Useless 4WD indicator?

I'm about ready to swap transmissions on my truck from 2WD to 4WD. The 4WD transmission has an (from what I can tell) actuator on the back of the transfer case. IIRC all it does is tell the driver whether you're in 4WD or not? The truck has a J-shift case and manual hubs with an ADD diff with the ADD system locked full time in 4WD. I just planned on not hooking any of the wires up? Input would be appreciated


Also the dudes that took the tranny out just frickin cut the main wire cluster so is that going to be an issue as well? Possible to use wire cluster off 2WD tranny? (You can see the main cluster of wires in the first pic, it's wrapped in the plastic tubing running along the top of the transmission

 

Herp derp forgot to select the proper forum for this, mods can you be of assistance? @tcBob

 

What did that transmission come out of? I'm pretty sure all the t cases that have the actuator on the back need the electrical side wired In to engage and disengage 4wd.

 

That actuator engages 4wd, pretty sure that transfercase is the Multi-mode version from a 4runner. (Unique, able to utilize AWD).

 

I didn't bother with the idiot light connection...
I have an ADD front and the j-shift transfer case - locating the correct nylon gear to get the speedo to function was the biggest hurdle. That cut loom would cause me fits. Holler if you need any wiring diagrams/FSM pages

 

I was thinking it looked alot like the tcase I just put in my truck. The OP has kind of a rare tcase and didn't realize it.

 

I think so, we were talking on another thread (about that shifter console with the cup holder built-in) recognizied it from that OPs pictures of the multi-mode.

 

It came off of a 4Runner. I alwasy just assumed it worked with the ADD system which i didnt think was a big deal since i dont have it. So basically is this thing just a paperweight now because its the wrong damn transfer case? The transfer case is a J-shift, not the push button one on the later model first gens

 

It'll work with ADD since the 4runner it came out of had that. It's also a J shift, but unique because the shifter it's suppose to have also has a push button on the side.

This info should help.

 

i dont have an ADD wiring system nor did/do i want to start messing with wiring and electrical. So basically it won't work with my setup becasue it requires the electrical activation?

 

Found this on another site regarding the "multi-mode" and the conventional 4WD

If I understand the 99-2000 Multimode T-case was a modified J-shifter with a 4wd button on the shifter. From 2wd with the shifter in the top-left position, pushing the button engages the 4wd with the center differential operating (i.e. unlocked.) This is the AWD mode. Then, pulling the J-shifter down to the Low-Left position locks the center diff and keeps the front axle engaged for "conventional" 4wd. Moving the J-shifter to the right and up then puts it into N and continuing up to the top-right position puts it in 4wd LO.

On this t-case if the electric actuator fails, you lose AWD capability but can always run it in "conventional" 4wd mode by pulling the J-shifter down to the low-left position (I think!)

So sounds like the electrical connections are only needed for the AWD functionality? So if i just dont hook any of it up i can still use conventional 4WD?

 

Op, that tcase will not work for you. It is a few inches longer than the normal tcase, and the 2 to 4 wheel drive shift just engages a switch and the ECU and actuator move the motor to get between 2 and 4 wheel drive

 

I will throw the 2 wheel drive to 4x4 swap thread at the OP , so he can do some reading
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/transmission-swap-write-up-s.384303/

 

The one thing with the idiot light is this...well 2 things.

I've actually had chain control guys ask to see the 4wd indicator light on my truck. This has only happened twice, but I don't really go to the mountains in the winter all that much.

If you're an idiot like me you'll get stuck on some boulders for 5 minutes before you realize you're in 2 wheel drive low range and not 4 wheel drive low range. That indicator is handy sometimes.

 

Unless you alter the wiring, there is no 2-wheel low...

 

There's a much easier way to do that than that thread.

There's a blue plug on top the transmission. Dissconnect it and you'll have 2 wheel low. It's great for tight switch back corners while you're in 4 low or super steep terrain with tight twists and turns where you want the torque but have a tactile surface that will cause drive train binding.

Also, I've heard that 2 wheel low along with the gray wire mod (locker anytime) is great for doing donuts.

 

any of you guys want the transmission? lol

 

I'll give you 20$ plus the ride for the remaining harness on that transmission and Tcase.

 

It'd be easier to sell if everything was sold together

 

Most folks are going to want the whole engine harness, not a third. If you change your mind, let me know. Good luck with your project