Quest for all of you 3rd Gen'ers, what is your prefered year of production? why?

TC4RNR · 03-11-2008, 02:51 PM

the title says it.

i remember there was a thread on the general board polling about what is people's favorite gen. of 4Runner. the result was clear that 3rd gen is the winner. so i'm wondering what's best out of the 3rd gen.

before you answer, please allow me to narrow it down to 3.4V6 4WD rigs, because that's what i'm interested.

thanks and rock on!

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pattycakes77 · 03-11-2008, 03:00 PM

i like my '98 SR5 4WD 3.4L V6, mostly because it's mine and it's paid for

i've only driven one other 4runner and that was around the block, so i don't have a whole lot to compare mine with. that is all.

111db · 03-11-2008, 03:05 PM

Probably a lot more people have owned more than one generation of 'runner, as opposed to more than one year 3rd gen. If that makes any sense.

Of course everybody's gonna be partial to their particular year, so I'd say I'm happy I got a 97. I'm not into the push button 4wd stuff, or the bigger bumpers on the later models. Mine has the right amount of creature comforts without going overboard. Considering the only desireable feature a later model has that mine doesn't are different cupholders, I feel Toyota nailed the 3rd Gen early on.

Mason Dixon · 03-11-2008, 03:09 PM

an early 2000 4runner highlander

reasons are that it was made in japan, elocker, no annoying vtrac while wheelin', sport hood, painted flares...thats all i can think of right now

TC4RNR · 03-11-2008, 03:57 PM

what was the last year of 4Runner has the 5spd manual, and what year first the elocker came out? i've see some 3rd gen's with plastic bumpers(BIG turn-off for me, personally), some with chrome steel bumpers, is that an option or just different production year on the body styling?

pdyebrasil · 03-11-2008, 04:18 PM

I'd say that it really depends... I have a '98 and love it. I'm not a huge fan of the 99+ front bumper, but it's growing on me... For various reasons I'd probably say that the 99-00 3rd gens are probably best, because they fixed some mishaps from the earlier models (mostly interior, but added some nice exterior stuff ie clear headlights and fogs, sport hood, etc...) and they don't include the VTRAC and crap that later models had. I love my rear locker! Plus I think the grille is the better looking of the bunch.

YotaNewbie · 03-11-2008, 06:35 PM

I gotta go with the '99 SR5 Highlander in black, although the green looked sweet that year, too. The only aesthetic difference I can see between this year and the following three production years is the narrower fender flares in rough black versus the wider, color-keyed flares in the '00-'02 Sports.

And I'm going to take the running boards off one of these weekends soon.

[

edzo · 03-11-2008, 07:56 PM

99 limited with locker

automagic climate control

11 inches clearance

nicer headlights

they goofed it all up in 2001, and 1998 has ass headlights

though, what really destroyed the 4runner was gen 4.

EDIT: the full time 4wd mode and no traction control, all plusses

k_southman · 03-11-2008, 09:11 PM

I have had experiance with a few different years of 3rd gen 4runners, and I think the best would be the 99-00. I love the clear headlights, the updated bumper (color matched), the auto climate control. You get the advantages of the pre 2001 transfer case but also have the push button AWD and an E locker. No silly traction control either!

paddlenbike · 03-11-2008, 09:54 PM

My favorite features of the 2000--last year of the 5-speed transmission and last year of the e-locker. The '01-'02 automatics are not as durable as previous years.

blarchitect · 03-12-2008, 01:16 PM

99 onwards is most desirable. But, a lot of the changes were cosmetic/ergonomic and can be retro fitted on older models.

keithguts · 03-12-2008, 01:26 PM

I really cant say as I own a 2nd Gen, but I do love it.

YotaNewbie · 03-12-2008, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paddlenbike

My favorite features of the 2000--last year of the 5-speed transmission and last year of the e-locker. The '01-'02 automatics are not as durable as previous years.

I searched far and wide for a 5-speed but couldn't find one when I was looking to purchase. And, I've got no e-locker on mine.

