Way to determine if it has factory locker? (VIN?)

[Horsethief]

I'm just starting to look around for a 3rd gen 4R. I didn't know too much about them before I found this site, now I know a lot more than I did last week, that sticky is amazing!

So now that I know what to look for, as far as t-case options and the rear locker, I can narrow down my choices. I actually had no idea a factory locker was an option, I thought you needed to get LC for that.

Anyway, now that I know what I want, is there a way to tell by the VIN or any other means if one in a dealer or CL ad has the locker?

I've found a few nice '00's, so I know it's possible that they may have the locker, but I can't see the switch from the pics. Then, other ads have mentioned it, but do not show the switch.

Also, the switch is to the right of the headlight knob on all years if so equipped?

And on a 96-00' the presence of a rocker switch in that location would not be for anything else other than the locker?

I know the '01-'02's that switch location is for the diff lock.

I was just looking for at an ad for a clean looking '00 SR5 that appears to have a rocker switch to the right of the headlight knob, but they do not mention a locker in the options list, nor do then zoom in on it in any pics.

It looks pretty decent. red over silver 2 tone with tan cloth, and the tri spoke wheels (my fav on these) with 138k for 4,995. Red isn't my favorite, but it may still be worth a look.

Thanks for any info!

 

[thecole1098]

I'm just starting to look around for a 3rd gen 4R. I didn't know too much about them before I found this site, now I know a lot more than I did last week, that sticky is amazing!

So now that I know what to look for, as far as t-case options and the rear locker, I can narrow down my choices. I actually had no idea a factory locker was an option, I thought you needed to get LC for that.

Anyway, now that I know what I want, is there a way to tell by the VIN or any other means if one in a dealer or CL ad has the locker?

I've found a few nice '00's, so I know it's possible that they may have the locker, but I can't see the switch from the pics. Then, other ads have mentioned it, but do not show the switch.

Also, the switch is to the right of the headlight knob on all years if so equipped?

And on a 96-00' the presence of a rocker switch in that location would not be for anything else other than the locker?

I know the '01-'02's that switch location is for the diff lock.

I was just looking for at an ad for a clean looking '00 SR5 that appears to have a rocker switch to the right of the headlight knob, but they do not mention a locker in the options list, nor do then zoom in on it in any pics.

It looks pretty decent. red over silver 2 tone with tan cloth, and the tri spoke wheels (my fav on these) with 138k for 4,995. Red isn't my favorite, but it may still be worth a look.

Thanks for any info!

Correct, if it has a locker it will always be to the right of the headlight/dimmer knob on the instrument cluster bezel. In 01-02 they eliminated the option of a locker all together and put a center diff lock switch in the location where a RR Diff Lock button would be. Don't confuse the center diff lock with a rear diff lock, completely different as the center diff lock on a 01-02 does not provide any better off road capability over the previous years that had the "true" part-time 4WD system where the center diff (Tcase) is always locked.

In summary, on the 01-02 models, the center diff lock button will lock the transfer case to split power 50/50 between the front and rear axles like the 96-00 have all the time (unless you have a 99-00 LTD in which case you have the multi-mode 4WD system which has a center diff lock AND in some models the RR Diff lock). With the RR Diff lock, that will force the rear axles to turn at the same rate, locking them together, which helps with off-roading tremendously if the situation is right.

To answer your question, yes a VIN search should pull up the the options the vehicle came with from the factory. I have access to TIS from Toyota, so I could look up the VINs for you to let you know for sure.

 

[Horsethief]

Correct, if it has a locker it will always be to the right of the headlight/dimmer knob on the instrument cluster bezel. In 01-02 they eliminated the option of a locker all together and put a center diff lock switch in the location where a RR Diff Lock button would be. Don't confuse the center diff lock with a rear diff lock, completely different as the center diff lock on a 01-02 does not provide any better off road capability over the previous years that had the "true" part-time 4WD system where the center diff (Tcase) is always locked.

In summary, on the 01-02 models, the center diff lock button will lock the transfer case to split power 50/50 between the front and rear axles like the 96-00 have all the time (unless you have a 99-00 LTD in which case you have the multi-mode 4WD system which has a center diff lock AND in some models the RR Diff lock). With the RR Diff lock, that will force the rear axles to turn at the same rate, locking them together, which helps with off-roading tremendously if the situation is right.

