hey guys,

I'm new to this forum. Just sold an 84 FJ60 and am looking to replace it with a 99-00 4runner. Ive read that 2000 was last year the e-locker was available and that in 99 they re-did the interior dash. How difficult will it be to find a 99-00 4WD with the rear e-locker (dont care if SR5 or ltd)? I would prefer to find one local to southern CA, but might be willing to travel (within reason, I really dont want to ship). I'll continue checking the usual spots like autotrader, craigslist, and the classifieds. If anyone is selling or has any leads on a truck like this close to LA let me know

Is there anything in particular that I need to look out for? Timing belt should be done around 100k correct? How many miles are the stock engines known to run for? seems like most 4runners in the year range have at least 100k miles.

Thanks guys

 

Welcome to the forum! You can find alot of what your looking for via the search feature or the following website has alot of info about the 3rd gen 4Runners:

http://www.top4runners.com/ja/index.html

 

Just curious, have you considered 01-02? If this is a dedicated trail rig, please ignore this. However, if you will be using it to commute, drive on-road as well as off-road, I don't think I could get anything else buy an 01-02. Main reason is, because of multi-mode 4WD (ability to use 4WD on pavement) and TRAC/VSC. Great safety features for daily use or on-road use. Lockers can be added on afterwards.

If you're dead set on a 99-00, I'd go for the Limited. The reason behind this is also the multi-mode 4WD which was available on the Limiteds only. It's awesome when you get patches of snow on the road and you can put it into 4WD without having to worry about binding and breakage. Also, you get auto-climate control.

Make sure the timing belt is done (recommended at 90k). Look for rear seal leakage (will be pretty apparent). Then look for any other unusual leaks/sounds. Good luck with the hunt.

 

thanks for the input. this is not going to be a dedicated trail rig. i just figured if i could find one with the locking rear that it would be a nice option to have. multimode 4wd would probably be used more often than the locking rear. primary use will be for ski trips up to mammoth and local surf outings. also, the 99-00 seem to have most of the updates and are cheaper than the 01-02

 

keep an eye out in the "marketplace" section here on yotatech, there have been lots of postings of some really nice 3rd gen 4runners for sale lately, although i don't know if they were in your location but you never know.

also, i think it was in '99 that they had the coils that gave it the most clearance from the factory so another good reason to look in that year range. i'm sure you will find that the more you look on here, the more money you'll want to spend. my advice, find a good 4runner and NEVER return to yotatech j/k

good luck with the search.

 

I take mine up frequently for skiing, too. AWD is definitely nice. VSC/TRAC also come in handy in snow.

If price is a concern, then a 99-00 Limited with or without rear locker could be had for ~$10k. 01-02 SR5/Sport/Limited will vary from $12k-$18k.

 

8-10 is more of my price range than 12-18.

i know the feeling about the forums. you do learn a ton of info. but once you catch the mod bug there is no turning back. im hoping to find a clean, lower mileage 4runner and just keep her stock and enjoy!

i will keep checking the marketplace here. maybe something sweet and localish will turn up.