4biker · 03-12-2008, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edzo

99 limited with locker

automagic climate control

11 inches clearance

nicer headlights

EDIT: the full time 4wd mode and no traction control, all plusses

x2

Don't forget the cupholders!

cackalak han · 03-12-2008, 02:09 PM

If I were to get another 3rd Gen, I would buy another 02 Sport Edition. Here are the reasons:

1) Multi-mode 4WD (AWD) system. Allows you to drive on dry pavement while in 4WD. You can also lock the center diff.

2) VSC/TRAC - Surprisingly works well. It has been noted that VSC has been the most effective auto safety device since the seat belt. TRAC works very well when climbing slippery/loose stuff. 4LO, CDL, VSC off, and it will do very well off-road.

3) Aesthetics. I just think they hit it right with all of the little extras on the 01-02 Sport Editions over the prior years. This is just my opinion.

Regards to people talking about how 99-00's have the biggest ground clearance, I think it's really a moot point. 01-02's do have the lowest gc, but it can easily be remedied by a simple lift. And it's not that expensive, either. Or simply swap in a 99-00 coil. Rear lockers, well, it would be nice to have factory rear lockers, but again, it can be added easily. BUT, it will be really expensive to add a 01-02 4WD system in a 96-00 (except the Limiteds of 99-00). Same with VSC/TRAC system.

Elton · 03-12-2008, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edzo

nicer headlights
they goofed it all up in 2001, and 1998 has ass headlights

i like my 98 cause it has a 5spd and a locker

as for the headlights nothing 80 bucks cant fix

Greg_Canada · 03-12-2008, 02:44 PM

99-00 with the e-locker, auto climate control, big fender flares, fully clour matched, lift coils stock, and the selectable AWD... 2hi, 4hi, 4lo, and AWD... could you get any better than that? I think not. I cant wait till i get the blower on... it's just going to GO...

cackalak han · 03-12-2008, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg_Canada

I cant wait till i get the blower on... it's just going to GO...

Don't hold your breath. Feels just like a 4th Gen V6. 4000lb truck with a ~240HP (at the crank) engine ain't nothing to write home about. Unless you're doing some special mods.

Belize Off Road Team · 03-12-2008, 03:18 PM

i have been in each Generation of 4Runner and since we are talking about the 3rd gen right now, i think the 2000+ for many reasons including:
better looking front bumper
lockers
nicer flares
nicer headlights
wheels
(2nd gens still have the most clearance of all STOCK 4Runners)
fog lights
grille
sport hood scoop

j-man · 03-12-2008, 04:20 PM

being that i own a 97, 98, 99, and a 2000, id say that i like the 99 & 2000 the most, actually the 2000. Mainly cause the seats are a little more comfy in the 2000, arm rest/cup holders are better than pre 98, headlights brighter - and they they just feel better - dunno why - but they do.

I would definately try to find a 99 or a 2000 - you can still find 5spd's with a locker with a scooped hood if you like em, plus the little fog lights, painted bumpers/flares. 2000 was the last year for 5spds - search ebay constantly for them - they pop up every once and a while - thats where i got my 2000.

TC4RNR · 03-12-2008, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cackalak han

4000lb truck with a ~240HP (at the crank) engine ain't nothing to write home about.

you think that's bad, just FYI i had my 2nd gen weighted few weeks ago at a certified scale, 4280lbs withOUT my 180lb a$$ in there. i did have a fullzie 32" spare and roof rack on top at that time, plus a full tank of gas. that's 2 tons for the 150hp 3VZE to haul. 15mpg mixed hwy and local.

thanks for all your replies, i still have some ?'s. when was the first e-locker come out? and supercharger?

Greg_Canada · 03-12-2008, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cackalak han

Don't hold your breath. Feels just like a 4th Gen V6. 4000lb truck with a ~240HP (at the crank) engine ain't nothing to write home about. Unless you're doing some special mods.

haha i hear you... def going to be about 250 at the wheels, not the crank

Unless i sell it for an 07 taco with the trd blower... but i can supercharge/urd/etc the 4runner for sooo much less.... (dont have to sell my truck)

crolison · 03-12-2008, 04:57 PM

I like my 97, mostly because i own it and its a 5speed 4wd with the 3rz

I think the best year would be the 98, you get some updated interior, but not as much electrical stuff as the 99+. You may sit lower than the 99, but you can always lift it.

