School me on the 4wd system on the 99 limited

[audi.subie.T4R?]

What's up guys. I maybe looking to pick up a 4runner as my subaru met its untimely demise in the rain this weekend (so much for the beauty of AWD I suppose).

Any way, what can you tell me about the way the 4wd system on the '99-'00 Limiteds works? Is it an electronic 4wd system, or mechanical? Is the default setting 2wd then when wheel slip is detected power is transferred similar to the way an AWD system works or not? Also, I'm told that there is a 4hi/4lo setting as well. And I know about the rear diff lock; my old audi coupe had that in addition to the quattro system and that thing was a beast in the snow.

I'm mainly looking to go with a 4runner because I snowboard a lot and want something that will be big enough to sleep in the back of at the mountain, as well as big enough to haul my other outdoor gear around in. I don't foresee myself doing a ton of off-roading, but that could change since I know these things are super capable off road. Additionally, what can you tell me about things to look out for on the 99 specifically? I know you guys get a million threads like this, but frankly, I hate the way search functions on forums work. TIA

 

[econhonda]

Any way, what can you tell me about the way the 4wd system on the '99-'00 Limiteds works? Is it an electronic 4wd system, or mechanical? Is the default setting 2wd then when wheel slip is detected power is transferred similar to the way an AWD system works or not? Also, I'm told that there is a 4hi/4lo setting as well. And I know about the rear diff lock; my old audi coupe had that in addition to the quattro system and that thing was a beast in the snow.

I'm mainly looking to go with a 4runner because I snowboard a lot and want something that will be big enough to sleep in the back of at the mountain, as well as big enough to haul my other outdoor gear around in. I don't foresee myself doing a ton of off-roading, but that could change since I know these things are super capable off road. Additionally, what can you tell me about things to look out for on the 99 specifically? I know you guys get a million threads like this, but frankly, I hate the way search functions on forums work. TIA

The '99 4runner has everything you should ever want in regards to different 4X4 options. I believe the '00 is the same, but I'm not positive. Under normal driving conditions, you will be driving with no 4X4, and no AWD at all. It is completely rear wheel drive. You then have the option of 4-Hi or 4-Lo. You have two separate options within the 4-hi mode. Option 1 is that you actually "shift" into 4-hi using the shifter attached to the T-Case, and the power ratio will be split 50-50 between the front and rear axles. This mode is discouraged for driving on pavement, especially when turning due to possible "binding up" problems. The second option is to press the button on the T-Case shifer, which will enable 4-hi as well, but the center differential in the transfer case is "open", meaning the power ratio between axles can change and won't bind up on firm surfaces.

Other things to consider before purchasing a runner are listed below (you're going to have to search for these):

Pink Milkshake
Rear Axle Seals
Sagging Suspension (rear)
Timing Belt Status

 

[brian2sun]

The '99 4runner has everything you should ever want in regards to different 4X4 options. I believe the '00 is the same, but I'm not positive. Under normal driving conditions, you will be driving with no 4X4, and no AWD at all. It is completely rear wheel drive. You then have the option of 4-Hi or 4-Lo. You have two separate options within the 4-hi mode. Option 1 is that you actually "shift" into 4-hi using the shifter attached to the T-Case, and the power ratio will be split 50-50 between the front and rear axles. This mode is discouraged for driving on pavement, especially when turning due to possible "binding up" problems. The second option is to press the button on the T-Case shifer, which will enable 4-hi as well, but the center differential in the transfer case is "open", meaning the power ratio between axles can change and won't bind up on firm surfaces.

Other things to consider before purchasing a runner are listed below (you're going to have to search for these):

Pink Milkshake
Rear Axle Seals
Sagging Suspension (rear)
Timing Belt Status

Well said, good posting.

 

[Nelsonmd]

The second option is to press the button on the T-Case shifer, which will enable 4-hi as well, but the center differential in the transfer case is "open", meaning the power ratio between axles can change and won't bind up on firm surfaces.

Is this only available on the limited? I have a 2000 SR5 with as far as I can tell, all the options, but no button on the T-case.

If I have a center diff in the transfer case, that could help for driving in the winter.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Is this only available on the limited? I have a 2000 SR5 with as far as I can tell, all the options, but no button on the T-case.

If I have a center diff in the transfer case, that could help for driving in the winter.

If you have a 2000 SR5 you shouldn't have a center diff. If you have a center diff maybe your rig is a 2001? All 2001 - 2002 4wd 4runners have the center diff. The downside is that in 2001 they also deleted the rear locker option.

In fact, IIRC the rear locker button for the 1996 - 2000 models is in roughly the same location (to the left of the steering column) as the 01-02 center diff lock button.

