What year 4 Runner to buy?

[fjatheart]

I've had a 1980 FJ-40 for the past ten years, but know would like to find a DD and something to trail. I basically want to eventually replace my wife's '04 Trailblazer with a Runner. What years should I stay away from, if any? Which ones have more after market parts, etc? (I'm sure the 1st generations are great, with solid axles up front, but with a 7 month old we need four doors.)

If this has been discussed...can you copy me a link???

 

[hoch]

I'd definitely stick to 3rd or 4th Gen's. What is your budget? If I were to get another 4Runner, I'd definitely get a 99 or 00 Limited with the rear locker. Or, if you have some cash to spend, the new 09 Trail Edition is sweet, too.

 

[fjatheart]

$10K-12K would be my topping out price. So are '99-'01 the only years with locking rear diffs?

 

[hoch]

No, 96-00 had rear lockers. 00-01's only had CDL, but also had VSC and TRAC. However, TRAC is very sensitive and I didn't like it at all on my old 02. 00-01 also had a multi-mode 4WD system and could be run in 4WD on dry pavement. 99-00, Limiteds only, had this same system, but did not have VSC or TRAC (which is a good thing, IMO. But if your wife is going to drive it, maybe it's better to have it). They also had the factory locker rears, which is to me, the best optioned out 3rd Gen 4Runner. Also, try to get a 99+ 4Runner, due to some of the upgrades in the interior. I had a 98 and could not figure out why they put the cup holder right in front of the vents??!!

They are within your price range, and you should be able to find one at a really good price. Good luck.

 

[black95]

I think you would be fine with any four door 4runner, the only thing about the 2nd gen is the 3.0 engine, not a fan favorite. I have a 2nd gen with a 4.3 vortec and it rocks. but if not into motor swaps, definately look to the 3rd gen for price and the 3.4, factory locker not really a big deal they are easily added.

 

[Hank]

I just went through this. I got a 97 (3rd gen) and am quite pleased with it. My wife and I and an infant and toddler all fit fine. There is even room for my St Bernard in the back.

 

[FlatlandTRD]

factory locker not really a big deal they are easily added.

Not in a 3rd gen, unless you get the whole e-locker axle assembly out of another 3rd gen. Previous generations can be retrofitted with an e-locker as the 8" thirds are very similar to the e-locker thirds, but not at all to the non e-locker 8.4" thirds.

Also would have to consider that the e-lockers usually came with 4.30 gears, and the only way to match the front is buy gears from Toyota. Or regear both to 4.56, etc.

But there's plenty of 99-00 4runners out there, and they are not selling fast, just check yotatech. They are great on the trails as well as a DD. I'd love to have one, especially if I could drop it off at BruceTS's to duplicate his.

 

[Hank]

There are three decent write ups I found for retrofitting the factory E-locker. Full housing certainly makes it easier but is not essential. The 4.30 gears shouldn't be an issue if a person is happy with the existing 4.10's. It is my understanding that the 4.30's can be removed and the 4.10's installed on the e-locker carrier. Using a recylcling yard search I did locate a 4.10 E-locked diff with 48,000 miles for $550. This took about one hour to find.

 

[FlatlandTRD]

The write-ups refer to pre 96 8" thirds. However, I didn't realize that the 96-02 non e-locker axles in the 4runners were 8" and not the 8.4. Interesting. It's still a lot of work, and pain. With the availability it would just be easier to get what you want the first time.

 

[Duane]

yes 10 - 12K puts you in the price point of a 3rd gen I suspect... I agree with the others on looking around at the selection and find what you want..rear locker and auto or manual..... clean body, good tires and a good service history

I also agree with a newer 3rd gen to get away from that crazy cup holder in the dash that I have...pretty much a fluid launcher
Not sure I would get one with the fancy wheel flares... they seem too complicated to me to repair if broken . just my 2 cents

 

[Matt60]

i've got a friend that wants to sell his 00' ready to go 40K on it...
its got some minor body damage and what have ya

this pic is from a few years ago but it still looks the same last time i saw it...

 

[Matt60]

and another

 

[GRM]

95.5+ Tacomas got the 8.4 3rd, the 4runner still had the 8", so yes, the Elocker is an easy retrofit (or get an ARB...)

I much perfer a newer 4Runner with the V8 and Atrac. But then, thats a $20-25k truck.