4x4 blunder...???

[Diagram14]

I purchased my T4R knowing the 4wd was not functioning. Because the indicator light was not lighting up I assumed it was electrical and would be as easy as swapping a switch or relay (after speaking with my cousin who is a Toyota mech.) After going through several of the routine DIY diagnostics for 4wd and found that the moron previous owner had somehow pinned the font diff. "engage" vacuum line in one of the engine mount bolts thus completely blocking vacuum to the actuator. I got it out and ensured that the line wasnt cut and still allowed air flow before I reinstalled. Much to my delight when I shifted into 4x4 the light came on and I could feel the front wheels pulling. Said delight was short lived as I was immediately thereafter unable to get the thing out of 4x4.
Before I freed the vacuum line my VSV was working perfectly, it would switch from brown(2wd) to blue(4wd) everytime as I shifted on the tower. Now the VSV will not switch over it seems. I tried putting the brown side sourse line to the blue side down line to disengage the front diff to no avail.
Is there a way I can get the 4x4 off until I have time to chase this new problem down? And, does anyone have an idea where I should start my search for a new answer?

TIA...

 

[yukonrider]

Is it actually IN 4x4, or are the lights just flashing? Try fiddling with the sensor on the ADD tube, that tells the computer if the ADD is connected or not.

 

[TheDurk]

It sounds like the problem is in the front diff actuator. I don't know how to force that back into 2WD. Put it back the way it was, leave it in 2wd and maybe it will disengage as you drive around.

 

[Diagram14]

Update: I can put it in reverse, roll for not even 1 foot, put it back in drive and as I pull away I hear and feel(in the TC stick) the switch click and the light goes off. Until then, however, the truck is in 4wd...there is a clear difference in steering and the whine coming front end. I know in earlier auto-lockers after you were done with 4x4 you would have to reverse to reload the springs in the hubs. I didnt/dont the think that is the case with a 2000 T4R.

 

[Diagram14]

Anyone out there encountered a sticky actuator like this? Or something with similar symptoms and resolved the issue? Could use the advise if its out there. Thanks

 

[TheDurk]

Read this thread (4wd-won-t-disengage-99-4runner-ltd from YT. Lots of food for thought and specific success stories.