In my search for a 3rd gen. I've came accross many good to decent deals.

How much extra would you guys pay for a Runner with the diff lock option vs one without? Assuming they were the identical trucks, with only that difference.

And what is the preferred model for a semi DD/moderate trail rig? SR5 w/diff lock or Limited w/diff lock?

Thanks!

 

*Most* sellers have no idea what it is or what it is worth. But I would pay no more than $500 more for a truck with it than without. The previous owner of my truck had zero clue what it was. I was prepared to buy it without the diff lock but was pleasantly suprised it had it. Yay for me!

 

are you selling the 89 when you get the 3rd gen?


I wouldnt pay more then 500-800 more. there are other locker options in that price range.

 

But none as effective. In that price range.
ARB will set you back a grand, with you doing the install. Up to that? I set up diffs, it's not hard, if you are particular about the details.
Swapping in an elocker, already set up, will cost you at least $1300 new, or ~$900 or so good used, again, with you doing all the work (which is not insignificant since you need an 8" diff housing). Up to that? I've done a lot more, but again, it is work and you need to price your time and gage your capabilities.

If you don't wheel, none of these are worth anything to you. If you do... price accordingly.

 

How much are you looking to spend? For a DD, I'd get a 99+ 4Runner in either a Limited trim (if you want leather and auto-climate control) or Highlander (Sport) Edition. 01-02's come with VSC/TRAC, if that's of any value to you. But 01-02 owners have reported transmission failures at around 100k, so be wary of that. (It's only a few members that have reported this, but just FYI). Depending on the year/mileage/trim, your price will range from $8k - $15k.

 

i wouldnt pay a penny extra. just dont mention it should you find one equipped with it...if a seller see's that youve got a hard on for it..they'll be firm on the price. that said, most people dont know what its for or what it does...

 

are the e-locker and 5spd combo hard to find ?

 

Thanks for the input guys. Well I haven't led on that it's something of value to me, but I have at least asked if the button works. Some owners know exactly what I'm talking about, others are like:

Since this is going to be a semi-DD/moderate wheeler, I'm not even thinking of spending close to $8k, unless it has some valuable mods.

As far as better wheeler. As long as they both have the diff lock, they are the same thing right? I like the flares from the limited, but not the body cladding.

 

Those things are a dime a dozen! I'll give you $3500 for yours.

 

like mangod said, most people dont know what it is or don't care.... its only if someone advertises it in the ad is when you'll be paying "extra" for it.

sc's, rr's and 5spd's are not rare by themselves but once you start pairing those things up is when you notice it was not done by accident and the asking price reflects that. just a cpl months ago i got my '00 so i've been doing the searching thing and notices these trends.

you can get sc's but most will be auto, if you find one with a 5spd you will pay way more.

most 5spds are not limited's, ie: no leather.

all limited's have leather but are at's.

rear lockers are rare, unless people just don't advertise them (better for you).

5spd with locker is rare... with sc or leather almost impossible.

and if you're particular about color...ugh, it only gets tougher. then you have to decide whats most important to you and start there.

why they never made a 5spd super charged one with locker in black suprises me. if the interior was leather and black that be my wet dream.

i know someone on here has a 5spd, sc'd and locked one.....think its dark green though.....

 

what does the rr stand for in rr diff lock? I could never figure that out.

 

darn and here i thought i had a hard to find truck

 

I assume it's rear...

 

It all seems like good advice here but I especially agree with these two.

Exactly.

Also true. You can get an ARB for under $800 but you won't have it installed and functional for under a grand. On the upside you gain an air source in the deal.

Bottom line, I wouldn't skimp on the other aspects of a rigs overall condition just due to a rear locker. Just get the best overall truck you can find knowing that you can do something later about locking. I also wouldn't spend a load of time holding out for one with a locker because the opportunity cost is that you don't have a rig and you aren't out wheeling until you buy something.

 

Thanks for the advice guys. I think $500-600 is a fair adjustment. Well worth the price for a factory diff lock if you ask me.

I haven't had too many problems finding Runners with e-lockers. The problem I've been having is finding one that is in decent shape. Man, some people really don't care about how they treat their autos. I found what seemed to be a fantastic deal today. Pics looked good on the ad, then I drove it.

The valve ticking (if that's what it was) was very loud. I mean VERY loud. I could hear it from above the engine and under. The lines on the hood just didn't line up. Interior had lots of stains on the seats and headliner. I duno. I guess I'm just anal about keeping a veh clean. At least the interior, which is where you have more control. It had the diff lock, but I just didn't get a good vibe from it, so I sadly passed.

 

If you didn't get a good vibe, I'm thinking "happily passed." Let me know if there is anything down here you want me to look at for you. And treat that mother-to-be of yours extra special today.

 

I agree about the body cladding. I started a "Limited" project on my 98 SR5 and it was tough im area at least, to find decent seats and door skins that were not either trashed, or so expensive it wasn't even funny. But they are out there. And I had a heck of a good time doing the work myself. Adding things that never were on the truck makes for some personal satisfaction as I decided what would be fun to have, not Toyota ( check out some of the mods I have done and write ups).

I did the interior on my truck in leather from 3 different 4runners, fronts from 2, rear and door covers from a third. Wood grain trim is another issue but some SR5's came with leather and standard black trim. The fender flairs can be added as well, dropping the cladding and running boards. I have kept my running boards for the time being but my SR5 came with very nice fender flairs. So there are options, how much can you do yourself, the supply of wrecked runners in your area and the initial cost of the rig.

Decide what options are worth the most to you for what your primary use will be. The absolute best deal may drop into your lap and it may not have the leather or e-locker but the rest of the truck may be pristine and a motivated seller. Remeber gas has hit $4 a gallon in alot of places or soon will be so taking $60 to fill your tank every week, most people don't like the thought of that. 2 years ago what it costs now to fill my 4runner was my MONTHLY budget for 2 Toyotas I own. So finding one that will meet your needs will eventually appear. Very good luck!

 

Yeah, I would have to agree it's a good thing I passed. Had I bought it, I would be worrying what I got myself into right now.

I'd have to say my priorities would go like this:

1. Condition of vehicle
2. Price
3. Color
4. Sunroof
5. E-locker
6. Leather

Reason color and sunroof are highest on list, is cuz they are the most to add/change.

E-locker is give or take, I know it can be added without too much work and for probably about $500-600. Leather is not so much a priority. It would be nice, but I have 2 other cars with leather. Manual or auto don't really matter to me. I'm not in a hurry so I'll keep searching til I find a great deal. It's pretty fun searching for a new veh when you're not in a hurry. It's also hard to keep a level head, when you see a really nice truck with all you want for more than you'd like to spend. Makes you almost want to say $%&# it and just buy it.

Mike, thank you and I sure will; to both. Since I'm going out there I did take a look. There may be something, so I'll pm you. Thanks!

 

To me, elocker is almost superfluous unless youre facing snow and mud in your regular use, OR if you're gonna hack it up and take it off road and beat it. Don't pay extra for it unless you know you're gonna use it.

I have a nice SR5 4Runner with an Elocker, and I came to this realization... i'm not going to take "this one" out and beat it. So, I'll "harvest" the e-locker out of it, and put it in my trail rig! (1985 4Runner) Other than new gearing, it's free.

Anyone with a spare open 4.30 wanna sell??

 

I'd rather have a locker than not need it than not have it and need it. I actually off road and use it so it is a nice option to have and when I resell my truck not having the locker can be a deal breaker.