Questions about transfer cases for my manual transmission swap

[WrenchTech]

I am ready to start collecting parts for a manual transmission swap into my 99 runner. I have been told that I can reuse the transfer case which is currently behind my automatic transmission. I haven’t been able to find much information about the transfer case Toyota used for this application. I noticed that car-part.com has separate listings for transfer cases for manual, SR5 auto, and limited auto, all with the V6 engine. What do I need to know to get the right part?

 

[WrenchTech]

If the transfer cases are the same and would bolt right up to either a manual or an automatic transmission, then it seems to be a matter of the transfer case shifter. Can I reuse my transfer case and make it compatible with the manual transmission by swapping out the t-case shift lever?

 

[phattyduck]

The manual shift lever is different as you noticed, and the manual t-case has one or two fewer sensors (needed for auto trans control). That's why the listings would be different. You can use your auto t-case on the manual trans with the right shift lever.

-Charlie

 

[Team_Jake]

Because you have an SR5, I assume you have the standard j-shift transfer case. When swapping to a 5-speed you need to do one of two things to get the shifter to work, either get a shifter from a j-shift manual transmission, or if you want to fabricate something you can use your current shifter, flip it around 180° and cut/shorten/weld the kink.

I did a manual swap in my 1999 Limited which has the multi-mode j-shift transfer case. I swapped the shifter with a 5-speed shifter and relocated the AWD button on that was on the side of the shifter to another location.

 

[WrenchTech]

I bought a whole package of manual trans swap parts from a seller that I found in the classifieds in this forum. I got the transfer case that came with the five speed manual from the factory. It should have the correct shifter. When I pull my automatic out to install the manual transmission I will be able to compare them.

 

[RandyBobandy]

When I did my manual swap I reused my auto transfer case and just flipped the shifter, works fine

 

[WrenchTech]

When I did my manual swap I reused my auto transfer case and just flipped the shifter, works fine

Thanks for that information. I could have saved a little bit of cash if I didn't get the transferase that came with the manual. I felt better getting the complete set up though.