Limited L4L to H4L Noise

[sirhamlet]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone in the Limited has experienced noise from underneath (crunching sound) the 4runner going from H4L to L4L.

Note:
-I come to a complete stop put the car in neutral and turn to L4L
-I thought that maybe it was because I haven't used it in sometime and drove around the parking lot in L4L and tried it again. Still a crunching sound.

Thanks Much!

 

[1engineer]

Can't find the correct link right now but the question has been asked before.

 

[sirhamlet]

I did an advance search and found plenty of threads regarding noises but nothing regarding a noise when engaging H4L to L4L.

Note: the noise only happens when engaging. It doesn't continue when driving in L4L.

thanks

 

[WolfPlottT4R]

Does anyone have any info for this? I tried shifting into L4L today and noticed the same exact thing. A crunching sound... It almost sounds like some old car trunk motors that I've heard grinding when activated. It only lasts for a quick second then it's in L4L. The same sound happens when I take it back out as well.

I have done quite a few searches and haven't found anything talking about this exact sound when shifting, other than this thread. Maybe I didn't use the right keywords...

Anyway, any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[BobsTrail]

I have a Trail with a lever, but I'll bet the following applies. @100MPH and 1Engineer gave me the following when I asked and it works - no noise:

@100MPH -- Everything you are doing is correct except don't shift the T/C to N.
Go straight to 4L or 4H without hesitation.
I usually only wait to a count of 3 after shifting the Tranny to N.

1Engineer -- The noise is caused by synchronization of gearing. Do as [MENTION=53327]1000MPH[/MENTION] suggested and do not keep it in neutral for any length of time. Go from one to the other immediately so the gearing does not have time to "spin" at a differential rpm. This is the nature of gearboxes of this design. The noise will not damage the gears unless you repeatedly do it a LOT for a long time.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Are you trying this when the transfer case is cold? My 03 will make a little noise engaging until the oil is warmed up after driving a while, then it is very quiet.

 

[cbielat]

It happens. It'll get better the more you switch it.