1999 4Runner manufactured in 1998. Which model year parts do I look for?

New guy here!
I think I know the answer to this question, but would like some verification!
I just bought a 1999 “titled” 4Runner with manufacturer date of 1998. Do I look for 1998 parts or 1999 parts and are they interchangeable?
This is all new to me so any help is appreciated!!

 

Hey! Congratulations! I just purchased a 1998 4Runner 3rd generation.

My understanding is it goes off generation, and 1996 -> 2002 is a 3rd generation 4Runner so parts are largely interchangeable across the engine and transmission. A great way to get a feel for this is on mod sites...

Check out some of these sites

https://www.4runnerlifestyle.com/collections/3rd-gen-4runner-1995-2002
https://yotamafia.com/product-category/4runner/3rd-gen/
https://www.victory4x4.com/PLST.html

 

welcome. Should be either year from 96-02. But if you are being asked specifically, good rule of thumb is always by the production month...........first half of year is that year, last half of year is the next year. It's not rock solid, but gets the ballpark.

And you can always put the VIN in KBB to check also. Or Carmax. When you ask for a sell price.

 

Go by model year.

 

1999

Most parts will be interchangeable, but always use model year if you want to verify fitment

 

You can fit any generation rim I have a set of 20" 2010 Limited rims I run sometimes. So any up to 2024 will fit.

 

Model year but if in doubt, VIN.

 

A dealer parts counter is not as convenient as the web, but its database is the last word on what exactly the VIN says the vehicle is and what should fit.

 

model year is what we go by. if people had to dig for the exact production date when buying parts, it would be a major pain in the assets. They give vehicle model year designations for a reason.

 

Go by model year. I have had vehicles made in July count as the the next year, it makes no sense.

 

Thanks everyone! The Adventure Begins!