Hi, I am looking to get a 4runner soon, and I have seen threads on upgrading the interior pieces on 96-98 to the 99+ pieces such as the radio bezel, and I was wondering what the difference between them is, and also, what are some other worthwhile upgrades to do between the model years. BTW I searched, but couldn't find an answer, thanks.

 

a quick reference for you may be bob's writeups at 4runners.org. he changed a few flight 1 pieces to flight 2 pieces with writeups. i've done the center console and overhead console, but don't have the visual cues that bob does.

 

If you are yet to get a 3rd gen then many of us would politely just encourage you to watch for a 99-00 or 01-02 flight vehicle.

The interior changes from a 98 to a 99 or newer are frequently done for the cupholders-which leave the dash and move to the center console area.

You can avoid a lot of that hassle by just moving up a year or two....

 

hahaha- yeah, that works too

the extra money i spent on the 99+ parts could/should just be worked into your purchase price (maybe just keep in your mind that the added price for a newer vehicle could include upgraded interior, plus the obvious odo reading, elocker, etc...)

center console ~$100-150 for complete setup, plus labor
overhead console ~$50, plus labor
radio bezel =$$$, plus intense labor/wiring
etc...

plus the '99 has the higher springs, updated steering wheel (done in '98), acc. outlets, front and rear, and on and on...

LINK to generation changes.

 

Do yourself a favor & try to get a '99 & up 4Runner. Otherwise you'll always be jealous

It's not just the interior, but the headlights & tail lights are different too.

Paul