1999 Toyota 4Runner 4WD — Lifted, Built, and Ready to Work The third-generation Toyota 4Runner ran from 1996 through 2002 and is widely regarded as the sweet spot of the nameplate's history. It was the last generation built on a body-on-frame platform with a solid rear axle, giving it genuine off-road capability without the compromises that came with later independent rear suspension designs. The 1999 model year landed right in the middle of that generation, after Toyota had already worked out the early-build kinks, and it carried the 5VZ-FE 3.4-liter V6 — one of the most durable truck engines Toyota ever produced.

This particular example has been thoughtfully built for serious off-road use, with name-brand suspension components, real protection hardware, and recent mechanical work on the high-wear items most buyers worry about. It shows 72,797 miles on the odometer. Why This Car Is Special The third-generation 4Runner with the 5VZ-FE engine and a solid rear axle is one of the most sought-after platforms in the four-wheel-drive enthusiast community, and values have been climbing steadily as clean examples become harder to find.

What separates this truck from the average used 4Runner is the quality of the build. The suspension work was done with components from Toytec and SPC — brands that the 4Runner community specifically trusts for this platform — rather than generic lift hardware. The Victory 4x4 front bumper is a purpose-built steel bumper designed for the third-gen 4Runner, not a universal fitment.

The rear differential has been replaced, the A/C compressor has been replaced, and the water pump has been replaced. These are the three mechanical items that tend to give high-mileage third-gen 4Runner owners the most concern. Having all three addressed removes meaningful uncertainty from the purchase.

Features List - 5VZ-FE 3.4L DOHC V6 engine - 4-Speed automatic transmission - Part-time 4WD with 4-High, 4-Low, and 2-High modes - Toytec suspension lift kit - SPC aftermarket upper control arms - Upgraded coilover shocks - Victory 4x4 front winch bumper - Rock sliders / side steps - Skid plate - Aftermarket wheels - Cooper Discoverer ATP all-terrain tires - Roof rack - Rear hitch receiver - Kenwood touchscreen stereo with Apple CarPlay - Amplifier - Dual 10-inch subwoofers with dash-mounted bass knob - Ceramic window tint on all glass - Viper alarm system - Air conditioning (compressor replaced) - Power windows - Power mirrors - Keyless entry - Cruise control - Sliding rear window - Rear cargo cover - Front bucket seats with center console - Rear bench seat - Tachometer - Front disc brakes with ABS - Dual front airbags - Rubber floor mats - Rear differential replaced - Water pump replaced Mechanical The 5VZ-FE 3.4-liter V6 is a dual-overhead-cam, 24-valve engine that Toyota used across multiple platforms through this era, including the Tacoma, T100, and Land Cruiser Prado. It was rated at 183 horsepower and 217 lb-ft of torque from the factory, and it has a well-documented reputation for longevity when maintained. The engine in this truck is paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission and a part-time 4WD transfer case with a proper low-range gear, giving it the mechanical capability to handle terrain that modern crossover-based SUVs simply cannot.

The suspension setup here is worth understanding in detail. Toytec is a company that specializes specifically in Toyota truck and SUV suspension, and their lift systems for the third-gen 4Runner are among the most commonly recommended solutions in the community because they maintain correct geometry and do not put excessive stress on the front axle. The SPC upper control arms work in conjunction with the lift to restore proper alignment angles, which is a step many budget builds skip.

The coilover shocks replace the factory struts and provide improved damping travel at the new ride height. The front axle retains the factory front disc brakes and ABS system. Underneath, this t
Trim: 4dr SR5 3.4L Automatic 4WD
Options: Cruise Control, Tinted Windows, Power Steering, Power Windows, Power Mirrors, Clock, Tachometer, Tilt Steering Wheel, Driver Airbag, Passenger Airbag, Rear Defogger, Intermittent Wipers, AM/FM, Cassette, Four Wheel Drive, Center Arm Rest, Center Console, Child Proof Door Locks, Cup Holders, Heated Mirrors, Off Road Tires, Rear Wipers, Remote Fuel Door