Transfer case swap. Multi mode 2WD AWD VF3AM + VF4AM

Here is the transfer case and new transfer input shaft part # 36201-60050. I may scrap the electronic shift for the 2WD/AWD/4WD and go for full manual shift and locking hubs up front. I already have 99% of the manual hubs and CV joints figured out, and they are not the smaller weaker units from a gen 1... 30 spline all the way.

 

Subscribed. Have been fantasizing about this swap since shopping for my '20 back when I still owned a 4th gen 4Runner. Missed the AWD a bit this winter

 

Maybe I missed it, but what vehicle is the transfer case out of? 4Runner?

Also, I would think that manual hubs would defeat the purpose of having AWD mode, since you'd have to stop and lock them to use AWD. Unless you just leave them locked all the time, and then what's the point.

 

This unit is from the 03 - 09 V6 4-Runner.

The vehicle will run in AWD most of the time with hubs locked. Occasionally they will be unlocked.... The hubs will allow true 2WD with the ability to completely eliminate rotation of all or part of the front drive. The benefits are many... running in 2WD has slight efficiency gains, and eliminates wear on front end components. If I smoke an axle, pulling the axle is not only easier, but being able to continue on with having to reinstall, while not super probable, is a possibility. Smoke the front diff? 2WD in the t-case and unlock hubs, continue on. Planning for the worst makes dealing with it far easier. Locking hubs look great.

 

Will ATRAC and Auto LSD work if you go with a fully manual config?

 

No Atrac on my sport... but other systems should get along just fine, depends on the situation and drive mode. I'll definitely be performing some basic traction tests in the various modes.

 

I’m assuming the ABS is the 1%, my initial thoughts on manual hubs was 100 series axles with 80 series hubs and a custom spindle that would bolt right onto our steering knuckles. I was working on the ABS issue when I got my handles on the 1st Gen hubs and seen how easy that would be to overcome the ABS issue and went that route. I’m excited to see what you come up with, the 100 series CV axles are absolutely perfect match with our diff and steering knuckle, with +2" for the LT guys; the inner joint will give a ton more angle too, what the guys chasing the 934 in the other thread want- I've been waiting for someone to tell them 'why not just throw a FJ outer on a 100 series shaft and inner' haha

 

The ABS is good to go... setting it up in a manner similar to the Gen 1 manual type hub w/ a gen 2/3 bearing. I'm guessing you also take this path with your kit?

 

Yes, if you're using the same bearing then ABS is gtg

 

FF would be nice, but the extra cost and complications of swapping the sensor and ring (very delicate!) push that out to future one off type stuff.

 

What's FF? Sorry, I'm a noob.

 

Full floating axle.

 

What did you do with your VF3AM?

 

Out in the barn partially disassembled.

 

Was it a Jshift one? How disassembled? haha might be interested in it.

 

Not terribly deep in, but I may be stealing parts off of it for the swap.... it's not J shift anyway.

 

Any updates on this?

 

I'll be finishing up the the RC60F shortly, and cracking the case open on this.

 

OST