brian2sun
Elite Member
No, the '99 Limiteds were the 1st models to have the multi-mode 4x4. The '96-98 Limiteds had push-button 4x4, but not the multimode.
Buying a 4R and have a dilemna!
- Thread starter BruceB83
- Start date
No, the '99 Limiteds were the 1st models to have the multi-mode 4x4. The '96-98 Limiteds had push-button 4x4, but not the multimode.
Hmmm...is there a consolidated thread listing the different types of 4WD and what years they were available?
Any advantage to the push button? Is really like to have a 4R that is capable of driving in 5WD while on snowy roads hot to the typical 55 or 65 mph.
brian2sun
Elite Member
I'm not sure if there's a thread, but here's the scoop...
'96-00 SR5s and 5 speed models... (standard "J" t-case shifter)
1st position: 2hi
2nd position: 4hi
N
3rd position: 4lo
'96-98 Limiteds...
1st position: 2hi with a push-button on the shifter to engage 4hi
N
2nd position: 4lo
'99 and '00 Limteds...
1st position: 2hi with a push-button on the shifter to engage AWD (aka 4hi unlocked)
2nd position: 4hi locked
N
3rd position: 4lo locked
** On any of the above models, if the vehicle has a rear locker also, it will be controlled by a separate switch on the dash.
The '01s and '02s...
1st position: Hi range with a push button on the shifter to choose between 2hi and 4hi (locked or unlocked CDL is controlled by a separate switch on the dash)
N
2nd position: Lo range (locked or unlocked CDL still controlled by the switch on the dash)
** There were no rear lockers available in any '01s or '02s.
No advantage to a push-button controlled 4x4. Actually it's the opposite because there's more of a chance for an electrical switch to fail than a manual lever. However, there is an advantage to the AWD mode (aka center diff locker, aka multi-mode). It lets you drive much faster in 4hi (unlocked) and you can also drive on the pavement in that mode. This comes in handy in situations like patchy snow or ice where most of the road is still dry. Normally that would be hard on the t-case in normal 4hi (especially on a curvy road), but the AWD feature allows for slippage so the t-case won't bind on the dry parts of the road.
Wow, thanks Brian! So it looks like to get what I'm wanting I need a 99-00 Limited. However, is the 4Hi on the non-multi-mode 4R suitable for use on snowy roads or do you need the multi-mode for that? I assume standard 4Hi is fine because the roads will be slippery and won't be hard on the tcase.
brian2sun
Elite Member
Normal 4x4 works great on a snowy road (that's what I have always had), it's just that the AWD feature comes in handy when there's patchy ice/snow. If most of the road is dry, I usually just switch between 2hi and 4hi if it looks like there's a slippery spot coming up which isn't a big deal. But if the road is mostly snowy, I just usually leave it in normal 4hi.
There have been a few times when 99% of the road is dry so I'm in 2hi, but I'll hit a patch of black ice here and there and it can get sideways. If I had AWD, I would just leave it in 4hi unlocked (AWD) and not have to worry about slippery patches. But since I have a standard t-case, I'm used to just switching between 2hi and 4hi on days like those. No big deal, but it would be a nice feature to have.
Having said that, I wouldn't swap mine for an AWD t-case though because I like the reliability of not having electrical switches controlling my t-case. The manual lever is better if you beat on your truck like I do.
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