the 2000 model i saw has to 4x4 button. It only has the transfer case stick with 4hi, 4lo, N, 2lo (i think). So does this mean that the truck is always in 4x4 mode? how to i switch it to RWD only??

Derek

 

Wait..
Confused...
Does it have the just the stick?
Or Does it have a button on the stick?

If it is just the stick this this is how it works:
Stick All the way Up to the left = 2Hi
Stick All the way Down to the left = 4Hi
Stick Pushed Over to Right and Midway Up = N
Sitck All the way UP to the Right = 4Lo

If it has teh Button:
Center with button out = 2Hi
Center with button in = 4Hi
All the way back with button OUT = N
All the way foward with button IN = 4lo

At least thats how I belive it works.
I have a 97' with the stick with no button
Stepdad has an 02' stick with button

 

I don't know if they had it in 2000 but I think 4th gens have a "multi-mode" 4wd... On that xfr case stick you mentioned... I'm pretty sure where you put "2lo" is actually "2hi". If I were you, I'd double check the markings.

 

The push button option I think was standard 99+ or at least 00+
I have seen it one some 98's even...
And I have never seen 2lo on any of the sticks so like Keggo said, you might want to check that...

 

word!!

 

All this knowledge comes from when I was in the market for my 4Runner...
So yeah lol...
I know to much of the standard options for my own good, now I need to learn everything else about the Runner...

 

wow my first post was really confusing!!

but yea, there is NO 4x4 button. I've read that 01-02 has the 4x4 button and the center diff lock button.

The 2000 i looked at has just the joystick with 4hi, 4lo, N, 2hi. My mistake about the 2lo.

So, for everyday driving which selection should it be put in?? which one is for RWD only? if i put the joystick in "N" does that mean it will be RWD only?? Can i also switch to 4hi on the fly?? that was another thing i read about the 01-02 with the 4wd button. They can switch it on the fly.

 

normal driving should be in 2hi. you can switch it down to 4hi on the fly safely up to about 50-60 mph. you can NOT switch to 4lo on the fly, you must stop the vehicle, put tranny in neutral and shift to 4lo then re-engage. 2hi is RWD only.

with no center diff, driving in 4hi on dry pavement isnt the best scenario. 4hi should be saved for snow/light mud etc where you may be going over 10-15 mph but still want the added traction of 4wd. on dry pavement your wheels don't have much room to slip and when you turn, each wheel takes a unique path so all 4 travel different distances/speeds which slowly puts extra torque on your transfer case

 

If you have the stick only, you put it in 2hi to go RWD only. Yes, you can switch on the fly, but there is a speed limit which you should not shift over to reduce the possibility of damage.

 

You have the same set-up as me

2Hi = Daily Drive = RWD
4Hi = Pull Back (you can 'shift on the fly' just pull back on the stick and 4Hi engages) You can only shift on the fly under 50mph, anything above that, just don't try, also this is your normal 4WD function, if conditions require 4WD (i.e, snow, really heavy rain, and muddin, you can keep this engaged) do NOT drive normally on dry pavement, or in 4Lo (read 4Lo for waht I mean)
N = Nothing will move you will press the gas and neitehr your rear wheels or your front wheels will spin, you have to have your trans in N to get to N on the t-case
4Lo = Have trans in N and then push stick up from N position and then shift into D on tranny (only use 4Lo when your stuck or pullin a friend out, other than that don't do normal drive in it)

Now if you have and e-locker (which I am guessing you do)
This can only be engaged if your in 4Lo, but there is a Mod write up so you can have access to that rear locking diff in all t-case positions...

Hope this helps...

EDIT: I need to shorten my responses to get them in there quicker...

 

I'm kinda confused after reading the thread...I have an 02 SR5 Sport automatic with the 4x4 button. Currently, my daily (normal) setup is 4hi (stick all the way down) without the button on the 4x4 button pushed in. Is this the correct selection, or should I be using a different selection? If this is incorrect, have I done any damage I need to watch out for?

This is my first 4x4 truck and I've only had it a few months so I'm still learning.

Smokey

 

After reading and posting I went back To stepdads Runner...
(twas dark when I looked the first time)

He has the Same Exact One You Do Smokey...

You are in 2Hi
The lever all the way back is 2Hi
When you press teh Button (at anyspeed below 50) you will engage 4 wheel drive...
Then to shift into N or 4Lo you put the tranny in N (while the 4WD button is in and engaged) and push the lever forward which will get you in N and then push it all the way foward and your in 4Lo

So Smokey to answer your question you are in 2HI until you press that button...

 

Good deal...Thanks for the update

 

Anytime!

 

I disagree with that. I use 4LO all the time on the trails. Need the extra torque for rocks, mud and climbing. Don't wait to go to 4LO when you are stuck.

 

I guess I feel while driving in 4Lo I feel way to bogged down, then again I am not Rock climbing when I am sure it would be usefull...
Usually I am going through Mudd pits and Water hazards so I don't feel the need to stay below 10MPH (after that the trans start to wind and the RPM go close to redline...)

But I guess to each his own?

I will find out Decmeber 9th Though when I hit PAragon and actually try that type of wheelin...

 

4LO is good for hill climbs because you have the extra torque and you don't have to really mash on the peddle to get the power. And you aren't blasting up hills. I've used LO in mud, but I have a V8 and just need the torque to clean the wheels not speed. Rocks need the torque to get up rocks and you aren't going fast either.

 

I ALWAYS use 4Low when offraoding. I think it makes a big difference having a manual though. Being able to choose what gear you want helps alot.

 

See for me I am on flat ground with just mud pits and water hazards.
When I hit Paragon on Dec 9th, Rock and Hill Climbing will be one of the things I hit...
So I will check out 4 Lo...
But normally I never had to use it except when the first Time I went off-roading and was going through a deep muddpit...
I used 4Lo and got stuck... granted i think it was because I bottomed out, but then I couldn't back myself off what ever I got myself stuck on so..

I will def try it though and see what kinda diffrence I get, but I gotta find some stuff to clib first...

 

I thought the 02 had all-wheel-drive? Doesn't that mean he will be in 4x4 (all wheel) which isn't really 4x4 until the center diff is locked? If it is all wheel drive then it doesn't have a true 2WD right? Correct all of my innaccuries, im sure there is lots of them... just trying to learn about different year 4runners haha....

smokey and derk, what i said is probably wrong, its more of a question, so ignore it.... haha