Transfer case mystery

[Mischief2jz]

Hey all,
Well to start out, I am new to this forum, not so much to forums in general or Toyotas / 4 runners. I have done a lot of reading and would just appreciate some specific feedback to the issue I am having.

So I have a 93 3vz auto with 180k on it. I use my truck as it was intended, for utility, the other day I was pulling my boat out of the water and as usual put it in 4low, and after I cleared the ramp I stopped, put it in neutral, shifted to 2high, put it back in drive, and gave some gas, and it revved and pulled forward only slightly. Felt like if you were to partially engage the clutch on a manual trans. So I repeated the shifting process again, and this time I touched the gas, and the truck shook and crept forward. Repeated the shift process one last time, and it engaged 2high and was fine.

Today, I used 4low again, and again, would not re engage 2high or 4 high. T tried shifting back and forth as I said above. This time I tried about ten times to get back in to either of the high range gears, and only after limping about 2 miles toward home in 4low at 20 mph was I able to stop, try again, and re engage 2 high. After that it shifted happily into and between both high range gears, but I have not tried 4low again.

If anyone has any insight into where to start testing, it would be greatly appreciated. I am very familiar with working on and the functions of the truck, so any info you have please don't hesitate.
Thanks in advance,
-Trevor

 

[77'911]

When is the last time you've checked the trans fluid level or flushed the fluid? You might consider a fluid change through the transfer case and front diff. It's worth checking the solenoid for the front diff(per the factory manual). Sorry, I'm away from my manual set(1990).
Sounds like there are a couple problems going on here. One, the trans not fully engaging due to what ever issue(low fluid level, pump issue). Second, the front diff not engaging for what ever reason( electronic, vacuum issue).
regards

 

[fourwd1]

When trying to shift out of low range, have you tried the old trick of shifting between forward and reverse ? Drive forward a few feet then backwards a few feet while trying to shift out of low.
And do check the fluid level of the t-case.