kaiberg

I pull a farily light trailer (500 - 600 lb.) almost daily and am wondering if there is a difference in pulling capacity between the SR5 and the Limited. I am looking at buying a '97 SR5 with 67,000 miles for $14,000 or a '98 Limited with 52,500 miles for $18,000. Will they both do the job equally well? Does anyone have an opinion on which is the better deal? I am a newcomer to the site, but my son is here often and invited me to use his login. Thanks in advance for your expertise and willingness to help.
Jim

MTL_4runner

There is no difference at all in towing between a LTD and an SR5
The only difference comes with engine choice....definately get the 3.4L V6.

kaiberg

thanks for the response, MTL, so which do you think is the better deal?

MTL_4runner

I would be inclined to go with the 97 because of price.
Unless you are dying to have a limited for some reason.
The engine didn't change until 1999 (mostly minor improvements to the 3.4L)...just an FYI
Punch em into KBB.com and see what you get (take the more undervalued of the two)

My99

What improvements were made in 99? I assumed it still had the 183 hp that the previous models did.

Highland Runner

My wife just got a 99 and I learned that the AFM and intake is different. It looks less restictive(the AFM). There was also a change to the EGR system I believe. I didn't relize this till after we bought the car, but it seems to be an improvement.

rimpainter.com

Nope, same HP, same TQ curve, same RPM.

transalper

The only difference towing would depend on the axle ratio. The 97 probably has 4.10s. The 98 limited will have either 4.10s or 4.30s - check the axle code on the door jam. 4.30s would be slightly better for towing. Of course the limited probably has the rear diff lock, which is awesome for offroad. With that said, to me the 1998 is not $4000 more truck than the 1997.

Some guys seem to think the 98s rule: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...hlight=98+rule

I have a 97 SR5 and love it (but recently swapped to 4.30 gears and added the rear diff lock).

SLC Punk

Look at the mfg date on the 1997. If it was produced in late 1996 or early 1997, it may need the head gasket recall. But get the vin and call the dealer to make sure.

My 97 was built in July 1997, so it didn't need the head gasket recall.

For a $4,000 difference, I would go for the SR5

Andrey

Limited has a much nicer interiour with more bells and whistles, but as others have mentioned, all of that isn't worth $4000. If the difference would be $500-$600 than maybe, but definitely not $4K.

-- Andrey

turboale

That price for that ltd is really high. You should be able to get him down. Stick it to em!!

PoBoy

plug for ravencr's limited...

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...threadid=12957

KBB on 98 limiteds are right around $14,500. Look around and you can definitely find one. 99's have a much nicer dash setup with cup holders...

idahorunner

Jim,
Engine size and hp should be a wash as both have 3.4 v6's. You may get slightly better gear ratios from a limited and the optional dif. lock is a big plus.....but in my opinion you should be looking at the issue of stopping vs. getting going. some SR5 models came with 15" wheels and smaller rotors. 16" wheels and bigger rotors came as an option on SR5 models and I believe stock on the ltd.
Also look for a tranny cooler (if automatic). Just my $.02

ravencr

I've got a 1998 Limited with about 81,7?? miles on it. Here's a link to the pics: www.toyota-4runners.com/1998.html The price is $14,999.

Chris

ravencr

I sold the 4runner today for $14,750 to a local girl. Just wanted to let everyone know!

Chris

mkool

:cry:

SteveO

looks like the limited may also have the AWD option, a very nice item in the snow and slush.

kaiberg

Sorry this is such a stupid question, but Kai is gone to see his fiance in Canada and my wife (his Mom) and I are leaving early tomorrow morrning to be there for her bridal shower and I wanted to check everything out before going. (I bought the '97 SRV. Thanks for all the help in making the selection!) I can't find any way to check the transmission fluid level and the owner's manual doesn't seem to mention it. Where is the dipstick? This matter has taken on greater significance for me since my Ford Explorer's tranny ran dry on a trip last summer and is now inoperative. The Toyota is a fine replacement, but may lightning not strike twice in my case. Can anybody help?
Thanks, from Kaiberg's Dad.

SteveO

in the engine bay. I believe it has a yellow handle. I think

SLC Punk

My 97 has a red handle for the tranny dip stick. Look on the passenger side of the engine toward the back.