1999 versus 2000 Landcruiser

Going to get my first LC. Wondering if anyone has any words of wisdom with the differences in the 4wd driveline for the model year 1999 versus 2000 LC 100? I will use this vehicle for general off-road travel (gravel, dirt, mud, snow, etc....nothing extreme like Rubicon!).

I would appreciate any input.

99 had a rear locker option.

2000 added several safety features including VSC, traction control and an enhanced IFS.

Always buy the newest Landcruiser you can afford, that is in the best condition you can find. They are all better than any other SUV you can buy

Pitbull said:

Always buy the newest Landcruiser you can afford, that is in the best condition you can find. They are all better than any other SUV you can buy

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I agree. When I started looking, I found a nice low mileage 84 for 6500, then a real nice 90 for 8500, then a 92 for 10,000. I kept finding newer ones for just a little more money. I opted for a 99 with high miles and good history for 20500 summer 2003, which in retrospect was still more than I could afford but makes me smile everytime I climb into it.

hank14 said:

I agree. When I started looking, I found a nice low mileage 84 for 6500, then a real nice 90 for 8500, then a 92 for 10,000. I kept finding newer ones for just a little more money. I opted for a 99 with high miles and good history for 20500 summer 2003, which in retrospect was still more than I could afford but makes me smile everytime I climb into it.

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I've spoke on this subject a lot. Searching will turn up some interesting threads. Quickly though, let me point out a few things then share a post from a different thread below.

1. For a daily driver that'll get some mild to medium off-road use, the AvtiveTrac controlled 100's are much superior to non-traction controlled models. 2000+ is the way to go for both on AND off-road.
2. For a ride that'll also see some serious off-roading, don't think a rear locker model is superior to an ActiveTrac model. I ran serious trails in my 2001 (up to 3.5+ trails) and NEVER was stiopped or really struggled compared to 80's WITH lockers.
3. For a serious trail rig, I'd still opt for a 2000+ model even for a high price difference. Two reasons. 1. If you're gonna be really serious off road, you'll add an ARB front locker and compressor to a 98-99. To add a rear one too doesn't run that much more. In the tough stuff, a 2000+ allows for locked rear and traction controlled front. This allows for full turning capability while adding traction a 98 or 99 can't. If it super bad, then lock the front though it's a RARE occurance for me. The less you can lock your front the better.

The traction control in the 100 works so well I find it invaluable. I'd pay a HIGH premium to obtain it in a used vehicle. Proabably $5000 worth, though I have it already and can justify that amount based on my experience with it. Check this real life scenario out. A scenario that shows a locked rig can't climb and a traction controlled rig could:
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Get this: We went up to Mt. Lemmon Saturday. 8500 feet, snowpacked and icy cuz it had been a week since it last snowed. 2 things happened that day:

1. We were driving one of the VERY FEW open roads that were not plowed. Some bonehead stopped and blocked the road and there was only one way to turn around.....straight UP the mountain slope...ice/snow covered. I turned the 100 intending to climb the slope. Soon as we began climbing the ActiveTrac began chattering away. I kept light on the gas and in about 15 seconds was climbing the snow/ice grade at such an angle my new SLEE BUMPER was touching in the ground! ON THE ICE...WITH TRACTION CONTROL! I backed down, tried again with locker then lockers on and simply slided sideways without climbing. The lockers were totally ineffective. Go ActiveTrac! Friggin 100's are amazing!

2. On the way down there was a Tahoe stuck in a ditch on the side of the road. As we came, a Chevy 1500 P/U was leaving. It was not successful in recovering the Tahoe. I put the 100 in place...half in the ditch and half in the snow...only one wheel was on pavement, strapped to the Tahoe using my Slee bumper (Christo...it's solid man!) and out he came. Friggin Cruisers RULE THE WORLD.

Everybody out there looking for 100's? PAY THE EXTRA DOUGH, grab a 2000+ with traction control, then add a locker(s). That traction system ROCKS (get it?)!!

So pre-2000 has no ATRAC at all?
I agree the ATRAC is fantastic

Nope. You can add a locker to a 98 and 99. Even a better and stronger ARB locker.

You can't add ATRAC and ASC.

Is the ATRAC what is in the 98-99 LX470's?

what is ASC?

I don't think even Lexus had TRAC AND ASC until 2000? It was really added because the 98 and 99 Cruisers tipped on 2 wheels in testing, forcing a non-recommended status. 2000 made the change and the trucks were then safer.

ASC = Active Skid Correction (works amazingly)

Back at Mt. Lemmon I'd stop on ice, then punch the gas. Here's the results:

Locker(s) ON (no traction control): Would take off fast but slide to one side though I'd try and go straight.

Lockers OFF (ActiveTrac): Would take off just as fast and track straight. It was amazing!

OK, they renamed it VSC now. ATRAC & VSC.

I know that the LX470's never had the e-locker option, but rather had some sort of limited slip or traction control in the first two years. Wasn't sure if it was TRAC or not.

I should probably know considering we've got a 99 LX, but just never took the time to find out, I guess.

It should light up on your dash IP when you start up, shocker... I think.

Schotts, your killing me. I've been looking for a damn 98-99 with the rear locker. Now I'm looking for an 00. ARGHHH

Now only one question. When all this fancy crap breaks, how many thousands more will it cost to fix???

It's a toyota. Chances are it won't break until long after you've sold it. Saaayyy.... 250K or so.

calamaridog said:

Schotts, your killing me. I've been looking for a damn 98-99 with the rear locker. Now I'm looking for an 00. ARGHHH

Now only one question. When all this fancy crap breaks, how many thousands more will it cost to fix???

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90K hard miles on my 2001 and no issues. Can't tell ya, though it doesn't add a lot. It just uses your ABS and ABS sensors. There are some other new sensors and obviosly some chip that controls it. I'm not concerned at all. It uses what's already there anyhow (your brakes) so it can't be that much. J

from ShottsUZJ100
"though it doesn't add a lot."

Ok so so has anyone looked into what would be required to add this hardware to the 98s and 99s. I too would pay the $5000 premuim if it was possible.

NMuzj100 said:

from ShottsUZJ100
"though it doesn't add a lot."

Ok so so has anyone looked into what would be required to add this hardware to the 98s and 99s. I too would pay the $5000 premuim if it was possible.

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I'd doubt you could add it. YAW sensors, TRAC talks to the ABS, the main CPU, effects throttle, etc. I really doubt it, though I don't of anyone trying. I think it makes most sense to just lock and be happy if you don't have the TRAC in the first place. I've never heard of an owner adding a traction control system later on any model vehicle...but that's just me.

If I had a 98 or 99 with dual lockers I'd be really happy even though a 2000+ dual locked rig is an improvement. There's always something better out there. (Most of the time)

For spessomon :

2000 also got the stronger front differential. ( 2000 sounds like the sweet spot for equipment)

Next major improvement would be 2003 for the 5 speed auto.

ShottsUZJ100:
"I've never heard of an owner adding a traction control system later on any model vehicle...but that's just me."

Me either and I doubt I'm the one to try it for the first time. I guess if I'm in a situation locked up in the rear with a loose tire up front I'll just apply some brakes manually to slow the spinner down and see if I can get them both to roll with some gas. I've experienced some success with this technique on other 4x4s but have not tried it in the crusier.