If you were to buy a 96-02 4Runner

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Mar 31, 2005 | 07:48 AM

#21

BajaRunner

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From: 5th Gen San Diegan, California

Your question is: "Whats better for offroading".

Id get a first gen 4runner, if you want a 4runner.

But, since you want a 3rd gen, just get one with an E-Locker.

Mar 31, 2005 | 07:50 AM

#22

BajaRunner

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From: 5th Gen San Diegan, California

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorCalVP

Missing a body mount??? Please explain....

I think all the 96's (like mine) have only 8 body mounts instead of 10 like all the other 4runners.

Roger, errr, I mean 4crawler has the info on it on his website.

Mar 31, 2005 | 10:48 AM

#23

Flamedx4

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From: 100 miles offshore as much as possible, & Springfield Oregon USA

Easy, I wouldn't.
I passed like 75 of them on the way to work today. They all look alike, just another SUV. *yawwnn* Make sure you get running boards too...

Go cool, go '85!

Last edited by Flamedx4; Mar 31, 2005 at 10:58 AM.

Mar 31, 2005 | 11:38 AM

#24

rimpainter.com

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Get something you can pay for outright if possible. If that means a 96 with screwy cupholders, levered climate controls, 2 "missing body mounts," and a non-digital trip meter, so be it.

Mar 31, 2005 | 11:52 AM

#25

lee

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From: boston, ma

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flamedx4

They all look alike, just another SUV. *yawwnn*

im surprised you can be on yotatech so much for so long and still say this sentence.

Mar 31, 2005 | 01:53 PM

#26

Crux

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From: Castle Rock, CO

Yeah, I have a 97 4Runner with the e-locker that currently has no mods, but I don't like the color (baby blue).
Trying to decide if I want to sell it and buy a 99+ in a decent color to start modding, or just go with the 97.

Mar 31, 2005 | 02:38 PM

#27

Newdad

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From: Edwards, CO

I just looked at the FAQ but it's not entirely clear on the factory locker. Was it standard on Highlander editions and Limiteds or still an option? One FAQ also says that the locker was NOT available on SR5 automatics. True?
-Michael

Mar 31, 2005 | 02:45 PM

#28

ORB

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damn...

My 99 Limited didn't come with an e-locker, so I guess it must be an option.

Mar 31, 2005 | 02:46 PM

#29

FilthyRich

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From: Richmond, Va

Quote:

Originally Posted by ORB

damn...

My 99 Limited didn't come with an e-locker, so I guess it must be an option.

mine did. it's a 99 limited. The higlander w/ locker was a 4.30 gear ratio w/ 5-speed.

Mar 31, 2005 | 02:46 PM

#30

Flamedx4

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From: 100 miles offshore as much as possible, & Springfield Oregon USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by lee

im surprised you can be on yotatech so much for so long and still say this sentence.

donning flameproof suit... I was joking, I'm such a kidder...

Mar 31, 2005 | 03:03 PM

#31

Crux

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From: Castle Rock, CO

My 974Runner is automatic and came with the factory locker.

Back in college I owned a white '86 4Runner. Now I wish I still had it

Mar 31, 2005 | 03:40 PM

#32

rimpainter.com

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Newdad

One FAQ also says that the locker was NOT available on SR5 automatics. True?
-Michael

That's not true. The donor rig for my e-locker swap was a 96 SR5 Auto with 4.30's and an e-locker.

Mar 31, 2005 | 04:35 PM

#33

X2and4X

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From: Des Moines, IA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newdad

mine is proof that it does. it wasnt something i was looking for, mostly cuz i didnt know they had them. but was vary happy to see it when i test drove it.

Mar 31, 2005 | 08:25 PM

#34

Newdad

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From: Edwards, CO

Just to elaborate, here's the link and quote from the FAQ I was looking at.
4Runner History

Quote:

Off-road enthusiasts will continue to find improved low-traction performance available through a locking rear differential, optional on all four-wheel drive models (except SR5 models equipped with automatic transmission). Sporting a 4.3:1 differential gear ratio, this feature locks the rear wheels together while in low-4WD, forcing both wheels to turn together

I ended up there by following the "4Runner History" link in the "Tech write ups..." section of this board.
So, as I understand it, if I were looking for a 3rd gen with an e-locker, I just have to check every 96-2000 I see for sale. I'm asking this because I live in a relatively small community with a small used car market. Most of my shopping occurs online and none of the listings ever say whether the vehicle has a locking diff or not.
-Michael

Mar 31, 2005 | 09:06 PM

#35

sschaefer3

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From: Tempe, Arizona

1999 or 2000 with an e-locker.

