[callmekurt]

I'm looking to buy a 4runner but I'm not sure what year to consider. It seems like the 99 is a good year for upgrades; I just don't think they're in my range.

So if earlier than 99, what years are good/bad. Is there much difference from a 96 to a 97 to a 98?

What should I consider?

thanks,

Kurt

 

[Pink Taco]

what do you want? 4 doors? removable top? wheeler?

84-89 two doors removable top 22R(E) or 3.0l (88 and above)
90-95 4 doors 3.0l
96-4 doors 3.4l v6

 

[Paul H.]

The 96 and 97 not sure about 98's V6 had a recall on the headgsaket and rear suspension and TSB on the fuel level. Make sure they have been done. With 99 and newer, you can get the locking rear diff with the sport package(highlander package for 99), they will have a hood scoop to indentify it. Hope this helps.

 

[callmekurt]

Yes thanks. Actually found two 99's in my range - a sport (with scoop!) and a limited. Can anyone explain the different drivetrain options btwn the two? Sport has the typical p/t 4WD. But what's the limited have - it's not an AWD variation is it?

 

[Valkyrie]

Yes thanks. Actually found two 99's in my range - a sport (with scoop!) and a limited. Can anyone explain the different drivetrain options btwn the two? Sport has the typical p/t 4WD. But what's the limited have - it's not an AWD variation is it?

The engines are all the same. Drivetrains are different. 1999+ limiteds have "multi-mode 4wd" which has a full-time 4wd option (open center diff), but still lets you lock the center diff (which functions same as taco 4wd)--this new multimode 4wd became standard on all 2001+.

 

[98 Taco]

The difference is the TRIM LEVEL:
Toyota offered a SR5 Highlander edition with the hood scoop and running boards and roof rack in 1999, then discontinued the package in lieu of their own HIGHLANDER SUV in 2000
The LIMITED is the BEST TRIM LEVEL with leather seating, heated seats are also a nice amenity.

 

[Darren K]

With 99 and newer, you can get the locking rear diff with the sport package(highlander package for 99), they will have a hood scoop to indentify it.

To clarify, the locker was offered from '96-'00. The Highlander/Sport started in 1999.

Nope. The drivetrains are all the same.

Incorrect. The '99 and '00 Limiteds did, in fact, add the AWD/full-time option. It became standard in 2001.

 

[callmekurt]

Can you explain that a little more - the AWD/Full-time option?

 

[SEAN_at_TLT]

The AWD option I believe is called "multi-mode".

Regardless of the exact years it was available, you can tell by the transfer case shifter. The SR5 trim level trucks have a traditional J-pattern xfer case shifter where the limited's have a push button 4wd (on the stick) with a J-pattern to get to 4-low/N. Sometime around ~2000, limited's and SR5's could be had with multi-mode which has a locking center differential (transfer case) that allows you to run either 2WD, 4WD or AWD. As cool as that is, there was never a 4Runner offered with both the multi-mode xfer case and a rear locker so you have to pick which suits your needs better...

 

[bamachem]

Nope. The drivetrains are all the same.

Nope. Guess Again.

SR5's came standard w/ the manual transfer case shifter - i.e. 4WD

Limited's came standard (option on SR5) with the "Multi-Mode" 4WD that offers 2WD, AWD, 4-HI, and 4-LO. The AWD is basically a selectable locking center differential that will allow you to drive on the street in AWD. You can still have 2WD as well. It's very versatile.

I think 99-00 Limiteds had the best options. For 1999 and 2000 models:

All limiteds have Multi-Mode 4WD.
Rear Locker was an option and is fairly common on limiteds.
All limiteds have 4.10 gears instead of 3.90 gears like on most of the SR5's.
All limiteds have automatic climate control

In 2001, they did away w/ the locking rear diff and added some stupid VSC stability control crap that you can't easily defeat. Also, on 96-98 and 2001-2002, they are 1" shorter than the 1999 & 2000 models. The coil springs on the 99's and 00's have one extra wrap and made them ride 1" taller. After the ford/firestone fiasco, toyota nixed the extra wrap and the rear locker and added VSC. YUK.

 

[Valkyrie]

you guys were right, I was thinking engines. Post edited accordingly.

 

[OregonTaco]

so would you say the 99 limited is overall best 4runner made?

 

[TACO 4X4]

IMHO an 85 is the best one...but for the years you are looking at '99-'00 would be the ones I would look for. Or you could switch to a '97 Land Cruiser, close to the same size, close to the same price, solid upfront and can get front and rear lockers.

 

[Renaud33]

IMHO an 85 is the best one.

I would have to agree with you. SAF and EFI.

 

[cb77DEMELLO]

I'm looking to buy a 4runner but I'm not sure what year to consider. It seems like the 99 is a good year for upgrades; I just don't think they're in my range.

So if earlier than 99, what years are good/bad. Is there much difference from a 96 to a 97 to a 98?

What should I consider?

thanks,

Kurt

If you want a 4runner with everything done to it let me know. I have a 96 with 35's re-geared to 5:29's, donahoe coil overs, DVD, GPS you name it it's got it! e-mail me if your interested. [email protected]

 

[OhNoes]

How much for that 96, Jason? What's the mileage?

 

[cb77DEMELLO]

How much for that 96, Jason? What's the mileage?

e-mail me and I will give you the break down. [email protected]

 

[callmekurt]

Well - I gones and dunnit. I sold my 03 Sierra Denali <sniff> and bought a 99 4Runner Highlander. I like it - I wish I coulda found a limited or at least got a multi-mode version, but they were really hard to come by in my area (Pittsburgh). Plus I got a good deal at $13k.

Thanks for all your help.

So what are the good 4runner-oriented forums I should troll?

thanks
Kurt
ps - It's good to be back in Toyota territory (former TTORA member: "opentaco" - 99 TRD Taco, 2" lift 33's)

 

[ONEWAY]

yotatech.com

 

[RDAWG]

i just bought an '02 SR5 4 runner with 107,000 miles and the multi mode for 11,995 in sacramento..i feel like i got a smoking deal....