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Old 02-04-2011, 09:57 PM
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Transfer case differences, E-locker, TRAC/VSC, 5-speed

Transfer Case differences:
The 4wd t-cases in the 3rd gen 4runners varied through the years and trim models as well.


-Let’s start with base, SR5, and Highlander (sport) trim models. The transfer case remained the same for these models from 1996 to 2000. It was a basic J-shaped shifting configuration 2Hi-4Hi-4Lo. This transfer case was purely mechanical, no push button components.

-The limited trim had a slightly different shifting though. From 1996-1998, Limited trim models used a push button on the shifter to engage 4Hi from 2Hi. The only time you actually need to shift the transfer case is to go into 4Lo.

-From 1999-2000 SR5 and sport models were unchanged, but the Limited upgraded to a differential type transfer case (known as Multi-Mode). A differential type t-case is different from a standard t-case in that the front and rear drive shafts could rotate independent of each other and avoid binding on high traction surfaces. Until this "center" differential was locked, the vehicle is in all wheel drive (aka "Full time 4wd", discussed more below). Once locked however, it behaves as a normal 4WD transfer case (aka "Part time 4wd"). Similar to the earlier Limited trim models, this type of transfer case has a push button to engage 4hi from 2wd. To lock the center diff, you shift from 4Hi to 4Hi(Locked), then you can shift again in 4Lo.

-In 2001 and 2002, all models gained these Multi-Mode transfer cases (now all trim levels have the same system). But, the center differential locking method changed from a separate shifting position to a new push button on the dash. The only time you actually need to shift the transfer case is to go into 4Lo.


T-case Differences (all years of 3rd gens).. transfer case, AWD, multi-mode - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum
I HIGHLY encourage you to read this thread skillfully written by Brian2sun. It is more in depth and contains information such as recommended speeds, shifting configurations, Pictures, Uses, and more differences.
The information above is a summary of the information in his thread.




To better understand Transfer cases, 4WD, and center differentials.. watch this video.




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Rear diff E-locker & Multi-Mode AWD options:


Rear E-locker
-Only on 1996-2000 4Runners, there was an option to add an electronic locking rear differential. It was never standard on any trim package, just an option. The e-locker was discontinued after 2000 and was not offered again on the 4runner until 2009 (trail edition). FJ cruisers and Tacomas also had e-lockers (TRD off-road package). If you are unable to find a 4runner with one, they can be swapped in to any 4runner from '96-'02. Most elocker retrofits cost an average of $400 if you can find used units from salvaged vehicles.


What is it?
Lockers are actuators that are fit inside the differentials of vehicles' axles. When the rear e-locker is engaged, the rear axle is locked together and both rear wheels must always spin at the same speed. A locked axle must NEVER be used on road. When the e-locker is disengaged, the axle again operates as an 'open' diff. This rear e-locker is helpful in very low traction off road situations, when an ‘open’ diff is hindering progress by allowing one of the wheels on an axle to spin while the other wheel that actually has traction receives no power.

Factory settings only allow the e-locker to be engaged if the vehicle is already in 4Lo. There is a modification known as the "Gray wire mod" that can be done to allow it to be activated at any time, but before you do that be sure you are aware of why Toyota set it up that way.. The e-locker is supposed to only be used when even 4Lo is not enough. For 99% of drivers out there, they will never even see a time when 4Lo is not enough.

The button to engage the e-locker is found on the dash to the left of the steering wheel. It says "RR Diff Lock" in orange print.
3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide-diff-lock-button-rear-jpg


To better understand diffs and lockers, watch this video.



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Center differential (Multi-Mode AWD)
As briefly mentioned above, a center differential is a special type of transfer case that acts as a differential for the power going to the front and rear axles. watch the above video on 4WD for more info. Also mentioned above, only ’01-’02 4runners and ’99-’00 limited 4runners had this Multi-mode ability to unlock/lock the center diff. You can think of a normal transfer case as one that is always in the "locked" position.

