Let's see your FJ case swap

Having trouble with my FJ tc going back into 2wd. Shifter moves but just won’t engage. Takes some finesse with speed. Sometimes need to stop and shut the truck off. Fluid level full. Any ideas?

 

https://www.fjcruiserforums.com/threads/wont-come-out-of-4wd.124956/

Driving in reverse to loosen tension seems to be recommended by most?

 

So, finally got my swap all figured out. I made a template to help clearance the transmission for the shift rods, worked like a dream. Way better than guessing.
I went a bit too deep on the driver side shift rod, definitely didn't need to go that far. But shouldn't be an issue, I'll keep an eye on it.

I found that using this burr bit was easiest, only walked off on me a few times as you can see above


Basically done, just waiting on my twin stick kit, and trying to figure out the timing on the actuator after I took it all apart and cleaned it, and I should have 4x4 again!

 

You going to sell the stock shifter when you get the twin sticks?

 

I s'pose I could, although I've modified it to clear the transmission shifter.

 

Question for the all mighty swap gods: I've got a Xfer case from an '18 4Runner with three sensor pigtails (4x4, 4lo, and Neutral?) What is the third pigtail for certain? and can I remove it and put a plug in? and what is that plug P/N? Was told this is the same Xfer case as the FJs. Label from part yard has '18 4Runner 1GRFE Automatic on in it. Thanks for the help.

 

It’s for the neutral sensor. Not sure why waste the money on a plug, just leave the switch in there. The plug part number is 90341A0002

 

Thanks! Figured I could but thought I’d ask. Where’s the diagram from?

 

the FSM for the VF2A transfer case assmebly.

 

Fantastic job on that template. How did you go about making that? And, what are you going to do with it now that you’re finished with it?

As a few might know, I’m currently neck deep into my RC62F swap. And, well, I’ve been fantasizing about an AWD Tacoma for a while now.

I’m actually interested in doing the M/T Fj case for my application. I’d be happy if I can have AWD hi and low as long as I can lock that center diff at will.
(Could unlock ADD and lock center diff for hooning) Thoughts anyone?

Can anyone confirm that there’s a twin stick shifter available that will fit that M/T tcase?

 

the M/T case would use the same shifter as the A/T case. The main difference between the two is the length of the drivetrain, you’ll need a longer front driveshaft and shorter front driveshaft due to the center differential taking some more space up within the case

 

Hi thanks for the info. Amusingly (not entirely tho) I just played the driveshaft game to get this transmission to work. Heck, I haven’t even installed them yet! Had to shorten the rear and go longer in the front by and inch. To go to this case would mean another round of shaft edits. I know.

It’ll be down the road a bit. Just doing my research at the moment. Wanted to see what the collective had to say about my ideas. Was thinking also about doing the clearancing for the shift rods now since the transmission is out of the truck. Which would also make my future case swap a bit easier

So, the twin stick setup will fit either case eh? Excellent.

 

yeah if you are hellbound on getting an AWD, I'd just wait until everything is installed and measure for your drivelines and get a shop to make you some new driveshafts or modify yours. The AWD would be pretty cool, I am not sure how the center differential lock is actuated on the case, but I'm sure it's just a solenoid or motor you can wire up pretty easily. While your going that route you might as well get rid of the ADD or permanently lock it to take full advantage and gain the maximum reliability of doing this swap.

 

i dont think you can twin stick the MT fj t case. its not a j shift.

 

the center diff is actuated by the shifter. here is the owners manual portion of the 4wd system for manual fj

 

Thank you! I drew up the model in Fusion 360, and sent it to a local 3D printing company to get it printed. Cost me 10 bucks and potentially saved me thousands! I posted a link to a google drive folder which has the fusion 360 model in it, I would suggest finding a local 3d printer and get them to print you one! (Fusion 360 is free for personal use)

I think the AWD would be awesome, I actually bought the wrong tcase originally and was contemplating using it. Ultimately I decided not to just because of the driveshafts (my truck is my daily driver so can't be down for too long). But interestingly enough, the input shaft has the same spline count as the 3rd gen manual tacoma, which means you'd just need to cut a hole in the floor, bolt it in, measure up driveshafts and you'd be on your way!

As for the center diff, I'm not sure if everyone understands completely? The center diff is the transfer case - there is no separate differential or actuator in the center of the truck. Think of the awd tcase as a differential when it's in H - the power of the vehicle takes the path of least resistance - meaning if you don't have your front ADD engaged, your truck won't go anywhere.
When the tcase is in HL, this means the "center diff is locked", and it acts exactly like a normal tcase would in 4wd. If you disconnect your ADD in this mode is selected, you'd be able to hoon like it's in 2wd with your front driveshaft spinning but not doing anything.

I can't confirm since I haven't done it, but I'm pretty sure a twin stick setup would work? It would be AWD/4WD on one stick, and High/Low on the other stick. The transfer case shifts the same way, with shift rods that look very similar to the A/T transfer case. The only difference is the front ADD would have to be connected all the time, and disconnected (in HL mode) only in the situation where you'd want rear wheel drive.

 

Yes it has a different shifting pattern. Not sure if it would be possible to twin stick or not. I know the shifters themselves are different part numbers but are interchangeable between cases, the difference is the bend in the shifter the manual transmission transfer case has more a dog leg to clear the transmission shifter.

VF4B - shift lever PN 3636035580




VF2A - shift level PN 3636035590

 

Looks like you may still be able to twin stick by how the rails line up?













It looks like there are some models of the transfer cases that are AWD that utilize electronics for shifting the center differential lock in and out, but for the FJ case VF4B it is done mechanically

 

the center sdiff being locked means that it sends power to front Nd rear equally. Hence why u need it to be “on a track that allows for slippage”. When u have it in just H, it allows for awd. Hl allows it to be 4wd. N is well pretty obvious. Ll allows it to be 4wd in Low. There is now 2wd.