I'm a poor student that had $3000 left over from a scholarship.
I've always wanted an off-roading yota, and after months of searching i found my new baby: 93 4runner 3.0 V6 Auto
super clean, sunroof, fully loaded, no rust (that is very rare in hawaii)
i'll post pictures soon

So i've taken it to the sand twice since bought, and i got buried right away both times.
I noticed when I shift it into 4hi the 4wd dash light blinks twice then goes off.
Does that mean its not going into 4wd?
Any suggestions where i should start checking?

I was stoked at the deal I got, but now im thinking i might of gotten ripped off ;(
(sorry if this post is in the wrong section, newbie here)

 

Hmmmm.....Idk...Maybe i grounded wire? idk...
But when you shift into 4WD have someone outside the vehicle looking at the front tires to see if they are spinning. At least that will tell you if your in 4WD or not.

 

There's lots of ways to test if 4wd works. Go back to the sand, keep it in 2wd, put it in low, sink the rear tires, put it in 4wd and 4Low. then climb out. it might be a bad wire.

 

Yea check all the a.d.d connections, it's in 4wd when the light is on. If Its off then it's in 2wd that's why u are getting stuck. Check the systems grounds and connections

Oh and NEVER put it in 4wd on dry pavement! It's F's stuff up, only do it off road and in low traction situations

 

Idk how thats possible when people up north in the winter drive around in 4WD because of the snow.
Also when i take my boat to the landing, i put it in 4LO as im pulling up the landing with my boat on the trailer, never had a problem.

 

I know every truck is different but a couple of people here explained that driving on dry pavement in 4wd causes the t-case to bind up and could possible grenade. I think it's because it's a chain driven t-case. Don't quote me tho If I recall correctly that's what I remember

 

If you have the A.D.D disconnect system you might have a broken or leaking vacuum line to the front axle, or it's possible the previous owner (or a mechanic along the line) hooked them up backwards. You'll find the vacuum lines plug into the front axle (right between the axle and skid plate) then run up to the passenger side firewall, check to make sure everything is looking good and no crossed up lines. Download a copy of the FSM, it has a good troubleshooting section. I believe there are a few fuses to check as well, look into that as well.

You also might just need the transfer case shift linkage adjusted, it's really easy to do in the driveway and could be the culprit.

In any case, download the FSM and start digging.

 

So today I took the 4runner to a gravel road,
i put it in 4hi then gassed it... the front tires were definitely not spinning and it took about 3sec of skidding before it took off.
i tried it in 4low and in 2wd... same thing. Its CONFIRMED, 4x4 not working

i looked around in the suspension, everything seems to be in good condition (nothing loose, deteriorating, etc.)
i checked those vacuum lines jbw talked about, they aren't leaking and they are getting vacuum.

i didn't have time to look around more, i'll definitely hit it hard tomorrow

btw here are the pics of my baby! (i still love her, even though she let me down)

 

I never heard of this, and the Toyota hand book says to put 30miles on your truck in 4wd once a month to keep everything lubricated. If you have different size tires, or different gears up front vs in the rear then you will have problems but who ever would do such a thing.

 

You guys rock!!
you guys know your Yotas

I was double checking the vacuum hoses for leaks or damage, and i noticed the brown hose was going to the blue, and the blue to the brown. I switched them around.... and instantly the 4x4 worked!

the last owner put these hoses backward when he swapped the engine


here's the 4runner with working 4x4







4X4 DEFINITELY WORKING!!

 

Thats awesome man! and in case u don't know if the sand is on or near the beach don't leave sand chillin on your car too long or the salt from it will rust everything outquick!

 

Looking good Rafa! Now its time for Polihale!

 

nice..glad it was an easy fix!

 

He lives in Hawaii...I am sure he knows about Rust