4x4 PSA: Use it or lose it monthly reminder
Here is a friendly Public Service Announcement:
Engage all your 4x4 features once a month and your truck will thank you for it by avoiding a hefty repair bill. A few minutes of free exercise every month will save you big $$$ in actuator repairs. I've noticed a few more threads recently about 4x4 4th Gens with problems getting in or out of H4 (for the V6's), L4 or the CDL due to lack of use. The shift actuator rods seize up. I had this same issue years ago but not as severely. I got lucky and was able to get the system to work just by using it. The more I used it the easier and faster it shifted in or out of the modes. I set a recurring reminder in my calender on the first day of every month to remember to engage the 4x4 system. I plan to bump this thread as required (plus it gives me a legit reason to be a post-whore.) (I know this is a day early but I won't be near a computer tomorrow.) #saveuractuator |
I wish someone in the aftermarket would make a mechanical linkage kit to do away with the electrical actuator. You are right there are a lot of threads on actuator not working and actuator oil leaks. It is only going to get worse as the 4runners get older. I hope the 5th gens have been redesigned to correct the problem but when I look at them they look the same.
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Ha ha, good title and reminder !
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Although in practical terms, I don't know how difficult it would be to actually create such a kit. Over on the Ford Ranger forums where I sometimes post (my DD is a 96 Mazda B2300 which is a Ranger) I see similar complaints about the electronic T-case, and somebody has come up with a "manual" solution. The problem with it is that it requires you to (a) stop the vehicle (b) Get out (c) reach under the vehicle with a socket (d) turn a bolt 270 degrees or so and then (e) get back into your vehicle and drive. And you have to do this every time you want to go from 2wd to 4wd and back. I seem to recall that somebody made a system for (I think) Chevy/GMC vehicles with vacuum or electric 4wd control that used a pair of cables, basically one to engage and one to disengage. This would have been back in the late 90's. |
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I agree, and have said it a few times now, someone needs to come up with an electronic actuator eliminator system. be it cable, or linkage. there has to be a better way to do it. its one of the few things I really dislike about my 4runner. |
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Can't remember if it was someone here or someone at Home - ExPo: Adventure and Overland Travel Enthusiasts that actually replaced the T-case in a 4runner with an FJC case modified with twin stick (one for 2wd/4wd and one for Hi/lo.) He had the sticks come up through where the 12v outlet and smoker's kit come up. I think if I ever had the dreaded electronic T-case failure, I'd be tempted to go with such a swap, especially if I was already looking at a ~$3k repair bill. Of course, the only problem with that arrangement is that you lose the center diff and you basically have a conventional 4wd vehicle. |
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While a manual cable/linkage system could be fabricated, the main reason there's an electric system is mainly due to synchronization and ease of shifting. Now I'd have to have a transfercase apart to play with its guts, but I would assume even with syncros that any manual version would be a bit more difficult to shift into and out of 4WD modes. The V6 would provide an additional challenge in that you need a secondary linkage that is either an entirely separate lever or somehow linked with the main assembly to actuate the ADD on the front axle. Now you could just eliminate the option of 2WD like the V8's and have the front axle constantly locked for a Full-Time 4WD effect like many do already (another option may be to eliminate the ADD and utilize old-school locking hubs in the front somehow,) but this is a design issue that needs to be addressed as well. There are also considerations to make in regards to leaving the front axles always engaged, while not as annoying or detrimental to driving manners as older Domestic 4WD systems, it does seem the V6 front axle does experience some minor bind-up when engaged in 4Hi vs. the V8's plain from clamshell (I also believe the V8 Clamshell in front is larger than its V6 brethren.) The other issue is a matter of how you're going to control functions such as 2WD-4Hi-4Lo-4Lo CDL (if possible), this would require fabricating an entire shifter assembly that not only is compact enough, but bolts to the shift forks in the transfercase (the shift rods are actually part of the actuator and thus this hypothetical kit would require new shift rods that mate properly with the internal shift forks.) This of course brings me to another issue, whether you install this manual kit by using the old shift forks with new shift rods, or replace them with a new set-up (i.e. a new shift fork/shift rod assembly that allows servicing the shifter assembly without removal of the transfer case as is with the current