TC4RNR · 04-04-2008, 02:10 PM

kinda bring back a dead thread.

how do you know if one has the factory diff. locker? some sort of switch on the dash or i have to get under the truck to check out. if it does have an e-locker, how to test it?

thanks.

Texas_Ace · 04-04-2008, 02:32 PM

there is a RR diff lock button on the left side of the steering wheel for trucks that have the locker.

To test it just press it when in 4lo and you should hear a click from the rear.

03-11-2008, 03:00 PM	#2 (permalink)
pattycakes77 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,085	i like my '98 SR5 4WD 3.4L V6, mostly because it's mine and it's paid for i've only driven one other 4runner and that was around the block, so i don't have a whole lot to compare mine with. that is all. __________________ The PATYWGN: 1998 4Runner Desert Dune Pearl. PATYWGN show-off thread Sport Hood FAQ

03-11-2008, 03:05 PM	#3 (permalink)
111db Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 1,215	Probably a lot more people have owned more than one generation of 'runner, as opposed to more than one year 3rd gen. If that makes any sense. Of course everybody's gonna be partial to their particular year, so I'd say I'm happy I got a 97. I'm not into the push button 4wd stuff, or the bigger bumpers on the later models. Mine has the right amount of creature comforts without going overboard. Considering the only desireable feature a later model has that mine doesn't are different cupholders, I feel Toyota nailed the 3rd Gen early on. __________________ Jon *97 4Runner 3.4 4.88's * ARB Lockers F/R * ARB compressor * Sonoran Steel numba 1 * 285 BFG AT/KO * TJM 17 * BudBuilt Skids * Stubbs Sliders & BBQ sauce * Irbis out back * Various Electronic Gadgets**

03-11-2008, 03:09 PM	#4 (permalink)
Mason Dixon Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Huntsville, Alabama Posts: 797	an early 2000 4runner highlander reasons are that it was made in japan, elocker, no annoying vtrac while wheelin', sport hood, painted flares...thats all i can think of right now __________________ http://www.sectalk.com/images/graphi...ds/alabama.gif 2000 4Runner SR5 4x4 Sport

03-11-2008, 03:57 PM	#5 (permalink)
TC4RNR Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: used to be so. cal. now Indy Posts: 643	what was the last year of 4Runner has the 5spd manual, and what year first the elocker came out? i've see some 3rd gen's with plastic bumpers(BIG turn-off for me, personally), some with chrome steel bumpers, is that an option or just different production year on the body styling? __________________ http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...gca/agreed.jpg 94 4Runner, SR5 3.0V6, 4WD, 5spd: SOLD 99 4Runner, SR5, 3.4L 4WD, 5spd. LC80 wheels, SS 1.2 lift, Marlin 1200 Clutch, ARB front bumper, BruceTS rear bumper, roof busket, hitch mount tire carrier, Tundra Brakes, Brembo rotors, BudBuilt skid, Lightforce 240 Blitz, PiAA HID, Stubb's HD-SKO sliders. ScanGauge II 04 4Runner SR5 V6 4WD. 265/75/16 BFG KO, FJC coils and silver Bilstein shocks, Scion H/U.

03-11-2008, 04:18 PM	#6 (permalink)
pdyebrasil Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 375	I'd say that it really depends... I have a '98 and love it. I'm not a huge fan of the 99+ front bumper, but it's growing on me... For various reasons I'd probably say that the 99-00 3rd gens are probably best, because they fixed some mishaps from the earlier models (mostly interior, but added some nice exterior stuff ie clear headlights and fogs, sport hood, etc...) and they don't include the VTRAC and crap that later models had. I love my rear locker! Plus I think the grille is the better looking of the bunch. __________________ '98 4Runner SR5 4x4, 3.4 V6 auto - SS 7.2, 4Crawler 1.5" BL, 295/75/16 Nitto TGs, E-Locker - HID bi-xenon retrofit - LED Tails, Custom LED turn signals and 3rd Brake - Deckplate w/ Trueflow and ISR, Magnaflow muffler - White LED lighting, blue LED backlighting, white reverse glow gauges - Premier AVIC-F90BT w/ 6.5" Infinity Ref., 5.25" Pioneer, 2 Eclipse 10" subs, Phoenix Gold amp. Check it out on CarDomain : http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2934470

