My power steering/abs leak looks to be an expensive fix plus this truck is beat to ˟˟˟˟ (1994) so I am thinking of buying a different truck so with that being said what is the best year of the runner all around overall best???

 

They can all brake. Thats what tools are for. If you beat it to poo poo Then it will work like Poo Poo. :pat:

 

I would say pre-01. The traction control (VSC/whatever?) drives me nuts on my '01.
My $.02

 

Yep, they all break. It depends on what you want a runner for as to what year is best I think. Daily driver/commuter, get a 3rd/4th gen, trail rig, get an earlier one to beat on...

It is hard to beat the 22RE engine or the 3.4L...

 

'02. Was the last of the nice body style.

 

1998!

 

Even though it is my same model year, the '99 was proven to have more ground clearance from the factory. Add that to the available locker option and you have a nice starting point for any type of wheeling you do.

I forget who here actually measured(at the dealership no less!), but I do know that schaefer specifically said to use '99 springs in his original "frankenstein" spacer combo.

 

i love my 01, but i feel like 99 was the best too. rear locker, and highlander editions come to mind. plus the nicer headlights...

 

I believe it was Darren that had the measurements up on his web page for a bit. not sure anymore.

 

I think the '99-'00 models since they combined the good from earlier and the upgrades from after '99 like better headlamps,better center console including cup holders,more power outlets including the rear one but you still had the available locker plus 5 speeds were also available.

I now own the Runner which was best IMO (except no 5 speed) since I always loved the colorkeyed bumpers and grill plus the hood scoop looks great and I have the Limited's 5 spoke wheels and I have the rear locker.

I really only need an SC but a lift and sliders will come first.

 

i would have loved to get 5spd, rear locker, the newer headlights, center console cup holders and the hood scoop...

 

I prefer the 1st gen, for the removable top and the option of a soft top. I really really enjoy mine, and God forbid when it dies, nothing will replace it.

Which one is 'best'? You know what they say about opinions.

 

I agree a 1998, non of that foo-foo electronically controlled crap. a stick to shift into 4WD H and L and no traction control of VSC. I still have a problem with that stupid computerized A/C control on my wifes 2003 4Runner, I can't stand that dumb Auto setting! About the only thing I like about the 99+'s are the intake tubes and the cup holder console.

 

dont forget 99-00 suffer el010 tsb! Get it checked!

 

"99-"'00 still had sticks to shift from 4wd H to L;'99s had it all with no reason to have to upgrade to newer year's parts unless you want the '01+ taillights.

 

02s are alright.

but if i could get another 3rd gen 4runner (96-02), i'd get a 99. see reasons above.

 

ok, I like the 98's and 99's.

 

is that the rear suspension recall? don't get it done. the springs they replace them with suck and it's not necessary unless it's only a 2WD. the 4WD aren't required.

 

The 96s are great cause they are the cheapest right now (of the 3rd gen body style) and you can still find em with 4x4 and lockers if you look. Only problem could be a headgasket but with high miles, it would have already blown if it was going to go.

 

I found an 85 4runner that was very well maintained and kept very clean. Also has relatively low miles for a 20 year old truck at 150 thousand. I use it as a daily driver and barely ever get to go offroad, but when I do, it is so damn capable! I love the truck more than any other vehicle out there. If you asked me to trade it for a corvette, I wouldn't do it! Cost me about 4 grand.