01-02 MMode tcase vs 4th gen t4r/2nd gen Taco actuator WORKS!

[thezentree]

Update: same part - this fixes a bad actuator.

Does anyone here know if the actuator in a 01-02 multimode tcase is the same as what's in a 2.7L 2nd gen Tacoma or later 4th gen 4Runner (other than the little pinion gear cover that allows the Tacoma actuator to be replaced without splitting the case)?

The spiral contacts in my motor case were corroded, so last summer I sanded the corrosion down as best I could and got everything working again, but I had to take the zinc (or silver or whatever) plating off the contacts to remove the corrosion and my 4wd is starting to act up again, so I think those contacts are getting corroded again.

From what I can see, the motor cover on the 2nd gen Taco actuator is the same as what's on my 4Runner, so I'm considering ordering a chinesium taco actuator for that cover and trying to use it. For reference: Amazon.com: 4WD Transfer Case Actuator Shift Motor Assembly Replacement for Toyota 4Runner 2014-2019 Tacoma 2005-2015 Tundra 2000-2006 Part 36410-34015 3641034015 NICEKE : Automotive

Does anyone actually know if there is a difference?

And for the record, I know this is not as cheap as a $100 junkyard transfer case, but it's a hell of a lot easier than swapping a tcase for one that might have the same problem.

 

[Unner]

I've got an 01 and 08 4Runner. I'll try to crawl under there and see if I see anything obvious either way tonight. I'm thinking they're different since the 4th gen has issues with the actuators seizing but that doesn't seem to be a common issue on the 01-02.

 

[thezentree]

I've got an 01 and 08 4Runner. I'll try to crawl under there and see if I see anything obvious either way tonight. I'm thinking they're different since the 4th gen has issues with the actuators seizing but that doesn't seem to be a common issue on the 01-02.

Thanks. I'm really just focused on the motor cover itself. Mine works ..usually, but the spiral contacts in the cover are pitted and probably corroded again (pic is after I cleaned it up last summer), so I want an OEM replacement for it.

Fingers crossed they're the same.

 

[shadow247]

Thanks. I'm really just focused on the motor cover itself. Mine works ..usually, but the spiral contacts in the cover are pitted and probably corroded again (pic is after I cleaned it up last summer), so I want an OEM replacement for it.

Fingers crossed they're the same.

I don't have an answer, but I'm curious if I should go ahead and open mine up, and refresh the Electrical Grease. Mine works nice and smooth, and presumable has no corrosion and it's barely been driving through water in it's life, and barely off-road before I got it.

How hard is it to just remove that cover? I'm thinking about doing this after summer is over as part of my pre-fall maint plan.

 

[thezentree]

I don't have an answer, but I'm curious if I should go ahead and open mine up, and refresh the Electrical Grease. Mine works nice and smooth, and presumable has no corrosion and it's barely been driving through water in it's life, and barely off-road before I got it.

How hard is it to just remove that cover? I'm thinking about doing this after summer is over as part of my pre-fall maint plan.

Not hard at all, just be careful with the O-rings and DO NOT remove the gear/wheel with the spring contacts. Make sure you use the correct grease (Toyota "body grease W" or something like that).

ETA: if yours is working fine, I'd leave it alone.

 

[thezentree]

I've got an 01 and 08 4Runner. I'll try to crawl under there and see if I see anything obvious either way tonight. I'm thinking they're different since the 4th gen has issues with the actuators seizing but that doesn't seem to be a common issue on the 01-02.

Well I just went ahead and ordered the amazon actuator so don’t worry about crawling around in the driveway.

Will report back with results tomorrow.

 

[thezentree]

This worked! If your position switches are all good and you confirm a bad actuator, this will likely get your 4wd working again without having to replace the transfer case.

The motor and cover assembly from a 4th gen transfer case actuator pn 36410-34015 is the exact same part as what’s on an 01-02 multi mode transfer case.

I just swapped mine and it works perfectly through all positions 4hi/lo with or without center diff lock engaged.

 

[thezentree]

I will also add that I suspect, but do not know for sure (and am not gonna go try to confirm), that the entire actuator is the same part with the exception of the shift rod and the little pinion access cover on the 4th gen (silver triangular cover with 3 screws in pic).

There are videos on YouTube of guys with 4th gen t4rs or 2nd gen Tacomas replacing their whole actuator by popping this little cover off, pulling the pinion gear out, and sliding the whole actuator off the shift rod.

CAUTION: I DO NOT KNOW THE FOLLOWING TO BE TRUE:

I bet that this 4th gen actuator would retrofit onto an 01-02 3rd gen tcase without a whole lot of trouble if you paid attention to the timing of the assembly.

In other words, note the rotational position of the big plastic gear relative to the actuator body, yank the wheel out and unbolt the old actuator from the tcase housing, and slide the whole thing off the shift rod. Then, slide the new actuator body onto the shift rod with the pinion gear cover and gear removed and install the bolts. Insert the plastic gear assembly and ensure it’s properly clocked relative to the actuator body, then insert the pinion gear from the other side and reinstall all the covers.

This isn’t something I’d try until I was SURE the only other alternative is a rebuilt/new transfer case because the actuator is well and truly fukt, but I think it’d be worth trying given the amount of work it has the potential to save.

 

[HiluxSurf SSR-G]

I checked the part number in ToyoDIY and it seems, it's for the GRN285 4Runner (5th gen), 2004-current Tacoma, and 1999-2006 Tundra.


ToyoDIY.com


the GRN215 4Runner (4th gen) has the VF4AM transfer case, while the UZN215 has the VF4BM transfer case.

dunno if the VF4AM is still the same one used in the GRN285 4Runner.

 

[thezentree]

I checked the part number in ToyoDIY and it seems, it's for the GRN285 4Runner (5th gen), 2004-current Tacoma, and 1999-2006 Tundra.


ToyoDIY.com


the GRN215 4Runner (4th gen) has the VF4AM transfer case, while the UZN215 has the VF4BM transfer case.

dunno if the VF4AM is still the same one used in the GRN285 4Runner.

Thanks for doing that, I was just going by what the amazon listing said!

 

[Jidaran]

There are videos on YouTube of guys with 4th gen t4rs or 2nd gen Tacomas replacing their whole actuator by popping this little cover off, pulling the pinion gear out, and sliding the whole actuator off the shift rod.

From what I remember when I was working on my actuator, there is no removable cover over the pinion gear on the 01/02, so you can't remove the whole actuator without pulling the entire Tcase.

 

[Jidaran]

this is what the back of my actuator looks like

not sure why i can't get the pic to embed, but you can see it here

 

[Jidaran]

02 limited actuator:

 

[thezentree]

From what I remember when I was working on my actuator, there is no removable cover over the pinion gear on the 01/02, so you can't remove the whole actuator without pulling the entire Tcase.

I think the issue is that you can't put a new 3rd gen actuator back on without being able to install the pinion through that access cover. I can pull this new actuator off the rod without removing the pinion once the big motor gear/shaft is out of the actuator.

Anyway, like I said it's not something I'd try unless the only other option is a new transfer case.