2000 SR5 climate control problem

[xdriver]

My girlfriend has has a 2000 SR5 (not a limited) so it has the 2 knobs and 2 sliders for the climate control and not the digital interface. The knob that controls the temperature has become very difficult to turn and has limited motion (it wont turn full spectrum from cold to hot). However it does seem to still work in producing cool and warm air. This is what it looks like

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1998...4633b8d&_trksid=p4506.m20.l1116#ht_1720wt_903

Rather than wait until winter for it to break completely and have no heat, I would like to fix it now. I have not taken it apart yet but before I do I have a few questions.

Will any 3rd gen 98-00 control unit work in that dash as long as it is not the digital interface?

Not that I would put it in (seems like more to break) but will a digital interface plug and play in that vehicle even though it did not come stock with it?


Thank you fellas, all suggestions are welcome and sorry for noobish questions seeing as its my first post.

 

[KellyJ]

If your truck came stock with the rotary style knobs, the only direct replacement will be to install a similar non-digital climate control panel. The automatic climate control system utilizes electric motors to change vent output locations, switch from recirc to fresh, etc. You'd have to retrofit some extra electronics as well as new mechanical parts if you were to convert to auto climate control.

 

[xdriver]

Thank you for the response. I will look for a 98-00 control unit. ebay or junk yard the best place or is there a good place for these 4runner parts? Thank you again?