hey i am looking to get a 4runner and was wondering which year had the rear locking differential. i would like to raise it alittle and get some bigger tires to do some off roading. thanks alot.

I do believe they are only in 3rd generation Limited 4runners. 96-02. I think you can get them as an option on SR-5s, but a good deal on one would probably be less likely to happen than a good one on a Limited (and you get leather and a sunroof, and power everything, cd player, cc, ac, all that stuff)

what is the rear locking diff.

it is where both rear wheels lock together so that they both rotate at the same speed and get the same power. it really helps with offroading and things like that.

Locking rear was not an option on first generation 4Runners, at least when I bought my first 4Runner new in '89 I couldn't get it, nor was it available on '85 trucks (bought a XtraCab 4x4 Toy truck new in 85, actually got to order that one after spending lots of time with the option book). It was a standard feature on my '96 4Runner Limited and it does work, I've used it to get unstuck! I don't know if it was available on 2nd generation 4 Runners.

Love them 4Runners. They go forever. I've got 230,000 on my '96 and put 240,000 on my '89.

You can find that information in these references for each of the generations. You can find optional and standard equipment.

http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist1.html
http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist2.html
http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist3.html

Lockers were standard on all Limited models from 1996 through ~2000 I believe in 2001 they went to a multi-mode transfer-case with a center locking differential. Lockers were also an option on SR5 and Sport edition trucks from 1996 through ~2000. The locker is the the single most useful off-road upgrade regardless of tires size or suspension travel. You would be looking at spending about $1000 minimum to retrofit a locker so be sure to get one stock.

The locker is the the single most useful off-road upgrade regardless of tires size or suspension travel. You would be looking at spending about $1000 minimum to retrofit a locker so be sure to get one stock.

This is excatly why I LOOOVE to go 4wheeling and have to help pull out a whole bunch of lifted jeeps that think they're unstoppable. I just come in with my totally stock 4runner, switch on the locker and bam, all of a sudden they wish they had bought a toyota and realize jeeps are only good for making people think youre "rugged".

This is excatly why I LOOOVE to go 4wheeling and have to help pull out a whole bunch of lifted jeeps that think they're unstoppable. I just come in with my totally stock 4runner, switch on the locker and bam, all of a sudden they wish they had bought a toyota and realize jeeps are only good for making people think youre "rugged".

sounds awesome. I want to get one of those 4 runners so bad.

sounds awesome. I want to get one of those 4 runners so bad.

Good idea man. Try and get a supercharger as well, (very rare, unless you have 2-3,000 to dop on it) I have one and beat 5.9 jeeps n durangos all the time. Hemis are no problem, i can even beat v-8 mustangs. Looooovve them toys :iceslolan :grinno: