General questin on 3rd gen transfer cases

[norrisbiker]

I am looking to buy a used 3rd or 4th gen 4Runner.

I have read the very informative posts by brian2sun on 3rd gen transfer cases and by 4-Ripcod buyer's guide.

It is stated that the 1996-2000 SR5 J-type transfer cases were purely mechanical (like my 1985).

The other transfer cases used starting with the 1996-1998 Limiteds and progressing to the Muilti-mode type are all integrated with some sort of electrical mechanisms to do something (shift/lock/etc.).

My question is: Do the transfer cases that have some sort of electric modules still retain the physical mechanical linkages to shift the transfer case or does the lever in these just move electrical switches, and they in turn cause motors to do the shifting /locking just like the 4th gen 4Runners?

Thanks in advance. Tom

 

[volkinator]

I am looking to buy a used 3rd or 4th gen 4Runner.

I have read the very informative posts by brian2sun on 3rd gen transfer cases and by 4-Ripcod buyer's guide.

It is stated that the 1996-2000 SR5 J-type transfer cases were purely mechanical (like my 1985).

The other transfer cases used starting with the 1996-1998 Limiteds and progressing to the Muilti-mode type are all integrated with some sort of electrical mechanisms to do something (shift/lock/etc.).

My question is: Do the transfer cases that have some sort of electric modules still retain the physical mechanical linkages to shift the transfer case or does the lever in these just move electrical switches, and they in turn cause motors to do the shifting /locking just like the 4th gen 4Runners?

Thanks in advance. Tom

the multimode has a button on the side (for "AWD/4hi") but the other shifting is mechanical (2hi/4hiL/4loL) which is when you move the lever

 

[JayRolla]

I am looking to buy a used 3rd or 4th gen 4Runner.

I have read the very informative posts by brian2sun on 3rd gen transfer cases and by 4-Ripcod buyer's guide.

It is stated that the 1996-2000 SR5 J-type transfer cases were purely mechanical (like my 1985).

The other transfer cases used starting with the 1996-1998 Limiteds and progressing to the Muilti-mode type are all integrated with some sort of electrical mechanisms to do something (shift/lock/etc.).

My question is: Do the transfer cases that have some sort of electric modules still retain the physical mechanical linkages to shift the transfer case or does the lever in these just move electrical switches, and they in turn cause motors to do the shifting /locking just like the 4th gen 4Runners?

Thanks in advance. Tom

Limited 96-99 have a mechanical shifter to go into Low range. There is a side button to turn 4x4 Hi on.

 

[T4R2014]

What he said ^

In case you're worried, I don't really hear many issues with the electric actuators in 3rd gens. They might be a little slow if they haven't been used in a long time, but I have yet to come across one that did not work. Believe me, these are some abused trucks that I am talking about.

 

[WallyWest]

My question is: Do the transfer cases that have some sort of electric modules still retain the physical mechanical linkages to shift the transfer case or does the lever in these just move electrical switches, and they in turn cause motors to do the shifting /locking just like the 4th gen 4Runners?

In my 2002 to engage 4WD you just push a button, no manual shifting at all. Same for locking the transfer case. Shifting from HI to LO is the only mechanical part left.

So I would think that the transfer case is substantially different from the older J shift version. The 4th gen on the other hand doesn't have a shifter at all.

 

[norrisbiker]

the multimode has a button on the side (for "AWD/4hi") but the other shifting is mechanical (2hi/4hiL/4loL) which is when you move the lever

So on the multimode 4Runners 2000-up it is still a mechanical connection that actually shifts the transfer case, correct? So what does the AWD/4Hi button do? Does it use an electric module to lock the transfer case (so it would be like a part time case)?

Limited 96-99 have a mechanical shifter to go into Low range. There is a side button to turn 4x4 Hi on.

So 96-99 Limiteds basically have the multimode case as the 2000 up 3rd gen?

What he said ^

In case you're worried, I don't really hear many issues with the electric actuators in 3rd gens. They might be a little slow if they haven't been used in a long time, but I have yet to come across one that did not work. Believe me, these are some abused trucks that I am talking about.

I appreciate the comment.

I have read much about the 4th gen module failures.

If the 3rd gen module fails, do you have to split the transfer case to fix it as on the 4th gen? If not, then at least there would not be that expense to deal with.

 

[norrisbiker]

In my 2002 to engage 4WD you just push a button, no manual shifting at all. Same for locking the transfer case. Shifting from HI to LO is the only mechanical part left.

So I would think that the transfer case is substantially different from the older J shift version. The 4th gen on the other hand doesn't have a shifter at all.

So you are saying that you still have 2 wheel drive in your 2002.

I would assume that pushing the button just locks the front diff, correct, because the transfer must always be turning the front driveshaft.

