Looking for a 97-01 4Runner, I think
07-06-2006, 12:06 PM
#1
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Looking for a 97-01 4Runner, I think
Granted I love my 2nd gen and it gets me from point A to point B no matter what the terrain, but I need more 
ESPECIALLY more power.
More suspension, more power, more everything. Sure lots of people will say I should get an engine swap, but my 4Runner works perfectly as is, and I think I could get a pretty penny for it as long as it runs well and is in excellent working condition. Also, I'd rather go to a truck (mostly the tranmission and axles) that was built for and around the 3.4l engine.
SO, my plan is as follows (it will be carried out about 1.5-2 years from now):
Start with:
3rd gen 4Runner with 3.4l (duh), Auto trans, factory rear locker.
To put on it:
TRD Supercharger & URD fuel upgrade kit, possibly supra injectors and underdrivers later... with headers and exhaust obviously.
Long travel supension front and rear.
--Many other goodies--
Basically I want to set this thing up for high-speed sand/dirt wheeling, while retaining some degree of drivability in rocks and road. Don't worry, it'll work
The main bias will be high speed stuff.
However, Four important issues have come up:
1) I'm definitely supercharging it, so I need 97 or later while still 3rd gen, but which would you say are the most amenable to be supercharged? Any suggestions on engine upgrades that are a must have with the supercharger (I already know fuel)?
2) I was looking at an 02 or 03 the other day, and it had full-time 4wd (aka AWD) with a center diff lock; but, I want part-time, as with a transfer case that can select 2wd. When was the last year these were made? 01? 00? Just curious.
3) How hard is it REALLY going to be to find a 4Runner with the rear E-locker? I'll be willing to drive a ways to get it, but maybe just switching the 3rd member will be easier (expensive as it may be).
4) I probably want an automatic for the ease of use, but might be willing to get a manual if people are worried about the power output (I'll be aiming for over 300 hp). Of course, the manuals are a pain in the nitty gritty off road (believe me I know, I have one right now), and of course, a manual with a rear locker is the rarest breed of 4Runner...
ESPECIALLY more power.More suspension, more power, more everything. Sure lots of people will say I should get an engine swap, but my 4Runner works perfectly as is, and I think I could get a pretty penny for it as long as it runs well and is in excellent working condition. Also, I'd rather go to a truck (mostly the tranmission and axles) that was built for and around the 3.4l engine.
SO, my plan is as follows (it will be carried out about 1.5-2 years from now):
Start with:
3rd gen 4Runner with 3.4l (duh), Auto trans, factory rear locker.
To put on it:
TRD Supercharger & URD fuel upgrade kit, possibly supra injectors and underdrivers later... with headers and exhaust obviously.
Long travel supension front and rear.
--Many other goodies--
Basically I want to set this thing up for high-speed sand/dirt wheeling, while retaining some degree of drivability in rocks and road. Don't worry, it'll work
The main bias will be high speed stuff.However, Four important issues have come up:
1) I'm definitely supercharging it, so I need 97 or later while still 3rd gen, but which would you say are the most amenable to be supercharged? Any suggestions on engine upgrades that are a must have with the supercharger (I already know fuel)?
2) I was looking at an 02 or 03 the other day, and it had full-time 4wd (aka AWD) with a center diff lock; but, I want part-time, as with a transfer case that can select 2wd. When was the last year these were made? 01? 00? Just curious.
3) How hard is it REALLY going to be to find a 4Runner with the rear E-locker? I'll be willing to drive a ways to get it, but maybe just switching the 3rd member will be easier (expensive as it may be).
4) I probably want an automatic for the ease of use, but might be willing to get a manual if people are worried about the power output (I'll be aiming for over 300 hp). Of course, the manuals are a pain in the nitty gritty off road (believe me I know, I have one right now), and of course, a manual with a rear locker is the rarest breed of 4Runner...
Last edited by mastacox; 07-06-2006 at 12:24 PM.
07-06-2006, 12:26 PM
#2
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If you want a factory locker, search for one rather than doing it later on your dime.
For an auto tranny and that much power, you'll need to do the vb upgrade. A s/c w/ all the goodies (not including the tranny) will run close to $5k for brand new stuff.
Factory locker stopped in '99 but the '00 and on have the central lock thingy you mentioned.
For an auto tranny and that much power, you'll need to do the vb upgrade. A s/c w/ all the goodies (not including the tranny) will run close to $5k for brand new stuff.
Factory locker stopped in '99 but the '00 and on have the central lock thingy you mentioned.
07-06-2006, 12:34 PM
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My 98 limited has the locker and a supercharger. I think all of the 97-99 limited came with the locker from the factory. Also, why not get one with a supercharger on it already? 99's had some upgrades (mostly amenities, I believe. i.e. auto climate control, digital odo, heated side mirrors, etc.) and those will be more expensive. A 98 like mine can be had for $10-11k.
07-06-2006, 12:51 PM
#4
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Thread Starter
Originally Posted by ebelen1
If you want a factory locker, search for one rather than doing it later on your dime.
For an auto tranny and that much power, you'll need to do the vb upgrade. A s/c w/ all the goodies (not including the tranny) will run close to $5k for brand new stuff.
Factory locker stopped in '99 but the '00 and on have the central lock thingy you mentioned.
For an auto tranny and that much power, you'll need to do the vb upgrade. A s/c w/ all the goodies (not including the tranny) will run close to $5k for brand new stuff.
Factory locker stopped in '99 but the '00 and on have the central lock thingy you mentioned.
Originally Posted by p nut
My 98 limited has the locker and a supercharger. I think all of the 97-99 limited came with the locker from the factory. Also, why not get one with a supercharger on it already? 99's had some upgrades (mostly amenities, I believe. i.e. auto climate control, digital odo, heated side mirrors, etc.) and those will be more expensive. A 98 like mine can be had for $10-11k.
I will definitely look to see if I can find one with a supercharger already, but I'm worried about it being driven hard with that supercharger and all (which is ironic, because i'm going to drive the heck out of this thing), seems safer to do the supercharger myself... Most importantly, this will not be my daily driver, so I can plan on doing almost everything in-garage...
07-06-2006, 01:07 PM
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depends on how many miles you are looking for
I almost bought a 99 locked runner for 13.5 with 100k miles and it was a limited.. God I wish I did but instead I have an atrac 01 sr5 sport with less miles and Im loving it.
99 would be the year Id go for but it depends. a 98 could be had for less then 10 too but it depends on how good you can haggle with someone.
I almost bought a 99 locked runner for 13.5 with 100k miles and it was a limited.. God I wish I did but instead I have an atrac 01 sr5 sport with less miles and Im loving it.
99 would be the year Id go for but it depends. a 98 could be had for less then 10 too but it depends on how good you can haggle with someone.
07-07-2006, 01:27 PM
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The problem with the limiteds is all of the body cladding and fender flares, since when I go with long travel I'll need fiberglass fenders, and they will look wierd...
Was the e-locker an option on the SR5 4Runner?
Was the e-locker an option on the SR5 4Runner?
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07-07-2006, 01:48 PM
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Yes, I've seen one SR5 in my area with an e-locker. It is a 99, so not sure if 98's had that option. I'd have bought it, but it was a 5sp. I need an auto because I commute.
http://saltlakecity.craigslist.org/car/177150376.html
http://saltlakecity.craigslist.org/car/177150376.html
07-07-2006, 03:09 PM
#10
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Originally Posted by Elton
not sure if autos had the option for the e-locker and 98 had the e-locker see my sig
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