Transfer case replacement

I’m replacing my transfer case on a 97 limited and I’m a little worried when I get the new one in that different gears will be activated then the old one. How do I ensure that when the new one goes in it’s not already activated in 4 high or something and mess up more stuff. Not sure if any of that made sense but I’d love some insight.

 

J-shift or electronic transfer case?

Regardless, when you take out the old one or put in the new one, you have to put in the shift lever, and you can just make sure that you can shift 2hi-4hi-4lo once you get the lever installed. Transfer case swap is reasonably straight forward once you ensure you have a compatible swap.

Here are all the details on various t-cases. Note that I put this together for a 1st gen Tacoma, but it even discusses the multi-mode t-case that is available on 3rd gen 4Runners.

Step-by-Step Replacing the Transfer Case on a Tacoma – AdventureTaco

Do you know what kind of case you have/need? If not, some of the diagrams/pics will help you figure that out.

 

It’s the electronic transfer case hi lo with push button. I suppose I’m worried that ill put the new transfer case in and it’ll be at a different location then my car remembers from the old t case and the front diff and transfer case won’t be aligned and shifting the transfer case from what it’s set at during install will also move the actuator on the front diff and gear will crunch and I will be sad. Is that even possible or am I just being paranoid.

 

Your car doesn’t “remember” anything.

Did you read through and understand the transfer case swap that I linked above? If you did, you have nothing to worry about. If you aren’t totally comfortable with everything in that tutorial, you might want to have someone else do the work.

 

Seems like a super simple swap yes. And that’s a good right up that’ll help a lot thanks man. Doesn’t seem like you really understand the question I’m asking but being that it seems like you’ve done this before I’ll take your word for it

 

I totally understand the question you're asking, but that question implies something that just isn't ever true. The way the transfer case "remembers" whether it's in 2-hi or 4-hi or 4-lo is by how the gears and sensors in it are physically positioned in the case. There's no way for it to "get confused" between a button on the shift lever and the case itself, that's just not the way mechanical things work.

That's pretty basic "knowledge" when it comes to this kind of thing, which is why - when you asked a question like that - I suggested maybe having someone else do the work. Really though, it's a relatively easy swap as long as you get the right replacement case (which isn't always so easy). Good luck!