 will be usually higher from the factory, but a lift will negate that. The 99 and up 4runner has several upgrades that are nice to have. You cant get a 01 or 02 if you are set on a rear diff lock.

 

[coolhand297]

Thanks for the quick reply. Hopefully more to come.

 

[TheDurk]

I agree with rjaudi above. 99+ upgrades were good. Then 2001 brought no more 5-speeds or e-lockers, the two-cat emissions systems only on Cali's in '99 and '00, and throttle by wire which I am happy to do without. Some may like the stability and downhill gadgets, but I'm very happy with my '99.

 

[Crywolf]

Down with the fat lip bumper! haha I personally favor the 96-98 models aesthetically but some of the features of the 99+ are nice as well. The main thing to remember is to look for a solid truck for a decent price. If you find one, you can switch pretty much switch around whatever you want around from all years to form your personal truck.

 

[Dagobah]

Down with the fat lip bumper! haha I personally favor the 96-98 models aesthetically but some of the features of the 99+ are nice as well. The main thing to remember is to look for a solid truck for a decent price. If you find one, you can switch pretty much switch around whatever you want around from all years to form your personal truck.

Exactly the way I feel. I think the 96-98s look better, but I really want the Center Diff.

 

[bike]

I'm quite happy with my 97. Really like the cupholders and headlights of the late 3rd gens but those are a matter of time before I swap

 

[JohnsD90]

I'm quite happy with my 97. Really like the cupholders and headlights of the late 3rd gens but those are a matter of time before I swap

I like the dash cupholders better, but i feel the early (96-98) were the best looking 3rd gens, and not many parts set them apart from the 99-00's. I would say to not get a limited as the limited's had leather and the leather is likely to be shot by now. Anything before 01 is good, 01 is when they added some crappy "safety features" on and it just made it worse IMO.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Here's the changes at the mid gen point and many made life easier.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/44297-99-mid-gen-upgrades-w-pics.html