actuator system), you still need to drop the transfercase and tear it down to properly install said kit, which would cost you additionally ontop of the actuator. You'd also possibly lose/corrupt many of the ABS/VSC/TRAC functions that combine with the 4WD system to make it more capable that it is by itself due the the 4WD module needing to be disabled and the vehicle no longer being able to differentiate the difference between which 4WD setting it is in. Granted many people don't bother with the above assistance, but this could also result in aggressive over compensation from the ABS/VSC/TRAC system when you don't want it and would require you to disable most of those systems, which is difficult as it is heavily intertwined with the Hydraboost braking system used for your brakes and thus basic ABS/VSC functions remain even when doing "VSC OFF" mods because of fail safe coding. As you shift into progressively lower gears in 4WD the system is aware of this and compensates with increasing its ability to assist. i.e. 4Lo, CDL On, Lo Gear nets you the most grip and even kicks in the ATRAC system to mimic a semblance of lockers in front and rear, this can be useful when you have 1 wheel in the air or are in very difficult terrain. Granted, many people rarely if every need to use these functions, but they work to subtly improve (typically, not always) the 4WD capability of the 120/150 Platform and thus using an add-on manual shifting system would possibly necessitate the installation of locker(s) to compensate for a loss of electronic assistance. There are many design considerations to make and while I am sure it can be done (I'm seeing in my head little reason why it wouldn't work should the above larger concerns be engineered properly) it will end up costing you parts + labor to re-fit the existing transfercase. Thus no matter what you do, you still need to foot the bill to have the transfercase removed, torn-down, and then rebuilt (in the case of adding this manual linkage system, you'll need to find a shop that is willing to do the work; some may not due to liability reasons) so you're looking at an expensive modification/repair either way. You might just be better off getting an aftermarket transfercase or even trying to adapt an FJ cruiser manual transfercase (which may be easier to be honest.) |
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Or should V8's drop into 4Lo once, monthly? |
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As a noobie im going to bookmark this thread. Ran around a little tonight in 4wd because of this thread.
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Probably a good place to mention that the diff lock can be exercised any time while driving relatively straight (super easy on V8).
Low range, of course, stopped and in neutral. Having fun with it can be helpful in remembering and doing it often. Thanks to the Torsen diff, you can drive around parking lots in low range any time you like with no drama. V8 owners can quickly turn the CDL on and off just about any time they think of it while driving. Once a month is great, but you can't exercise them too much. |
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If you haven't had the displeasure of driving say an older Grand Cherokee or GMC SUV with 4WD engaged I'll try and explain it as best as I can. They have a LOT of axle bind-up and it sounds and feels horrible to drive them in anything BUT straight line. When CDL is engaged it locks the center differential and forces a 50/50 split from front to rear axle, so when turning that force is not only imparted between left and right wheel but also front and rear axle. While bind-up is no where near as bad as older systems, it still is noticeable and very hard on the 4WD system. |
Thanks. If the weather and driving conditions don't cause me to go into 4LO and CDL then I'll do it as a monthly routine.
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Your friendly April reminder.
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I read somewhere on a recent thread that Toyota recommends running in 4Lo once a month for 10 miles or something. 10 miles!!! That unfortionately is not going to happen for some of us city dwellers.
I will usually engage 4Lo and slowly drive in my work parking lot for a minute or so. Is that adequate? |
Done, good thing too, first time 4 Lo beeped at me...
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yeah 10miles is tough for me..as the only unpaved patch near me is about 1/4 mile!!!.....what i do is engage it daily for about a week...i know its really not enough but what can i do...had the truck for 1.6yrs now...it shifts easily
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Thanks for the reminder. My actuator is less than a year old and It has been a few months since I've "exercised" it.
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altho, a set of dedicated rails would likely work better. luckily, my actuator was replaced when I bought it. I think it if ever fails, i'll attempt to fabricate some sort of mechanical linkage system. Quote:
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No significant driving in low range is necessary or advised by the owners manual.
