4x4 PSA: Use it or lose it monthly reminder

[mjg514]

let's not forget

just realized this hasn't been bumped for a couple of months now! this is super important, especially considering how often we all see new posts of people having issues with the actuator getting sticky and the system not functioning properly. USE IT OR LOSE IT!

 

[ads2539]

I just did this for the first time today, after seeing the question on the first page of this thread about v8s also needing this done.

Thankfully, everything went smoothly. I’ve owned my 2004 since 2007, and I’ve used the CDL a few times, but never the 4LO.

 

[Kbeanz3330]

new to the 4runner community - will definitely keep this in mind. Don't want to wait for the first snowfall here to find out that my 4wd doesn't work

 

[MacRendar]

I have a 2004 and I'm unsure if the actuator has ever been cycled. The actuator seal was leaking at one point - it was covered in dried oil and the transfer case had maybe 1/3 of its capacity remaining when I drained it to change it a few weeks ago. I put some blue devil in with the Valvoline full synthetic gear oil and it hasn't leaked again that I can tell so far.

No idea how long ago that leak began, how long it took to leak out that much oil, how long it's been low, etc. I don't notice any performance or functionality issues in 4-hi (my default as a V8 owner) but have never put it into 4 lo because I know that if the actuator gets stuck part way that's game over and I'll need a tow and thousands of dollars of work done to my daily.

That said I really want to try to get the 4 lo and center diff lock functionality restored on my vehicle.. just can't really justify taking the gamble... I've heard a lot of stories of lucky guys freeing theirs no problem, but then there's the ones who don't.

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[mjg514]

That said I really want to try to get the 4 lo and center diff lock functionality restored on my vehicle.. just can't really justify taking the gamble... I've heard a lot of stories of lucky guys freeing theirs no problem, but then there's the ones who don't.
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i'm a little confused. are you sure that both 4L and CD are NOT working? from the first part of your statement, it sounded like you actually don't know whether or not they worked properly. to clarify, have you ever tried 4L or locking the CD?

 

[MacRendar]

Sorry, I hoped I was clear. I have not tried to engage either the center diff or 4lo. I am aware that the actuator can get stuck at a position other than fully open or fully closed, and leave the truck stuck in or partially in 4-lo or diff locked and stuck in various states of drivability (including undrivable) until it can have a service that would likely top $2000. That is why I have been too paranoid to mess with it. I know for a fact they haven't been touched in 3 years and I don't know if they ever were or not. No evidence this 4 runner was ever off roaded (none it wasn't either, but it was in great condition other than rust on the front skid so I doubt much if at all) so it may not have been cycled in 15+ years.

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[mjg514]

Sorry, I hoped I was clear. I have not tried to engage either the center diff or 4lo. I am aware that the actuator can get stuck at a position other than fully open or fully closed, and leave the truck stuck in or partially in 4-lo or diff locked and stuck in various states of drivability (including undrivable) until it can have a service that would likely top $2000. That is why I have been too paranoid to mess with it. I know for a fact they haven't been touched in 3 years and I don't know if they ever were or not. No evidence this 4 runner was ever off roaded (none it wasn't either, but it was in great condition other than rust on the front skid so I doubt much if at all) so it may not have been cycled in 15+ years.

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sooo...are you looking for some reassurance that it's ok to try, or some reinforcement that you shouldn't try, from someone on this forum?

 

[MacRendar]

sooo...are you looking for some reassurance that it's ok to try, or some reinforcement that you shouldn't try, from someone on this forum?

Neither, just discussing. After some more research I've decided to try it at some point relatively soon as I feel confident I can use the hotwire method to overvolt the actuators now that I found all the information about it after some weeks of reading off and on. I'll update when I do.

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[mjg514]

Neither, just discussing. After some more research I've decided to try it at some point relatively soon as I feel confident I can use the hotwire method to overvolt the actuators now that I found all the information about it after some weeks of reading off and on. I'll update when I do.Sent from my moto g(7) using Tapatalk

got it. i'd say go for it for sure! don't know until you try and it would suck to not know what will happen when the day comes that you really need it. let us know what happens.

 

[Berty_K]

August reminder :bump:

 

[Wardbird]

I put mine in 4H once a month or anytime in rains. I find it actually runs better in the rain in 4H. It rained today and I had to run some errands. Went right into 4x4, no problem.

The first thing I did when I bought 2006 4Runner was to replace all of the diff and transfer case with Amsoil Heavy Duty.

 

[MacRendar]

got it. i'd say go for it for sure! don't know until you try and it would suck to not know what will happen when the day comes that you really need it. let us know what happens.

Today I pulled the trigger and said F it. I went in with a plan though. It's 90+ F today, so I waited until an hour or so after the peak heat for the day, then went for a drive in 3rd gear, accelerating and engine braking up to 60 mph or so, monitoring my ATF temp on my phone til it got up to 190F. This took about 15 mins. Then popped it into D and drove it for another 30 mins or so around town. Brought it back home, and tried out the CDL first. Popped in instantly. Tried 4 lo. Nothing. No light at all. huh?

Turns out (after pulling my dash for the 2nd time today) my switcher was in 4lo for God knows how long, but the ECU assumed it was supposed to be in Hi anyway. Switched it to Hi then back to Lo, and it popped right into 4-lo. No quibbles.

I think heating it up and keeping it hot for a while set me up for success. Fresh (2 month old) full synthetic gear oil in the xfer case probably did too. Blue devil seems to have resolved the leak at the actuator seal as well, at least for now. I am happy.

 

[Bluesky 07]

My favorite way to keep the 4WD loose. ;-) At the very fun 5315 Off-Road Park near Calhoun, GA. Tough to see the incline in the last pic but that one was tough sledding up and down.

 

[Kmvreter]

October reminder.

 

[aemravan]

Made sure to cycle both of my shift solenoids today
But on a serious note, sure am glad to be able to unsubscribe from this thread now

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[Kmvreter]

November reminder.

 

[SurferUK]

Made sure to cycle both of my shift solenoids today
But on a serious note, sure am glad to be able to unsubscribe from this thread now

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How did you do that?!

 

[aemravan]

How did you do that?!

Its the FJ cruiser Transfer Case swap with the Twin Stick modification to individually control 2wd/4wd and Hi/Lo. Now I have the ability to drive around in 2wd unless I'm off road.

Pretty straight forward swap but requires cutting a hole in the floor, making/modifying shifters, extending rear driveshaft (spacer or custom built), deleting the rear seat AC duct, and doing some minor rewiring. if you go to my build thread I have a pretty decent documentation of it.

 

[Drcoffee]

November reminder.

Love it. TY

Has anyone found that simply using synthetic gear oil keeps the mechanism cleaner and problem free? Just curious.

 

[aemravan]

Love it. TY

Has anyone found that simply using synthetic gear oil keeps the mechanism cleaner and problem free? Just curious.

The actuator shouldn’t be seeing any oil, it’s outboard of the transfer case so no, adding different oil won’t keep it any better off. A lot of it is from not using the actuator and the other part are the seals getting old and brittle and letting in gunk that eventually kills the actuator. At least from what I understand.


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