yoda-g2

Hi all its been a while since I last posted, but I',m happy to say I've decided to upgrade to a 3rd gen runner (Need a TRD SC to pull my fj40 better ) But I am having a HELL of a time finding a 5 speed in my price range (really want a '99). But I'm thinking of holding out for a locker.

So, my question is what years / models was the factory locker even availalbe, or standard, and can I even find it in a 5spd?


Thanks in advance!

KING

TRD package was first offered in '98.

Although I am not postively sure, I think the locker was an option starting from '96, though not very popular.

suv

4Runners had e-lockers starting in '96, Tacomas in '98. I'm not sure if transmission choice had anything to do with the locker option...I would guess not. Not a ton of 5spd 'Runners out there compared to the autos, plus most people don't even know what the locker is. You'd probabaly just have to start looking at 5 speeds and hope they have the locker.

My99

I searched for a 5 speed with a locker. Couldn't find one. The majority of the equipped Runners are Limiteds, which is ironic, b/c the majority of those buyers wouldn't use it. Finally I gave in and grabbed a limited that had a locker (and of course an auto tranny). Who knows, hopefully the limited owner would take better car of it than the one who drives the base model. At least that's what I keep telling myself.

KING

I stand corrected.

Darren

To clarify, they were an option (DL was the code) on all 4Runners (through 2000), and were not part of any package.

There was never a TRD package.

You might want to reconsider a 4Runner as a tow vehicle, though. But, is this to say you're currently using your '91 for this purpose?

yoda-g2

Yes I do some boat pulling, not very heavy only a 17' ski boat, for very short distances. But I pull my fj40 (between 5000 - 5500 lbs w/ trailer) to the Oregon coast every summer (over 2000 miles) and on numerous trips around north WA.

I know that this has been a littel hard on my '91, but it has handled the load surprisingly well. I figured the beefier 3.4 with a SC would probably pick up the slack. Mights justneed bags to help the rear suspension out.


Yeah I'm starting to get a little discouraged, I really want a scoop and e-locker, but I don't think that I'd ever be happy with an Auto.

RTdawgs

Highlander Package with 5 spd AND e-locker??????????????

i hope you have some patience!

kraegelb

Yea, good luck finding the Highlander/5-speed/Locker combo. I'd just go with an auto, I looked off and on for almost 1-yr while my Blazer slowly crapped out on me and never saw a single 5-speed, and I wanted the Highlander/Locker combo strictly, auto/5-speed didnt matter to me...

Sorry to discourage you further, but I'm not sure I've ever seen one?

X-AWDriver

My mom has a '99 Limited and she has never and probably will never use her Locker (I might tho' ) but you do have the AWD mode on your tranny,right? That's one feature I would give up my 5 speed for since AWD is great for almost all on-road conditions since you can't drive around in 4Hi when the roads are just wet and sandy/slushy and AWD you can.

My99

Ya it's got the awd mode button on it. It's cool. I didn't really even factor that option in when I bought the limited. I figured it was just a girly switch to engage 4hi for the "uppperclass" type folks. However, i really do like it. I use it for the snow, or especially if i'm letting the girlfriend drive it and i think there's even a remote chance the roads could have slick spots on them, as it does no harm having it engaged.

X-AWDriver

A little off topic My99 but your sig says synthetic washer fluid;what are you using?

My99

Umm... it's a joke.

yoda-g2

What is the difference between AWD and 4hi?

My99

This has been gone over quite a few times. Basically if you know what an open differential is, that's what AWD mode is (referring to the center diff between front and rear axles. It allows the front and rear axles to turn at independent rates, so that there's no binding, and no exact power split either. With 4wd, your center diff is locked, and there's no slippage between the front and rear axles, and both are given exactly 50% of the power.

X-AWDriver

Doh!!!:pat:

I figured it was that stuff from Rain-X,that's sorta synthetic as opposed to regular fluid.

3.4Runner

Go with the V6 5-speed used...that alone may take awhile. You can always add the hood scoop, and you can retrofit the e-locker or put an ARB air locker in.

X-AWDriver

Within 200 miles of Denver I've seen six 5 speed 3rd gens for sale on Autotrader.com and all are under $15k. I see 5 speeds around here with some frequency.

Bennito

You're not kidding about that. THere are more than 10 right now (well within 200 of the Springs). So much for thinking I had a hot commodity.