SnakeS

Hey guys,

I'm going to be purchasing a toyota 4runner 96-98 most likely and i just have a few questions on what i should look for.

Is the manual transmissions in these trucks better than the autos? Are there know problems with the autos cause right now my truck is auto and it's screwed up.

Are there any known problems i should look out for when purchasing.

Can a truck toolbox fit in the back behind the seats and over the wheel wells, it's a standard size and not deep or anything.

Thanks for you help!

crbocaj125

Im kind of a noob too, but here is my .02.

If you have driven a manual before, and you like it. It is worth the wait to find one. My one regret about my truck, is that I settled for auto.

The 3rd gen 4runners are supposed to have their timing belts changed at 90k miles. If you are smart, you also get the H2O pump, and drive belts done with no labor(they are off anyway), and it ran me about $800 USD. Use the Search function to get some more info, you might be able to do this yourself.

Also check for fluid on either of the rear drums, A leak will cause bearings to go bad, which is also a major job. Hope that helps.

SnakeS

thanks for the reply!

yes i enjoy the manual but there are definately harder to find, but you would say they have less issues? and i'm sure it makes the engine feel stronger. Yeah i can do all that stuff myself, i've basically done everything on my truck now a 95 dodge ram 1500 but it's got some miles and time to trade her in.

Oh and can you get the locking dif with a manual and is the 4wd still shift on the fly, thanks. Oh and about the toolbox fitting the width and the widest part is 69" thanks again.

Elton

i have a manual and a locker awesome combo i have had zero issues so far

SnakeS

koo thanks for the input

One_96TR4

If your going to buy a lot of people prefer the few extra changes they made in 99. You can get the 99 and 00's in a 5spd an with lockers. They also had the highlander/sport pkg with the hood scoop.