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 truck has a solid rear axle — the same basic design Toyota used on the 80 Series Land Cruiser — and the rear differential on this example has been replaced. The water pump and A/C compressor have also been replaced. These are not minor items. The water pump on the 5VZ-FE is a known service interval component, and having it done provides a clear clock reset on one of the engine's most important cooling system parts. The skid plate provides protection for the front underbody on the trail.

Interior

The tan cloth interior is in presentable condition with no significant damage visible in the photos. The front bucket seats and rear bench show normal wear consistent with the mileage. Rubber floor mats protect the carpet front and rear. The center console houses the transfer case selector and the automatic transmission shifter, and there is a secondary floor-mounted 4WD lever for switching between 2-High, 4-High, and 4-Low.

The factory dash and instrument cluster are intact. The cluster includes a tachometer and the ECT (Electronically Controlled Transmission) power and normal mode switch, which Toyota included on this generation to allow the driver to adjust transmission shift points. The factory head unit has been replaced with a Kenwood double-DIN touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay, which is a clean and reversible upgrade. Behind the rear seats, a dual 10-inch subwoofer enclosure is mounted in the cargo area and fed by a separate amplifier with a bass knob accessible from the driver's seat. The rear cargo cover is present. The sliding rear window is functional. Keyless entry and a Viper alarm system are both installed. Ceramic tint has been applied to all glass, which provides heat rejection benefits particularly relevant in Florida's climate.

Exterior

This 4Runner is finished in Dark Emerald Pearl, a deep green that was offered on the third-generation 4Runner and pairs well with the blacked-out aftermarket wheels and all-terrain tires. The Victory 4x4 front bumper is a heavy-gauge steel unit built specifically for the third-gen 4Runner, with provisions for a winch mount integrated into the design. It replaces the factory plastic bumper with something that provides real approach angle protection and can take impact without cracking. Rock sliders run along both rocker panels, protecting the pinch welds — the most vulnerable structural point when a 4Runner gets high-centered or slides across a ledge. The roof rack provides a mounting platform for gear, lighting, or recovery equipment. A rear hitch receiver is installed for towing or adding a hitch-mounted carrier. Cooper Discoverer ATP all-terrain tires are mounted on the aftermarket wheels, with a matching spare tire stored under the rear cargo floor. The Discoverer ATP is a well-regarded all-terrain tire that performs competently both on pavement and moderate off-road terrain without the road noise penalty of a dedicated mud tire.

Conclusion

The third-generation Toyota 4Runner with the 5VZ-FE engine and solid rear axle is no longer easy to find in built condition at a reasonable mileage point. Most examples at this age have either been heavily used, picked clean for parts, or priced at a premium by owners who know what they have. This 1999 Toyota 4Runner has the right foundation — a known-reliable engine, a proper 4WD system with low range, a solid rear axle — combined with suspension and protection hardware from reputable builders, and the three major mechanical items that concern most buyers have already been addressed. It is a truck that is ready to use, not a project requiring immediate investment.

To ask questions or schedule a time to see this 1999 Toyota 4Runner in person, call Skyway Classics in Sarasota, Florida at 941-254-6608.

Disclaimer

Information found on the website is presented as given to us by the owner of the car, whether on consignment or from the owner we bought it from. Some Photos, materials for videos, descriptions and other information are provided by the consignor/seller and is deemed reliable, but Skyway Classics does not warranty or guarantee this information. Skyway Classics is not responsible for information that may incorrect or a publishing error. The decision to purchase should be based solely on the buyers personal inspection of the vehicle or by a professional inspection service prior to offer or purchase being made.