Hello,
I am brand new to this forum. I currently own a 2000 taco trd 4x4 and love it but am looking for more interior room and seats....so the 4runner looks like my alternative. I want to get something the same year and have been researching the multi mode system on the 99 and newer limiteds? Please school me on how it works....is it always on full time? can i lock the t-case for better offroad traction? is a rear locker avail? thank you!!

 

The multi-mode auto is only on the Limiteds from '99-'00 but in '01 the SR5s got it also.
It's not on full time so it's still a true 2wd but you can engage part time 4wd (AWD) when needed and you can lock the center diff but off road you'd still use the rear diff lock if equipped for ultimate climbing/crawling traction.
Rear diff locks were available til '01 then it was discoed along with the manual tranny.

 

awesome. so it sounds like its the best of all worlds. I get nervous sometimes when i hear all wheel drive because there is a center diff which won't give equal power to the front and back.....but if it can be locked then that is sweet!

 

It truly is the best of both worlds. Its in my 03 4runner and LOVE it. In 99-00 you could get it with a rear locker, but no VSC/Trac.. in 01+ you get it w/out a rear locker but with VSC/Trac.

 

welcome to yotatech

 

thanks! what about the highlander....what kind of t-case and diff options does it have. I was looking on ebay and all the limiteds had wood grain.....sorry but i don't like it!

 

you can get a locker in an 01 My grandmas 01 Limited has part time AWD with a central diff lock, trac, and a rear diff lock.

 

Thats interesting, as the 01's have the center diff button where the rear diff lock button used to be ???

 

They only offered the e-locker from 96-00. Some 99's and 00's have the center diff button, AWD mode, and a rear locker though

 

Thats what I thought... glad to hear I wasnt in brain fart mode

 

cool, so what is on the highlander edition?

 

There was a post about the different types of 4wd shifters in the 3rd gens somewhere

This pic is of the multi-mode


how it works
Push Button = AWD
Pull Back = Locked 4Wheel Drive VSC off (if available on model)
Place gear shift in neutral and push stick to the right and up mid way = Neutral
Gear shift in neutral stick pushed all the way up = 4LO

I do believe they came with the VSC but don't hold me to it.

I know how ever that in the 01'-02' models with this t-case shifter


you have to lock the center diff with this button


and when that button is pressed the VSC is turned off.

So i would presume in the 99' with the multi-mode shifter, when the stick is pulled back to lock the center diff the VSC is turned off

IMHO the multi mode shifter is the best t-case design Toyota came up with, because it still allows a rear factory locker and the AWD feature.