To answer your question, yes a VIN search should pull up the the options the vehicle came with from the factory. I have access to TIS from Toyota, so I could look up the VINs for you to let you know for sure.

Thanks for the info! I may take you up on that offer to look up VINs, I'll PM you some.

I get the difference between the center and rear diff locks, and thanks to that rear diff lock being eliminated for '01 I've excluded '01 -'02 from my consideration. Your response on that was good, short and to the point.

It's kind of a pet peeve of mine when people or auto reviewers make a big deal about a center diff lock. It's like BFD, that's how 4WD is supposed to work in the first place.

Though, having an AWD case WITHOUT it is no fun. My old Grand Cherokee was AWD and had an open center diff in 4hi, I hated it. Luckily 4low was center diff locked.

Thanks again!

 

[Mark_BC]

Manual transmissions will have a Clutch Start Cancel button there which might confuse you if looking at photos on CL, not sure if you are looking at manuals.

 

[Scramble]

Manual transmissions will have a Clutch Start Cancel button there which might confuse you if looking at photos on CL, not sure if you are looking at manuals.

The Clutch Start Cancel button is all the way to the left, different spot than RR button. The Toyota Security red light is sometimes in the RR spot.

To the OP, a lot of ads dont list the e-locker because they dont know what it it. You have to look at the pics. If there's no pic of that spot ask for one.

 

[Wywy99]

Correct, if it has a locker it will always be to the right of the headlight/dimmer knob on the instrument cluster bezel. In 01-02 they eliminated the option of a locker all together and put a center diff lock switch in the location where a RR Diff Lock button would be. Don't confuse the center diff lock with a rear diff lock, completely different as the center diff lock on a 01-02 does not provide any better off road capability over the previous years that had the "true" part-time 4WD system where the center diff (Tcase) is always locked.

In summary, on the 01-02 models, the center diff lock button will lock the transfer case to split power 50/50 between the front and rear axles like the 96-00 have all the time (unless you have a 99-00 LTD in which case you have the multi-mode 4WD system which has a center diff lock AND in some models the RR Diff lock). With the RR Diff lock, that will force the rear axles to turn at the same rate, locking them together, which helps with off-roading tremendously if the situation is right.

To answer your question, yes a VIN search should pull up the the options the vehicle came with from the factory. I have access to TIS from Toyota, so I could look up the VINs for you to let you know for sure.

Thanks for your post! I am in a similar situation. With the 99-00 LTD are there 2 separate buttons next to each other? I'm new to 4wd in general and I'm still trying to understand the concept. Going to watch a few videos and read some more on the forum.

 

[thecole1098]

Thanks for your post! I am in a similar situation. With the 99-00 LTD are there 2 separate buttons next to each other? I'm new to 4wd in general and I'm still trying to understand the concept. Going to watch a few videos and read some more on the forum.

No on the 99-00 LTD, the center diff lock button is located on the side of the 4WD shifter and is simply labeled 4WD. So when the shifter is in the H4/H4L position, it will be in AWD mode (center diff unlocked) until you press the 4WD button on the side.

 

[Horsethief]

Manual transmissions will have a Clutch Start Cancel button there which might confuse you if looking at photos on CL, not sure if you are looking at manuals.

Thanks for the info. Looking for an auto though. I've never actually seen a 5 speed one, I figure that would take FOREVER to find, haha.

The Clutch Start Cancel button is all the way to the left, different spot than RR button. The Toyota Security red light is sometimes in the RR spot.

To the OP, a lot of ads dont list the e-locker because they dont know what it it. You have to look at the pics. If there's no pic of that spot ask for one.

Thanks for the info. That security light being there certainly complicates things when looking at pics.

I thought about asking for a pic of that area, but I figure if it's there and the seller doesn't know it, why draw attention to it and possibly weaken my chances for price negotiation?

I'll just have to go see them. I don't mind driving a few hours each way to see a good one, I was just hoping to weed them out before driving all that distance just took for that switch.

The SR5 I mentioned in my first post is like 3 hours away, this morning I found another at a small dealer about 30 minutes away from me in a better color (with hood scoop! lol) that upon closer examination of the pics seems to have something to the right of the headlight switch. I'll have to go check it out sat.

Silver SR5, 120K miles, loaded except for leather, remote start, supposedly services up to date, mayyybe rear locker, for $4,895.

