Push-button 4x4, thought?

[just eric]

Are the push-button systems compatible with aftermarket transfer cases i.e. atlas, lefty, etc.?

 

[Desert Dan]

Push buttons are great until an electric part fails when you need it most.

You have the switch on the dash and the actuator part on the t-case that can fail as well as the electrcial connectors.

I prefer a direct lever system to push button and flashing lights anyday.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

My '66 FJ45 has its 4WD controls on the dash, wouldn't wish them to be anywhere else


I have the manual TC shift lever on my '04 Taco DC though it still relies on a sensor in the t-case to activate the ADD which has been 'touchy' with me on occassion. I pulled the sensor, cleaned the plunger and the contact and have had no issues since.

 

[teotwaki]

Push buttons are great until an electric part fails when you need it most.

You have the switch on the dash and the actuator part on the t-case that can fail as well as the electrcial connectors.

I prefer a direct lever system to push button and flashing lights anyday.

I prefer mechanical although I have had my share of reliability issues with those too. It is easier to handle field repairs. Toyota's solenoid on my transfer case can require complete T-case disassembly for some repairs such as the o-ring on the solenoid shaft.

 

[CJCA]

....... My big gripe is that there is nothing wrong with having a manual T-case lever (although apparently some automotive designers think that levers are offensive to the eyes of the driving public) so having an electric t-case switch is "fixing" something that isn't broken, and it adds a potential point of failure to the vehicle that doesn't need to be there.........

+1 Most anytime electronic controls are added to a simple mechanical device, it becomes less reliable.

I believe the shift to electronic xfer cases is in step with modern times that have the majority of vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. I know many drivers that are not comfortable with manually operating a transmission and are naturally more at ease with the twist of a knob or push of a button to engage 4wd vs grabbing a lever and knowing what to feel for and what to expect. Just a sign of the times.

 

[Dave Bennett]

I prefer a lever actuated T-case BUT,

I have an early production 2005 Tacoma, 4WD selector on the dash, 65,000 miles with much off-road and it has worked flawlessly for me.

YMMV

 

[njtaco]

My '66 FJ45 has its 4WD controls on the dash, wouldn't wish them to be anywhere else

My FJ62 has both...er, all 3...locking hubs, electronic/vacuum operated t-case for 4x4, and a manual lever for hi/lo. 170K miles later it is still going strong!

There! Now I've jinxed myself

The only 4x4 I've had problems with were my Chevy/GMC K5 Blazer/Jimmys. My 1976 with fully manual t-case would require somewhat frequent lubrication of the overly-complicated shifter mechanism, and the automatic hubs on the front of my '91 were always a concern, whether they would lock or not when really needed. I should have installed twin sticks in the former, and manual hubs on the latter.

 

[stioc]

I think the reality is that electronics are cheaper than mechanical parts for the manufacturers. For offroading, exploring and expeditions I'd much rather have simple, manual stuff that's easily field serviceable. It's like when I used to race cars I wanted just the shell, no carpeting, sound deadning stuff, no a/c, sunroof etc - alas we're a small segment of the market. The majority of the buyers want their electronic gizmos, powered everything, DVDs and playstations in their "4x4s" and sports cars.

 

[EricBirk]

I have an 08 Tacoma and I really hate the plastic knob.

My 1st outing with it I couldn't get 4Lo locked in and then it magically locked in when I shut the truck off for a few minutes, same thing when trying to get it back into 4Hi

Took it to the dealer and showed the tech with about 5 failed attempts, he took my truck in the shop and the service manager comes and gets me about a half hour later, claims nothing wrong and hands me a print out from the owners manual and says I need to push the clutch all the way too the floor.

I smiled, jumped in the truck, stood on the clutch, flipped the knob and no go, moved the truck ahead and tried again, backed the truck up and tried again, turned the truck off and tossed him the keys and said "I will be in the customer lounge"

They puttered with it for a while and it is a little better but certainly far from being reliable, I always find myself saying a prayer before turning it.


30 years of driving Toyota's and never before have I sat on a trail and calculated how long it is going to take me to drive 80 miles home in Lowrange :smiley_drive:

Interesting my buddies did the same thing...

Personally I dont like this electronic crap hahaha I will take a lever any day. When you hear/feel it engage with the lever you know you are good to go.