03-11-2008, 06:35 PM	#7 (permalink)
YotaNewbie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 29	I gotta go with the '99 SR5 Highlander in black, although the green looked sweet that year, too. The only aesthetic difference I can see between this year and the following three production years is the narrower fender flares in rough black versus the wider, color-keyed flares in the '00-'02 Sports. And I'm going to take the running boards off one of these weekends soon. [ Last edited by YotaNewbie; 03-11-2008 at 06:36 PM.

03-11-2008, 07:56 PM	#8 (permalink)
edzo Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 155	99 limited with locker automagic climate control 11 inches clearance nicer headlights they goofed it all up in 2001, and 1998 has ass headlights though, what really destroyed the 4runner was gen 4. EDIT: the full time 4wd mode and no traction control, all plusses Last edited by edzo; 03-12-2008 at 05:08 AM.

03-11-2008, 09:11 PM	#9 (permalink)
k_southman Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Winnipeg, MB, Canada Posts: 79	99+2000 best I have had experiance with a few different years of 3rd gen 4runners, and I think the best would be the 99-00. I love the clear headlights, the updated bumper (color matched), the auto climate control. You get the advantages of the pre 2001 transfer case but also have the push button AWD and an E locker. No silly traction control either! __________________ 2000 4Runner Limited 120K, ELocker, OME shocks and springs 1991 4Runner V6 Sr5, 2" Susp. Lift, 33" BFG MT

03-11-2008, 09:54 PM	#10 (permalink)
paddlenbike Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 1,051	My favorite features of the 2000--last year of the 5-speed transmission and last year of the e-locker. The '01-'02 automatics are not as durable as previous years. __________________ 2000 4Runner SR5 V6 4WD \| 5-speed \| E-locker \| Tundra/OME lift \| Stubbs Sliders \| Deckplate/TrueFlow \| Yakima rack \| Click here for specs & pics

03-12-2008, 01:16 PM	#11 (permalink)
blarchitect Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 382	99 onwards is most desirable. But, a lot of the changes were cosmetic/ergonomic and can be retro fitted on older models.

03-12-2008, 01:26 PM	#12 (permalink)
keithguts Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bay Shore, NY Posts: 1,422	I really cant say as I own a 2nd Gen, but I do love it. __________________ IF YOU DON'T DRIVE A TOYOTA, TEST DRIVE ONE TODAY! MY PICS 95 4runner 3.0 auto 4x4 My Rig My Rig RangerMan Enjoy

03-12-2008, 02:09 PM	#15 (permalink)
cackalak han Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Salt Lake Posts: 1,768	If I were to get another 3rd Gen, I would buy another 02 Sport Edition. Here are the reasons: 1) Multi-mode 4WD (AWD) system. Allows you to drive on dry pavement while in 4WD. You can also lock the center diff. 2) VSC/TRAC - Surprisingly works well. It has been noted that VSC has been the most effective auto safety device since the seat belt. TRAC works very well when climbing slippery/loose stuff. 4LO, CDL, VSC off, and it will do very well off-road. 3) Aesthetics. I just think they hit it right with all of the little extras on the 01-02 Sport Editions over the prior years. This is just my opinion. Regards to people talking about how 99-00's have the biggest ground clearance, I think it's really a moot point. 01-02's do have the lowest gc, but it can easily be remedied by a simple lift. And it's not that expensive, either. Or simply swap in a 99-00 coil. Rear lockers, well, it would be nice to have factory rear lockers, but again, it can be added easily. BUT, it will be really expensive to add a 01-02 4WD system in a 96-00 (except the Limiteds of 99-00). Same with VSC/TRAC system. __________________ 01 Tacoma DC TRD OR 4x4 Last edited by cackalak han; 03-12-2008 at 02:12 PM.

