We are looking at a 99 SR5 4runner w/ the following:
-3.4/auto
-leather interior
-rear diff.lock
-285/16 MTR's
-no running boards
-color matching bumpers (not chrome)
-all service records included, timing belt changed at 80K

Can anyone enlighten me on the how to check the gear ratio in the diff.? What gears were available? To fit the current tires, was a lift necessary? The 4runner is in Texas, so we are making a road trip tomorrow to look at it. Anything else I should be looking for? TIA for your help.

CRACKER

 

the gears on 99's with the locker is 4.30's and im pretty sure your going to be rubbing a whole lot with 285's and no lift, especially with the mtr's so your best bet is that he has a lift!

 

yes, it HAS to have a lift of around 3" or so... maybe more.

surprised you cant tell by looking (or climbing in!)

 

Thanks for the info. In the pictures provided, the tires have plenty of room to move, it doesn't look like they are rubbing anywhere. If it has a decent lift, that will cut my future work load down abit! (i.e. the wife will be happy )

 

I have only seen pictures of the 4runner to date, we wil be doing a visual inspection tomorrow. The 4runner is in Texas, we are in Colorado.

 

post up the pics!

 

To check the ratio: Jack up the rear, mark the drive shaft where it enters the pumpkin, have someone rotate a tire exactly (2) times, count the number of revolutions on the shaft. Even the difference between 4.1 and 4.3 can be seen.

 

or... since it's an auto - start it up, put in gear. Mash the gas pedal to the floor. Time how long it takes to get to 60 mph. If it requires a calendar, the gears are stock. If only requires the hour hand, then the gears were changed... ;-)

 

That is the way I would like to test it!!
The dealership has all of the records, so I will know tomorrow. If it is a slug, then I will wait to change the gears a little later on when I can afford to add a locker to the front as well. Does Toyota make a E-locker for the front??

Will post pics after we get the 4runner....

 

That's a big negative. The Landbruisers had a front locker, but I don't think that applies here.