Have you or do you know of someone that put a t case from an early 3rd gen (1996 - 2000) into a late 3rd gen (2001 or 2002) 4runner? I'm pretty sure mine is hosed (broke it on a China Wall trail) and found out that the late 4runner t case with the center diff was only made on the 2001 and 2002 4runners.

Unlike many other things such as CVs, differentials etc. that you can pull from tacomas and tundras this t case is specific to late 3rd gen 4runners.

I know that the t case from an early 3rd gen is shorter by about 4.5 inches so I'll need to swap/replace the drive shaft I have now but what about other things like the computer in the 4runner? Will it cause problems if the early 3rd gen t case is used?

Any problems physically fitting it or weird sensor problems? Seems to me that it can be done but I'm just not familiar enough with the ADD, Vehicle Speed Sensor, Neutral Position Switch, Motor Actuator, No. 1 4WD Position Switch, No. 2 4WD Position Switch, or the L4 Position Switch. There's also the computer in the driver's front kick panel.

I would be supremely happy if I could replace the late 3rd gen t case (VF3AM transfer) with an early 3rd gen (VF2A transfer). I don't like or need the center diff. It's just one more thing for me to break.

If however you know of where I can get a 2001 or 2002 4runner t case let me know. I'd much rather just bolt a replacement in rather than spend the time to try and make a different one work. In Colorado they go for $200 - $300 when they are available. Right now no one in the state seems to have one and shipping on it is pricey.

 

60 views and no one has done this or know for sure if it can be done?

 

The cases from earlier 96--98 4runners are shorter, by roughly 3-4"

Find yourself a 99-00 SR5 shiftable case (the longer ones, not the 96-98 shorter style). Don't use a Limited case, those are electronic control with a servo motor as well. You need 99-00 SR5.

and it should bolt up. The only issue you may run in to, is the system looking for the 4WD control, and the center diff lock. It may cause a problem with your ADD system. That is fairly easy to overcome however.

 

I remember someone doing it over on pirate. I would ask there.

 

Seems to me if you swap cases and computers there shouldn't be any issues. I think the problems arise when the limited case is the one you want to swap in.

 

IIRC don't the 99-00 Limiteds also have the center diff. They are just a J shaped. So there is no button.

 

Incorrect.

99-00 Limited do not have the center diff lock, and they are also NOT a J-shift pattern. They have a H-N-L shifter, and push button 4WD.

 

This is from a 2000 limited

notice the H4L

 

Incorrect.
They have a center diff, and are J-shift

 

Glen

Looks like you are going to br the first to do this swap. Time to buy an early 3rd gen case and driveshafts and toss them in.

 

Thanks for the info. I appreciate you taking the time to post up and help out. Maybe I'll get lucky and more info will come in.

Looks like this will be a learning experience.

 

I would search and see what people do when they install an Inchworm Lefty in our trucks. They have do the same electronic "fixes" as you would have to do if you swapped in a different T-case. I know our trannies have a standard V6 bellhousing so any of the tacoma/4runner t-cases will physically bolt to the tranny. Good luck and please keep us posted on your progress.

 

Just wondering what ever happened with this issue? Was an earlier case used for replacement? If so, I'd love to hear all about it.

-Ferg-

 

He went with a 2001 transfer case, direct replacement form a junk donor. Direct bolt in, same cables, same driveshaft.

 

My 99 limited has center diff lock and is J-shift pattern...