So locking the transfer is done by a button on the dash, correct, and it also must be an electrical motor module on the side of the transfer case.

Can the module be replaced if necessary without splitting the transfer case?

I want to thank everyone for the replies.

I'm trying to decide what gen to go with.

I do a lot of my own vehicle work and would like to know ahead of time what I may have to deal with.

Tom

 

[WallyWest]

So you are saying that you still have 2 wheel drive in your 2002.

Yeah.

I would assume that pushing the button just locks the front diff, correct, because the transfer must always be turning the front driveshaft.

No, the front driveshaft is disconnected at both ends when in 2WD.

So locking the transfer is done by a button on the dash, correct, and it also must be an electrical motor module on the side of the transfer case.

The button for 4WD is on the side of the shifter. You still have to manually shift the transfer case from HI to LO. The button for locking the transfer case is on the dash.

Can the module be replaced if necessary without splitting the transfer case?

Not sure about that.

 

[norrisbiker]

Sorry for all the questions, but I do appreciate immensely the answers.

So I am assuming from volkinator's post that if you have a button on the side of the transfer shifter (not a J type), that the only thing it does is lock the front diff. Is that correct? If that mechanism fails, can you still move the lever to 4Low?

If you have the J type shifter on the 2000 up 4Runners, does it have a button also, or does the shifter cause that action when you physically move it?

Does anyone know if these transfer case modules can be replaced without splitting the case.

Thanks again.

Tom

 

[norrisbiker]

Yeah.



No, the front driveshaft is disconnected at both ends when in 2WD.

Then there are two modules activated by the 4WD switch? One to lock the front diff and one to connect the front drive shaft internally in the transfer? This would have to be different from the module that locks the transfer because that is not in play when in AWD, correct?

 

[volkinator]

96-98 All? have J-shifter (no multimode)
2wd-4hi-N-4lo
99-2000 (? not 100% sure) SR5 will have J-shifter (no multimode)
2wd-4hi-N-4lo (not sure if center locked in 4hi or not)
99-2000 Limited have Multimode J-shifter (J-shifter with button)
2wd/AWD-4hiL-N-4loL
01-02 All have the vertical (I-shifter?) with button.
2wd/AWD-N-4lo (these have center lock on dash)

If this ins't right, sorry. But this is my understanding

 

[JayRolla]

So on the multimode 4Runners 2000-up it is still a mechanical connection that actually shifts the transfer case, correct? So what does the AWD/4Hi button do? Does it use an electric module to lock the transfer case (so it would be like a part time case)?




So 96-99 Limiteds basically have the multimode case as the 2000 up 3rd gen?





I appreciate the comment.

I have read much about the 4th gen module failures.

If the 3rd gen module fails, do you have to split the transfer case to fix it as on the 4th gen? If not, then at least there would not be that expense to deal with.

No its not multimode. Multimode is AWD all the time. The older Limited's on just 4x4 hi and lo. But instead if shifting into 4x4 hi, you push a button on the side of the shifter.

 

[gamefreakgc]

I've only heard of a 3rd gen transfer case ever failing once. The e-locker does seem to go bad on rare occasions but the front differential is essentially bullet-proof.

I have the J-shift (no buttons) and it works to perfection. Shifting to 4LO can be a little rough if I try to do it with a cold engine (idle is high) but that's normal and to be expected, even addressed in the user's manual. The ADD system works well, no issues there either. Though I have to say, the manual hubs on the old Pickups and other Toyotas were kinda fun.

Heck, pretty much everything on a 3rd gen is bullet-proof. That's why we love 'em! No plastic for me!

 

[norrisbiker]

96-98 All? have J-shifter (no multimode)
2wd-4hi-N-4lo
99-2000 (? not 100% sure) SR5 will have J-shifter (no multimode)
2wd-4hi-N-4lo (not sure if center locked in 4hi or not)
99-2000 Limited have Multimode J-shifter (J-shifter with button)
2wd/AWD-4hiL-N-4loL
01-02 All have the vertical (I-shifter?) with button.
2wd/AWD-N-4lo (these have center lock on dash)

If this ins't right, sorry. But this is my understanding

Thanks, volkinator. No wonder this can get confusing.

No its not multimode. Multimode is AWD all the time. The older Limited's on just 4x4 hi and lo. But instead if shifting into 4x4 hi, you push a button on the side of the shifter.

I think I got it!

I've only heard of a 3rd gen transfer case ever failing once. The e-locker does seem to go bad on rare occasions but the front differential is essentially bullet-proof.

I have the J-shift (no buttons) and it works to perfection. Shifting to 4LO can be a little rough if I try to do it with a cold engine (idle is high) but that's normal and to be expected, even addressed in the user's manual. The ADD system works well, no issues there either. Though I have to say, the manual hubs on the old Pickups and other Toyotas were kinda fun.

