Thread contains the general things to know about the 3rd gen Toyota 4Runner to keep the forum clean of simple questions everywhere. Can add Tacoma but I will need help because I do not know a lot about them.
This thread is for those ignorant to use the search or don't know how because they are new.

1. The automatic transmission when somewhat to very cold will hold RPMs longer to help warm up the engine. It may not shift nearly as low as it does once warm.

2. The AWD vs. 4WD. on equipped 4Runners (01-02) there is a button on the 4wd selector that says 4wd, this is actually AWD and the button next to your dimmer is NOT a rear locker. It locks the center differential to make it so at least on front and one rear tire have to spin making it 4WD,with AWD only one tire has to spin at a time.

3. 1999 upgrades: larger rear storage compartment, cupholders next to E-brake, dials for air controls, on bottom of rear seats there are two holes that are made to put the headrests into, new "fat lip" bumper. Also one inch taller for 99 only.

4. Yes your a/c may smell funny. Mine smells like dirt from all the dust this spring.

5. A rear locker was available until 2000.

6. Manual 5speed and 4 cylinder were options until 2000

7. The sport edition/package were only available on the 01-02 years with a hood scoop. They have wider tires than a regular SR5.

8. It is possible your doors may squeak in the winter. It is ice in your door jams and is annoying but not a big deal.

9. Strawberry milkshake is becoming a big deal. It happens when your transmission coolant line breaks in the radiator (where its located) and mixes with the engine coolant and becomes a pink color and you have a lot of fixing to do. Unless you get an external tranny cooler or keep up with preventative maitenance like getting a radiator flush once in a while.

10. Just because its a Toyota doesn't mean it can take anything offroad.

If theres more just add on or PM me and Ill change or add one on.

 

Rear locker was available until 2000.

 

changed.

 

Sport edition was 01-02 99-00 were known as the highlander package and had a few differences compared to the sports

 

Thread won't get very many hits, since none of that stuff is in the title......

 

If it ain't a sticky...........it will get lost.

 

Its my shot at a sticky. and how can I add that without making a yearlong title?

 

#6- one inch taller is what you mean to say?

 

The stock locker is nice..

 

yes typo

 

#6 is not exactly true. My '99 SR5 has the tall springs (I've checked the color codes). I think all the models (or at least SR5's and Limited's) had the tall springs for a good portion of the '99 model year.

EDIT: Toyodiy.com says all 4R's with 16" tires got the tall springs in '99. Those with 15" tires got shorter ones.

 

what's #10 supposed to mean? incapable, or won't be able to survive the milkshake

 

I think #10 is referring to a deep water or mud crossing but agree it's unspecific and not real helpful....

thanks for typo fix on #6

 

#5-2000 was also the last year of the manual transmission and 4cyl options

 

#10 means that just because you have a toyota, it cant go through anything you throw at it so be safe generally

 

I changed 10 and added one inch taller to 3 and changed 6 completely.

 

I kinda had the impression that the entire 3rd gen subforum was for these kinds of questions/information.

 

It is but these are the ones asked by those who dont know how to search and end up creating a new thread that is finished in three replies and I thought this would be a good thing to help with that. figured I might as well try..

 

this thread should be a sticky...half of it is news to me it would save a lot of time searching

 

thumbs up for the squeaky doors part. Mine do the same in the winter, but somehow I never noticed they were quiet in summer...