Do the 2013 TE 4Runners have the mechanical linkage 4WD lever?

[apollo]

I'm considering a 2013 TE, but there is one thing that i'm having trouble ascertaining--is the transfer case switched via a button or a mechanical lever?

I cannot find detaled specifications on the toyota website, have had no luck with google, and there are only 6 TEs in the Gulf Coast region, with none that i can find in DFW, so i'm at a loss with this one.

I have seen photos that claim to be of a 2013 showing the lever, which, in my understanding is a true mechanical linkage--please correct me if i misunderstand. But I also see that there is a 'puck' style knob on 2013 models on at least some trim levels.

I would appreciate a firm confirmation either way, and photo of a 2013 would be great. Thanks!

 

[hamburglar210]

Mechanical

Edit: I used to have a pic of my interior but must have deleted it off the phone... but I did use the lever to get into 4hi early Tuesday morning.

 

[apollo]

Mechanical

Edit: I used to have a pic of my interior but must have deleted it off the phone... but I did use the lever to get into 4hi early Tuesday morning.

thanks for the quick reply, i really appreciate it.

 

[Jayhawk5G]

Mechanical

Edit: I used to have a pic of my interior but must have deleted it off the phone... but I did use the lever to get into 4hi early Tuesday morning.

Though it looks mechanical, I believe it still uses an electronic actuator... same as the button.

 

[1engineer]

This is how they work: Front Differential Actuator Repair / Replacement - Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum

 

[Quentin]

The forks to engage the transfer case in 4H and 4L are mechanical (and that is what you are moving with the shift lever). The axles have to be locked, just like the old days, though, and that is done by an electronic solenoid. Unless you swap out your hubs for manually locking hubs, like the old days, you still rely on some electronic input to get into 4WD. So, half the job is done purely mechanically (making your front and rear prop shafts spin together) and the other half of the job (making the gears in the diff and your axles spin together) is done electronically.

The latest SR5 model goes away from the mechanical lever and to a dial like the Tundra and Tacoma.

 

[apollo]

so the ADD seems to be activated by a switch in the differential, and i see where some people have put an ADD switch in the cabin of their FJs, in addition to the lever shifter...

 

[apollo]

The forks to engage the transfer case in 4H and 4L are mechanical (and that is what you are moving with the shift lever). The axles have to be locked, just like the old days, though, and that is done by an electronic solenoid. Unless you swap out your hubs for manually locking hubs, like the old days, you still rely on some electronic input to get into 4WD.

The latest SR5 model goes away from the mechanical lever and to a dial like the Tundra and Tacoma.

thanks Quentin--this answers my question thoroughly...i'm coming from a jeep TJ, but i also have an f150 4x4, so although i prefer less electronic input, i have used both, and i think i understand the system in the 4runner better now, along with the value of the trade-off with manual hubs

loved my jeep, but strongly considering a 4runner for a few reasons, safety for rear seat occupants and payload over the new JKU being primary, along with also preferring the shorter wheelbase of the 4Runner

appreciate the input everyone

 

[eddiebx]

so the ADD seems to be activated by a switch in the differential, and i see where some people have put an ADD switch in the cabin of their FJs, in addition to the lever shifter...

Out of curiosity, why would one want to manually activate the ADD? If I am understanding how it works correctly, wouldn't engaging the ADD in anything besides 4Hi/4Lo be pointless?

I guess what I mean is, what does it matter if the front axles are engaged or not if the transfer case is not engaged (since the front axles would be freely spinning)

 

[apollo]

Out of curiosity, why would one want to manually activate the ADD? If I am understanding how it works correctly, wouldn't engaging the ADD in anything besides 4Hi/4Lo be pointless?

I guess what I mean is, what does it matter if the front axles are engaged or not if the transfer case is not engaged (since the front axles would be freely spinning)

i don't know why someone would want to do this either, good question