** Posted in 3rd generation & was advised that this is a better spot to ask**
Hello, I bought a 93 Toyota 4runner last month & the guy seen me coming & really took me BIG TIME The 4 wheel drive does not work The front driveline was not hooked up so i had a friend connect it & even connect a different driveline & when i try to put it in 4WD, the tires are locked up & wont spin. Giving it gas the back ones jump a bit but it is like they are in a bind. Assuming it was the transfer case i contacted a car garage today for an estimate on getting my transfer case rebuilt & they guy said it is rare for them to go out in these Yoda's & it is most likely my automatic locking hubs having an issue. Also someone said front differential? Has anyone had an issue with this? I was Widowed last year & have myself to figure these things out & i'm simply lost. Any help, info or suggestions is GREATLY APPRECIATED! My pockets aren't deep & i'd rather start with the small things then to rebuild the big ones. Thank you for your time M.

First of all welcome!

You will have to establish your engagement system first.

Look at the front driver side of the front differential. Is there a vacuum diaphragm mounted to the axle tube right by the diff?
Either way I think it is going to be a problem in the differential carrier or pinion bearing.

I'm not sure how the hubs could cause that problem. They will only connect the wheel to the axle or not. If the axle doesn't turn, you have a t-case or differential dilemma.

If it looks like this you have the ADD(automatic differential disconnect) system.


You can also try leaving it in 2 high, putting the frontend on jack stands and seeing if you can turn the front driveshaft by hand or with some channel locks. If so then you can eliminate having a fubar'd differential.

You might find some affordable assistance at your local Community College auto tech program.
I'd suggest checking fuses first. It's simple and free.
There is an electrical unit on the transfer case to check for broken wires.
Are any 4WD lights illuminated?
If you shift into 4L is it any different than 4H?

I agree, most likely front differential is shot/bound. Perform the test above.

Figure it out?