catfan0027

Hi, I really like the forum I have read it and learned a lot.

My wife and I recenently bought her a 2001 sr 5 4 runner. I have been very impressed with it and have decided I am going to try and find me a nice used one for my daily driver in the six 3 - 6 months. since she won't let me take hers off road

Here's my situation:
I am on my 2 nd jeep cherokee, and both have been rock solid, and unlike most SUV owners I am pretty rough on my ride, I use my to 4 wheel quite a bit, and also for light towing. I tow an ATV around with it.

I think the 4 runner as a more refined, and upscale than cherokee, both are shaped like boxes (good for off road), and the 4 runner seems to be as reliable from reading on here. Reliablity and offroad ability are the two most important things to me.

A couple of questions
1. would a 99 or 2000 limited be the best years of a 3 gen?

I want both a center and rear locker
2. Also do all 4 runners have power sunroof, or can you find a 99 or 2000 limited with no sunroof?

3. Does a 4 runner limited come with compass and theomoter mirror or is that something you would have to add myself.

Thanks

Fink

If you think your Jeeps were reliable...just wait til you see how well these Toyota's hold up man!

And from what I have heard and see they are better offroad as well...not sure about what the best year is.

I would wait for some fellow 3rd Genners to reply...

Fink

Jonathan

All the 3rd gens are nice (96-02) Try to find a 4x4 with the factory rear e-locker in it. Those lockers are the envy of the 4x4 community whether you have a Toyota or not ( a lot of jeep guys retrofit them in their trucks) Make sure you get the 3.4 V6 you'll love the amount of pep it has. You can't really go wrong with any of them. I have a 96 5 speed 4x4 and I love it. Best vehicle I've ever owned.

catfan0027

no doubt on the whole toyota is much more reliable than jeep or any other damiler chysler brand, when those companies merged jeep went to hell. A jeep cherokee, not a grand cherokee, is a very reilable, rugged, and cheap 4 x 4 that is easy to maintain.

But I am ready for something a little more upscale, that I can still thrash out on the trail occasionally, and not have to worry about it tearing up, or it nickel and diming me to death.

I know about the e locker, but it seemed to me you had to buy a 99 or 2000 limited to get the rear e locker and a center locker.

Also could you get that in 5 speed?

That would be a sweet ride, 5 speed, center locking diff, and rear e locker.

Jonathan

You can get the locker on any of the 3rd gens. They came out with the locker in 96 with a 4.30 gear ratio and it's not just a package for the limited. It was completely optional on all the Runners. And yes you can get a 5 speed ( I have one as well as a few others on the board). You can always retrofit the locker later, but it's kind of a pain. Do a search on the e-locker retrofit. Phorunner on this board has a great detailed write-up on the retrofit.

Darren

1) 1999, for the sole reason it has an inch more clearance.

2) I would imagine there are some Limiteds without the sunroof, but it could be tough to find. That is just a wild guess, though.

3) The mirror you're looking for was never offered as an option.

Mad Chemist

I would probably stay away from the "newer" 3rd gen 4runners. I don't think the 4runners comewith the option of both the center locking diff and the rear locker. My impression is that they moved away from the rear locker (except for the TRD Tacos), and moved to a VSC system (vehicle skid control) with a center locking differential, no rear diff locker. I've wheeled with two different 4runners that had the anti skid control, and they hated it. Its a nightmare offroading, but people manage to get by. So, I would aim for getting 99 or older 4runner with the rear diff lock (just look for the "rr diff lock" switch on the left side of the dash.

Darren

The 99 and 00 Limited's are the only ones that do have both, which is why he's looking at those models.

