Different transfer case levers in 2nd gens

[nighthawk]

Hi,

I was looking through craigslist for 2nd gen 4Runners. I was wondering, why are there two different types of transfer case levers? I see some that look like a smaller lever that looks like the auto transmission lever and I see some with the rubber boot and the J shape shift pattern. I know it isn't due to it being an automatic or standard I think, because I remembered driving an automatic 2nd gen with the J-style pattern lever. Why do some have this type: 1993 Toyota 4Runner SR5 V6 and some have this type: 1994 toyota 4runner 2.2l 4x4 (hard to see, but you can see the shift boot just on the last picture). I know all the manual transmission ones have that type of lever, but just wondering why the autos have two different types.

Also, the Japanese Hilux has one touch 4WD. Does anyone know if those have the center diff for AWD use on dry pavement?

Thanks

 

[88T4RE]

not really sure but could it be because it is two different engine/trans/t-case combo's or does the 3.0 and the 2.2 use the same trans/t-case?

 

[nighthawk]

I'm just wondering if it had to do with different years. I read something about Toyota adding a Neutral setting in 1993 or something, so maybe they changed it to the J shape at that time, but I'm just trying to get confirmation. Also, is anyone here familiar with the 2nd Gen Hilux Surf's? I noticed that they have a 4WD button on the transfer case lever. I thought those were only on the ones with AWD on dry pavement capability. I'm just weighing my options of getting the Hilux Surf or a 4Runner and was just wondering why all the different transfer case levers.