Need shopping help, model year changes?

[dirtdobber]

Did a brief search before posting, but still have questions.

Looking at the 100 series, mostly due to the modern interior and V8.
1) Were these ever offered from the factory with a front locker?
2) I understand rear AC was offered in 99. When operated by the driver, how does the AC know when to come on/off, how cold, and at what fan speed? The only switch I see in the dash is rear fan?
3) I am currently looking at 99-02 models. Are there any differences between these model years, any quality or reliability variances between these model years?
4) I understand the 03 offered a slightly different dash and 5 spd transmission. Are these improvements significant? Any quality/performance issues between the 5 spd of this year and 4 spd of prior years?
5) Would there be any reason to consider 03,04,05 models over the 99-02 other than age and mileage?

Thanks for allowing me to post and I look forward to your responses....Chad Knott in Cleveland, GA

 

[2000UZJ]

welcome. Another GA member! I'm in sandy springs.

1) no. Never offered with a factory front Locker, Only rear was offered on early 100's (98-99)

2) only way to change settings is if you have a really long arm. Th switch is on/off, so what it's set too. Is what ya get unless you climb back there to change it.

3) 98-99 had a 2 pin front diff ( more commonly blown) but the rear locker was good. No vsc ( ugh let's not go here) 2000+ have stability, and no lokers. They call it atrac, which works.... Just gotta give it gas and wait a sec, then you go bouncing and screaching up the hill. 2000 have the dreaded faulty ehaust manifolds and the bad trannsmissions ( very few). I have a 2000 it's been good to me Besides frigggin exhaust. It sucks. Quality? No comparison. I'd rather push my landcruiser to the dealership than ride in a LR or j**p... Well, in GA heat. I might consider if either had a/c ...

4) 5 SPd yes. 06+ had VVT-I which took the engine from 240 to 267. People say the difference is.... Smoother not really faster ( subjective in a such a sporty truck like the LC )

6.) if ya got the money. But the newest one! I'd your gunna use it as a mall queen and keep it waxed up , buy a newer one. If your gunna wheel it hard, buy a 98-99 and arb it.

Hope that helps

 

[hoser]

Looking at the 100 series, mostly due to the modern interior and V8.

The 03+ interior is even more "modern" than the previous years.

 

[LandCruisers4Life]

I have a 2004 and the interior is like the newer Range Rovers with really nice guages etc.

The 5 speed in the 2003 and newer has a lower range 1st.
In 2003, 5 speed transmissions still had a dip stick (you could change your own fluid) whereas my 2004 and newer it was taken away because WS transmission fluid is stated as "Lifetime" which I think is a crock. I plan on somehow swapping mine out with Amsoil WS ATF at some point in the future.

ARACO made all Land Cruisers up to 2004. After that they were made at various plants in Japan.

98-02 is the first batch of silimar 100s...
03-04 second batch. 2004 last ARACO only year.
05-07 third batch.

In other words, those batches all have similar stuff to them.

None of the 100 series ever had a front locker. If you are smart you will replace the front 2 or 4 pinion set up with an ARB Air locker set up and then forget about troubles others have had with the stock units. I have yet to do this but it is on my list of things to do. I am actually going to ARB the front and rear and change to 4.88 gearing when that time comes.

Good luck.

 

[Travis351]

Slee's got a good list of differences. Slee Off-Road 100 Series Newbie Guide

 

[dirtdobber]

thanks for the replies and great info.