Howdy all - I don't normally venture far from the 40/55 section here on Mud but I am now considering buying a 5th Gen 4Runner - possibly even a new one - before Toyota skanks up another classic with all the stuff I'm not interested in like fantasy, cheap tech, and faux luxury. My aim is to purchase a vehicle that I know I can get a 30+ year lifespan out of as I have done with all my other vehicles. Unfortunately I have not been able to find easy answers to a few important questions that will help me make a sound decision. I'm hoping this wing of the hive can help. The questions are:
1) As I'm only interested in the base 4X4 models like the SR5, etc. which currently come with a goofy little selector knob to control the transfer case, can I retrofit the manual t-case lever from higher end "Trail", "Off Road", or "Off Road Pro" models (I know about the FJ Cruiser auto cases) and discard the actuator at the case OR do I need the correct manually operated transfer case to make it all work? I sincerely doubt there are different frames or floor pan components for the various 4Runner models (that would be antithetical to Toyota's manufacturing ethos) so I'm pretty confident there's a straightforward way to do this regardless of personal expense or inconvenience.
2) Can I swap out the part time t-case for the full time case found in the Limited models if I also eliminate the ADD stuff on the front diff/axle assembly? Can I just split the front diff and swap in the non-part time front diff long side half and inner axle?
3) Can I also retrofit/control the full time Limited case with a manual lever? Also - do these cases contain a locking torsen-style torque biasing differential to give true four wheel drive and, if so, are they mechanically locked or electronically locked. I get crazy answers to this question. I'm not even certain they work this way.
4) Does the Eaton 14215-1 ELocker fit 5th Gen 4Runner rear axles? I get conflicting info even from Eaton directly.
I'm certain I will have other Qs but I don't want to muddy up this thread too badly. Thanks for any insight.
numby
1) As I'm only interested in the base 4X4 models like the SR5, etc. which currently come with a goofy little selector knob to control the transfer case, can I retrofit the manual t-case lever from higher end "Trail", "Off Road", or "Off Road Pro" models (I know about the FJ Cruiser auto cases) and discard the actuator at the case OR do I need the correct manually operated transfer case to make it all work? I sincerely doubt there are different frames or floor pan components for the various 4Runner models (that would be antithetical to Toyota's manufacturing ethos) so I'm pretty confident there's a straightforward way to do this regardless of personal expense or inconvenience.
2) Can I swap out the part time t-case for the full time case found in the Limited models if I also eliminate the ADD stuff on the front diff/axle assembly? Can I just split the front diff and swap in the non-part time front diff long side half and inner axle?
3) Can I also retrofit/control the full time Limited case with a manual lever? Also - do these cases contain a locking torsen-style torque biasing differential to give true four wheel drive and, if so, are they mechanically locked or electronically locked. I get crazy answers to this question. I'm not even certain they work this way.
4) Does the Eaton 14215-1 ELocker fit 5th Gen 4Runner rear axles? I get conflicting info even from Eaton directly.
I'm certain I will have other Qs but I don't want to muddy up this thread too badly. Thanks for any insight.
numby