I am not (yet) technical as you will read. I'm looking for a daily driver that I can also take off-road from time to time. I own a hi-mileage 99 SR5 w/o the locker and realize I need rear locker. Three things ... the button ... just to the right of the dimmer switch ... that is the rear-locker, right and it will be there on all 4x4 Ltds? Second ... all other things being equal ... which do you think is the best year 99-2002, and why? Last, the Ltd has the multimode transmission ... is that desirable?

Thanks for your opinion.

 

I also have a 1999 SR5 with out the locker (102,000 miles). We have great trucks for DD and off road. Like you, I wish I had the e locker. I plan to install a True Trac Limited Slip Diff. A e locker would be better. However, it's a non-standard install. It's difficult for me to find a shop that will install the e locker. I can find a shop that will install the True Track for $900 total.

1. Yes the RR Diff button is the e locker.
2. It is on most ltds, maybe all I'm not sure
3. The 99 is the tallest 4runner from the factory and it dosen't have the Vechicle Stability Control. That makes this year desirable
4. The multimode transmission is nice, it's not the best for off road, the straight 4 wheel drive transfer case you currently have is a better offroad option. The multi mode adds a center diff that sends power to the front and rear at different speeds. When traction is lost, the axel with out traction gets the power, that's bad for off road but good for on road in snow.

Maybe consider the tru trac as a way to take your current truck to the next level. Another option is to add the ARB air locker to your current 99 4runner. This will provide the same performance as the e locker with the option to also add a locker to the front. Actually, the ARB locker is the best but I don't know how much it costs for the install. Don't worry about high milage with these trucks.

 

a '99 5-speed with e locker is most desirable. It has the tallest springs, stock. I don't know anything about the multi-mode, sorry.

 

The mutli mode system also goes into H4L, which locks the center differential. So there is no difference to other 4WD and the off road capabilities.
The elocker is not on all Limiteds, but is most common in the Limiteds

 

where is a good place to but the tru trac lockers?

 

Doesn't really matter as long as it has a locker. Probably time to replace the coils anyway... A 99 with tall springs was the highest from factory.

 

pgarey,
Why do you want to get rid of the '99 you have now? High mileage? I wouldn't worry about that - it's a Toyota. Does it run good now? If you can't do the elocker retrofit yourself, it would probably be better just to put in an ARB locker for about $1500 installed an be done w/ it. They are on/off selectable just like the elocker and you can use it in 2wd, 4hi and 4low. I am really happy w/ mine.

The AWD would be a cool option, but not necessary at all for good off-roading, and surely (IMO) not worth selling the truck you have now just to get that. You can do everything in yours that an AWD model can do. It helps for added traction here and there w/o having to go into full 4wd, but really more for convenience, not for capability. If you hit a hard spot, you're going to use 4wd anyways.

If you could sell your truck and get a 4runner w/ less mileage and the elocker and AWD already in it, and not lose more than $1500 or so, I would consider it. Otherwise, just build your truck up. As for me, it's all about choosing the best options for my needs and building my truck into that. It's not as fun to just buy it that way, and when you buy used, you always run the risk of buying a POS.

 

You can find entire rear axles with with the elocker for less than $900. Then it would just be a matter of swapping axles

 

Thanks for the feedback.

You have me confused with someone with less than 10 thumbs. (I don't have time / ability to do my own work.)

The only way my truck is going to have a locker is if I pay someone to put it in, or replace it with a truck that has.

'99's manufactured with elock are very hard to find.

Maybe I should (a) keep my '00 and get a bolt-in rear LSD; or (b) buy an 01 or 02 LTD with the works already there.

FYI, my '99 has 175k ... always open for friendly feedback ...

Thanks again.