'99-'00 Ltd Drive train questons

[Crammit442]

Everything I've ever read seems to say that the '99-'00 Ltd 4wd drivetrain is THE most desirable of all 3rd gen configurations. I've driven a '97 SR5 forever and never had any issues and actually liked that the 4wd was manually engaged. I don't use it for anything serious off road and the 4 low has never let me down. Can someone explain how the '99-'00 ltd system works and what the benifits are? Thanks.
Charles

 

[Team_Jake]

Take a look at this thread if you haven’t already > http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/78448-t-case-differences-all-years-3rd-gens-transfer-case-awd-multi-mode.html

To answer your question, the 1999-2000 limiteds were the only models that came with the multi-mode transfer case (meaning the transfer case had both AWD and 4WD) AND the rear-locking differential options. This is why they are considered by some to be the most desirable 3rd gens.

 

[Team_Jake]

To add to my previous comment, the multi-mode transfer case does NOT do anything to make a 4runner better at off-roading.

I love my multi-mode though because if I’m driving on slick roads from ether rain or light snow, I can shift into AWD to get a little more traction, without putting serious strain on my tires or drivetrain that can come while being in 4wd. But serious trails require serious traction AWD won’t cut it most of the time.

 

[Crammit442]

Am I correct that on the '99-00 ltd (other than the e-locker option} all drivetrain changes are made manually, rather than with a switch on the lever?
Charles

 

[phattyduck]

Am I correct that on the '99-00 ltd (other than the e-locker option} all drivetrain changes are made manually, rather than with a switch on the lever?
Charles

No, the AWD mode is engaged with a switch on the 4WD shifter. Locking the center diff (true 4WD) and low range are mechanical.

-Charlie

 

[Crammit442]

No, the AWD mode is engaged with a switch on the 4WD shifter. Locking the center diff (true 4WD) and low range are mechanical.

-Charlie

So the same old J pattern, except for AWD mode? Thanks.
Charles

 

[Team_Jake]

So the same old J pattern, except for AWD mode? Thanks.
Charles

Correct. The shifter looks like this:

Press the 4WD button on the side of the shifter and it'll shift into "H4" (which is AWD).

 

[Crammit442]

Correct. The shifter looks like this:

Press the 4WD button on the side of the shifter and it'll shift into "H4" (which is AWD).

Gotcha! Thanks!
Charles

 

[Tyler James Inc]

Am I correct that on the '99-00 ltd (other than the e-locker option} all drivetrain changes are made manually, rather than with a switch on the lever?

Charles

Also- since you brought up the rear diff- don't forget the front ADD is vacuum actuated.

 

[jeredcollins]

Gotcha! Thanks!
Charles

Dumb question how do you get it activated into true 4wd mode on a 99-00 model?

 

[Tyler James Inc]

Dumb question how do you get it activated into true 4wd mode on a 99-00 model?

Reference the picture above- pull the stick toward the rear for "H4-L"(L is for "locked").

 

[Crammit442]

Also- since you brought up the rear diff- don't forget the front ADD is vacuum actuated.

I realize before I even ask this that it's gonna be a dumb question, but what is the front "ADD"? I have ADHD if that helps:juggle:

 

[Crammit442]

The reason for all of these questions is because I'm looking at a '00 Ltd. I'll post the link to it below. He's come down to $7500. Everything looks very clean in the listing. He sent me a couple of undercarriage pics that I'm not sure if I should be concerned about. I'll try to attach the one that makes me a little nervous. Thoughts and opinions appreciated.
Charles

https://knoxville.craigslist.org/cto/d/2000-4x4-limited-toyota/6602309766.html

 

[Crammit442]

These are the undercarriage pics he sent me. I don’t see any real frame rot, but the front end/ball joints, etc make me a little nervous. I really don’t want to get it home just in time to do the whole front end. I’m going to do the lower ball joints (been there) either way, though. Thoughts?
Charles

 

[pauldub]

That's rusty by west coast standards and pristine by north eastern standards.

 

[Crammit442]

That's rusty by west coast standards and pristine by north eastern standards.

There's a lot of truth in that statement. So do I take it or keep searching? I've looked at so many I'm starting to wonder if I'm going to find a REALLY clean one. On the other hand, I've waited this long so I can hold off if I should.
Charles

 

[jgue467]

... So do I take it or keep searching? ...

Leave it.

#1 problem for me: Too expensive for what it is.

#2 Too rusty. What is too rusty to a central Texan? When I can clearly see it is pitted. That isn't just surface rust, it's pitted through the frame and that is in what little the pics show.

Keep looking. Go further south and southwest. They're out here and they don't cost $9000!. Here's a couple: https://austin.craigslist.org/cto/d/1999-toyota-4runner-4x4/6603405379.html and https://austin.craigslist.org/cto/d/traderunner-e-locker-ome-lift/6600951292.html and https://sanantonio.craigslist.org/cto/d/2000-toyota-4runner/6605535976.html and https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/toyota-4runner-4wd-limited/6607820584.html Luck. :cowboy:

 

[JohnMc]

Yeah, her in the salt belt I'd count myself pretty lucky to find one in that condition.

Every once in a great while I have a half a thought about trying to stick a multimode xfer case on my manual trans 99, but an AWD mode that I would probably almost never use is probably not worth the effort.

PS: It's also worth noting that when a frame fails from rust, it does so from the inside out. What it looks like on the outside isn't the important part. I'm always very careful to spray lots of water in the few holes on the outer sides of the frame that I can get to when washing my car - to make sure I rinse all the salt and dirt out of the interior of the frame. That's where it can accumulate and hold moisture and salt against the metal for long periods of time.

When I first got my '99 and did that for the first time, a *huge* amount of dirt came out.

 

[Crammit442]

After looking at the pics, I've decided to pass. The body and interior looked really good, but the underside, particularly the front end, make me uncomfortable. I guess the search goes on. I've got pics from a '99 ltd in Wichita coming. Maybe it'll be the one. If anyone comes across a really nice one, please pass it on.
Charles

 

[Crammit442]

looks clean. Thoughts?
Charles

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2002-Toyot...ash=item3f9f957a3f:g:TMgAAOSwjatbFfCA&vxp=mtr