3rd Gen. 4Runner Info

[lockd-97]

I know my way around 1st and 2nd gen. 4runners, but not 3rd's. Yep, I did a search too. Any major tips, problems, things to look out for or a specific model I should be looking for? All your suggestions are helpful. I've owned four 4runners over the years, but am just starting to look at these.

 

[hoch]

Which years are you looking at? What will you be using this for? That will help.

Usually 96-98's are cheaper and so they make good trail-only vehicles. 01-02 4Runners have VSC/TRAC and a multi-mode 4WD system (can run 4WD on dry pavement), so it's a more family (wife)-friendly vehicle. It has no rear locker available (only CDL).

But if this is for a DD/weekend wheeler, 99-00's seem to be the best. Try to find a Limited, which has the multi-mode 4WD system and a rear locker. They only come in auto for Limiteds. You can get an SR5/Highlander(sport edition w/ the scooped hood) if you're looking for a manual transmission.

Generally, there aren't many problems. Rear axle seals tend to blow. Little things like sway bar endlinks get broken, steering rack bushings wear out around 100k, and 01-02 auto transmissions seem to have a planetary gear problem (few, but still there). Other than that, if the maintenance was done, they are solid vehicles. Highly recommended.

Feel free to ask any other questions.

 

[lockd-97]

Most likely, 99' would be the newest. Maybe an 00'. It would be a daily driver and wheeled on vacations. We just sold a 97 FZJ80, the fuel cost's were just killing us. What is "multi mode 4x4"? Do all limited's have a rear locker? Thanks!

 

[1973Guppie]

I owned a 98 and it was the best vehicle I have ever owned, miss it.....

 

[Happy Trails]

No problems with my 2001 Ltd 4wd. Pretty damn good on the trail as well. The VSC/Track saved our butts in a blizzard on I-80 near Laramie. Cars and trucks were sliding off the road everywhere but not
us. I'm hoping the 2010 model looks a bit more like the 3rd Gen. My Dad has a 2004, and while I don't deny that it is superior in many ways to mine, I just can't get used to the looks of it. I could use some more HP and torque for towing a 25' Airstream Safari I plan to purchase.

 

[lockd-97]

Were there any changes between late 90's (98', 99') and the 00'?

 

[Jetboy]

With gas prices what they are, I'm glad I can run in 2wd most of the time. I have a 96 limited 4wd auto. No complaints. I was actually planning to buy a newer one, but found this one in great shape and bought it. I average about 20mpg in mixed driving and have achieved ~25 at 70mph on the highway, but I usually get 22ish. That's considerably better than EPA estimates. I did swap on FJCruiser wheels and tires which are essentially street tires. I have a cruiser for wheelin. The early 99's have the tallest springs, and the late 2000 and on were the lowriders of the bunch. There was also a minor facelift in 99 IIRC which changed mostly the front bumper and a few interior things like the consul.

I remember reading something about the 3rd gen being lighter than the 2nd gen. Not sure. I would look for a 3.4l v6 as they seem to have similar mileage as the 4cyl, but better power. Also certain models came with bigger front brakes. Mine cannot fit 15" wheels over the calipers, but I also haven't had brake problems that I've heard others complain about.

I guess I don't know much else. Does anyone know if the 80series transfercase is a bolt up swap? I thought they were the same auto tranny. If that was the case it would be a cool build to put volvo portals under one.

I wouldn't plan on putting tall folks in the back seats, but I have enough room at 6'2" in either front seat.

Oh, one more thing. I read an article comparing the 3rd gen 4runner to the GMC jimmy/ s10 Blazer and the actual field data showed that there were 25 times as many deaths per mile driven in the blazer. The 3rd gen 4runner was the safest in its class in actual deaths per mile on the road. I trust that number more than crash test ratings.


This site has most of the info on model year differences http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist31996.html

 

[CDUFF7]

Glad to hear the 3rd gen is safer than those other vehicles. Thank you for the info, learning something new everyday on this forum.

 

[VA Runner]

Agree with all the other positive comments. I have a '97 Limited (original owner) with only 88K. It has been a great vehicle... the original Panasonic battery lasted 8 years.

I have heard many say that '99 is the best year for 3rd gens.

 

[apeterson]

I just got a 98 limited (3 weeks or so ago) so far it has been a great truck... got as good as 23.6 mpg but seem to get about 19mpg most of the time

 

[Lka1988]

I have a 96 with locker, its a great truck, but the 99 is one inch taller, 2000 they lowered it back down because roll over statistics, so the best years would be 98 to 99, my .02 cents.

EDIT: That was my buddy, not me.

 

[raydouble]

Some info on 3rd Gen
Toyota 4Runner - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[ric]

most would say that 99 with a locker is best, and the reason is, the 99s springs are 1" longer, than the 98 and 2000 models, but if your going to lift it, it dont matter, lol.
Id look for one with the E-locker.
Oh and I have 210,000 miles on my 99

 

[BOGDOG]

97 4runner

I just picked up a very clean 97 SR5 with a 5-SPD and the E-Locker. It just turned 100K. My only issues is at 6'5" my head hits the roof where it is lowered around the sunroof. I have been driving an 85 SR5 and it had more head room and was easier to get into.

 

[BOGDOG]

97 4runner

I just picked up a very clean 97 SR5 with a 5-SPD and the E-Locker. It just turned 100K. My only issues is at 6'5" my head hits the roof where it is lowered around the sunroof. I have been driving an 85 SR5 and it had more head room and was easier to get into. Are there any decent looking front bumper/grill guard combos available?

 

[racedirt1]

Are there any decent looking front bumper/grill guard combos available?

Here is my bumper, still waiting for the funds for the winch, and sliders. Got it from Adam @ 4xinnovations. I have since blacked out my grille and it looks much better.

 

[FlatlandTRD]

Lockd-97, you can't go wrong with a 3rd gen, hope you find one.

I will second Adam at 4xinnovations, great guy, fun on the trails, and awesome products. Looks good racedirt1!

Ric's 4rnr isn't too bad either. How bout a new thread with a little write up and eye candy Ric?

 

[CDUFF7]

I like Racedits's bumper, very well done!

 

[apeterson]

I have decided the only thing I dont like is the cup holders in a 98 and the fact that I can not even go much over 300 per tank of gas...

 

[CDUFF7]

"squeek squeek splash splash" That is how one guy describes them on Yotatech, at least the in dash ones, not the center console ones.