03-12-2008, 02:44 PM	#17 (permalink)
Greg_Canada Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Toronto Posts: 812	99-00 with the e-locker, auto climate control, big fender flares, fully clour matched, lift coils stock, and the selectable AWD... 2hi, 4hi, 4lo, and AWD... could you get any better than that? I think not. I cant wait till i get the blower on... it's just going to GO... __________________ http://www.cardomain.com/ride/1147271/1 My 1989 Toyota 4runner

03-12-2008, 03:18 PM	#19 (permalink)
Belize Off Road Team Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Corozal Town, Belize Posts: 2,752	i have been in each Generation of 4Runner and since we are talking about the 3rd gen right now, i think the 2000+ for many reasons including: better looking front bumper lockers nicer flares nicer headlights wheels (2nd gens still have the most clearance of all STOCK 4Runners) fog lights grille sport hood scoop __________________ -Phyl 1991 Hilux Surf SSR-G Petrol 3.0L V6 200,000kms l Rancho RS5000 l 31"x10.50"xR15 Pro Comp Xterrain l K&N Air Filter l PP 1" Lift Coil Springs l Optima Blue Top l 12" JBL Subs l Alpine Type R l 80/100W Hella H4 l 1st Gen Roll Bar Mod l FT/RR Diff. Breathers l Smittybilt XRC8 Winch l ARB Bull Bar l トヨタ\|NEVER QUIT

03-12-2008, 04:20 PM	#20 (permalink)
j-man Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Santa Monica, Ca Posts: 207	being that i own a 97, 98, 99, and a 2000, id say that i like the 99 & 2000 the most, actually the 2000. Mainly cause the seats are a little more comfy in the 2000, arm rest/cup holders are better than pre 98, headlights brighter - and they they just feel better - dunno why - but they do. I would definately try to find a 99 or a 2000 - you can still find 5spd's with a locker with a scooped hood if you like em, plus the little fog lights, painted bumpers/flares. 2000 was the last year for 5spds - search ebay constantly for them - they pop up every once and a while - thats where i got my 2000. __________________ 2000 4Runner v6 sr5 4x4 5spd: Turbo'ed 99 4Runner v6 Sr5 4x4 5spd: Saw's / OME combo TrueTrac rear 98 4Runner V6 Sr5 4x4 5spd E-locker: Saws / OME combo... EEZI AWN Roof Tent 1.4m 97 4Runner V6 Sr5 4x4 Auto: Saws / OME combo TrueTrac rear 2003 Landcruiser 285 BFG At's and outback roofrack My Baja Trailer Build: http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=179520 http://community.webshots.com/user/bajaroadtrain Last edited by j-man; 03-12-2008 at 04:24 PM.

03-12-2008, 04:57 PM	#23 (permalink)
crolison Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: knoxville, tn Posts: 2,279	I like my 97, mostly because i own it and its a 5speed 4wd with the 3rz I think the best year would be the 98, you get some updated interior, but not as much electrical stuff as the 99+. You may sit lower than the 99, but you can always lift it. __________________ 97 4runner, 2.7 5speed 4wd, 5.29, 33 horns armor locked lifted heavy SOB broken front and rear swaybars My Profile..

04-04-2008, 02:10 PM	#24 (permalink)
TC4RNR Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: used to be so. cal. now Indy Posts: 643	kinda bring back a dead thread. how do you know if one has the factory diff. locker? some sort of switch on the dash or i have to get under the truck to check out. if it does have an e-locker, how to test it? thanks. __________________ http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...gca/agreed.jpg 94 4Runner, SR5 3.0V6, 4WD, 5spd: SOLD 99 4Runner, SR5, 3.4L 4WD, 5spd. LC80 wheels, SS 1.2 lift, Marlin 1200 Clutch, ARB front bumper, BruceTS rear bumper, roof busket, hitch mount tire carrier, Tundra Brakes, Brembo rotors, BudBuilt skid, Lightforce 240 Blitz, PiAA HID, Stubb's HD-SKO sliders. ScanGauge II 04 4Runner SR5 V6 4WD. 265/75/16 BFG KO, FJC coils and silver Bilstein shocks, Scion H/U.

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