Buy my 98 with a 5 speed. :-)

 

1999-2000 are the premier stock years. then 01-02. then 96-98, imo.

99-02 have all the updated goodies around the interior. decent fog light option. etc... '00 also the last year for a 5speed if you're interested in that.

Things I've gathered are normal or to look for/at:

-rust on the tow pkg. is normal (doesn't matter where you are- well, exluding SW).
-rear main seal is becoming more commonplace on this board
-rear axle seals go out too. timing belt (not chain) in the engine will need to be changed, w/ water pump in tow.
-starter contacts wear out (easy $10 fix).
-cupholder in 96-98 good for...spilling drinks.
-clogged roof drain hoses (cleared w/compressed air)

the above are regular maintenance/minor design flaws. other than these minor things i've found, they are bulletproof! very stout/strong vehicle stock. you've made a good choice going with the 3rd gen. my favorite body style, and it grows on me everyday.

 

Thanks Nuthuts96, this was the kind of info I was looking for. I live in Southern California, so rust should not be an issue

 

About e-locker, I am getting confused here. I am sure the answer is in the Search function, but are we talking about an electronically actuated rear locking differential, or are we talking about the transfer case?

Can I physically tell if a 4runner has an e-locker, like some kind of switch in the cabin?

 

You'l be able to find an "RR DIFF LOCK" switch on the dash near the steering wheel if it has the E-Locker.

 

And yes the e-locked is a locker for the rear axle controlled by eletricty instead of air. They work wounders and are VERY sought after. I am looking for one for my truck since i don't really want to go the whole compressed air path.

 

I bought my '99 new in late '98 and have about 120k miles on her without one mechanical failure. That alone is reason enough to own and drive a 4Runner IMO. Add to that excellent on and off road handling and performance, an excellent (perfect IMO) interior cabin design/layout, and damn fine exterior appearance, and it makes the choice a no brainer for me, and that is in the stock configuration.

If you are interested in off-roadability, a skid plate and sliders increase the 4Runner's ability to navigate trickier trails with less potential damage, without sacrificing on-road abilities. This vehicle is designed as an SUV, not a rock-crawling machine, and well-designed vehicles with a SFA will certainly out perform it given the same driver skill level. Unless you want to do a SAS, it will be more difficult to follow the tube buggies if that's what you're after!

I have been able to traverse lots of difficult obstacles and don't typically drive in areas that require a SFA to pass, so it hasn't been a big issue for me.

If I could change anything about the 4Runner, it would be two things. First is a bit more power, especially if you run bigger tires. I have a 5-speed and run 285/55/16's and it would be nice to have a bit more power to turn them on and off road. I will regear in the future when I go to ARB lockers, which will solve that problem (at the expense of highway gas mileage). Second in the damn sunroof "safety" feature that makes you release the button halfway and press it again to finish closing it. I know this is a minor detail, but it bugs the Hell out of me. I use my sunroof almost daily and I wish there was a fix for this. It does speak highly of the vehicle that that is one of my two primary complaints!

All in all, the 4Runner is the right vehicle for my needs, and as others have said, most of us here will share that opinion.

~Clark

 

Ok, I got it. It's function is like ARB locker, electronically controlled versus pneumatically controlled.

I want one !!!

 

Ding ding ding, you got it!

 

Yes, my interest is the best off-road SUV in stock configuration, and that's why I am considering the 4runner.

I well understand articulation, solid axle advantages, etc, etc. I am not after rock crawling and such activities. My prime interest is reliability, toughness, and ease of repairs in the backcountry. I don't want to be carrying spare axles shafts, CV joints, and such, when in the backcountry.

Sounds like I maybe on the right track with the 4runner.

 

Right on! I don't think you will be disappointed. There really is no better vehicle for your intended purpose.

~Clark