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So was it only the limited models that had the option of a locking diff? And...was it available starting in 1996 or later.
Thanks,
Sean
This SUV has the vinyl/leather exterior coverings, masking its features. I can see extra "lights" for the headlights and turn signals. The yellow lights are in the covering, and what appears to be a second set of outboard headlignts, aren't There is also vinyl/leather on the doors. The grillwork seems to be uncovered.
I think it is a new 4Runner, but heavily disguised, to fool the camera :-)
I like the 01 system, because it really is a set-it-and-forget-it type of system.
Hope this helps.
Just out curiosity, does anyone know how the 4Runner anti-skid system responds to a tire blowout? As the Firestone/Explorer controversy showed us, this can be a key issue.
Sean
Believe it or not, I've already been in situations with the little RAV4 where it would have been helpful to have a locking rear diff. My Suburban had a limited slip diff that worked fairly well. I imagine, however, that the computer controlled system on the 2001+ models is pretty good off-road but I'd love to read more from people who've driven the new models in tricky situations.
All factors considered (in this extended search) I think best bang for the buck will either be a used 2001 SR5 or a 1999 Limited with locking rear diff.
Thanks as always for your input.
Sean
I am looking to buy a new car to replace my 2001 BMW 330ci, which was stolen about two weeks ago. Two weeks after I bought the BMW I feel in love with the Land Rover Discovery SE Series II. Now that I have a second chance I have been researching it and found it to be in the same price class as the 4Runner. Has anyone considered the Disco and the 4Runner while shopping? What are your thoughts of the Land Rovers now that they just finished 5 years with BMW and now are a Ford family product?
Please advise.
I have a 2001 SR5 and had had a 1998 SR5 and have taken both offroad. The 2001 is much better. With the center locking diff engaged I have been up 45 degree inclines over snow, rocks and mud while yawed to one side. I also took it through deep mud, over 1 foot, and got out no problem. The 1998, without the rear locking diff, was not as able. I think the 2001+ would be a better choice for offroading than an older model with the rear locker. A rear locker, is not a center locking differential, and only locks the rear diff. Further, the Trac control and ASC is really great in the rain and snow. Although I wish it could be disengaged.
Joe
Thanks, that's very helpful information. The older models of course (except the 99-00 limiteds) had no center diff at all and thus are always "locked" front to rear by the transfer case when in 4WD. That's a good point about the new system having a clear advantage on ice and snow. You mention wishing it could be disengaged, what situations make you want that?
I appreciate the reply.
Sean
So the question is: who has one and are there opinions as to which ones both look good AND work? Meaning: the one my grandpa has on his Ford diesel is 6" tall, red and works *great* (I think it probably throws stuff over the ten cars behind him too), but his ride looks like it's got Peterbuilt envy. I'm looking for something a little more upscale and a little less - ugly.
Suggestions?
Thank you -
Matt
Regarding the center locking diff on the pre 2001, my understanding is that although the center diff was locked, the front and rear diffs were still open, thus allowing one or two wheels to spin. On the 2001+, with the center diff locked and the Trac turned off, the front and rear diff are also locked. Thus you have all four wheels locked. and there is no slipping. I am not 100% if this is the case, but it is the impression I have gotten while driving both model types.
Joe
Yes, I considered both the Disco and 4Runner. Obviously, I chose the 4runner. There are lots of considerations when purchasing a vehicle. In the case of the 4runner, it met more of my needs than the Disco.
As far as reliability, I wouldn't know a thing about Discos. I suspect that they've improved over the last couple of years. That's the thing with 4runners, though. Reliability is generally never an issue.
Good luck in deciding.
"Regarding the center locking diff on the pre 2001, my understanding is that although the center diff was locked, the front and rear diffs were still open, thus allowing one or two wheels to spin. On the 2001+, with the center diff locked and the Trac turned off, the front and rear diff are also locked. Thus you have all four wheels locked. and there is no slipping. I am not 100% if this is the case, but it is the impression I have gotten while driving both model types."
Joe
If that's the case, it's very impressive. In the rare situations that you needed it, it would be like locking all three diffs on an LC80. I'm curious as to how it's possible though. Since the rear diff is an open unit only, how could it lock? Ditto for the front. I can certainly see how the computer system can trick the open diffs into sending power to the wheels with traction but I can't understand (yet?) what device would lock the front or rear diffs. I appreciate the post and look forward to reading more.
