2003 V8 chain skipping

[archie73]

The V8 4Runners and GX both have AWD transfer cases, but the GX is lever shift for H-L and electronic shift for the center diff lock, 4R is electronic shift for both. The FJ cruiser also had an AWD case but only behind the 6sp manual and it has a different input shaft, but those are fully lever shift. No idea on what’s cross compatible if you wanted to rebuild one from multiple cases but I believe the rear half of the case housing has holes for the shift lever for the electronic shift versions, the lever shift versions have shift rails that go forward toward the transmission.

I don’t think it would be that hard to find a replacement GX case, check eBay, car-part, or Hollander parts and there’s probably something either local or that you could get shipped. However I wouldn’t be surprised if the actual issue is mis-diagnosed and is actually something else, akin to 80 series that get parked thinking they have a major issue that ends up being a stripped drive flange.

This would be ideal. When/if I get it my possession I’ll be checking all other possibilities before I pull the Tcase.

My first thought is a failing torque converter or transmission-related. Pretty unlikely it's the T-case unless it was run dry; did you check fluid level in it? You can pull the fill plug and stick your finger in.

I did not have any tools with me when I test drove it. If I pick it up, I’ll definitely be doing a more thorough diagnosis.