I have a 2000 4runner LTD 3.4L. When I shift into 4hi or awd while going +30km/h there is a grinding/screeching sound for ~1 second while it engages the front diff. It has always manged to shift into 4hi within a couple seconds after the shift. I just changed all the fluids in the front/rear/transfer case with synthetic but that doesn't seem to be the problem. I have also greased the driveline zerk fittings. The only way I have found to get a nice proper shift is to be going at low speeds, ~20km/h. The person I purchased it from claimed that the sound was always there since he got it ~5 years ago. Are there any suggestions of what to do to narrow down the problem and the part(s) that I might have to swap out? Since it only happens during the shift into 4hi does that mean it is located in the actuator or could it still be in the tcase?

Thanks

 

Is your 4Runner AWD/full-time or the standard part-time 4wd? If it's awd I'm fairly certain the manual specifies to put it in neutral (trans) when selecting your tcase option. At least that's how it is on my land cruiser with full-time 4wd/AWD. Try this and see how it goes. Good luck and welcome to YT.

 

Its the standard part time 4wd with a electronic button on the side of the j-shifter to put it into AWD/4HI unlocked. As far as the manual and any information I have read I should be able to engage the AWD and 4hi at any speed <55MPH, with no mention of throwing the tranny into neutral, also this is an automatic. Greetings, as well.