[WCVanHorne]

So I have a 2012 SR5 with the transfer case and manual shifter since new. I am *very* nice to it even though it does see some off pavement action. I'm looking for someone to sooth me that I haven't done anything too horrible. Full disclosure I am OCD and anxiety prone.

First of all I am completely aware that 2H -> 4H is < 80km/h or 50 mph and I have never really had a problem. I ease it in even though much of the time I need to do this it is cold here in Edmonton Alberta so it's a little stiff. After 10 years I've stopped even remembering the "cold" description on the label because it's always cold, lol, and I just slowly but firmly ease it in with as close to neutral torque on the drive train as I can judge (usually a very slight deceleration).

Today with the latest cold snap settling in (-20C) and blowing snow on the highway the black ice getting a little sketchy so I go for 4H as I have done probably 100 times before. This time I'm a little startled to hear a light grinding just as I'm easing it in. I instantly stop, release to 2H, and think maybe I wasn't neutral enough on the torque. Adjust and confirm feathering throttle to light decel and try it again - same thing. At this point I give my head a shake and thing WTF am I doing. So I just take it easy till I hit town (have studded Hakka 9's so this isn't that big if a deal either way). In town at the lights it shifts in and out as easy as can be. I also try some in and out at 60 km/h and seems fine.

To make a long story short I'm beating myself up about having been a little rough on the transfer case and having anxiety that I damaged it. Seems smooth enough testing but I'm not that much of an expert on how the shifting mesh works and how robust it is in this situation. The practical part of me says it's not like you snapped some teeth off or jammed it in after the initial light griding noise. At worst I probably scuffed the edge of some reasonally deep meshing and - well - don't do it again and maybe get the transfer case oil changed sooner rather than later....

So are these things a lot tougher than I give them credit for? Am I being paranoid? Should I have sprung for the Torsen. ;-) The anxiety part of my damn brain needs some soothing...

[Jeremy556]

It's ruined now. I'll give you scrap value +10%.

[Whippersnapper02]

It’s fine.

[WCVanHorne]

Originally Posted by Jeremy556

It's ruined now. I'll give you scrap value +10%.

I may be crazy but I'm not stupid ;-) I know what a modestly used 4runner is worth. Even one that could use some transfer case work... But appreciate the tough love!

[Bmnorm2]

Originally Posted by Whippersnapper02

It’s fine.

^ this

[Ascole]

Grind it till you find it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[meltdown]

Originally Posted by WCVanHorne

…I just slowly but firmly ease it in with as close to neutral torque on the drive train as I can judge (usually a very slight deceleration). ...

You used the word “slowly” to describe how you shift into 4WD. My suggestion is to pull back on the lever in a very quick motion. Going slow increases the chance of grinding in my experience. Neutral torque and firmness are good.

[T4R_Canuck]

I highly doubt you've done any actual damage based on your description.

How often do you change your t-case fluid? It's never a bad idea to do a drain and fill and check for metal on the drain plug, just to give you peace of mind.

I know I always do the ol finger wipe of the drain plug hole after it's done draining to see if I find any sparkly surprises and so far, it's been clean.