99 LTD 5 Speed Swap

[Singtoe]

So you are saying that the Multi mode case will still function with a manual swap? And all dash lights will work correctly, assuming the ecu thinks it is in neutral? What about the ADD? What wiring does this swap require?

I'm confident with the entire process aside from the multi mode mating the the manual correctly and the wiring side of things. I'm trying to keep my original t-case and ecu and have everything function properly but I keep reading conflicting views to whether or not it will work. Thanks

Yes, it will still function in a manual swap.

There are solenoid wires that will have to have resistors installed to prevent check engine lights but that is easy enough.

The AWD ECM is stand alone any way so even if you used a manual engine wire harness, it could still be utilized, with all the dash lights working.

 

[iamadam1122]

Yes, it will still function in a manual swap.

There are solenoid wires that will have to have resistors installed to prevent check engine lights but that is easy enough.

The AWD ECM is stand alone any way so even if you used a manual engine wire harness, it could still be utilized, with all the dash lights working.

So I should be able to swap the transmission only? And the only wiring to do would be a clutch start switch and reverse lights? and something to fool the A/T ECU that it is always in neutral?

This sounds like it would work, but it seems like all the swaps I've looked into had an immense amount of complicated wiring and swapping of the ECU as well.

 

[Singtoe]

So I should be able to swap the transmission only? And the only wiring to do would be a clutch start switch and reverse lights? and something to fool the A/T ECU that it is always in neutral?

This sounds like it would work, but it seems like all the swaps I've looked into had an immense amount of complicated wiring and swapping of the ECU as well.

You do not need to do any wiring other than installing a couple of resisters in lew of the shift solenoids. There is a PRND21 switch on the auto tranny, just remove it from the tranny, leave it plugged into the wire harness, leave it in the N position and it will let the 4runner start up as normal.

The reverse light can be tied in here too. just run a ground and a signal wire from the reverse switch of the manual tranny to the PRND21 switch harness. This can be done all under the car.

You do not need to install a clutch cancel start switch. Fwiw, if you handle swapping out a tranny, you can handle to remember to push the clutch in when you start your 4runner.

 

[TheOGConCon]

Not to revive a dead thread, but I have a lot of curiosity in this. I'm getting bored fairly often while driving my auto, so I might be looking into this for future reference.

Did you get it done? If so, what all did you have to do, what were your costs, etc? Pics?

 

[anniesball72]

Not to revive a dead thread, but I have a lot of curiosity in this. I'm getting bored fairly often while driving my auto, so I might be looking into this for future reference.

Did you get it done? If so, what all did you have to do, what were your costs, etc? Pics?

This can definitely be done with the multi-mode fully functional. I have a 2002 that I just swapped the auto to a manual transmission. All 4WD indicators work correctly. I left the multi mode tcase and all transfer case wiring intact. You will have to reverse the transfer case lever to fit on the same side as a "J" tcase would.

In my case all I did was jumper the park/neutral switch on the cable and wire in the reverse light. Everything works correctly.

I had to swap my ECM for a 2003 Tacoma V6 4X4 M/T because I have the drive by wire throttle.

I have no CEL's and pass CA smog just fine.

 

[TheOGConCon]

This can definitely be done with the multi-mode fully functional. I have a 2002 that I just swapped the auto to a manual transmission. All 4WD indicators work correctly. I left the multi mode tcase and all transfer case wiring intact. You will have to reverse the transfer case lever to fit on the same side as a "J" tcase would.

In my case all I did was jumper the park/neutral switch on the cable and wire in the reverse light. Everything works correctly.

I had to swap my ECM for a 2003 Tacoma V6 4X4 M/T because I have the drive by wire throttle.

I have no CEL's and pass CA smog just fine.

Sweet, good to know. I'll put this on my to-do list for the future lol
Thanks

 

[Blackdawg]

So reading this, I can bolt up a J shift Multi mode to a 5 speed Manual? I have one, but it has a forward shifter on it it. Is that how they all are? Doesn't it need to be top shift to work with a manual?

Here is a photo of mine. It has the extended shift rails which I'm not sure will work with an MT?

 

[Bad Luck]

So reading this, I can bolt up a J shift Multi mode to a 5 speed Manual? I have one, but it has a forward shifter on it it. Is that how they all are? Doesn't it need to be top shift to work with a manual?

Here is a photo of mine. It has the extended shift rails which I'm not sure will work with an MT?

You can use the multimode transfer case (VF3AM) with the manual transmission, but you will probably have to bend the transfer case shift lever to not interfere with the transmission shifter. This is assuming your vehicle came with the multimode shifter and an automatic transmission from the factory. Keep in mind you will probably need custom driveshafts because manual with multimode was never an option. This post should explain why: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3687126-post7.html

 

[Blackdawg]

You can use the multimode transfer case (VF3AM) with the manual transmission, but you will probably have to bend the transfer case shift lever to not interfere with the transmission shifter. This is assuming your vehicle came with the multimode shifter and an automatic transmission from the factory. Keep in mind you will probably need custom driveshafts because manual with multimode was never an option. This post should explain why: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3687126-post7.html

Thanks,

I know all of that.

I am more worried that I just picked my VF3AM up and it has a forward shifter on it and from what I can find it looks like 4runners came with a Top mount shifter VF3AM. I got mine from a surf. This means the big rods at the top will hit the tranny I think when I try and bolt it up. Plus I won't have a way to connect a shifter since there is nothing in the top mount plate.

Truck already has a 5spd. Im just trying to put the multi mode in it.

 

[Blackdawg]

 

[Bad Luck]

Thanks,

I know all of that.

I am more worried that I just picked my VF3AM up and it has a forward shifter on it and from what I can find it looks like 4runners came with a Top mount shifter VF3AM. I got mine from a surf. This means the big rods at the top will hit the tranny I think when I try and bolt it up. Plus I won't have a way to connect a shifter since there is nothing in the top mount plate.

Truck already has a 5spd. Im just trying to put the multi mode in it.

Sorry misunderstood what you were asking. I thought you were doing a 5 speed swap not trying to put a multimode case in. You will need a top shift VF3AM transfer case. I had no idea they made a forward shift version of it. Did you get the wiring harness and 4wd module for the multimode as well?

 

[Blackdawg]

Sorry misunderstood what you were asking. I thought you were doing a 5 speed swap not trying to put a multimode case in. You will need a top shift VF3AM transfer case. I had no idea they made a forward shift version of it. Did you get the wiring harness and 4wd module for the multimode as well?

Working on the harness, shouldn't be an issue. And have an ECU too. It's from a Surf I think. I bought it off my buddy that is doing a diesel swap and didn't need it.

I also didn't know they made forward shifting ones. Not sure what the heck to do about it. TG makes kits for the older Tcases to swap it to top shift but can't find anything for the newer chain Tcase's in the 3rd gen 4runners and 1st gen tacomas.

 

[Bad Luck]

Working on the harness, shouldn't be an issue. And have an ECU too. It's from a Surf I think. I bought it off my buddy that is doing a diesel swap and didn't need it.

I also didn't know they made forward shifting ones. Not sure what the heck to do about it. TG makes kits for the older Tcases to swap it to top shift but can't find anything for the newer chain Tcase's in the 3rd gen 4runners and 1st gen tacomas.

It would probably be easier to buy a multi mode transfer case from a junkyard 99/00 limited would be easier than trying to convert your current transfer case. At least that would be the route I would go.

 

[Team_Jake]

it has a forward shifter on it it. Is that how they all are?

All US 3rd gen 4Runner VF3AM transfer cases are top shift. This is my first time seeing a forward shift version.