Ok, so I am very convinced that I want a 3rd gen 4Runner. So out of curiosity, what is the best year.

Looking for Engine, Tranny, Tranfser Case, and axle recomendations.....as well as any fancies you might think make your year better than others!

Go for it....

 

interesting snippets of info found here:
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/q...on-why-139757/

 

I'd say the 1999 highlander edition, sits taller than any other 4runner and is the first year that they updated the interior some (better cup holders) and good with the rr diff lock.

 

99 limited with the locker.

 

this



the 99's with 16 inch wheels have the highest stock clearance of any 4runner
before or after

plus the limited has full-time 4wd, part time 4wd, 2wd, 4wd lo, and ......locker ! I use that
locker every freaking weekend and could not imagine not having it

 

Here's the '99 page and links to the other years and their changes/upgrades

http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist31999.html

The biggest upgrades were....
headlamps
multi power outlets (2 extra up front plus the cig lighter and one in the back)
Digital odo and dual tripometers
Auto up/down on both front windows
"fatlip" bumper integrated foglights

and another upgrade that is rarely mentioned is when the rear seats are folded forward there's slots on the underside of the seats to put the headrests so you don't just have to toss them on the floor.

Not all the '99s had the taller coils and it's hit and miss on most models of '99 and some of the early '00s had them but I do know all the '99 Highlander (Sport) Editions had them.

 

Agree 99 Limited with locker seem to be the best model in stock form

 

As far as looks, 99~02's "fatlip" front bumper looks a lot better than the 96~98 models.

96~98


99~02

 

maybe im partial but my vote goes to the 00 LTD

*didnt know that about the rear seats and the head rests* didnt feel right just having to throw them on the floor

 

mine would be a 98, not quite the new interior, but you have the new steering wheel, and less of the electronic crap, and the regular bumper.

 

key is

99

ltd has full time 4wd.

leave it in 4wd forever. it handles great that way

 

Well you didn't qualify your question with any info regarding your particular needs or biases, which would help.

I was looking for a 4WD 5 speed, 2.7L 4 cylinder 3rd gen. Wanted the best possible mileage in a 4runner, and lower maintenance costs of the 2.7. I also wanted the improvements that came in 1999- better headlights, better cupholder design, auto up/down front windows, etc.

But this drivetrain combo is very rare, so I was open to any model year, really. I ended up with a 2000 model year- pretty local, pavement queen in nice shape with only 90k miles. This was the last year for both the 4 cyl and the 5 speed. The 4 cyl engine came mostly on base models, but Toyota gradually added more standard equipment as the years went by so getting the last year for this combo was nice. Mine came pretty well equipped- power windows, locks, mirrors, cruise, a moonroof, rear heat, tinted glass, tow package. Mine has the standard (i.e. not the more adjustable and comfortable "sport") seats but I already found some of the latter and they are a straight bolt-in.

Options I would have liked: the 16" wheel package which included slightly bigger brakes and 4:56 gears (mine came with 15" wheels and 4:10s) and the rear locker, which to my knowledge was never offered with the 3RZ engine, except maybe on special ordered vehicles.

If you are OK with the V6 (just about everybody prefers this motor) and an auto transmission, by all means look for either a Highlander or Limited with the rear locker- VERY nice feature...and has been mentioned, the taller springs came on the 99's.

 

Thats one of the only things I dont like about the 99-02 runners!

I want to eventually make my own steel bumper just so I can have a solid and safe place to mount fog lights.

 

I'm gonna have to say the 00' Limited....lol.. maybe I'm just partial to mine

 

Basically different steering wheel and the rear cargo access side thingy is bigger than the older models.


but mpg goes down

 

I would respectfully disagree. "Less is more." I think the fatlip on my 2000 4runner looks really retarded and overblown, not to mention the crummy approach angle. I was lucky enough to get in on a deal to get a Bentup front bumper for my 2000, haven't seen it yet, but it will be a huge improvement...

 

Electronic crap? What crap? The only electronic diff from my '99 and a the '98 is the digital odometer.

I just simply like the ergonomic upgrades (cupholders on the dash pre '99? WTF was Toyota thinking?) that are a bit of an extra expense and hassle to upgrade the older models which is why I ditched my '97 after a year and got a '99 plus the '99 had the locker and I really wanted a Highlander model.

 

mpg goes down but not much at all. if you have good cv's and fresh goop in the front diff and transfer case

like 2 %. that is nothing..like 8-12 miles a tank. I know, scangauge tells me all.


but mpg aside, that is what makes the 99 limited most awesome. you got all that, but without all that vtrac crap.

 

2000 sr5 4x4 in stick , cuz thats what i have. Last year for the 5 speed

 

'01 -'02 with Performance Product coils. Same height as '99 (even about .5 higher) and you get 4WD which you can switch on/off while driving.