Why would a 2001 4 runner need a new transfer case?

Sarah

We're considering buying it but worry about why it would need this replacement.

tlworkroom

Who says it needs it? Mechanic or previous owner/seller?































It SHOULDN'T need a new transfer case. Altho' with 2001, I can imagine car has about 100K miles on it or more. A transfer case is pretty basic---just gears. But if it's misused, then it might get trashed if they engage it improperly most of time. It'd be like backing up a car slowly, and then putting tranny into gear before car stops going backwards, the tranny slams into forward with a "thud", which obviously is NOT good for it.































BUT-------what's the good side of this is. . . .that if the vehicle is really good for you, is in pretty good condition otherwise, and good price, it's nice to know that it DOES need replacing. Then go ahead and get it replaced, and you won't have ot worry about it for as long as you own vehicle!! Then you can drive vehicle safely and assured that it WILL WORK for you when you need the transfer case to work.















Biggest problem with getting used car/truck is not knowing when parts will go out, because they usually go out when we're not ready for it. But this way, since you know it will need replacing, you can go ahead and get it replaced and then be safe and sure. There's good time ahead driving when you are comfortable that the vehicle won't break down on that specific piece!!















I had alternator and battery go down on a beatup 1991 Corolla I've got with over 245K miles on it. But now, with new alternator and batty, I can drive calmly, not worried about getting car started again. I also replaced radiator after numerous teeny tiny leaks, which caused massive overheating of car. But now, system is sealed as supposed to be with new radiator and car doesn't even get passed halfway on radiator gauge, even when it's 100 F outside!!































So, normally, a transfer case shouldn't have to be changed out like that, unless the transfer case was a piece of junk to begin with, or previous drivers were trashing it badly.















But knowing it needs replacing and getting it done, you've gotten rid of that worry for a long time, and then you can enjoy the new-to-you 4Runner you want to get.