I changed the oil in my ex's (my old) '99 4Runner on Sunday, and just did my '00 4Runner like a week earlier. I always thought those 99 skid plates were a pain in the ass, and I was right. They are different and much easier to manage on my 2000. There's really no point in me posting this, just an observation.

 

rvm:

whats the difference?

bob

 

yea, i wanna know

 

The 99 has two deeply recessed bolts, in the middle of the plate and two kinda hidden bolts on the front sides. It also bolts to the back skid plate. The 2000 has three bolts in plain view up front and two towards the back bolted to the frame rather than the other skid plate. On the 99, you have to balance the plate, line up the interlocking tab, bolt the skid plates together, and fumble around trying to get the bolts started in the recessed holes, you can't use your fingers on those because they are up in the skid plate.

 

Hmm. Thats weird. Your 2000 skidplate bolting locations sound just like mine on my 97.

 

Stop changing your ex's oil. Problem solved. You are still secretly in love with the truck though, arn't ya.?

 

You got it! There was a thread about this.. I will miss my old 4Runner and like to see it maintained. When we split I offered to buy her an Accord or something. She said she loved the 4Runner... (understandable). As far as it goes I think the skid plates are the only difference on notice between the 99 and 00.