What's the best year of the 3rd gen 4 runner?

[patman8800]

I just got a 99 SR5, 103,000 miles and I absolutely love it!

-Patrick

[Good Times]

Patrick,

I believe it's the 99 highlander w/ the 5 speed 4x4 elocker.

[patman8800]

Okay, so the highlander is basically a 4 runner??

-Patrick

[Bob98SR5]

ditto above. out of the box with the taller springs, it was one of the more desirable 4runners. 99s had problems with the gas gauge (EL 010) but other than that, right out of the box, you could wheel most trails

bob

[Good Times]

back in 99 the 4runner had a package called "highlander" which is pretty much what bob said. hope this helps.

[patman8800]

I guess you can learn something new everyday!

Thanks for the input!

[bamachem]

the "Highlander" package SR5 4Runner (1999 and 2000 model years) were the predecessor to the "Sport Edition" 2001 and 2002 4Runners. They had the scooped hood and color-keyed bumpers, regular SR5 flares, and tag garnish.

the 99 and early 2000 4WD 4Runners had 1" taller springs than any other year for that generation. they are the first years for the new style bumper/lights, and for the newer style console. also new for '99 was the multimode AWD transfer case. most consider the 99/00 to be the "best" 3rd gens - if there is such a thing.

WELCOME!

[bigarms23]

i have a 96 4runner i like it because of the manual tranny

[YotaFun]

I personally think that the 'best' year for the 4Runner was the 99/00 Limited Edition of the 4Runner.

They had that wonderful multi-mode shift transfer case, e-locker, all bells and whistles, and I thought it had the taller springs as well.
Just needed the hood scoop and the color-keyed bumpers and it would have been perfect.

Though I have a 97 4Runner and I love it Just as much as all the others :-)

[paddlenbike]

In my mind, it's all about the manual transmission. There is a huge difference in driveability between the auto and the 5 speed.

Personally, I would like a 2002 Sport Edition in thundercloud metallic gray with 99-00 coils, a 5-speed and the elocker. :)

[4x4mike]

Patrick,

I believe it's the 99 highlander w/ the 5 speed 4x4 elocker.


This is what I have (in green) minus the locker. I might get around to getting one one of these days but I haven't needed it yet. The only time I've needed a tug on the trail is when I stupily stuck my self in a big v crack and got high centered on my sliders. I don't think a locker would have helped anyways.

[xcmountain80]

In my mind, it's all about the manual transmission. There is a huge difference in driveability between the auto and the 5 speed.

Personally, I would like a 2002 Sport Edition in thundercloud metallic gray with 99-00 coils, a 5-speed and the elocker. :)


Oh the thundercloud scheme is the bomb.

Aaron

[YotaFun]

Step dad has an 02 Sport Edition in the ThunderCloud.
I need to do the suspension on his truck as it practically sits on the bump stops now...

The day it becomes mine it will be getting a locker :-)