2006 4runner V6 4x4
I have searched and searched on this issue an haven't found an exact answer to my question. Like the title says, In 2wd I notice a grinding noise from about 20-50 mph, if i put it in 4hi the noise goes away. I understand that this could be a problem with the needle bearing in the front diff, or the add actuator not retracting all the way.
I have 70k miles on my truck. It has ome 885's in the front and no diff drop. I put new CV axles and seals in about 10k miles ago, and new rotors, calipers and pads about 1,000 miles ago. Trouble is I don't know how long the issue has been going on because I just replaced my loud KM2's with Michelins last week. Had the KM2's on for the last 35k miles so i never heard the noise.
Info i have seen online is from FJ/Tacoma guys getting their entire front diffs replaced under warranty. I obviously don't have that option as my truck is 10 years old and was bought used. I understand that ECGS offers a fix with a bushing that can be installed in place of the needle bearing.
My question is if I continue driving and don't fix this until spring is there any type of catastrophic failure that can occur? Now that it is winter I don't really want to tear apart the front end in the driveway until it gets warmer out. Would it make sense to just run in 4hi-unlocked for the winter so the grinding doesn't occur?
Sorry for the long post. Any help or insight is greatly appreciated.
Here is a crappy iphone shot my 4runner because I haven't posted it yet. Brand new setup with 17x8.5 SCS F5's in Matte Dark Bronze and 285 Michelin A/T2's.