Easiest way to tell if you have a center diff is whether there is a center diff lock button to the left of the steering wheel.

If you have a conventional 4wd system (i.e., no center diff) then you should have a stick shifter with the following positions: 2wd, 4hi, N and 4l in a sort of U shaped pattern

 

[Nelsonmd]

Yeah, I definitely have the rear locker. He mentioned a button on the transfer case shifter, which I have never heard of.

I have the t-case shifter you describe. I guess I was hoping my SR5 might have a spiffy option that I didn't know about.

I think the rear locker will serve me better trying to get moving in a snowy/icy parking lot than the center diff. I'll just have to watch the fishtailing in the winter while road driving.

 

[cj80cruiser]

Yeah, I definitely have the rear locker. He mentioned a button on the transfer case shifter, which I have never heard of.

I have the t-case shifter you describe. I guess I was hoping my SR5 might have a spiffy option that I didn't know about.

I think the rear locker will serve me better trying to get moving in a snowy/icy parking lot than the center diff. I'll just have to watch the fishtailing in the winter while road driving.

I believe there was talk of later 2000s that had AWD capabilities???? I may be confusing that with early 2000s having taller 99 springs, if so sorry.

So you don't have a 4wd button on your TC shifter but you have a REAR locker?

 

[yukonrider]

What a JONG

 

[cj80cruiser]

What a JONG

Are you talkn dirty again?

 

[Nelsonmd]

I believe there was talk of later 2000s that had AWD capabilities???? I may be confusing that with early 2000s having taller 99 springs, if so sorry.

So you don't have a 4wd button on your TC shifter but you have a REAR locker?

That's correct. I have the locker button left of the steering column, but none on the TC shifter. Never heard of 2000's with taller springs, but I havn't been around the 4runner scene very long.

Thanks for the comment yukon... really helpful.

 

[audi.subie.T4R?]

What a JONG

Bwahahahahahahahahaha!!!!! GET A LIFE BEATER!!!

Will this help things out?

Its cool, I know Yukon from the TGR (skiing) forums...its just our way of welcoming a new member to the forum over there.


Edit: After looking into the whole "Pink Milkshake" thing, would I be better off looking for a 5spd non-limited '99-00? I mean, really, I don't need leather seats that bad, and almost prefer to have a 5spd any way.

 

[econhonda]

Edit: After looking into the whole "Pink Milkshake" thing, would I be better off looking for a 5spd non-limited '99-00? I mean, really, I don't need leather seats that bad, and almost prefer to have a 5spd any way.

The 5 speed is a great way to go. People pay big money sometimes for a 5 speed with a diff lock, assuming it's in good condition. Although, bypassing the stock cooler with an external tranny cooler, replacing the radiator, or both, only costs a couple hundred dollars and pretty much nulls any possibility of falling victim.

 

[Nelsonmd]

The 5 speed is a great way to go. People pay big money sometimes for a 5 speed with a diff lock, assuming it's in good condition. Although, bypassing the stock cooler with an external tranny cooler, replacing the radiator, or both, only costs a couple hundred dollars and pretty much nulls any possibility of falling victim.

I think the tranny coolers are only $80-$150 from what I have seen, and a couple hours for install. I plan on doing this once I get some bigger problems fixed. This seems like the easiest way to fix the problem (and practically necessary for regular towing). Lots of writeups here and on Yota tech, check them out.

Certainly don't let it scare you away from a good deal on an auto, especially since that would likely limit your purchase options (I started off looking for a 5spd as well, but found options were pretty limited).

 

[Dagobah]

Mine is a '96 Limited, and my t-case shifter has the button. I know this was called 4WDemand, and that I can shift from 2 to four-hi without even stopping the car. But there is no Diff. indicator light between the tach, and speedo, just the 4WD indicator light at the bottom-right. So my question is: do I have the center Diff. as well?

Dont mean to hijack the thread...

 

[audi.subie.T4R?]

The 5 speed is a great way to go. People pay big money sometimes for a 5 speed with a diff lock, assuming it's in good condition. Although, bypassing the stock cooler with an external tranny cooler, replacing the radiator, or both, only costs a couple hundred dollars and pretty much nulls any possibility of falling victim.

Right on. So do the '98 non-limiteds have the same 4wd set up as the '99 limited or not? Also, what sort of signs should I look for that would indicate problems associated with the pink milkshake? I noticed in another thread (that I searched for) that hard shifts, and other sorts of tranny shutters are good places to start, but by then it sounds like its too late. So what other things should I keep my eyes peeled for under the hood or else where? Also, could somebody upload a pic of a radiator with an external tranny cooler so I could see what that set up looks like in case any of the 4Rs I'm looking at have had it done.

