Failure of 4wd in a '97 Limited?

Georgia4Runner · 12-24-2009, 01:53 PM

Hello,

I'm looking for a cheap 3rd gen 4Runner now, as I really miss my '98 that was totalled in '05

My budget is <$4k, which doesn't give many options. I'm looking at a '97 Limited that has a few problems, the most serious being 4wd is broken. I haven't taken a look at the truck yet but the owner says "mechanic thinks it's an electrical problem", whatever that means. Any ideas? I know it's vague. I did check out this thread: http://www.yotatech.com/f2/2001-limi...broken-198944/ and wondering if it's an actuator or the t-case and not sure how I can tell.

Hope to be in another T4R soon!

Denton

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FogRunner · 12-24-2009, 07:31 PM

I would bet it would be something with the ADD front diff acutator. I have not seen a transfer case go bad that would allow 2WD but not 4WD. Not saying its not possible but I have yet to see it.

An easy way to tell is with the transfer case in 2WD slide under the 4runner and try to turn the front drive shaft by hand it should turn. Then put the transfer case in 4wd and try to turn the front drive shaft by hand, it shouldn't turn.

If it does turn in 4WD then its the transfer case. Also you can put the 4runner up on jack stands and put it in 4WD drive with the transfer case and put it in drive and look from the side to see if the front drive shaft is spinning.

The vast majority of 4WD drive failures on 4runners is the vacuum system controlling the from differential actuator which really isn't too hard to troubleshoot.

FOG

Georgia4Runner · 12-25-2009, 07:47 AM

Thank you! So if I replaced the actuator that would likely fix the problem? A through search revealed it's likely to be the actuator, specifically this thread and MTL's post:http://yotatech.com/f2/01-4runner-4w...m-help-128924/

12-24-2009, 07:31 PM	#2 (permalink)
FogRunner Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Galveston, Texas Posts: 356	I would bet it would be something with the ADD front diff acutator. I have not seen a transfer case go bad that would allow 2WD but not 4WD. Not saying its not possible but I have yet to see it. An easy way to tell is with the transfer case in 2WD slide under the 4runner and try to turn the front drive shaft by hand it should turn. Then put the transfer case in 4wd and try to turn the front drive shaft by hand, it shouldn't turn. If it does turn in 4WD then its the transfer case. Also you can put the 4runner up on jack stands and put it in 4WD drive with the transfer case and put it in drive and look from the side to see if the front drive shaft is spinning. The vast majority of 4WD drive failures on 4runners is the vacuum system controlling the from differential actuator which really isn't too hard to troubleshoot. FOG __________________ 2001 4runner SR5 - ARB Bull Bumper, Warn 9.5XP, GM CS-144 150 amp alternator, Tundra brakes, OME 883/891s, SS adjustable traction bar, B&M 70264, and too many ham radios and antennas. 2006 Jeep LJ - Stock down to the lug nuts

12-25-2009, 07:47 AM	#3 (permalink)
Georgia4Runner Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Potomac, MD Posts: 254	Thank you! So if I replaced the actuator that would likely fix the problem? A through search revealed it's likely to be the actuator, specifically this thread and MTL's post:http://yotatech.com/f2/01-4runner-4w...m-help-128924/ __________________ -Denton 1998 4Runner SR5 4wd, Anthracite/Oak Leather - Totalled 1/19/05 2009 Miata Touring 6-speed - Love it 1995 BMW 525i 5-speed - Sold Dec 2009

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