I've got an 89 4Runner with a solid axle from an unknown year; the PO put it on. The 4WD works great, but when I have the manual hubs engaged, it has a really difficult time turning. When I disengage the hubs, the truck turns just fine. Anyone have an idea?

 

The front differential could have a locker in it. Jack up the front end so both tires are off the ground. Spin one side: if the other side goes in opposite direction, front diff is open; if it goes in the same direction, its locked.

 

Thanks! That had occurred to me as well. I recently purchased this Runner and this is my first time really using the 4WD.

 

Are you doing this on pavement or some other high traction surface?

If so, it's normal.

 

He said when he has the hubs engaged, didnt say anything about being in 4wd.

but yes, if he is in 4wd on dry pavement or high traction surface, this is normal. If only the hubs are engaged, then something else.

 

Yes--it's when the hubs are locked regardless of 4WD or 2WD. So is the locker theory out then?

 

Easy enough to tell if there is a locker in there. Jack stands under the front axle (tires in the air), lock both hubs and spin one tire and see what the other tire does. If it spins the same direction then there is an automatic locker in there.