What I'm interested in, what were the changes from say year 1997 to 2000? Engine, amenities, external, interested in all of them.

Also what are things to look out for when shopping for one? I know every car has it's weak points, so... any relevant info would be appreciated.

 

First of all...welcome to the board!

Second...there are no weak points on a 3rd gen 4Runner.

When shopping for a 3rd gen (96-2002), you want to see if the headgasket has been replaced on the 3.4L engine. Also, there was a TSB on the rear suspension. If you can, get one with the 3.4L V6. The 4 cyl gets better mileage, but you'll be much happier with the V6. Also, if you can, get one with the electric locking rear differential. Especially if you plan to go off-road.
If you find one you like, but it doesn't have running board, e-mail me. I just so happen to have a pair.
Oh, and if you find one with a dented rear bumper, e-mail me. I'm selling my rear bumper.

 

This should answer some of your questions:

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

Click on 4 Runner history.

It's a great site

 

Blue: nice plug :-) Happen to have an extra thingy that goes on the front to bump slow people? What's the proper term for it? That would probably be my first mod. The 4runner is a bit rear end heavy looking, so it balances it out nicely. How much $ do those run for a decent quality one?

pfdaxe: just what I was looking for

 

My thoughts exactly... He's as smooth as they come...

EDIT: You should see him leave a chat room...

 

2 more Q's:

1.) after the gasket upgrade it's clear sailing?
2.) is it possible to know myself if it's done or rely on their word at purchase time?

 

1) Only other thing I've heard was about a rear axle seal issue. Can't remember if it was an isolated incident or not.
2) Get the Vin# and call the dealer. They can check - it would be in their records if a dealer did it.

 

For the headgasket, call your local Toyota service center with the VIN. They can punch it into their computer and tell you. After that, there are no real problems with the 3.4L.

Bull bar? There are a lot of companies that sell bull bars for the 3rd gen 4Runner. The most expensive (and shiniest) comes from JAOS. Expect to pay $1,200+. If you're interested in one of those, e-mail Jason B.
TJM makes a couple front bumpers. The T-15 and T-17. You can see an image of both here. E-mail Mike @ Xtreme Off-Road , he'll hook you up and he's a great guy to talk to! I have a T-17 en route.
You can get a bumper from ARB for a Land Cruiser Prado, but some minor tweeking will have to be done to make it fit the 4Runner.
Your cheapest alternative would be a Smittybilt or Manik grille guard. They aren't as formidable as the TJM or ARB, but they look nice. Check out Performance Products for those.
Am I missing anything?

 

Which year would be the best? 97? 98? 99? Probably will be looking at 70k miles or so. I like the aesthetics of 1999+ but not sure if it's worth if I want to keep it at most 3-4 years 6-10k miles per year. Upgrade to new 4Run then

What would be the least troublesome year and with a good ride on asphalt?

 

99 and newer has better cupholders. Dashed mounted = instant shower.

 

I'll sell you mine for $55,000 .. this is a one time offer, it won't be on the table tomorrow

 

It's got Altezza?!?! I'LL TAKE IT!

 

New guy givin' you the business....

 

There must be at least 8 grand worth of ˟˟˟˟ on this truck, and all he sees is the altezza tail lamps?!?!?!
Forget it, no deal ... you wouldn't appreciate her.

 

I've heard that this is a great truck, decent price too!

http://community.webshots.com/user/4runner123

 

http://community.webshots.com/photo/...67935154UCCeoM

Curious what is that shifter form? Looks like it's got an auto and a manual in one. Wouldn’t that be nice!

Also, I'm yet to go test drive a few of them, how do they compare to say a Camry or Avalon in ride quality? I'll confess to liking the boat feeling and being disconnected from the road (partly why I want a heavy SUV) if it's hard on road are there any aftermarket springs for plusher/quieter ride?

 

that's the 4wd stick..hi, lo and neutral!!!

 

looks to me like this 4runner has a cracked windshield

 

4Runr,

If you want a nice plush ride, you ain't gonna get it from the 4runner---at least not the 3rd gen. I would hardly describe my 4runner's ride as plush. Don't get me wrong, its not overly harsh, but its hardly plush.

If you want to know what I'm talking about, drive these vehicles in order:

TRD Tacoma 4x4
3rd Gen 4runner
Toyota Highlander (not the 4runner sport model)

You will see that the Highlander rides better b/c its built on a car platform (Camry).

My buddy and I rode in his Nissan Murano on Wednesday and the thing is very comfy as compared to my 4runner. However, that thing would never be off-road capable.

Bob

 

I like to think of it as a tribute to spiderman!