Engaging 4wd...

[pullagnm]

... is it noisy and do you feel your 4wd engaging?

 

[Will_4R]

Sometimes, but normally there shouldn't be more than a slight clunk when it ingages. I have occasionally experienced grinding gears for a few seconds.

 

[pullagnm]

Sometimes, but normally there shouldn't be more than a slight clunk when it ingages. I have occasionally experienced grinding gears for a few seconds.

Thanks Will 4R.

Since I bought my 08' 4runner it never make a sound, nor would you feel it engage until about a month, or so ago. Then it was pretty severe. I took it in to a local dealer and they tried to convince me that it was normal for it to make noise and kick when it engaged. Thats why I was looking for some experience form other 4runner owners.

This is my first 4runner and I like it, except for a few concerns like the 4wd.

Thanks again.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Thanks Will 4R.

Since I bought my 08' 4runner it never make a sound, nor would you feel it engage until about a month, or so ago. Then it was pretty severe. I took it in to a local dealer and they tried to convince me that it was normal for it to make noise and kick when it engaged. Thats why I was looking for some experience form other 4runner owners.

This is my first 4runner and I like it, except for a few concerns like the 4wd.

Thanks again.

I agree with Will, your probably fine. If you engage it at the 'wrong time' as in mid-turn, especially a sharp, parking lot style turn, it will clunk and grind. The same is true of disengaging.

A quick story: My Dad and I met at the hangar and switched vehicles. I had left the 4Runner in 4wd. He selected 2wd and backed out performing almost a K turn to get headed down the taxiway. As he was pulling away (I was still standing outside) I heard this God-awful clunking/banging and grinding. The rear wheel actually jumped off the ground. I truly saw light under it, that's not an exaggeration. I have had no subsequent issues based on this episode.

What I have learned is the slower you go, within acceptable limits, the better off you are. (I don't mean 10mph but 35mph seems to work better than 55mph.) A slight, gentle curving path can actually help. Transitioning from light accelerations to light decelerations can also help. Sharp turns and 'medium to hard' accelerations make the transition less smooth.