After around 8 hours some help from a friend and a case of beer this past weekend, I was able to replace my transfer case!
I used a donor T case from a low-millage Tacoma from a parts site on eBay that I trust.
The removal and installation were difficult but doable for anyone who is considering doing this job themselves,
Remove the shifter assembly
Disconnect the shift linkage
then disconnect the rear cross-member
disconnect the rear driveshaft to the transfer case, (note) the Timmy the Toolmnan video I saw completely took off the rear driveshaft I did not find this necessary, I just took off the slip yoke connection
use the transition jack to support the Transfer case and take off the front cross-member
Then take off the front driveshaft and trans mount
after that, it's just a matter of taking off the bolts that connect the transfer case to the transmission and bench-pressing it out.
reinstallation is the opposite process.
After all of this, I filled my new t Case up with gear oil and started it, I could clearly hear the 4WD engage and disengage, the only problem I still have is that I do not have a dash light, which for me is just a small little light that should come on in the bottom right corner. If any of the die-hard third gen guys know what I forgot to connect that would be huge. other than that I was thrilled to get this job done on my truck so now I can focus on putting parts on that make my truck cooler. thanks for all the help from you guys!
Videos I used,
Toyota 4Runner Auto Transmission Replacement (Part 1 of 3) - YouTube
Toyota 4Runner Auto Transmission Replacement (Part 3 of 3) - YouTube
J Shifter 4wd Transfer Case Swap on 1998 4Runner - YouTube
