Transfer case question for mechanics Tundra & 4Runner compatible?

Edit for future readers: The short answer is no, these probably don't mate.

Two questions:
1. Will a 2006 4x4 4.7L Tundra transfer case fit in a 2004 4Runner 4x4 4.7L or 2000 Tundra 4.7L 4x4?

2. How hard is the removal and install? Is it complex (auto shop) or just bolt on (home weekend warrior mechanic)?

I've got a failing/leaking transfer case on my 2004 4x4 4.7 Liter V8 4Runner. Cost is very high to replace and a rebuilt on is around $800.

I also have a 2000 4x4 Tundra with the 4.7 Liter V8. All seems good on this.

Both my engines are the 4.7L 2UZFE models. So I'd like to buy this for either of my vehicles, with priority going to immediately replacing the 4Runner's failing unit. Otherwise I could simply set it back as spare parts, possibly, for my Tundra.

I found a local used (70,000 miles) for less than 1/2 the cost of a rebuilt. Seller states, part number: 412-55727

"Toyota Tundra transmission transfer case 4X4 shift solenoid actuator. 4X4 transfer case with the shift actuator motor module that was removed from a 2006 Toyota Tundra truck built in USA. There's approx 70k miles on it. This should fit - Toyota Tundra Truck year 2005 and 2006 with the 4.7 liter 8 cylinder 2UZFE engine."

 

$400 for me to figure something out versus $800 for a rebuild?

$800 wins every time.

Not sure what transmission is on the 4Runner? A340f?

2006 has some kind of a750?

My brain hurts.

 

The 2004 4Runner and the 2006 Tundra, both with the same V8 motors appear to use the same 5 speed A750E or F transmissions but I'm not a mechanic and not entirely sure...

These look really similar from pictures. But I just cannot be sure.

 

Doesn't your 4Runner have Multi-Mode AWD with a manually lockable differential in the transfer case?

 

Yes it does.

 

Your Tundra doesn't -- so I believe you'd need to deal with that at the ECU level. Does the 4Runner have a shift lever or is everything handled with switches. (forgive my ignorance: the last 4Runner I had was a 3rd Gen ('02) with a shift lever and a push button on the side of the lever to activate Multi-Mode, then a dash button to lock the center diff.)

I really missed (still do) the Multi-Mode. I wish my Tundra had it... and if I could easily adapt a 4Runner transfer case to my Tundra, I'd do it.

 

Thanks, good question. Let me try to answer.

My 2004 4Runner has a dial for 4HI and 4LO. Looks like this, and you can see the dial lower left.

The 2006 Tundra has a similar setup, but buttons on the dash console for 2HI, 4HI, and 4LO. (Same with my 2000 Tundra, but I think different transmissions).




The reason I'd like to do this is looking around I was low on my rebuilt estimate. I can probably get this used one for $300 and a rebuilt one is closer to a grand. My shop wants to charge around $1800 to simply pull it and replace the leaking seals... I may take it somewhere else to see if I can get a better price but my shop is pretty honest.

 

And to be more clear, the current transfer case still works fine, so it's not urgent, but it does leak and will need to be done. So I'm keeping my eyes open for a good donor transfer case. This one looks excellent and the donor vehicle allegedly had 70k miles. So it's fairly young.

 

I see 4H & 4L. How do you switch from 2WD to 4WD on the 4R?

 

The 4th gen 4Runner V8's are full time 4WD, Full time 4WD center diff locked, 4LO unlocked, and 4LO center diff locked. The V6's have 2WD, 4HI unlocked (full time 4WD), 4HI center diff locked, 4LO unlocked, and 4LO center diff locked.

The multi-mode system is nice, I miss it on our 5th gen 4Runner and Tundra. It's nice being able to run 4WD unlocked when it's snowing vs having to switch to 4WD and back to 2WD on non covered pavement with the part time 4WD.

 

95% sure the 4.7 4WD Tundra transfer case won't work with a 4th gen 4.7 4WD. I did some research on this when a friend wanted to see if 4th gen V6 TC would work in his V8 4th gen, and going from a V6 TC (offers 2WD) on a V8 full time 4WD required more than just dropping in the transfer case. It requires an electronic front axle disconnect that your V8 4Runner doesn't have.

 

I agree. That's what my 3rd Gen 4R had. It's great for mixed snow/ice/dry conditions.

 

As others said, that gen 4Runner is full time 4wd/awd.

 

Well unfortunately I do not think it will work, and I'll post my research here for legacy and others purposes:

This part ranges from $2000-4000 new and around $1000 rebuilt.

4Runner part number is:
36100-6D401
Fits 4Runners from 2003-2019, V6 and V8.


Tundra part number is: 36100-3D500
Fits only Tundras 2005-2006.

 

So how do you lock the center diff on the 4Runner?

 

There is a center diff lock button to the left of the steering wheel to lock the center diff on 4th gens