4x4 PSA: Use it or lose it monthly reminder

[Kmvreter]

(Late) February reminder.

 

[awhitney1]

We need some sort of hack to have this automatically happen at the beginning of each month for these 4runners. WE have ALL sorts of mods and upgrades available, we need to devise some sort of mod and make a simple switch to have this automatically engage.

 

[Terminator03]

We need some sort of hack to have this automatically happen at the beginning of each month for these 4runners. WE have ALL sorts of mods and upgrades available, we need to devise some sort of mod and make a simple switch to have this automatically engage.

Well, it won’t engage it automatically, but you can just set a reminder in your cell calendar to remind you to do it on the same day every month so you don’t forget anyway.

 

[TenTwelve]

I just do it weekly.

 

[awhitney1]

Well, it won’t engage it automatically, but you can just set a reminder in your cell calendar to remind you to do it on the same day every month so you don’t forget anyway.

I've thought of that. I was a little drunk when I made that post. lol

 

[ZebRuaj]

I flip it to 4Hi after getting gas (usually 1x week). Pull off onto the street I live on, and flip it down to 4Low x diff lock and crawl up to the house. (FYI, its a straight block for the worry warts). Turn it all off and go inside.

I've internalize this reminder.

Or move to a snow state. Mines hasn't been out of 4Hi the last 2 weeks.

 

[stopthefury]

Noob question: Drive a 06 SE V8 4x4 with 149k. HAs absolutely no leaks from the transfer case. I have not engaged 4WD since I owned it, and I'm not sure the previous owner did very often either.

Are the all time 4wd V8's less common to have the actuator o-ring leak due to it being in full time 4wd all the time?

I plan to exercise both the 4LO and center diff this weekend, I would just hate to cause an unexpected leak. (Haven't used 4LO in my truck yet but I plan to this summer)

Thanks!

 

[John.Adam]

My v8 always engages but I’ve developed a grinding noise when I switch it back and forth.

 

[Kmvreter]

Noob question: Drive a 06 SE V8 4x4 with 149k. HAs absolutely no leaks from the transfer case. I have not engaged 4WD since I owned it, and I'm not sure the previous owner did very often either.

Are the all time 4wd V8's less common to have the actuator o-ring leak due to it being in full time 4wd all the time?

I plan to exercise both the 4LO and center diff this weekend, I would just hate to cause an unexpected leak. (Haven't used 4LO in my truck yet but I plan to this summer)

Thanks!

Although I originally aimed this thread at the V6 vehicles, it can't hurt to exercise the V8 4Lo and center on a monthly basis.

 

[Kmvreter]

(Late) March reminder.

 

[Kmvreter]

(Very late) April reminder.

 

[grave]

 

[4runna4]

subbed to this thread, nice idea

 

[aaronmjr]

Engaged mine today in the random April snowstorm we had up here!

 

[jayclev71]

4 lo actuator vs tc replace

I just bought my 08 v6 limited with 145k miles and it won't go into 4lo. The dealership wants $3k to replace the actuator assembly. From reading all these posts, I will keep trying to get it to engage, but when I was shopping around for other quotes, one service guy suggested that it might be cheaper to just replace the tc. I can pick one up from a local wrecking yard for about $500. Labor from the dealership is around $1100. Not saying I'm ready to drop this kind of cash yet, buy has anyone else gone this route to save money?

 

[SummitRunner]

I just went through this myself. I bought a new Aisin actuator on ebay for $500 and had it installed for $800 by my local mechanic.

I just bought my 08 v6 limited with 145k miles and it won't go into 4lo. The dealership wants $3k to replace the actuator assembly. From reading all these posts, I will keep trying to get it to engage, but when I was shopping around for other quotes, one service guy suggested that it might be cheaper to just replace the tc. I can pick one up from a local wrecking yard for about $500. Labor from the dealership is around $1100. Not saying I'm ready to drop this kind of cash yet, buy has anyone else gone this route to save money?

 

[Trumpet]

I just bought my 08 v6 limited with 145k miles and it won't go into 4lo. The dealership wants $3k to replace the actuator assembly. From reading all these posts, I will keep trying to get it to engage, but when I was shopping around for other quotes, one service guy suggested that it might be cheaper to just replace the tc. I can pick one up from a local wrecking yard for about $500. Labor from the dealership is around $1100. Not saying I'm ready to drop this kind of cash yet, buy has anyone else gone this route to save money?

Keep working it, you'd be surprised how many have been 'fixed' with patience and a warm/hot weather day. Besides it costs nothing but time.:flypig:

 

[sport2004]

i kind of gave up on that. then there is the issue of actually switching to 4Lo, only to have it get stuck there, could be disastrous

 

[atalarico]

I just went through this myself. I bought a new Aisin actuator on ebay for $500 and had it installed for $800 by my local mechanic.

Good to know! I'm pretty sure my actuator seal is leaking and that's a manageable amount of money if the DIY doesn't work out. I initially read over $2k and then some, but $1200 isn't the end of the world if it saves me from screwing up a very important piece of kit.

 

[grave]

go to an independent shop that has experience with 4WD trucks. fukka dealer.