cstary

OK - got the repair estimate back from the body shop today . . . $18K! so it looks like i'll be buying a new truck.

here's my question - is there any consensus on which year is best, and which model? it's really a buyer's market right now, and it looks like i'll have my pick. if you had to do it over again, which year, which model, and which options would you pick?

i was pretty happy with my '97 SR5, but a locker and fender flares would be nice. i also like the bigger front bumper on the newer years, so personal preference is also a consideration.

so . . . help me out - tell me what you think.

thanks, and i'm looking forward to being back on the road again soon. . . .

creed

White SR5

My vote is a 2000. Why? No idea, but there are definately 3 zeros in "2000". I actualy do have some justfication. 2000 is the first year with the totally redesigned fron suspension frm the 1996-up models, if memory serves me justly. That's my vote.

cstary

what was changed with the suspension? just heavier duty rear springs, right?

one issue is that post '99, the engines no longer use an EGO setup (making lambda monitoring necessitate an aftermarket EGO sensor), and the MAF's changed (which makes supra MAF compatibility and issue).

as you can see, i'm already planning a rebuild of my previous machine . . .

creed

calrockx

can't go wrong with a 2002. they're the newest of your favorite and mine - the 3rd gens. but then again they'd be the most expensive. i guess a 2001, or even 2000, would be just as good. no rear locker, unfortunately. i'm not sure which years exactly, but i know, thanks to bob, that the earlier 3rd gens have crappy cup holders. so if that's an issue for you, you've been warned.

Dr. Zhivago

Creed, it depends on the model (CA or Federal Emissions) when you're talking about the EGO setup and the 2K model year. My 2000 model year truck has an O2 Sensor in the Bank #1 or Front position. It was made in October, 1999. It also has only one catalytic from the factory. If it were a CA model, then it would probably be set up differently. I guess living in that state you can't bring a Federal Emssions vehicle in and have it be compliant, can you?

The 99 might be a better choice since you won't have to deal with the post 2K EGO setup and it has the larger bumper that you like. It also has the newer MAF, which is less restrictive than the 96-98 trucks and it is a 5 wire.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

My .02
Dr. Z

cstary

calrockx - i thought i recognized that pic. . . . Bad Religion, Against the Grain, right? nice choice.

creed

monkeynuts

i love my 2000. from what i understand, and someone correct me if i am worng, this is the last year toyota offered the rear locker. i dunno what year they started with them, '98 or '99??? good luck!

calrockx

exactly dude. i love that band. i decided if i ever get a tattoo, that symbol will be it.

HBoss

E-locker started in 1996.

Personally, I like the 1998 version of the 4Runner in 4x4 w/locker. I think it has everything I'd like w/subtle cosmetic improvements over my '97.

rimpainter.com

I think the deciding factor would be how much you have to spend.

So how much do you have to spend?

(I know you said $18K in repairs, but the pay out might be lower)

cstary

well, price is only one factor. i know there are a lot of people on the boards that like the "older" runners because of locker availability, mod-ability, etc. i was wondering if there was a general consensus on which year was considered the "prime," or if they just improved over time.

i haven't been given a payout yet. i expect it will be less than the $18K figure, but i'll be financing anyway. however, i think i would be limited to the cost of a 2000, maybe a 2001.

at this point, i'm kind of leaning towards trying to find a 1999 with the "older" style MAF and EGO sensor. a 5 speed with a locker would be ideal, but there are probably only a few trucks out there like that, and i'll have to be lucky to find that exact truck.

creed

rixham

2000 was also the last year for the 5-speed manual.. if that is what you want. That is why I got my 2000 sport when I did.

rimpainter.com

I was in the same boat as you when trying to decide what to get. It is very difficult to find a 5 speed V6 4x4 4Runner in the Phoenix area for some reason. So, my wife and I flew out to San Diego and bought one.

Ideally, I would have wanted a 98+ 5 speed, V6, 4x4, w/locker, <65K miles. But they were few and far between. So I ended up with a 96, and I love it.

Too bad it needed a clutch right away!

Oh yeah, pay close attention to the clutch pedal feel. Its a very good indication of how the clutch is doing.

I totally spaced, the clutch feel was horrible on mine when I test drove it. It felt like an old Saleen Mustang, or a Nautalus Leg Press at 60lbs.

cstary

as ignorant as it may sound, what should the clutch feel like when depressed? am i looking for early action, smooth travel, etc.?

most of my cars/trucks have been manual . . . but i've only ever driven an auto 4runner. i'm just assuming that it'll be similar to every other truck i've driven.

creed

rimpainter.com

Smooth and linear is the key. When I first bought the Runner, the pedal feel was ok at the top, and then got progressively stiffer as I pushed down. At times, I couldnt get it all the way to the floor without a lot of force, which prevented me from starting it temporarily (it wasnt hitting the clutch start sensor).

Keep in mind, the dealer will want about $1000 for a full clutch job. So be careful.

PS: I dont think this was a design problem, I think the previous owner "rode" the clutch everywhere

Oh, and it turns out the clutch plate was worn down all the way to the rivets on one side.

DH6twinotter

My favorite 4Runner is probably the 96-98 models. I'm hoping my current 4Runner will last long enough to where I can save up my money for a few years and buy one of these. I'd really like one with 4wd and an e-locker. 3.4 of course. I really like the limited style flares too.

Anyhow, that's what I would look for it were me.
Sorry, don't know the answer to your clutch question. I've only driven a manual twice.

Have fun.
DH6twinotter