What do you think of this runner?

I am looking at a 3rd gen from 12-16k and have seen the miles from 60s to 80s.
Also, are one of those buttons to the left of the wheel the e locker?

Thanks.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...000&cardist=10

 

no the button you see is the center diff lock, i believe 2000 was the last year for an e-locker

 

OK now im confused haha.

I was going to look for a truck with a rear e locker, I did not even know about the center one. what does it do?
Which is better?

Anyone care to post pics of both these buttons so I know what to look for in my search!

Thanks guys.

 

2000 was the last year of the e-locker. the e-locker would be in the spot closest to the steering wheel.

 

Nice art haha.

So the button you circled is the e locker on 2000 and under trucks and that button is a center diff locker in 01+???

The 01 in my link has that button, cant see what it says though.

U have seen a few 5spds, and my p.u. is a 5spd, but what would it be so much better then a auto? Im not gonna hard core off road, but play around in the snow.

 

Yes, the button at that location pre 01 is the rear diff lock. 01-02 it is the center diff lock.
The center diff lock for 01-02 locks it up at the transfer case and takes you from awd to 4wd. Pretty sure the shifter (with exception of the awd button)just brings you from 4wd hi to lo. On the 99-00 the button got you to awd, the shifter to 4wd hi, and 4wd lo, and the rear diff lock locked up you rear differential.
00' was also the last year for the 5spd.

 

The price seems a little high for just a regular SR5, I'd try to get it down to 9 or 10.

 

So the 01+ has awd going all the time and you push the center diff lock for 4wd?
What system is better?

Thanks.

 

No, the 01 and 02 don't have AWD at all, they have a traditional 4wd system w/ the addition of a center differential which allows slippage between the front and rear axles when in 4wd. Having the center diff allows you to be in 4wd on dry pavement, or anywhere else, without binding your drive train. When you lock the center diff it locks the front and rear driveshaft together, thus making it a standard part time system, not suitable for use on dry pavement, like the system in older models. The rear elocker is at the rear axle and locks the rear axle, forcing both rear tires to turn with equal power at equal speed, this is mainly for off road use.
Which system is better depends how you use the truck, for off road I would take the rear locker, as even with the center diff locked on an 01 or 02 you still have open diffs front and rear, meaning you will only spin 2 wheels instead of 3 with the rear locker. Now the wrinkle is that the 01 and 02 have TRAC, which simulates a limited slip at both front and rear axles, and I find the system works very well for moderate off road, I haven't tried anything extreme.
Personally I prefer the system in my 02 over the part time system in my 00. And no,the truck is not always in 4wd, the 01 and 02 are still selectable 4wd, with the option of running full time if you want.
And that seems like a pretty good deal to me, here in MA you would pay more for that truck.

 

My Infiniti QX4 has this system. The wifey drives this and it is amazing in every kind of weather. I'd still prefer the e-locker for off-roading though.

 

Agreed

 

Nice write up, thank you.

So for my use, mostly snow, and some light terrain, maybe some dirt, but no rocks, or mud.
Basically I do not want to ruin anything haha. so I guess light off road use, maybe up to a foot of snow or so, would I be better off with the 01-02 set up?
So this TRAC set up, it helps with increased traction in all conditions? is that on ALL 01-02 runners with 4x4? And is there a button for that as well, or is it always on?

Thanks guys.

 

If you are really not a fan of manual transmissions then you will likely favor one of the auto tranny 4wd systems.(Personally, I hate automatics-been driving for 30! years now)

I think it is safe to say they are complicated in comparison to the manually selectable system of the 5speed manual. Any of them will work for your needs it sounds like-all are Toyota reliable. Have any vehicle thoroughly checked out by a Toyota competent mechanic.

The price is slightly high for an SR5 model as compared to my metro Denver area-dealers here would try to get this much for it but of course settle for a slight bit less.

You should be able to find a Limited model for roughly the same amount of money with a few more creature comforts that may appeal to you, or not...

 

You could always buy my 2000, its only $9500 here in WA......