And don't get me wrong, I'm open to the idea of an AT but have driven a stick for the last 6-7 years and really don't wanna go back. IMO, its the only way to drive, no matter what vehicle you're talking about.

 

[brian2sun]

Mine is a '96 Limited, and my t-case shifter has the button. I know this was called 4WDemand, and that I can shift from 2 to four-hi without even stopping the car. But there is no Diff. indicator light between the tach, and speedo, just the 4WD indicator light at the bottom-right. So my question is: do I have the center Diff. as well?

Dont mean to hijack the thread...

No, you don't have the center diff. You have normal 4x4 (4hi and 4lo) that is just accuated with a button for 4hi instead of a lever like mine has.

 

[Dagobah]

No, you don't have the center diff. You have normal 4x4 (4hi and 4lo) that is just accuated with a button for 4hi instead of a lever like mine has.

Yeah, thats what I thought. Darn.

Thanks so much for clarifying!

 

[brian2sun]

Right on. So do the '98 non-limiteds have the same 4wd set up as the '99 limited or not?

No. The '96-'98 non-Limiteds have a J shifter and normal 4x4 (2hi/4hi/N/4lo). The early Limiteds have a push button to engage 4hi, but that's not the multimode, it's just push-button 4WD. The '99/'00 Limiteds were the first to get the multi-mode t-case with the center diff locker, but it was accuated with the shifter which had one more position in it than the earlier J shifters - as opposed to a switch-accutaed center diff locker (which the '01/'02s have). All the 4x4 '01/'02s have the multi-mode.

Also, what sort of signs should I look for that would indicate problems associated with the pink milkshake?

There are no warning signs, it's all internal so you can't see it until the cooler inside the radiator has already ruptured. Then the tranny will not work right and it will be aparent almost immediately.

I noticed in another thread (that I searched for) that hard shifts, and other sorts of tranny shutters are good places to start, but by then it sounds like its too late.

Yes

So what other things should I keep my eyes peeled for under the hood or else where? Also, could somebody upload a pic of a radiator with an external tranny cooler so I could see what that set up looks like in case any of the 4Rs I'm looking at have had it done.

The external tranny coolers are separate from the radiator. Look for a smaller radiator-looking device mounted in the front of the engine bay or some even mount them near the skid plate.

And don't get me wrong, I'm open to the idea of an AT but have driven a stick for the last 6-7 years and really don't wanna go back. IMO, its the only way to drive, no matter what vehicle you're talking about.

There's advantages to both.

^^^^

 

[zcruiser]

I have a 2000 SR5 with the "shift-on-fly" 4hi/lo stick left of the auto selector (no button) and a Diff Lock button left of the steering wheel. I haven't tried the diff lock out much so don't know how well it works...

 

[econhonda]

Right on. So do the '98 non-limiteds have the same 4wd set up as the '99 limited or not? Also, what sort of signs should I look for that would indicate problems associated with the pink milkshake? I noticed in another thread (that I searched for) that hard shifts, and other sorts of tranny shutters are good places to start, but by then it sounds like its too late. So what other things should I keep my eyes peeled for under the hood or else where? Also, could somebody upload a pic of a radiator with an external tranny cooler so I could see what that set up looks like in case any of the 4Rs I'm looking at have had it done.

And don't get me wrong, I'm open to the idea of an AT but have driven a stick for the last 6-7 years and really don't wanna go back. IMO, its the only way to drive, no matter what vehicle you're talking about.

No, the '99 (and perhaps the '00) limiteds are the only ones with the 4X4 options described in my first post. Unfortunately, there really aren't any symptoms of the pink milkshake being a potential problem. It doesn't really give any warning. Some have caught it relatively quick and then do a thorough flush, but I'm not sure what the success rate for salvaging the tranny really is. I suppose if the transmission shifted hard or shuttered when you test drove a vehicle, it might mean the runner had gone through the milkshake catastrophe already so keep an eye out for that. Hopefully the seller would be forthright enough to tell you if that was the case.

I've got an external tranny cooler, but no pic to show for it. However, this is an awesome write up on installing one. This is the one I got. It seems to be a pretty popular setup, and has worked well for me. It is mounted just in front of the A/C condensor, and has no problem pulling enough air through both the radiator and condensor at stand still.

Also, one other thing to look for is excessive rust on the frame and suspension parts. Depending on the vehicle's location and history, this may be serious enough to deter you from a purchase. Other than that, these things are pretty bulletproof.