Rookie question please help

[VOLSFAN]

I'm about to purchase a 1999 T4R LTD with a locker. It goes into 4x4 no problem but it wont go back into 2wdH. The owner says it's a matter of doing it manually by tapping on some box under the truck. We are going to the dealership together so I can get a lesson on disengaging the 4x4.
My question is, is this common? should i be worried. Is this a sign of 4x4 troubles to come?

 

[LINY4Runner]

It sounds like the actuator is sticking, usually happens from long periods of non-use of the 4WD system...if you're going to the dealership, ask the tech if he thinks it's a good buy...

what's the price on it? mileage? any rust? any pics?

 

[Nelsonmd]

Yeah, that's definitely not standard procedure. Dealer should confirm that that is a sticky actuator like LINY said.

 

[VOLSFAN]

It sounds like the actuator is sticking, usually happens from long periods of non-use of the 4WD system...if you're going to the dealership, ask the tech if he thinks it's a good buy...

what's the price on it? mileage? any rust? any pics?

The Price is $7000 Canadian, 248000 KLM =151k miles, No rust seems to be in good shape. My mechanic did a used car test on it and gave me the go ahead. ONLY PROBLEM seems to be the sticky actuator.
Is that a good price my my T4R?
Here is a link with pics
http://windsor.kijiji.ca/c-cars-veh...999-Toyota-4Runner-Limited-W0QQAdIdZ246937597

 

[trailmix]

looks like a really nice truck so i would say 7000 isnt to far off what i would wanna pay. Do you know if it has a locker or not?

 

[VOLSFAN]

Yes it does come with a E LOCKER

 

[SkidPalace]

Mine used to stick in 4Hi. It was tricky to get it back to 2wd at times. I'd have to do the happy dance of slowing to a stop, backing up, lurching forward, etc. to get it to pop out.
Now, after using it a bit more than usual, it seems to work just fine. After our first major snow storm of the year last week, I dropped it in and out of 4Hi several times and it returned to 2wd just fine.
It could be a case of a sticky actuator, but I think I would have a hard time taking some guy's word for it that wants to sell you the truck.

 

[Mr. Leary]

LINY nailed it... actuator. Two ways to deal with this, either remove the actuator and manually actuate it a few times and clean it up before reinstalling it, or put a new one on there (NOT a JY one, and new ones are $$$). I would try the first method before the second. These actuators are close to bullet proof except for their tendancy to pout when they are neglected.

 

[Gerdo]

Another reason to monthly switch in and out of 4wd a few times. Especially with the electronically shifted transfer cases.

That may be all it needs. TO BE USED.

Good luck.

 

[VOLSFAN]

THANKS FOR YOUR TIPS.. I'm hope'n it is just a sticky actuator. I talked to my mechanic and he is going to take it off, clean it up, switch it back to 2HI and try to get it to work then reinstall it. If this works (fingers crossed) I will have saved $1700 off the price of my new T4R.

New air intake & exhaust maybe, but I'm not going to get ahead of myself. I never that lucky.

If not well he did knock the money to fix it off the price.