I just picked up a base model '99 Runner. No diff lock, but as you said, you can retrofit it later. Not a lot of whistles and bells on my truck, but I was a bit surprised that with some of its amenities that it was NOT an SR5.

I'll take the 5 speed with the cruise control for now. ABS was optional in the Runner with the 2.7, and I do NOT have ABS (thank God). I wanna stop that thing when *I* want to, not when the vehicle thinks it should. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" />

One of my coworkers has the diff lock; it's next to the console dimmer to the left of the column; within easy reach, and not where you'd accidentally hit it.

Personally I would pass on a locker for driving on ice. If it were to be built to a trail rig, then I'd consider it. Check my profile; I've got lots of options on the Yota farm!

Once I get the thing winterized and all that other good stuff, I'll see what I can do to drum up a little mischief for mods beyond Hella 500's and headlight covers.

I haven't seen any TSB's out for the diff so far; you might check the database over at tundrasolutions.com or just go to Toyota's website and download a couple TSB's for $10.

www.techinfo.toyota.com

I found out a couple months ago that alldata.com no longer carries foreign makes in their TSB database. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Paid $10K, 2nd owner, grocery-gettin' pavement queen. Couple dings the size of a dime and that's it. Had my credit union hook me up at 6.4% with an online application. They had approved me up to $20K.

So far it's been a solid rig; we'll be taking a road trip in two weeks to chase kings. I think you'll wind up being happy with what you get. Keep an eye on www.craigslist.com

You might double check your credit report (note: you can't copy/paste into browser for security reasons)

www.AnnualCreditReport.com

Good luck!