minus a tow package

[MTDewX8]

what would i be missing if I bought a rig that had a tow package or NOT.
I know you can add a hitch easily, but is there any extra coolers that it wont have? both are 5 speeds

I am on the fence between a 97'T100 with 225k miles or a 00 4runner with much less but no tow package or roof rack. but its only got 117k miles and has the e-locker to boot.

anybody got some input besides "searching" cause I have been.

thanks ahead of time

 

[bowyer2002]

How much towing are you looking to do?
I'd opt for the 4-runner - less miles and more aftermarket options AND the e-locker.
You can install a hitch, tranny cooler to the 4-runner to extend its life, stouter rear suspension if necessary and bigger brakes if justified.
Just my .02.

 

[brian2sun]

The tow package on the 4runner consists of the tow hitch assembly and wiring. I took mine off and gave it away when I got my CBI rear bumper. I think they are ~$150-200 aftermarket or you could try to find one used for a lot cheaper. The tow package didn't come with anything else like a tranny cooler, lower gears, etc... just the assembly and the wiring for the trailer lights.

I would look around junkyards, you could probably find the hitch assembly and a roof rack for really cheap on a crashed 4runner. Wiring the lights for the trailer would be the toughest part and that isn't very hard either, just tap into your taillight wiring.

 

[MTDewX8]

that is what I thought, but wasnt' sure. I thought some times the autos get an extra cooler. but this is a 5 speed.
all stuff I can add, but dont think I will do the cooler cause I dont need to tow much or heavy. utility 5x10 trailer of yard crap, and my raft come summer.

it was just an informational question cause I have not seen the vehicle yet. they show up to town and I am getting a mech. to check it out before i drop my $ in two weeks.

the lack of roof rack is another issue that I might just buy the stock OEM one cause that will give me a place to put and add stuff too. and the placement is back farther than if I got a Thule/yakima one that would mount fwd by the doors.

 

[brian2sun]

that is what I thought, but wasnt' sure. I thought some times the autos get an extra cooler. but this is a 5 speed.
all stuff I can add, but dont think I will do the cooler cause I dont need to tow much or heavy. utility 5x10 trailer of yard crap, and my raft come summer.

it was just an informational question cause I have not seen the vehicle yet. they show up to town and I am getting a mech. to check it out before i drop my $ in two weeks.

the lack of roof rack is another issue that I might just buy the stock OEM one cause that will give me a place to put and add stuff too. and the placement is back farther than if I got a Thule/yakima one that would mount fwd by the doors.

As far as the racks go, you will have some black strips up there, but they are not the rails. I hope that makes sense, in other words the ones that don't have the factory rack still have covers that some might mistake as the rails, but they are useless.

 

[MTDewX8]

I saw those on a local 4runner today and asked the guy that owns the one I am looking at and he said there is no black strips on top. I was hoping so cause I would guess those black strips can be taken off and the OEM rack would go in there for easy mounting. I will see when i finally get to see the vehicle in person

As far as the racks go, you will have some black strips up there, but they are not the rails. I hope that makes sense, in other words the ones that don't have the factory rack still have covers that some might mistake as the rails, but they are useless.