This is exactly the swap I want to do as I just had issues with my 98 J shift transfer case in the snow. in 2wd the truck slid sideways on the interstate doing 50mph. throw it in 4hi center locked and it binds pulling into gas stations. I miss the multi mode my 99 had.

so which is the prefered transfer case to bolt behind a 5 speed? 99-00 or 01-02 or does it even matter?

01-02 is going to require you to change the front diff add actuator to the electric type in order for the 4wd computer to function and not sit there and flash at you.

I say why bother. Let it bind. It’s not a big deal and won’t hurt a thing. I spend way more time in 4wd than most. In fact, I’d argue that the vehicles that spend more time in four-wheel-drive and have less issues due to the amount of exercise that the system gets. If it’s a big deal just shift out of 4wd.

No way would I personally swap a J shift to a multi mode. You go from the 1 potential failure point of a.d.d., which is totally a non issue, to multiple potential failure points in the multi mode. That style 4runner AWD will never be as good as something like a Subaru if that’s the goal. If your getting severe dry pave bind, odds are that 4wd isn’t needed. For pulling into the gas station, It’s usually the opposite as The roads are bare and the gas station is almost always icy.

Transfer cases never just blow up either. It’s always a maintenance or shock load issue. They’re not designed to shift under power. With your foot off the throttle, you can shift freely back and forth between the high ranges while rolling. I’ve done it countless times in everything from passenger vehicles to pickups, to semis with inter axle locks.

If it’s super important to you then go for the swap I guess, but don’t let some bind scare you.

Wish I had seen this post earlier.

I just did this swap - 2000 Limited MM case into my '97 (auto) 4Runner SR-5.

Mechanically everything is plug-n-play, although if you're going into an early 3rd gen you need the front and rear driveshafts from your MM donor truck (or any (?) 99+ auto 4Runner). (Edit: as Bad Luck pointed out, the 01+ system won't work with the vacuum actuated ADD actuator found in the earlier vehicles).

Had the 2000 MM case, 4x4 ECU, and t-case wiring harness. Both vehicles had the e-locker.

Wiring got the better of me. Like I say I wish I had seen this excellent thread before I started. In the end I took it to a local shop that has a Toyota Master tech on the payroll. He made it sing, even with the headaches of relocaating the 4x4 computer to the DS (the ABS module in the 97 is "in the way" behind the PS kick panel. Im sure even without making inevitable mistakes the wiring would have taken me 40+ hours. Buddy got it done in five.

Instead of transplanting the instruments from a MM vehicle we rigged it so 4x4 "open" triggers the stock green "axles" light in the cluster, and 4x4 "locked" (H and L) are indicated with the same green light plus a discreet green "4WD" led inserted next to the e-locker light.

So far, love the multi-mode case. I always found the cladding, flares and leather on the Limiteds to be kind of "bloated". I like the simple lines and low-tech "fleet grade" interior of the earlier SR-5 trucks. Best of both worlds now!