When you climb into certain 4Runners, one interior features immediately stands out… The manual transfer case!
Many modern 4x4s (certain 4Runner trims included) use an electronic dial, but with with mine, Toyota kept a utilitarian, mechanical shifter. This gives you the tactile feel of physically selecting 4H or 4LO, something many enthusiasts appreciate. It’s also more reliable compared to the electronic counterpart.
The only downside? The factory shift knob looks plain, and over time, it can develop a small rattling sound or the threads start to wear and it never truly gets tight. Fixing it usually means disassembling the knob and fumbling with it, or replacing completely. TrailMade’s shift knob solves these problems. It upgrades the look and eliminates the rattle and damaged threads that plague the OEM piece.
Table Of Contents
Design
TrailMade’s transfer-case shift knob is beautifully executed, and made in the USA.
The first thing you’ll notice is the weight. This billet aluminum piece feels super solid in hand, instantly communicating a level of quality the OEM one lacks. Look closer, and the details pop: hard-anodized billet aluminum, a clean and purposeful profile, and crisp machining that reads premium without being flashy. It’s elegant, but still utilitarian, the right vibe for a 4Runner. I got a black one, but they also carry gunmetal.
At the top, the knob features a discreet, integrated magnet that accepts TrailMade’s interchangeable caps. Run it with whatever cap you want that can be swapped in seconds to match your build or mood. It comes standard with the “J-shift” icon. Several other options as well.
Don’t have a manual transfer case? TrailMade also has an injection molded electronic dial with the magnetic cap system as well.
They also make a transmission knob. Check out Arsh’s post on the full dual knob set.
Installation
Installation is as simple as it gets, no tools required.
Just unthread the factory knob from the transfer-case shifter and spin the TrailMade billet knob on by hand. Snug it down, and you’re done.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to dress up the interior with a solid and robust accessory, look no further. The TrailMade billet shift knob’s looks, build, and quality are second to none. I’m eager to see what other TrailMade accessories come out in the future, because if this is just the beginning, then the future looks extremely bright.
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These look so clean, I can’t wait for that 3rd gen Taco shift knob!