2003 4X4 familiarity help

Hi folks - long time poster on the FJ Cruiser forums with the same handle -
first post here.
I've got a chance to pick up a nice used 2003 Tacoma base 4X4 regular bed 4cyl MANUAL.

can someone tell me if 4wheel drive high can be always engaged like the 4X4 FJ Cruisers are since it's a stick?, I know 4WD low needs to be engaged with the transfer case shifter

I've been reading this thread on this site that has some great information in it. I have experience buying used vehicles, anything specific to this vehicle I should look for on this when I go see it?

Thanks in advance

 

I'm not sure exactly what you mean by your first question, but if you're asking if you can have 4 wheel drive engaged all the time (driving on dry roads, highway, etc) the answer is no. You will subject the driveline to a lot of binding, and you'll probably end up stripping the side gears out of the front differential.

As for what to look for, definitely check for frame rust, especially around the leaf spring hangers. Take a ball-peen hammer with you and tap on rusty areas - if you see any rust holes anywhere, walk away.

If it's rust free and the price is right, you can't go wrong.

 

Thanks DRR -
Different center differential it sounds like - the manual 4x4 FJ's are in 4wheel high all the time - thanks for the what-to-look-for information on the Tacoma's

 

There 2 types of t-cases for Tacomes. Neither are in 4-hi by default. The J-shifter is a lever you move is a "J" type of movement to engage 4-hi and the other option was the 4-hi push button on the lever that is used to engage 4-lo.