1st Gen Taco T-Case Question

[aubie9903]

I've been lurking here for quite a while and I must say that I really love some of the vehicles here. I am in the market for a 2002-2004 Double Cab TRD Taco and something that I am seeing is driving me nuts! I can't seem to find any info on the 'inter-webs' so I am hoping you guys could answer what might be a total noob question.

Why are some t-case shifters the j pattern with no button on the side and why do other Tacomas have the other style? I can't seem to find any rhyme or reason as to which models came with which shifters. Also, are there any reasons to lean more toward one over the other?

Thanks a ton!

 

[Martinjmpr]

I had thought maybe the electric-shift t-cases were on the TRDs? I don't know, both my 04 Taco (NON-TRD) and my 99 4runner had the simple J-shifter.

I thought it was odd that the owner's manual said some Tacos have the J shifter and some have the button, without making a distinction as to trim level or model type.

Only other variable I can think of is maybe the transmission? My 04 Taco was a manual tranny, maybe that explains the J shifter T-case.

IIRC all 4runners beginning in 2001 had the three-position shifter (H - N - L) with the 4wd button on the side and the center diff lock on the dash.

 

[p nut]

Why are some t-case shifters the j pattern with no button on the side and why do other Tacomas have the other style? I can't seem to find any rhyme or reason as to which models came with which shifters. Also, are there any reasons to lean more toward one over the other?

Thanks a ton!

I've seen the j-shift on the SR5's and push-buttons on Limited trims. TRD or not. My 01 TRD Double Cab SR5 had J-shift.

 

[pray4surf]

The 'J-shift' could be considered more reliable due to the lack of electronics - plus it's more 'old school' :costumed-smiley-007

The push button just shifts the transfer case from 2WD to 4WD (high range), still requires moving the shifter for 4WD Low Range.

 

[aubie9903]

Thanks all for the replies. I am leaning more toward the mechanical shifter for the reliability reasons mentioned above and I just was looking for an easier way to search for what I am looking for. If I can eliminate the Limited trim from my search it just makes things a little easier.

 

[Costman13]

I have a 02 Tacoma SR5 TRD manual trans and pushbutton 4x4. My 97 SR5 single cab had a J shift. as far as reliability goes, i have never had a second thought with my pushbutton 4x4. Yeah sure there's a motor and more electronics involved, but I have never had a problem. It pops in to 4 hi just as fast as a J shift would and without issue.

That being said, I liked the J shift as well and I will agree with you, the less parts there are, the less parts could that could potentially break... IMHO, I wouldn't put too much energy into figuring which is better, they both get the job done, and I wouldn't turn down the right truck solely because it had a pushbutton t-case. Again, just my opinion.

 

[njtacoma]

my 04 doublecab, sr5 non-TRD has the J shifter, if that helps.