A grenaded front diff is the best argument you can have to convince your wife you need a front locker. That and an available factory rear e-locker made me search for an early 100. Having an overall simpler car is the gravy on top.
1998 and 1999 the best 100 series you can buy?
- Thread starter jblatl
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A grenaded front diff is the best argument you can have to convince your wife you need a front locker. That and an available factory rear e-locker made me search for an early 100. Having an overall simpler car is the gravy on top.
Exactly, reznunt. Having a plausible explanation for upgrades and mods is a required skill when presenting the 'need' to one's wife. This is a skill honed over many years of Cruiser ownership. I have not grenaded my 2 pinion yet, but let's just say my wife has known for years that this is a very real possibility!
Most of the time it is backing up fully locked... if you avoid that, most other situation are pretty good to go. But a front ARB solves this issue
Somebodyelse5
16124-75030
Don’t forget that ot’s sognificantly easier to find the earlier100’s...Toyota imported significantly less each year approaching 2007. Will look for source with the actual numbers
Most of the time it is backing up fully locked... if you avoid that, most other situation are pretty good to go. But a front ARB solves this issue
If you have the weak two pinion front diff from 98/99, chances are it is not locked.
joseywales
Renaissance Redneck
joseywales
Renaissance Redneck
I’m pretty sure he means tires turned to full lock, with center dif locker. Or maybe just the doors locked?
Simple and locked - sounds like more of an argument as to why choose an 80 over a 100....
- Thread starter
- #29
I do miss my 80 sometimes, but the additional power, more leg room for me, rear AC for the kids, and the ability to set the cruise at 80 mph all make that argument go away for me.
The 80 was so perfect in so many ways though.
The 80 was so perfect in so many ways though.
I have a '98 LX and love it. I'm clearly biased. I like the non-integrated AC controls (I can select my own head unit). The 4-speed tranny isn't a big deal and neither is the "weaker" 2-pinion front diff. My budget at the time kind of angled me towards an older model. I had (until last Thursday) a 2016 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited with every single electronic do-dad available (eyesight, etc) and, while nice in some ways, was WAAAAAAY too intrusive. The car would beep constantly and was WAAY too interactive. I really like the simplicity of my '98. That's why I elected to sell my Outback
I went with the 99 specifically for the rear diff lock since we do a lot of harder trails. My last 80 was only center locked and it was a bummer.
However I do wish I had the 5 speed trans for heading up to Big Bear. it can be a bit of a struggle getting that sweet spot rpm on the 4 speed.
However I do wish I had the 5 speed trans for heading up to Big Bear. it can be a bit of a struggle getting that sweet spot rpm on the 4 speed.
trdcorolla
SILVER Star
I know how you feel, when I went up to Big Bear last time, I let lots of cars pass me on the way up, haha.
I drove up there last week too! I turned off O/D off and Power Mode. Kept the car from shifting up and down. I was in powerband basically the whole time. But bye bye MPG!
I think these years are the best, but I'm biased too. I've got a '99 100 series cruiser posted on craigs list in Hou TX for sale - check it out. Best vehicle I've ever owned - bar none! I'm second owner (bought at 18,800 mi), never been in salt, has never been off-roading (dirt roads yes, but not the real thing), has been meticulously maintained and has been garaged its entire life. It has never been smoked in nor pulled other smelly service (like hauling wet dogs). It is factory original - no modifications of any kind (except radio), all major maintenance and repairs throughout its life have been done at the dealership and with OEM parts, and everything fluid changes etc. done on time throughout its life. I have all receipts for the life of the car. The post also describes all recent maintenance. 258K mi. I'll be posting it here - need to upgrade my membership level first to be able to...!
- Thread starter
- #35
Well, picked up another 100 with a rear locker, sold my 1999 and missed it so much. Had my brothers 2003 for a while and the 5 speed was nice but the character of the early 100 wins me over. It is getting harder and harder to find these truly rust free well maintained examples. This one has lived in Marietta its whole life.
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