Heck, pretty much everything on a 3rd gen is bullet-proof. That's why we love 'em! No plastic for me!

Yours must have the same type I had in my 85. It was bulletproof for sure. I for one am not sold on these newer electronic type modules doing the work we once did. Too much possibility of failure when these components are exposed to water, mud, dust and salt.

The 3rd gen sounds like a good, solid vehicle with less chance of an electrical module keeping you from doing what needs to be done when asked.

However, the 4th gen has some nice updates that are hard to overlook.

Thanks again to all who responded.

I have much homework yet to complete.

Tom

 

[JayRolla]

Thanks, volkinator. No wonder this can get confusing.



I think I got it!



Yours must have the same type I had in my 85. It was bulletproof for sure. I for one am not sold on these newer electronic type modules doing the work we once did. Too much possibility of failure when these components are exposed to water, mud, dust and salt.

The 3rd gen sounds like a good, solid vehicle with less chance of an electrical module keeping you from doing what needs to be done when asked.

However, the 4th gen has some nice updates that are hard to overlook.

Thanks again to all who responded.

I have much homework yet to complete.

Tom

My brother got a 4th gen and I can say, the power is well worth it. If you worry about electronic controlled 4x4 than you will never own a vehicle above the year 2000 pretty much. Have to move with the times and if it fails, you fix it!!

If you do go 4th gen you would want to look into disabling the traction control features. They are just horrible and pretty much just slams the brakes till you have no power. Just research andy mod, blue wire mod stuff like that.

 

[02SE]

Limited 96-99 have a mechanical shifter to go into Low range. There is a side button to turn 4x4 Hi on.

'96-'98 Limited models.

'99-'00 Limited models had a multi-mode T-case, which had a unique engagement method for those two model years.

'01-'02 SR5 and Limited models used the same multi-mode t-case, and method of engagement.

 

[michaelj]

My '99 SR5 has the J-shifter, no buttons. 2HI-4HI-N-4Lo. 246,xxx miles and it shifts into 4wd no problems whatsoever.

 

[norrisbiker]

My brother got a 4th gen and I can say, the power is well worth it. If you worry about electronic controlled 4x4 than you will never own a vehicle above the year 2000 pretty much. Have to move with the times and if it fails, you fix it!!

If you do go 4th gen you would want to look into disabling the traction control features. They are just horrible and pretty much just slams the brakes till you have no power. Just research andy mod, blue wire mod stuff like that.

Thanks JayRolla, that is good information.

You are absolutely correct about moving forward with the times. I know the 3rd gen was a solid platform, but I do like a lot of the features and upgrades of the 4th gen (new aluminum V6 and rear discs to name two).

At this point I am leaning that way, but I know to be aware of specifically the 4 wheel system on them and make sure it works properly before purchasing.

I still would like to hear whether or not the 3rd gen transfer cases needed to be split (like the 4th gen) to replace the electronic shift mechanisms. Has anyone done this?

Tom

 

[T4R2014]

Of all the 99+ upgrades, the multimode case is the only one worth a damn to me and IMO well worth getting. It seems silly to count out such a performance advantage just because it uses a single electronic actuator which doesn't fail often. If you're that worried about it failing, then you should be looking into an even older vehicle since there are way too many electronics that could fail on a 3rd gen.

 

[WallyWest]

Then there are two modules activated by the 4WD switch? One to lock the front diff and one to connect the front drive shaft internally in the transfer? This would have to be different from the module that locks the transfer because that is not in play when in AWD, correct?

It's complicated, lol. I'll try to explain how the '01 - '02 works.

The front diff doesn't actually lock, it's an open diff. I assume by lock you just meant engage the drive shaft.

In 2WD mode the front driveshaft doesn't spin at all. It's disconnected from the front diff and the transfer case. When you push the 4WD button the front driveshaft is connected at both ends and you're in what is technically AWD. The front and rear diffs, and the transfer case, are open at this point. You can drive like this on dry pavement, no problems.

There is a system called ATRAC that is always active, that makes the rear and front (if you're in 4WD) sort of like a locked diff. It uses the ABS sensors to detect wheel spin and then applies brakes to the wheel that has lost traction, effectively transferring power back to the other wheel. It works ok, not as good as a locked diff, but better than nothing.

I believe some 3rd gen models came with a locking rear diff, but I'm not sure how common that was. I'm thinking there aren't many of them. However, it's a popular mod for people who do serious off-roading.

There's a button on the dash that will lock the transfer case, giving you a true 50/50 power split between the front and rear diffs. Aside from testing it in a gravel lot I've never had to use it.

And then you can manually shift the transfer case into a lower gearing. Which again, I've never had use for other than to test it out.

For normal on road driving, in pretty much any condition, just pushing the 4WD button is all you need to do. Locking the transfer case, and/or shifting into low gear, is for off road.