Hello all,

As I am searching feverishly for a 99-02 4runner limited, I have noticed that the diff lock switch looks different on the 2001 models. Can anyone tell me if Toyota changed from a rr diff lock to a center diff lock in 2001? Or did they simply change the appearance of the switch?

Thanks!:

 

rr diff lock is a rear differential locker ====the one you want
2001-2002 have no rear differential locker, just a locking center diff.

Go with a 99 or 00 w/ rr diff lock if you intend to wheel it.

 

Yep,the rear locker along with the 5 speeds were discontinued in '01 but much to the chagrin of 4th gen owners Toyota did revive it in the FJ joining the Tacoma as the only Toyotas with the rear diff lock.

 

so what purpose does the center lock serve then?

 

Center diff lock still will allow a bit of slip which makes handling on slick surfaces better but off road it's not quite as good an advantage as having the rear wheels positively locked in certain off road situations.

I only use mine when I really need it as when climbing hills or forging deep mud and snow when off road.

 

yeah with the center unlocked its like AWD, with it locked its 4wd.

So when its locked 50% of power goes up front and 50% to the rear

 

Thanks Gentlemen. 99 or 00 is what it will have to be!

 

this seems like a good thread to post my question.....

So my 02 Taco has a "center locking diff"?
and not the nice locking rear?

and how does it work? in 4wd only? or when ever I push the locking diff button?
When i went wheeling the other day it seemed to only stay on in 4wd lo

and is it easy and or worth it to change over to the rear locking diff?

sorry for the dumbass questions but I don't have the manual and my 88 and 90 don't have fancy stuff like this.
auto hubs are something new to me to....

 

I have two of the 2002s and i love them. It seems that everybody seems to forget about the traction control system that it has. when you lock that diff that atrac really works, and then when you go to add a aftermarket locker you have the best of both worlds. So what is wrong with having the 01-02?

 

No, tacoma's have never had a center locking diff.
you have a rear diff lock (if you have the button on the dash that says "RR DIFF LOCK"

 

there is nothing wrong with it just not as desired. think of it this way. if you had a 2000 or earlier with the rrdiff locker would you spend money and get a center lock like in the 2001's and 02's. its just more desireable to have the rear diff lock to start instead of spending almost a grand to get another selectable.

bobby

 

Or you can buy a '99-'00 Limited and get both rear and center diff locks which is the only year and models you can get both in.

I'd like the ATRAC goodies as they'd be nice on the paved roads but off road a rear diff can make a difference of getting unstuck or when climbing a steep grade.
Plus buying an after market will cost you $1000 (like stated above) and then most people will have to pay to have it installed. If you really need the locker it's cheaper to buy an older Runner equipped with one.

 

yup......my '00 limited has both. i prefer AT but a 5spd would be cool too, and the 99 (only some i guess) has the taller suspension. the ultimate would be a 99 limited b/c of the leather, headlights, cup holders, etc, suspension, 5spd, with sport hood, rr, black with black interior. too bad they never made one seems like you always have to compromise on something, just depends what is more important to you... the limited sure is plush though, the automatic climate control is nice too.

 

All Highlander models did get the taller coils and then it's hit and miss on the other SR5s and I think the Limiteds all had the slightly shorter coils.

 

some 00 models had the taller springs because mine does.

 

I wouldn't sweat it. Even in stock form, the 01-02's will go anywhere a pre-00's will go, majority of the time. I don't do any hard core stuff, because my truck is stock, but both with my 98 Limited and 01 Tacoma with rear lockers, I've only had to use it once in the 4Runner. That's it. And I believe if I had been in the same scenerio with my 02 4Runner, CDL + ATRAC would've gotten me out. I love the rear locker, but some people make it seem like it's a total necessity.

You can easily put an ARB locker in the back for fairly cheap. Then you get the best of both worlds--AWD and locker(s).

 

Define "fairly cheap". If you aren't mechanically inclined a new setup will run a couple grand and that's not too cheap in my book.

On the intermediate trails here in Colorado a non-locked truck can go pretty much anywhere a locked Runner can but it can be a struggle or you'll be using the bypasses more frequently. I did the same trails in my lockerless '97 and with my '99 they are much easier when the wheels are getting up in the air.
Lockers also come in handy when punching through deep snow on the trails during spring runs.

Lockers aren't always needed but if you wheel alot they are nice to have.

 

~$600 or cheaper for either an ARB or OEM e-locker. Installing it yourself is TOTALLY doable. There are TONS and TONS of info on the net. For example:

http://www.toy4x4.net/rear_locker/index.htm

http://4runners.org/writeups/elocker/

Plus, many people on here, TTORA, etc. will give you advice if problems occur.

The upside is that this guy has VSC/TRAC and a multi-mode transfer case, which would be MUCH more expensive to add to a non-Limited pre-2000 4Runners. If he installs this $600 mod, it would make it the most ideal set up for a 4Runner to date.

 

Don't kid yourself VSC/TRAC is no locker. The rear locker is better if you intend to wheel it. I think the VSC/TRAC on the 01-02 is horrible.

 

You still have to be fairly mechanically inclined to do a locker but with as many friends the general off roader has that might not be an issue but I'm just glad I already have one.

I've been driving my '99 for over 50,000 miles now and while I'm jealous of my mom's multi-mode auto I do fine with my plain 'ol 4wd and I wouldn't trade it for a lockerless '01.