Cheers,
Sean
deflector). I am sure it has saved both my hood and windshield many times over. I went
with OEM Toyota deflectors and if memory serves me correctly (from Dec. 1996) the dealer
"threw them in" as part of the original deal. My windshield is still original though I have had
the hood repainted due to a close encounter with a golf ball that left it's own special crater.
I also bought a hood deflector when I recently purchased a Sequoia and am looking for a
sunroof deflector for that vehicle now.
Is it possible that the 2001+ models have posi traction? So that once once the Trac is turned off, and there is slip, the front and/or rear diffs lock up. And while the Trac is on the posi lock doesn't have the chance to kick in because the Trac will limit any slip by reducing power. The reason I think this may be case is because there is a significant difference in the offroad characteristics of the pre and post 2001. The pre-2001 would have wheel slip in deep mud and steep upgrades, while with the post-2001 there would be very little slip at any wheel.
Here is an article which indicates that there is posi lock, at least in the rear:
http://www.newcartestdrive.com/01/suv/01toyota4runner.cfm
Regards
Joe
Is this true? If so, how can you distinguish SC models from stock ones?
JP
http://www.trdsportparts.com/
I have not yet been able to find actual feedback from anyone who has installed this on their 4runner. You are correct that it is available for earlier models (1997 and newer I think). I am only interested in 2000 or newer models. I hope that someone out there has done this because I am seriously considering it. I am also now leaning toward a new 2002 4runner because of all of the incentives.
I am new to this chat board because I only recently began considering the 4runner. Cliff, you seem to be the most vocal resident expert (from what I have read). How about it, do you know much about the supercharger and exhaust systems? Has anyone at your dealership ever installed these? If so, did they cause increased service visits? My nearest dealership is 45 miles away? Nearest dealership of any kind (Ford) is 30 miles away. I don't want to do it if there are reliability problems. Thanks.
I don't know anybody with the TRD exhaust on a V6 but I know of two guys that have them on the Tundra. They claim a noticeable difference in power and I can hear a big difference in the sound.
I remember reading about your driving impressions and I remember thinking "either he doesn't remember how his old one did or the TRACS computer didn't shut off like I thought it would." I have actually played with a 2001 on ice and it did turn off the entire TRACS system when I locked the center. It is possible that Toyota changed the programming of this to leave on the braking feature now while still disabling the VSC. It is also possible that your center differential never actually locked up when you hit the button.
Having used the system myself, I have a hard time imagining a situation that I wouldn't prefer the unlocked mode anyway. Beach driving is about the only thing I can think of.
Thanks
JP
Go to post# 1540 and you can see the spy shot of of it being test driven in the snow. It is heavily disguised, front and sides. That is all I've seen so far on it.
Lok888,
I heard it will be released this fall.
He also told me that there are no plans for a 3rd row seat, which is contradictory to what I had heard before. He did tell me it is on the same platform as the RX470 but would look different. The Lexus version will have a 3rd row seat.
As for HP rating, no, he didn't tell me and I didn't think to ask. I would actually be surprised if he would know that at this point.
"82of 108 My Impression by buzzlight May 03, 2002 (05:24 pm)
In person, this thing looked really small, to me. It seemed low to the ground and the roofline also appeared to be low. It reminded me of the old Gremlin."
Thanks,
Sean
Three trim levels: SR5, Sport, Limited
V6 - 245 hp & 283 ft/lbs torque
V8 - 232 hp & 320 ft/lbs torque
All will have 5 speed transmission
V6 will be multi-mode 4WD, V8 permanent system (similar to Land Cruiser)
First 3 months of production will be only V8.
National launch date: October 15th
Is Cliffy correct on the lack of a third row seat?
Is the multi-mode 4WD the current system in the 4Runner? I am not familiar with that specific term.
National launch date. Is that when dealers can expect them on their lots, or what is the significance of that date?
Thanks for any additional information.
As for launch dates, the "National Launch" is the beginning of the advertising programs. We normally get the cars a month prior to the official launch.
Correct, there will be no 3rd seat.
New Colors:
Titanium Metallic
Galactic Gray
Impulse Red Pearl
Pacific Blue Mica
Stratsophere Mica
Blizzard White Pearl
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One comment on the engines, both the V6 and V8 sound really nice. I wouldn't mind having either one.
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Sean