They still had pull lever 4WD shifters and auto trannys that you can mount a crawler to.

They still had 5 speeds as well plus most of the new stuff that matters.

I know you miss out on the chrome license plate frame and the clearer tail lights, but you can still get a hood scoop.

Mar 31, 2005 | 09:48 PM

#36

Phisherman

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From: Birmingham, AL

Get a 1999 or 2000. The rear cup holders in the 2000 model are thicker.

Now that is a beefy mod! I think the X-case in the '99 Limited can be used for AWD, but that might be true for '99+.

Apr 1, 2005 | 06:50 AM

#37

switchback

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From: Denver, CO

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newdad

Just to elaborate, here's the link and quote from the FAQ I was looking at.
4Runner History

I ended up there by following the "4Runner History" link in the "Tech write ups..." section of this board.
So, as I understand it, if I were looking for a 3rd gen with an e-locker, I just have to check every 96-2000 I see for sale. I'm asking this because I live in a relatively small community with a small used car market. Most of my shopping occurs online and none of the listings ever say whether the vehicle has a locking diff or not.
-Michael

Yeah, online shopping is not a bad way to go at all. I actually got my truck off of Ebay because they are so damn overpriced here in Denver. As far as the locker goes. . . if there is a picture online of the dash and steering wheel, look for a button to the left of the steering wheel that says "RR DIFF LOCK". All the ones I have seen are written in orange and the button is located right next to the dash light dimmer knob. A lot of car dealers (or soccer-moms for that matter) don't even know what a locker is, which can be good because that might make pricing to your benefit a little. You can see what the button looks like by going to some pictures of my truck. These were the actual Ebay pictures (my truck has since had a few small additions); look for the 3rd picture down from the top. . . you will see the button I am talking about. It is right to the left of the steering column and has orange writting on it. If you see a truck with that button. . . GOOD NEWS, it has a locker!

Here's the link: http://www.switchbackgraphics.com/4Runner/4Runner.html

Last edited by switchback; Apr 1, 2005 at 07:01 AM.

Apr 1, 2005 | 06:55 AM

#38

bamachem

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Here's the info on the new AWD system that started on the 99 model...

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Runner History

For 1999, 4Runner Limited models receive a new multi-mode 4WD system as standard. The new multi-mode 4WD feature is actually a full-time all-wheel-drive system with 2WD capability. The all-wheel 4WD mode may be used in normal driving conditions on all types of roads from dry, hard surface roads, such as pavement, to wet, icy or snow-covered roads. Driving with the new multi-mode's all-wheel drive system engaged provides the driver with a more controlled, sure-footed feel to the road because power is applied evenly to all four wheels thus improving traction. To switch from 2WD to the all-wheel 4WD mode, simply reduce the vehicle's speed to less than 62 mph and push in the One-Touch "4WD" button located on the front drive control lever knob (on the transfer case the all-wheel 4WD mode is indicated as "H4"). Returning to the 2WD mode is just as easy, depress the "4WD" button once more and the vehicle is again operating in 2WD.

Off-road enthusiasts will continue to find improved low-traction performance available through a locking rear differential, optional on all four-wheel drive models (except SR5 models equipped with automatic transmission). Sporting a 4.3:1 differential gear ratio, this feature locks the rear wheels together while in low-4WD, forcing both wheels to turn together.

Apr 1, 2005 | 09:26 AM

#39

91Toyota4x4

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From: Gainesville, FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by FilthyRich

If you have to have stick, then get a Highlander w/a rear locker, but no leather.

I was under the assumption that the highlander has a transverse mounted engine like a FWD car and such. At leat the 2WD ones do iirc, is the 4wd any different? Sounds like trying to wheel a subaru or something