No one with an '01 or '02 hates VSC for off-road purposes. That's not an issue. And if it's the TRAC system they dislike, I bet they'd just be downright sick in an open dif˟˟˟˟ rig. Interesting to hear that comment. Unless they were comparing it to a rear locked rig, those viewpoints don't hold water.

ruizs

The '99 has an inch more clearance? why's that (i.e. springs, something under the chassis?)
I guess I lucked out - '99 limited 4x4, center lock, rear locker, and (i guess) 1 in higher

Darren

Yes. Ask Toyota why. I would have to guess different springs are the physical difference, and I'm sure it is due to the rollover safety "issue" which makes them so "unsafe." Good thing you didn't wait for an '03+.

X-AWDriver

I want to talk my mom out of her '99 Limited since her's has all the goodies and I know she'll never push that rear locker button.

Mad Chemist

I didn't realize that 99 and 00 had both, and appreciate the information.

In regards to VSC, You can speak pretty confidently about NOBODY not liking VSC offroading, you must know EVERYBODY. Great argument...

I'm specifically referring to 2001millirunner and Ducky who are members on this board, whom I've wheeled with on several occassions. Ask them and others why they're trying to figure out a way to disable VSC. Its just my impression from what Ducky told me about the engine cutting out him, and the threads I've seen regarding people trying to disable it.

From Ducky's mouth, older post:

"From my experiences.. it is an annoyance... It does affect my offroading but Ive been able to get over things... you cant even gun it in gravel or wet pavement to spin your tires... it retards it a good amount... its supposed to disable in 4Low, but I can notice it there too.. there are several threads on here about trying to disable it, but many ppl just gave up..

https://www.yotatech.com/showthread....1&highlight=VSC

I occasionally bring it up, because I think it would be a cool fix... IMHO."

Darren

I wasn't arguing. Only pointing out the facts. Actually, I don't need to know anyone at all for this. Just happens that I know a few, in addition to knowing the WHOLE story behind the technology in the newer 'Runners.

I also happen to know of Ducky's issues with this system quite well as I have kept abreast on ALL of the related threads since they were first brought up here and on 4x4Wire. All you have to do to turn the system off for off-road use is to push a button, which is why I say that isn't the issue. I'm sure Ducky has since realized this and would clarify his perspective if given the chance.

I will tell you again straight up, VSC is not an issue off-road as you can disable it. On-road, well, that's a different story. This is pretty old news by now as it is almost 2004, and this system has been in place for 3 years now.

rwmorrisonjr

I agree with Darren on this, VSC isn't an issue off road once you lock the center diff b/c is disables the VSC system. On road I do have issues, so I'll lock the center at times when I'm trying to get moving in the snow and traffic is just being stupid all around me. The TRAC system is adequate for off-road, just wish I had a rear locker. Oh well, there's a 2k Limited w/50k for sale at a local dealership for $25k, but I look at my paid off title and cringe at the thought of payments again; no more for me! (hijack over)

Andrey

Also, on '99+ Limited and '01+ SR5 models 4WD is engaged by pressing a button while driving. On top of that, you can drive in 4WD at any speed up to 110 mph.

-- Andrey

JSharp

When this topic was brought up over on 4X4Wire a while back it was pointed out that the spring part numbers are the same for the 99 and 2000 models. Where did the info come from that the 99's are higher?

rwmorrisonjr

Do you know this from experience?

rwmorrisonjr

The 99's with the part time 4x4 system had 10" of clearance, while the same with the Multi-Mode system to '02 have 9" of clearance. No idea why, but it must be related to the 4x4 system since its shared with the LC and it only has 9" of clearance.

Darren

From me. I've measured a number of them (as well as other years). You don't have to take my word for it, though. Go to your nearest dealer if you feel I'm incorrect. I only measured to find out the differences for myself. I already knew that some of the older ones were higher just by watching them come at me down the road. Lots more room under that front diff on the earlier ones, if you pay attention and look, though that isn't the only area that's higher/lower.

I couldn't remember for sure on the spring model numbers. Thanks for clarifying.

44Runner

center locker is worthless. When do you actually need all wheel drive? It just sucks more gas and is one more thing to break/have go wrong.