Those yeats mainly fpr creature comforts where changes a bit in the 98 year. Should only be looked at as a boat amchor. 96-02 if thats the model you want get a 96-99 some limited models had the electric locker in the rear. It wasn't offered in the later years of the 3rd generation 4runner. I dont like the 00-02 models because the transfer case that was in them. Theres nothing wrong with the case i just like simple things. Ive got 2 now one 1997 with 330k on it and one 1996 with 240k on it. The 96 ive got to lut a motor in becasue the guy i bought it from put 120k miles on it and never changed the oil in it. The 4th generation had a v8 as a option which os also full time 4wd.

Sorry I left 2dogs off my list but yea I think he knows a thing about them to.

blasphemy

Definitely stay away from the 3.0s in the 95-priors. The 3rd gens (96-02) are great with very few common issues. We had a 2000 that slung a rod at 120k miles. Luckily, all maintenance had been done by the previous owner and my FIL at the dealership, so Toyota covered it even out of warranty bc it was a freak failure. We now have a 2003 that's been good so far too. Just be prepared to pay a pretty penny for any 4Runner. I am on t4r.org and it has been a wealth of knowledge for me over the years.

Here's a good "3rd gen buyer's guide" from there: 3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide

Here's one for the 4th gens: Pre-Purchase Info, Modifications, Write-Ups, Quick Links, and FAQ's

Educate me please, what's not to love about those T-cases?

They're awesome. Last you forever

I had an 03 limited with 110k. Zero issues. It was all wheel drive with the 4.7 v8. 18 mpg with 265/70r17 all terrains. Had factory locker in the front and rear. The thing would go anywhere. Think I paid around 10,750 a few yalears ago. I regret getting rid of it and want another one bad.

Got 260k on my 96' fo runner.. 3.4 w/ 5 speed. Its a champ and id drive it anywhere.

Definitly get 4x4, youll regret it later if you dont

The center differential disconnect i think toyota calls it CDL, is what I'm not fond of.

Heres you a well described differences with the year brakes and how each one works. Figired it be easier yo read this link then me try and explain it.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4...multi-mode.html

If any of you are curious to whats behind the plastic timing cover heres you some pictures of a 3.4 v6 timing belt,idler assembly, water pump,cam seals and crank seal replacement looks like. I dont this one a couple weeks ago all factory toyota parts used back. I didnt get any pictures of the old stuff that came off.

Good info here. Thanks for the link

Definitely stay away from the 3.slow. I had a limited and it was a sharp ride and after the 2nd head gasket it was a yard ornament and I practically gave it away. It lacked a lot of power.

Thanks for posting!
I'm surprised there weren't more 5 Sp models produced

A 3rd gen 4 runner w/ manual trans is kinda rare.. i love mine

had a '92 3.0 that had a warped head replaced a couple of times under warranty and then they replaced everything but the block on recall, before i sold it for a hunting camp vehicle years later. that was a tough machine when the motor was healthy...aptly named 'billy goat'! it was also light enough that i pushed it out of a couple of lightly "stucks" (slick lipped holes or slick shallow ditches) and not have to walk a few miles (rode in the back covered in mud, head to toe, more than once).

I think I'm following ya, manual stick engagement versus electric solenoid engagement. When I ordered my 98 Chevy 2500, I got it with a stick versus push buttons . Found out later the stick just works switches , they both work the same at the case.

I was always worried about the chains , but they are plenty tough. Auto tranny's are common out west in trail rigs, so you have a chain in the T-case . I reckon bout every 4x4 is chain drive nowdays.

I wouldn't purchase a 2004 or 03 in Gen 4. My 04 had head gasket issues after 150,000 miles. Said a new engine was the fix and its a fairly common issue in that engine after 150,000 miles. I drove it for 8 years with no problems before that now have driven a 2014 for 2.5 years with no problems and drove Tacomas before I changed to 4 Runners with no problems. See link below. I think the issue was fixed in 2005.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4...usand-time.html

So how difficult is a 3.4 conversion into an earlier model?

1999 models sat about 1.5" taller from factory due to the springs used in 99. The 3rd gens are hard to beat and you can find a 4x4 with miles in the 160k + range for around $6500

My brother in law had a 92 with the 3.0 and it was good when it was running. But it stayed in the yard more than on the road. But I don't think you can go wrong with a 22R. I don't know of anyone who hates a 22R.