I test drove an automatic FJ recently, and hated it. I can't buy an automatic car, I just can't.

However, I won't buy a manual vehicle that gets worse mileage because all four wheels are consistently pushing it (one of the worst ideas EVER from Toyota).

So if I was to ever get a manual FJ, could I swap in a T-case off a wrecked slushbox one?

TIA.

 

Yes you can swap out a part-time case for an AWD drive case. There have been a few MT owners that have switch to the Inchworm Lefty tcase which is gear driven and non-AWD. I'm sure that the case from an AT would work fine as well. The benefit of the Inchworm tcase is that you can get lower gears and a lower crawl ratio. Check out www.inchwormgear.com for more information on their Lefty tcase.

 

Additionnal research I did yesterday showed that aside from the t-case, you also have to change the front diff to one that can actually disconnect, and toy around with the ECU, which tells the diff to disconnect in a part-time t-case. Sounds complicated.

Why, oh WHY did Toyota made the MT only available with a full time t-case????

 

What about the possibilty of getting a transfer case from a totaled Tacoma 05-present? Everything else under the body is the same between the two vehicles.

 

In theory, yes :

The auto uses the 5-speed A750F automatic transmission with VF2A transfer case.

The manual uses the 6-speed RA61F manual transmission with VF4B transfer case and limited slip differential.

The Tacoma DOES use the VF2A. But then again, the related electronics are unchartered territory for me...

 

Dude, i bet there is someone with a supercharged taco willing to trade you for everything... those things get terrible traction... i love AWD as when it's raining or snowing....

 

That would be nice if it could be done.

When it rains, I don't need AWD, and when it snows, I pop it in 4-Hi and call it done. Besides, AWD is fine, as long as you can turn it off...

 

Ya my 99' 4runner i have 2hi 4hi, 4 low and awd... best set up toyota had for a t-case IMHO...

 

Yes you can do this.

It will cost you a lot of money.

You will be essentially cutting up a new truck, and, unless you are rolling in cash, I'll guess you'll still be making payments.

You will void any warranty you got on the drive train.

You don't need to mess with the diff and ECU if you just pop in a lefty case, and go with manual hubs.

 

If yer selling a "slighly used" VF4B let me know.
I want one!

IMHO the amount of "savings" between AWD and RWD with part time is IMHO rather small - 10% or less.

The easier way to do this is
-- front axle disconnect (aka flat tow disconnect thingie)
-- put the AWD in "locked" mode