vrwheeler

I am looking for information on which 3rd gen 4 runner i should buy. I plan on driving it from so. cal. to the top of Alaska back to so. cal. then from coast to coast which add ons should i be looking into (brush guards etc) thanks for your time and info.

v_man

I don't think brush guards need to be a big priority ...

Are you asking what year specifically ? For the kind of driving and trips you have planned , reliability should be your biggest concern . Any 3rd gen that is well maintained with service records , should be as good as the next .

I dunno , can you be more specific about what info you're seeking ?

vrwheeler

Im looking for the most reliable year for the 4-runner, no design faults, then I plan on adding additional fuel tanks, suitable tires 2 spares , front end protection with the ability to pull my self back on the road if needed, trying to keep gear inside, if possible no roof racks, good GPS, CB, short wave radio, satelight telephone. excuse the spelling not my strong suite. break down kit tools belts hoses filters. I all ready have most gear but still looking for the best year 4-runner thanks for your input

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

Why a 4Runner??

If it was me I would go with around a 2000

do you need automatic??

are you going diesel and if not why??Unless your going in the dead of winter

When do you plan this jaunt??

the first thing i would do is throw the GPS out the window then drive over it

all these vehicles have there own little quirks learn yours well before leaving the driveway.

things will break most often in the worst possible place

vrwheeler

why the 4-runner, long story, short version I started with 1998 3/4 ton 4X4 Dodge diesel truck added 60 gal fuel tank all gauges heavy duty tranny, alasken pop up over the cab camper, good tires spare break down kit, computer with truck manual road maps etc cb short wave phones gps truck won't pass smog in calif due to no cat, can't buy order or obtain a cat in calif. for this year truck. so said f___ it gone to smaller suv once my trip is done have to return to calif. plan on keeping my suv to remind me of my trip and to continue with my science projects. I plan to start as soon as the snow melts but you know as well as I do bad weather can hit at any time. so i plan on being prepaired ( remember the 7 P's of life)

vrwheeler

I know with all suv's that some year models had more problems then others what i'm looking for is that year with fewer problems out of the box then others. That will give me more time to work on my trip and less time with the suv. thanks for your input Also Fewer things to worry about going wrong.

Greg_Canada

I would go for a 99 limited.

it has the 2wd / awd / 4hi / 4low tcase, rear elocker, upgraded interior, etc etc.

Then i would add ARB / OME suspension, tundra front brakes, transmission cooler, front bumper (ARB or similar) with winch, rearl bumper with tires / fuel / water carriers, dual battery set-up, good 265/75r16 or 255/85r16 tires (goodyear duratrac or bfg km2's) LED lights throughout... etc...

vrwheeler

thank you very much for the information, your input is just the type of info I needed i had all ready pretty much decided on the add on you mentioned my sticking point was year and model of 4 Runner and trying to find one with low mileage. Thanks agean

vrwheeler

Is the 99 4 runner limited the only year that offers 2.4 AWD 4 hi 4 low rear elocker or do all of that generation offer the same package? Thank you for your input.