'00 multi mode = center diff?

McFinnigan

McFinnigan

New member
Hey guys, relative newcomer looking for my first 4Runner. I've made my mind up on what I think I want and had a question about the e-locker as it relates to multi-mode (push button) 4wd in the LTDs.

I know in 2001 that the multi mode included the center diff lock, but since that option didn't exist in 2000 does that mean that it could only be a rear locking differential? I've kind of been ignoring LTDs with "e-lockers" and the multi-mode because of the assumption.

I searched for a while looking for an answer to this but all I've been able to find is the same topic over and over again: center vs rear diff

Thanks

McFinnigan
 
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Ok, lets clear up some of your confusion.

4Runners without the multi-mode 4WD don't have a center differential at all. They use a typical transfer case that is always locked. These vehicles will have a "J-shift" selector for 4WD.

Those vehicles were available in certain years with a locking rear differential to aid off road traction while in low range 4WD.

The models with the multi-mode 4WD system have a limited slip center differential, which allows them to function like an AWD vehicle. The problem with this is that it's not great for off roading, so they add the center lock to make this system act the same as the models with the typical transfer case.

As far as I know none of the vehicles with the multi-mode 4WD were available with a locking rear differential. When people here talk about having an E-Locker, they're talking about the locking rear diff, not the locking center diff on the multi-mode system.
 
jeremyc74 said:
Ok, lets clear up some of your confusion.



4Runners without the multi-mode 4WD don't have a center differential at all. They use a typical transfer case that is always locked. These vehicles will have a "J-shift" selector for 4WD.



Those vehicles were available in certain years with a locking rear differential to aid off road traction while in low range 4WD.



The models with the multi-mode 4WD system have a limited slip center differential, which allows them to function like an AWD vehicle. The problem with this is that it's not great for off roading, so they add the center lock to make this system act the same as the models with the typical transfer case.



As far as I know none of the vehicles with the multi-mode 4WD were available with a locking rear differential. When people here talk about having an E-Locker, they're talking about the locking rear diff, not the locking center diff on the multi-mode system.
Click to expand...


Am I confusing push button 4wd in the 2000 limited with multi-mode 4wd in 2001-2002?
 
McFinnigan said:
Am I confusing push button 4wd in the 2000 limited with multi-mode 4wd in 2001-2002?
Click to expand...

I'm going to let someone else field that, because it appears the 2000 Limited I have isn't standard. I have to figure out now if I have a Limited with a transfer case swap, or a truck that's had the Limited trim and badges added to it. :fish2:
 
My 2000 Limited has the multi-mode transfer box with the "All wheel drive" button on the side of the J-shifter. To lock the center diff, simply pull the J-shifter down into 4 wheel drive. The shifter says 4HL standing for 4 high locked. I also do the the locking rear diff, the button is located next to the steering wheel. They changed the shifter in 2001 to the non J-shift style and the center diff lock button in where the e-locker button was.
 
E locker refers to the electronically locking rear differential. This was an option from '96 to '00.

Multimode refers to the transfer case and means it has a center differential that can remain open or locked (just like the e locker does for the rear differential). Standard transfer cases are locked 100% of the time. In '99 & '00 this was only available for the limited and for '01 & '02 it became the only transfer case.

In '01 the 4Runner did away with the E locker option. Also the way the pre '01 multimode transfer case shifter worked is you push a button on the side of the J shifter which puts it in to full time 4 wheel drive which can be driven on the street. Pull the shifter down and you go in to true 4wd which cannot be driven on the street. Pull the shifter over and up and you're in low 4 which the center diff remains locked.

In '01 they did away with the button on the shifter and put a button on the dash in the same place the e locker switch used to be, this switch now controls the center differential. So you pull the shifter down in to 4wd and it now is in full time 4wd (street safe), hit the button on the dash and now you have true 4wd (not street safe). Shift in to Low 4 and you are in low range and the center diff will be locked wether the button is pressed or not.

Does that clear it up?

Also heated seats only came on the '01 & '02 Limiteds along with Homelink in the sunvisor.
 
Last edited:
KatRider05 said:
I recommend reading this page:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/78448-t-case-differences-all-years-3rd-gens-transfer-case-awd-multi-mode.html

This cleared up my confusion when i started looking at 4Runners.

Toyota started using the Multi-mode wording in 1999, the Limiteds from 99-00 have both a center diff and transfer case.
Click to expand...

Ok, I had to decode the VIN, and I actually have an SR5, that has apparently had the Limited exterior trim added to it. According to the charts this was never even a color option at all. I guess that explains why I've only ever seen one other one with this color combo.

I feel much better now. I was starting to worry that I had some sort of swapped Frankenstein monster in the driveway. :gun4:

16434517976_1a40175898_b.jpg


15749915006_528b17b3e2_b.jpg
 
jeremyc74 said:
Ok, I had to decode the VIN, and I actually have an SR5, that has apparently had the Limited exterior trim added to it. According to the charts this was never even a color option at all. I guess that explains why I've only ever seen one other one with this color combo.



I feel much better now. I was starting to worry that I had some sort of swapped Frankenstein monster in the driveway. :gun4:



16434517976_1a40175898_b.jpg




15749915006_528b17b3e2_b.jpg
Click to expand...


I love that color!
 
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