derK

i've read that the 96-99 are the most desired because of the E-locker and because they still come in 5sp. Is that the only reason as to why they are more desired??? is it true that the 99s have the highest ground clearance, but the 96-99 have sagging rear end problems?? i'm looking at this 1996 4runner here, tell me what you think.......to me it doesn't look like the rest of them. It just looks a little wimpy and not as tough looking for some reason. Not as bulky. I think it's because of the smaller tires and no fender flares??

drguitarum2005

you can get the 5spd in the 2000 i know, not sure about after. its not so common though. i hear the 99 has the tallest springs as well and have not heard of a sagging rear end in those years.

UNR.Grad

The most sought after year is the 1999 Sport (Highlander Edt.) 5 spd w/ e-locker. I looked a long time and didn't find one, but they're out there, Good Luck!

uberhahn

i've got one - 1999 5-spd E-locked. 93K miles. Always for sale for an obsene amount

It took me 18 months to find one in the color I wanted with maint. records, etc. Patience...

gregbreakseverything

Lucky guy

gregbreakseverything

I went for the 99 SR5. I thought it looked alot tougher than the previous years with the new front bumper, the 265/70's and without the fender flares. Ive noticed that it does sit higher than a 2001 thats also in my town. Inside, the different cup holders are nice. That always pissed me off in the 2nd gens. The dash is easier to take apart if you want a stereo. And its still a 5speed. Its hard picking out the right vehical, but these were somethings i noticed about the 99.

4Runner4Christ

Greg, You'll be very happy with your choice. You avoided the sagging rear end problem and other potential issues by going with the '99 instead of the '96. Let the modding begin! It looks like you have already done the deckplate mod...I'd start with the rear diff breather mod, FIAAM horn mod, and consider the '01 taillights and running board removal... Good luck!!!

ebelen1

Pretty much what you said in terms of why people prefer the '99 model. Many like the ornament hood scoop (myself included) so the highlander version is pretty popular. The cool thing about the e-locker is you also get better gears (4.30) for bigger meats.

Otherwise, I think all the rears will sag over time and if you plan on going w/ a lift and bigger tires, it may be fine to go w/ the '96. The cost difference for what you get though, I'd recommend a '99+.

paddlenbike

iTrader: (1)

2000 was the last year of the 5-speed. I would consider either a 99 or 00 e-locked 5-speed the most desireable. It took me a while to find one, but they are out there.

derK

well i checked out that 96 and it wasn't all that great. It had the 15" mags, no fender flares, and bad paint.

It's so hard to find low mielaged 4runners in my area and when they do pop up people want too much for them. For instance, a 1999 with 125 000miles going for $12 170.

So the consensus is to go with the 99-00 models. Is there a REASON to stay away from the 96-98?? i can't get 2001-2002 because of price AND because i want 5 sp.

Paddlenbike: are you on supraforums? there's a guy with the exact same name.

calrockx

99+ just have a nicer/updated interior and headlights, little things like that. If you endup with a 96-98, you can swap in some newer parts.

X-AWDriver

Sag is easily fixed with new coils but like Calrockx said in '99 they updated a lot of stuff which can be a PITA to update on older Runners.

http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist31999.html

andyf80

I don't know why that one looks a little more pansy than other runners....oh wait maybe its the sticker that says 'I yield for soccer practice!' or the lack of fender flares i'm not sure.

paddlenbike

iTrader: (1)

Yup, that's me.

I would not pass up a good deal on a 96-98 as most of the differences are cosmetic only. Just like Supras, you can change out the lights and bumpers to make it look like a later model. The later model ECUs have some enhancements that are more supercharger friendly, but my understanding is it's nothing that the URD fuel upgrade kit wouldn't fix.

EDIT--so are you getting out of Supras? Looks like mine just sold...the new owner is flying out from the east coast to drive it to its new home. When I saw your screen name, I wondered if you came from supraforums too.

derK

nah my supra is my baby. She stays by my side for ever. I just need something more practical and more comfortable for everyday use now. As well, i feel bad for driving the supra everyday.

Ok so in "supra" terms, the 96-98 are like the pre-89s for the supras.....different front facia, lights, and trims. Otherwise everything else is the same suspension, chassis, motor wise??

I have another question. Those fender flares, are they integrated into the actual fender, thus making the fender actually wider kind of like a widebody kit for sports cars?? or are they just add on pieces that just make it appear that the fender is that much more wide??

I always followed your progress with your supra from the day you bought it. It was a beautiful car.

TX-BLKRUNNER

aside from the color, thats exactly what mine looked like when i bought it, i tend to like the 96-98 front bumpers, it seems to me that you get more approach angle clearance... maybe not, it just looks that way to me. good luck with your decission.

Crux

If you are going to mod the truck then it doesn't really matter if you get 96-02.

I also don't understand the fascination with 5-spds.
They suck.
Especially for 4wheelin

paddlenbike

iTrader: (1)

Thanks; I am really going to miss the car. It just never gets driven--I ride my bike to work and it seems I always drive the 4Runner because I need the space for hauling kayaks and mountain bikes.

This website charts the changes through the years:
http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist31996.html
Click on the different years up top to read about each model.

The fender flares bolt to the body. Take a look at Bushwacker's offerings...they make a set that looks nearly identical to stock.

paddlenbike

iTrader: (1)

Bah. Automatics are for people who can't walk and chew gum at the same time.

MTL_4runner

It looks like that truck might have the 15" rims which would give it a bit of a wimpy look but that would be easily remedied. Most do prefer the 99's but unless you are going to leave it bone stock then even that is really not an issue. You can check out my sig to see what a 96 looks like with about 2" of lift and stock tires. I agree on going with an auto but that is totally personal preference.