Hear me out

So last year during a heavy rain fall when I was out and about trekking to find my way home as roads were being closed due to downed trees and substantial flooding. I decided to make my way through a over the road river which later left my 4wd being useless. Long story short, I took my 2015 4Runner to my trusted mechanic who I've been going to for over 25 years. Had both solenoid packs replaced, and was told if any further action needed would have to go down the Actuator Motor route. I was going to order one off Amazon but my mechanic and I agreed that 3rd party parts for the drive train might not be the best for this.

So I started looking on LKQOnline for a used transfer case. I had ordered a transfer case from a 2017 4Runner which arrived with a hole in it and all connectors badly damaged. Which was returned and another part ordered by LKQ. To which a 2008 Toyota Tacoma case arrived. I've heard that they are useable. I found out that this wasn't the case since 4runner transmissions have Male/Male alignment pins, and Tacoma has an Inner Female and Outer Male. I again returned it and they sent me another case from a later year Tacoma which I refused shipment of. So I called and asked for a specific "4Runner" case and shipped me a 2014 case which arrived with all three connectors damaged. Again I called and complained about the QC and went on their site and asked for a 2022 4Runner case that was said to fit as per their site. When it arrived, I inspected it before I accepted. To my findings was that assuming in 2020 when Toyota made small changes, One of them being the transfer case motor and solenoids, that newer 5th gens have 1 connector to drive the case vs 3 connectors of the older 5th gens.

If you're still reading here's my question. Since I've had such a great time with LKQ, I'm entertaining going to (ugh, cringe) the dealer to order a new transfer case with my vin. That way it ensures me getting the correct part the first time. I'm also going to ask for a quote on installation since I'd like to have the case warrantied and not voided when I do it.

In short what would you do?

 

Going the dealer route would get you the correct part and a warranty. You can also find a used lower mileage transfer case on Ebay and have your mechanic install it for you.

 

I'm not afraid of the install. I've had the transfer case out. If by means having the mechanic doing it for warranty purposes... If I have to go that route.

 

I've had good luck with Ebay parts. Just check the vendor feedback and look through all the pictures. The transfer case should be pretty easy.

 

I would replace the motor on the transfercase, not the entire transfercase. I'm sure the transfercase itself is fine. If for some reason the tcase was damaged I would replace it with an aftermarket one with lower gearing

 

I'm debating going this route. Just the motor. Not gonna like the cost but hey, if i want 4wd back... guess i need to.

 

Assuming you drained the fluid in the t-case, and you found no water infiltration?

 

How deep was the water? Why was your 4wd useless?

 

Yeah we need some details. I've had mine submerged many times to the bottom of the headlights, albeit briefly. Water fords are a non issue.

 

What solenoid packs?

Have you inspected the ADD actuator, since that sits lower than the T-case actuator and is more prone to water intrusion?