The 10 miles per month advised in the manual is for lubricating the front drive components. It only applies to the V6 multi-mode. This thread is about the transfer case low range and diff lock actuators which the owners manual doesn't address, but history has shown to be important. For V6 4wd owners, the act of going into and out of 4wd, all by itself, exercises the diff lock actuator (it finishes unlocked). All that is needed is to stop at some point and put the truck into low range. Whether there is any possible benefit to doing a little driving while in low range or also engaging the V6 diff lock via button (instead of just using 4wd), I can't say, other than the fact that more is better (with quickly diminishing returns). Perhaps @BlackWorksInc has some input on that. |
Honestly I just drive my V8 4WD a hundred to a few hundred feet or so in a straight line (important to keep it straight on pavement) at least once a month with the center differential locked to exercise it. While its an oft not used function, there is a mechanical linkage to lock-up the planetary gearset that makes up the central differential.
As for V6 4WD vehicles, it wouldn't hurt to do the same in 4Lo to exercise the ADD and Transfercase. We used to see quite a few 4WDs that were "fixed" by just tapping on the transfer case and then exercising the actuator a few times (easy diagnostic work :) ) |
Your springy May reminder.
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Switched over to 4hi yesterday thinking of this thread. She is still in 4Hi today. Haven't switched over to 4lo ever. Kinda scared to. I figure there is a chance I'll run into problems that my wallet can't rescue me from.
Of note: I did notice that before I switch over to 4Hi, while stopped, I'll put the tranny in "N", switch to 4Hi, then put her in "D". I hear the tranny "clang" into drive and hear another "thud". The 4x4 indicator then staying steadily on. BUT, when I switch over to 4Hi while on the drive or not putting it into "N", it takes awhile, as in 30seconds +, all the while the 4x4 indicator flashing. I know flashing means it's still not done fully engaging. Is it normal for the 4Hi to engage this slow? Is it an indication of trouble? thanks |
Sometimes it takes a bit longer than a few seconds to engage 4HI on my 4Runner. The ADD incorporates a yoke that slides a splined hub over a mating splined shaft. It can take a while for these splines to sinc properly before the hub slide over.
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Your June reminder.
(I'm posting early because I won't be on the site on June 1st.) |
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Exercised my CDL button today. :rockon:
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I had mine replaced 1 year ago? (both 4hi and low wasn't working, so they said both actuators needed replacement? Dunno much about actuators but thats what I can remember) If I didn't have my extended warranty I think it was about $700-$800 each actuator for parts and labor from dealership.
Just a heads up for anyone needing replacement. |
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I think the issue is more having the system go in and out of the settings. When I remember to do this, I might just click the CDL on and off several times as I'm driving down a straight street. If you encouter a turn, you can easily unclick it off, and then turn it back on again. When I get to a red light, I put it into N and turn the dial to 4lo. The next red light...which is the next street corner...I turn it back to 4hi, next stop sign or light I turn it back to 4lo. So what ever shift fork....actuator....thingy gets a little work out. In the last mile to home. |
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Ok I was way off. I got the real numbers from my service.
1 actuator was $1100 the other was $378. Warranty company paid $2200 in labor, service guy said it would be $2900 labor without warranty. (dealership cuts a break to warranty company) I did get my differential fluids changed as well. Hope this helps. Exercise those actuators! |
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(1) 10 miles per month 4wd recommendation.
(2) Low range and center diff lock actuators. = two different things. (1) = Owners Manual. (2) = 4Runner Forum (1) Applies to V6 (4wd). Is for the ADD in the front (automatic disconnecting differential) to lubricate "the front drive components". (2) Is based on reports from members here over many years. |
Think I'll go hit up some dirt roads this weekend in 4wd. Just have to loop around them a few times. Thanks for the info.
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I myself understand the importance of the use it or lose it concept. And the importance of putting on enough miles with it also. Agree 10miles might be a little much like some are concerned with.
Personally, I would be trying to do as much engaging and disengaging with the system ( including the4lo ) While running it. I do believe the Idea for all this is to make sure it WILL engage. When I am out on the trail running constantly from lo to high, I use it so much at times, it just clicks in and out of lo and hi so fast. |
Your July summer reminder.
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August reminder.
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