Which year/model is right for me?

[mrHUGE]

So I've been looking for a 3rd gen for a while now and am getting to the point where I am able to plunk down the cash for one. I believe I understand all of the differences between the models and their 4wd capabilities and differentials. Here is my situation:

I live in southern Kansas where we might have snow on the ground for 10 days in a year. I make several trips up to Nebraska during the holiday season and would like 4wd capabilities for the trip up there. I also plan on taking the 4Runner to Colorado once a year for a ski trip. Roads around here are often very patchy with ice and snow and never really snow packed. I will not be doing any rock crawling and any offroading will be kept to a small amount of mud. (No fun, I know). Now, is my best option to go with a Limited that offers push button 4wd? Do any other trims offer push button 4wd? Am I correct in thinking SR5 and Base models only have 4 Hi and Lo which lock the center differential therefore shouldn't be driven on dry roads?

Thanks for all your help - First time poster but avid reader.

 

[Nelsonmd]

You will only lock the rear diff by having the diff lock option and hitting the diff lock button, not by shifting into 4hi or 4lo.

I don't think you need to limit yourself to the limited with the push button 4wd. The J-shifter works fine.

If you can find one, I think you might benefit from an 01-02 that has the center diff that allows all-time 4wd. This is disadvantageous for serious off-roading because you don't have a rear locker anymore and because power can be transfered to just 1 wheel, but better for general winter driving because you can leave 4wd on all the time (at least during poor conditions).

 

[PhdNPrerunners]

I think most 01-02 4wd models have the push button 4wd. I know my 2002 SR5 had the push button with the option to lock the center dif. I hope that helps. If I were you I would look for a 99-00 limited that way you can have the push button 4x4 and electric locking rear dif :whipping2:biggrin2:

 

[brian2sun]

The 3rd gen 4runners that have the multi-mode 4x4 (aka center differential locker, aka "AWD") are:
-'99 and '00 Limiteds
-All '01 and '02s in any trim model

Note: These 4runers also have push-button 4wd, however they are different from the '96-98 Limiteds that just had push-button 4wd but did not have the AWD/CDL feature. The models above have push-button 4wd and the multi-mode t-case.

The rear diff locker was discontinued after '00 so if you want multi-mode 4x4 and a rear locker, you'll need to find a '99 or '00 Limited that has the rear locker option too.

 

[mrHUGE]

So am I correct in thinking you wouldn't want to drive around on dry pavement with the center differential locked? I was under the impression multimode (AWD) was an open rear and center differential, 4Hi and 4Lo locked the center differential, and the rear differential lock button locked the rear differential while in 4Lo while stopped.

 

[brian2sun]

So am I correct in thinking you wouldn't want to drive around on dry pavement with the center differential locked?

Correct.

I was under the impression multimode (AWD) was an open rear and center differential,.

The multi-mode has nothing to do with the rear diff, totally different options that are independent of eachother.

4Hi and 4Lo locked the center differential, and the rear differential lock button locked the rear differential while in 4Lo while stopped.

No. The '99 and '00 Limteds have a CDL, but no switch for it. Instead theirs is integrated into the t-case shifter which has one more position on it...
1st position: 2hi with a push button to engage AWD (aka 4hi unlocked)
2nd position: 4hi locked
N
3rd position: 4lo locked
If the vehicle has a rear locker also, it will be controlled by a separate switch on the dash.

The '01s and '02s have..
1st position: Hi range with a push button to choose between 2hi and 4hi (locked or unlocked CDL is controlled by a switch on the dash)
N
2nd position: Lo range (locked or unlocked CDL still controlled by a switch on the dash)
No rear lockers in any '01s or '02s.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

It ain't the driving on dry pavement in 4WD thats hard on the vehicle, it's the turning. ;-)

 

[mrHUGE]

Fantastic post brian. Sorry, I realized I was including the 00-01 in the rear differential conversation when I was driving home.

So it sounds like if I am not planning to do major offroading but want the multimode awd, then I should be happy with the 4wd capabilities of:
1. 99-00 limited with or without rear diff
2. 01-02 any trim

Thanks a bunch! When I make the move I will be sure to let you all know.

 

[brian2sun]

It ain't the driving on dry pavement in 4WD thats hard on the vehicle, it's the turning. ;-)

Yip.

Fantastic post brian. Sorry, I realized I was including the 00-01 in the rear differential conversation when I was driving home.

So it sounds like if I am not planning to do major offroading but want the multimode awd, then I should be happy with the 4wd capabilities of:
1. 99-00 limited with or without rear diff
2. 01-02 any trim

Thanks a bunch! When I make the move I will be sure to let you all know.

Glad to help. Good luck in your search! BTW, in case you're wondering no 5 speeds ever came with multi-mode (but that would have been a cool option!).

 

[Martinjmpr]

It ain't the driving on dry pavement in 4WD thats hard on the vehicle, it's the turning. ;-)

Yeah, and he's in Kansas - really, how much turning is he going to be doing?

 

[Dagobah]

not to jack the thread, but I have been wondering this for a while. How hard would it be to take the t-case, and center diff. out of a '99 - '00 limited, and put it in my '96 limited?

 

[brian2sun]

not to jack the thread, but I have been wondering this for a while. How hard would it be to take the t-case, and center diff. out of a '99 - '00 limited, and put it in my '96 limited?

The ECMs must be swapped too and I believe the the newer t-case will not work with your '96 tranny (the older A340Fs don't take the same kinds of filters so I don't think they are compatible).

 

[Dagobah]

The ECMs must be swapped too and I believe the the newer t-case will not work with your '96 tranny (the older A340Fs don't take the same kinds of filters so I don't think they are compatible).

I had Figured that about the ECU. Good to know about the tranny/t-case. Thanks for the help.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Yeah, and he's in Kansas - really, how much turning is he going to be doing?

Aw man, I wasn't the first in this post to insult Kansas...

 

[mrHUGE]

Haardy har har! Next thing you know someone is going to mention I will have to turn get around the cattle crossing the road. Like that ever really happens. On a side note, anyone have a bull bar for sale?