Pretty big assumption <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Things are getting prety rusty . . . . I'd love to refurb truck, but it ain't in the cards.

Did they not offer the LC 80 series as a stock dealer vehicle in Canada between '94 and '97 that you can buy as a used Canadian vehicle? That's what I was talking about. I can understand not wanting a Japanese import vehicle.

Well, you guys have me convinced. I'm narrowing my sights on a 1999 4Runner. I have to get the sale of the house finalized in January before I can make the purchase though.

I'm also going to keep an eye open for a later 3rd gen (2000-2002), and if it has low miles I may go that way and add an ARB locker or two later.

Thanks for all the very helpful insights!

IIRC all the 3rd gen runners had an e-locker as an option, this would be the only reason I would have for buying one. Then all you would need is a mild body lift to be happy (for me to be happy at lease).

IIRC, 2000 was the last year. It was replaced by traction control. BoostedInline6 knows this back and forth, though, so I'd defer to him.

buy a frame from bud built or tube out your trail toy or get the f-toy tube frame. and swap your 88 stuff into it.
get an inexpensive daily driver.
roll the rest into a good retirment investment.

question.
with your medical set up... what is the retirment set up like???

sorry the wife and I are in pay off mode... spending as little as we can to pay off everything. we are using the heck out of the credit card 1.99 percent interest. transfered everything but the house payment over to that.
just stuff to think about.
I don't know your tax laws. but we try to hide everything in deductions.

I would try to find a nice Lexus LX450, they were imported to Canada in 1996 and 97. Total pimp luxury, long-term reliability, capability, and safety for your family. You should be able to find one for a modest price, set aside a few grand for maintenance and mods, and invest the remainder.