Ad says it was a local trade, so I'm going to bring a hammer and bang the sh!t out of the frame, haha.

 

[Horsethief]

No on the 99-00 LTD, the center diff lock button is located on the side of the 4WD shifter and is simply labeled 4WD. So when the shifter is in the H4/H4L position, it will be in AWD mode (center diff unlocked) until you press the 4WD button on the side.

That is really freakin' clever. It's funny how these 20 year old Runners have more versatile 4wd systems than the brand new ones.

 

[Scramble]

Thanks for the info. Looking for an auto though. I've never actually seen a 5 speed one, I figure that would take FOREVER to find, haha.



Thanks for the info. That security light being there certainly complicates things when looking at pics.

I thought about asking for a pic of that area, but I figure if it's there and the seller doesn't know it, why draw attention to it and possibly weaken my chances for price negotiation?

I'll just have to go see them. I don't mind driving a few hours each way to see a good one, I was just hoping to weed them out before driving all that distance just took for that switch.

The SR5 I mentioned in my first post is like 3 hours away, this morning I found another at a small dealer about 30 minutes away from me in a better color (with hood scoop! lol) that upon closer examination of the pics seems to have something to the right of the headlight switch. I'll have to go check it out sat.

Silver SR5, 120K miles, loaded except for leather, remote start, supposedly services up to date, mayyybe rear locker, for $4,895.

Ad says it was a local trade, so I'm going to bring a hammer and bang the sh!t out of the frame, haha.

This is my RR switch. The security light is just a black box with a red led in the middle. No button. If you ask for a pic, just tell them it's an option you're looking for, not that it's rare.

 

[muellernautique]

I have access to TIS from Toyota, so I could look up the VINs for you to let you know for sure.

Somewhat off-topic, but would you mind looking up my VIN so I could see what packages my vehicle came with? Some things I have are mismatched, so I'd like to know for sure.

 

[muellernautique]

No on the 99-00 LTD, the center diff lock button is located on the side of the 4WD shifter and is simply labeled 4WD. So when the shifter is in the H4/H4L position, it will be in AWD mode (center diff unlocked) until you press the 4WD button on the side.

Also - so when the orange light in the center is on, that means the center diff is locked? Or vice-versa?

 

[thecole1098]

Also - so when the orange light in the center is on, that means the center diff is locked? Or vice-versa?

Correct, when the center orange light is on, that means your transfer case is locked sending power 50/50 between both axles. When just the 4 tires are green that is essentially AWD mode so it can be driven on pavement.

 

[thecole1098]

Somewhat off-topic, but would you mind looking up my VIN so I could see what packages my vehicle came with? Some things I have are mismatched, so I'd like to know for sure.

Sure thing! Just shoot me a PM and I’ll get back to you on it.

 

[violation]

Just want to note that I've heard anecdotally that some less-than-aboveboard sellers have installed the RR Diff button even though there is no rear diff. Checking VIN is the way to go I think.

 

[phattyduck]

Just want to note that I've heard anecdotally that some less-than-aboveboard sellers have installed the RR Diff button even though there is no rear diff. Checking VIN is the way to go I think.

A picture of the front side of the diff from the driver's side also works.

-Charlie

 

[muellernautique]

Correct, when the center orange light is on, that means your transfer case is locked sending power 50/50 between both axles. When just the 4 tires are green that is essentially AWD mode so it can be driven on pavement.

okay, got it. we had tons of ice down here in texas this past week and i was somewhat at a loss for what mode to choose. couldn't even get it up and out of my neighborhood without putting it in 4lo yesterday.

Sure thing! Just shoot me a PM and I’ll get back to you on it.

sounds good, in a lecture right now, will send it over as soon as i can get to my truck.

 

[Horsethief]

Just want to note that I've heard anecdotally that some less-than-aboveboard sellers have installed the RR Diff button even though there is no rear diff. Checking VIN is the way to go I think.

You know, funny you should mention that. I was looking up 4R stuff on youtube last night, and a video came up about this very thing. In this particular video it was about 80 Series Land Cruisers, but same deal. The guy explaining it in the video suggested trying to engage them to make sure the dash light comes on as a quick way of verifying the switch is actually hooked up to something.

He said they (auto auctions in this case) get away with it by not listing lockers in the vehicle description. They bank on people seeing the switch and paying more for the vehicle.

Getting underneath and looking for their physical presence sounds like the most surefire way.