4WD not disengaging properly???

[Outback Paul]

I recently took my 04 Runner to the beach and when I hit the road again the whole truck shook, and I mean the whole truck shook. I pulled off the side of the road and checked out the tires but didn't see anything wrong. I then drove about 100 feet in reverse(a trick from the old days). I then hit the road and after a little vibration it finally stopped. I don't think the 4wd disengaged right. I've always been in the habit of putting any 4wd I've owned into reverse to ensure it disengaged but I surely would think I wouldn't have to do this to vehicles made in this day and age.

Anyone else had this problem?

Paul

 

[sharp4runr]

Try putting it in neutral and then shifting into 4WD.

 

[Outback Paul]

I'm wanting to get out of 4wd, not go into 4wd.

 

[dcampen]

when I hit the road again the whole truck shook, and I mean the whole truck shook. ... I don't think the 4wd disengaged right.

The '04 4Runner 4WD system is a Full-time 4WD drive system. Having the truck in 4WD should not make it shake. You can leave the truck permanently in 4WD.

 

[sharp4runr]

The '04 4Runner 4WD system is a Full-time 4WD drive system. Having the truck in 4WD should not make it shake. You can leave the truck permanently in 4WD.

The V8 is fulltime 4WD, if he's trying to shift out of 4WD then he must have the V6.

What I meant was after shifting out of 4WD, throw it into neutral.

 

[ToolmanJohn]

Maybe the dealer should be paid a visit

Although I agree that shifting into neutral, and varying the drive speed can help engage/disengage 4WD faster sometimes, the truck shouldn't shake as it is being described by Outback Paul.

I would visit the dealer and describe it as detailed as possible. It may be indicative of some part of the drivetrain in danger of failing.

I will note that the manual says NOT to change into/out of 4WD mode when you are immobolized (stuck), or turning (it suggests only changing modes while driving straight). I would guess that the computer that reads wheel speed wouldn't like seeing wheels turning at different speeds.

 

[Good Times]

I would check to make sure that your center differential is not locked.

Also check to make sure you do not have any objects stuck on either driveshafts. You might have gotten some mud on there and that could have thrown off the balance on it (maybe - long shot).

If the problem reappears, I'd recommend you going into the dealer to have the entire drivetrain inspected just to be safe.

Good Luck