Why doesn't Toyota put a manual 4x4 lever in the Tacoma?

The functionality is the same except you are relying on electronics rather than a mechanical device

 

I have to disagree. My 91 4Runner had a manual lever TC, I loved it, you felt the gears engage and knew it was in 4hi. Both my Tahoe and Tacoma had/have the switch. I would like mechanical over electric any day.

Yes, they both get you into 4wd, one you know your in, the other you have to trust the little dash light

 

Levers and manual hubs FTMFW.

 

Toyota didn't so I did with the help of Wyatt and Fire931......

 

I go out in the willywags every day, because it's my job. I put roughly 200 miles per day off road, and don't like to put it 4wd unless I have to (fuel mileage is bad enough in 2wd). If there is a hole I know I'll need 4wd in order to get through, I stay away from it, and get someone to fix the road. Like I said, 4wd is my "get out of jail free" card, if you will. My old Silverado would engage 4wd at a standstill, no questions, and IMO, that's a good thing. I don't think asking for this capability in a truck is too much.

The last time I got stuck, the tow vehicle was yellow and weighed 25 tons...

 

The new 4runner trail editions have them.

 

The FJ is an off road vehicle... The Tacoma is MANY different vehicles: Base, SR-5, Sport, Off Road. 2WD and 4WD... most in 2WD. If they just had the manual lever shifter in the Off Road, then that may be another plus... but cost wise, it is probably silly not to have all the 4WD models share the same dial shifter? My 2001 Taco had the lever with a button... The button was for H4 and the lever was for L4... It was really an electric set up but made to look like a real direct lever... Being phoney, I am glad they dropped the pretend lever. I think Toyota should stick with real working stuff on the trucks and not use dress-up phoney stuff 'for looks'... But that is just my opinion.

 

I've never had an issue shifting into or out of 4WD in my Tacoma, and I use 4WD on a weekly basis.

Our Jeep would constantly pop in and out of 4HI. I'd adjust the lever mechanism, it would work fine for a while, and it would need adjustment again.

When we had the Jeep shipped, they managed to bend the bar that leads between the cab and the transfer case.

Just my experience.

 

Could not agree more. When we get lockers as the option instead of locker wannabe ATRAC ?

 

I think David K nailed it.

 

David K is right, I also don't want them to put a fake lever. What I was asking for is they go back to putting a real mechnically operated transfer case lever like the old trucks used to have. I think, at the very least, this should come on the TRD offroad. I also think towing package equipped Tacoma's should come with the TSB springs by default. And the Xrunner should come with the TRD supercharger. It just seems like the different configurations are a bit of a joke right now, except for the TRD offroad coming with the locker, that is the one thing they seemed to get right.

 

I could definitely be wrong here, but I thought FJs (or at least some of them) have a "real time" 4wd system + the 4wd shift lever. So they auto kick into 4wd when needed using the real time while also giving you the option to use the lever and lock it into 4hi or 4lo.

 

The OFF ROAD has the rear locker... and the A-TRAC improves upon the locker for traction by working the front and rear, but has NO affect on steering...

YOU may not like it, but it does work and it is not phoney... Otherwise I would be right there with you on claiming the locker is the only way to go for true off roading.

 

I assume since toyota advertises the fj as an offroad truck and can go thru water,it's better for mechanical than electrical transfer case

 

The tacoma is also advertised as offroad. I mean, TRD offroad should actually mean something. I think that should mean getting the best offroad tech toyota has to offer on that package, otherwise dont sell it at all

 

I agree, and my 2010 is the best of my 3 Off Road Tacomas!

The dial shifter may be wimpy looking compared to the stick, but in over 132,000 miles on my two Tacos with the dial, they have never failed. It is quality and reliability that counts more than 'looks', IMO.

 

On the new 4runners, the SR5 and Trail have the manual shift, and the Limited has the knob. I like the shifter better than the knob.

 

I know for me it was more about having 2 wheel low than the dial-a-drive setup when switching to a FJ case. I would also like to see manual hubs or at least not have the front CV's in motion constantly, Manual shift on the transfer case, lockers front and rear and a turbo diesel while I'm dreaming about it.

 

Yeah paper thin one that snaps in half like mofo

http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35345&page=10

Only a genius would mate 8" elocker rear diff with 3.73 gears
I know I know when you hit gravel road it works.

The only thing Atrac improves upon is bottom line of Toyota.. It costs pennies compare to locker to produce and if Toyota keeps Adverting some people will think its as good as lockers. Toyota sold you BS.
Atrac was a failure when was introduced on Land Cruiser over 8 -9 years ago, and it is still failure today.
I find it funny that you keep talking about how locker affects steering. Either you had never offroaded or you are simply ignorant. The very fact how affects steering is the principle what makes locker 1000 times better then ATRAC. Should have payed attention on Physics classes in school.

ATRAC is like Yugo pickup. It is almost a real deal but it will never be as good as the real thing.

 

Why isn't there a "manual 4wd locker"?

Because it has an electronically actuated transfer case....

Wording questions.... YAY!