When the transfer-case (center differential) is locked, the truck is in normal 4WD. When the transfer case is unlocked/open, the truck is in AWD (all wheel drive). AWD is when the front and rear drive-shafts leaving the transfer-case can rotate independent of each other. AWD is the only safe way to deliver power to all four wheels on high traction surfaces such as paved roads. AWD is meant for partially low traction roads where "true 4wd" should still not be used, such as some light ice. With this transfer case locked, both front and rear drive-shafts must spin at the same speed. Having the center diff locked is bad for on road use because when you corner, the front wheels make a larger diameter turn than the rear wheels And that means the rear drive-shaft needs to spin at a different speed to keep pace with the front.. which it cant if the transfer-case is locked into true 4wd.

-On 1999-2000 Limiteds, the locking method was a separate shifting position.
-On all the 2001 & 2002 models, the button to lock/unlock the center diff replaced the button for the discontinued e-locker:
3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide-diff-lock-button-center-jpg

In terms of off road ability, the unlock/lock feature on the Multi-Mode t-case (center differential) does not add anything. It only allows the use of all wheel power on pavement. The rear e-locker is the only option above normal 4wd that actually increases off road ability.


How do I choose between these?

-If you live in an area with ice covered winter roads, heavy rain, and you tend to be more of a city driver, the Multi-mode selectable AWD is going to be indispensable to you. It makes icy roads easy to tackle.

-If you tend to do more off-roading and plan to modify the 4runner for a trails vehicle, the rear e-locker is going to help you a lot with that goal.

-The '99-'00 limited 4runner had both of these if you can find one with the e-locker option.



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TRAC/VSC:

To replace the E-locker that was discontinued after 2000, Toyota equipped ALL 2001 & 2002 4Runners with a few electronic systems in it's place. TRAC (traction control) & VSC (vehicle stability control).
Basically, these systems use the brakes to control vehicle stability and traction. While the normal everyday driver will not notice these systems in operation, owners who drive their vehicles in a "spirited" manner will notice interference from these systems. In low-traction road conditions (dirt roads, wet pavement, etc..), drivers may easily cause either of these systems to interfere in attempt to control the vehicle in the event of loss of traction.


Disabling TRAC/VSC:
With a few small exceptions, these systems were not able to be disabled from the factory. Many owners choose to make it possible to manually disable these systems.

-2wd 4Runners came with a factory switch to disable TRAC & VSC.

-On 4wd's, VSC is disabled when the vehicle is in 4x4 with the center differential locked. TRAC still remains on in this situation. This is the ideal setup for most off road situations, as TRAC helps in most situations by acting as a limited slip differential for all 4 wheels. Situations where it is best to also be without TRAC would include deep sand and mud

-Members on Yotatech(.com) discovered a way to add a switch to be able to turn off both TRAC & VSC at any time. Known as the Andymod 2.0.




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5-Speed manual transmission:

The 3rd gen 4runner was also available with a 5-speed manual transmission. The 5-speed is often preferred for its off road uses, increased fuel economy, and the lack of the Strawberry milkshake issue.

Similar to the E-locker and 4cyl engine, the 5-speed was discontinued after 2000. Also, the 5-speed was NEVER available on the Limited 4Runner.

3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide-5-speed_shifter-jpg
Photo courtesy of JohnsD90.




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3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide-3rd-gen-drivetrain-chart-png


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4-Cylinder - 3RZ-FE:

The 3rd gen 4runner was also available with a 4 Cylinder engine. The 3RZ-FE is often compared to the 3.4L V6 in most other 3rd gens.

The advantages to the this engine are that it has a timing chain vs. a Timing belt in the V6. So that's one less thing to have to maintain. The 4cyl also gets slightly better Mpgs, I'm talking like 2-3mpg increase over the v6. As far as reliability, both of these engines are extremely solid pieces of machinery. Both are known to last beyond 300k+ miles without problems. But becuase of the timing chain, the reliability award goes to the 4cyl.

The Disadvantages, however, are obvious. This engine is a snail.. the 3.4 is known to be a slow engine, so imagine how the 4cyl feels. Also, the 4cyl is only available on the base model 4runners, so if you plan on getting a higher-up trim model, its a no-go on the 4Cyl. And don't ever plan on towing anything significant. While it's an excellent engine, it just doesn't have the power to keep up.

Similar to the E-locker and 5-speed trans, the 4-cyl was discontinued after 2000.



Photo courtesy of ChildrenOfBodom.





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Last edited by 4-Ripcord; 03-12-2019 at 01:23 PM.
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