Model differences between years for the last gen taco?

[grillmasterp]

The 'J-shifter' works through a solinoid as well. The shifter certainly feels like it is moving a set of gears, but it does not. When I had Marlin install my dual transfer cases, there was a 'oooops' and some wires were not installed correctly. There are three plugs and three sets of wires. 2/4 wheel drive. Neutral. And lastly 4 low. I like my 'J-shifter' but I dont know how or if it is better or worse than the push button.
REX

Rex- are you Sure about the J-shifter mechanism via solenoid?

The J-shifter is still mechanically driven by chain/sprockets.
If you have an 01- you have ADD- there is wiring that feeds to the ADD actuator as well as other position sensors. - (4wd dash light)

can someone explain the difference between push button and J-shifter and why I might want one versus the other?

In reference to the the 01-04 DC as well as previous Tacomas-
The 4-low is operated by a floor shifter/ mechanical shift fork
Both J-shifter and Push button 4-hi selector are on the floor mounted shifter.
The difference between the two is that the J-shifter is completely mechanical for both 4hi & 4 low operation of the X-case.

The push-button 4-hi selector has a button which controls an actuator for the 4-hi engagement.

Both flavors are still shift on the fly operation for 4-hi. The Push button 4-hi selector has one more actuator to deal with.

Toyota offered lots of variations /combinations - For Example:
I have 2 buddies with 2002 4wd Double cabs bought from the same port.
A) 4wd limited/TRD- has J-shifter & no ABS
B) 4wd SR5/TRD - has push button4-hi and ABS

 

[DaveM]

"J-shifter" is an actual shift lever on the floor, manually engaged 100%. The pushbutton utilizes a solenoid to engage the 4WD, theoretically an electrical part that can fail, keeping you out of 4WD. I havn't heard of many (any?) failures with them, but as time grows on the old beasts its a given some will.

Yup

thanks, i did not realize that the TRD package was the locker option. I thought it was just better shocks and some styling changes.

so push button 4wd still has a manual shifter for 4hi to 4low I take it. You just don't have to shift into 4hi with it. I agree, I'd rather have all manual but it doesn't sound like a big issue one way or the other. Giving up my actual manual transmission is what makes me want to cry

 

[Rexsname]

Grilmasterp,

I think you are indeed correct! I had forgotten about the ADD stuff. The dash light would not turn on when I pulled the selector back into 4-Hi. The front diff would not engage either. I think that the solinoid was what was sending the signal to the front diff. (actually failing to send )

Marlin was underneath my truck for about 10 hours tracing wires and looking at wiring diagrams before he got it all figured out. First class customer service all the way! Carrie and I were treated like long lost relatives and made to feel more than welcome.

REX