1996Tacoma

Hi guys,

I've noticed on my vehicle when in 4 Lo I get a metal on metal grinding noise. 2H or 4H are all good. Just sucks riding the clutch on the trails in 4H instead of listening to grinding in 4Lo.
I have shift stick 4WD with ADD. w/o one touch 2-4 selector as the fsm calls it.

I've never opened a transfer case up before so I do not have a good visual of whats going on in there. I attached one of the diagrams from the fsm which is helpful, but it would be more useful to talk to someone who has had a play with one. Or knows whats going on.

I asked a buddy if it would be a bearing, but he believes all the bearings are always spinning its just weather its engaged or not.. . so you would always hear it grinding if it was. Not sure if thats how it works or not. Sound reminds me of that grinding noise u get from a really bad ujoint i guess.



I looked at rebuild kits and used transfer cases from the scrap yard and both options are very expensive. I would rather just replace or fix the malfunction than throw money at it. I understand without seeing it yourself its almost impossible to diagnose for sure, but any insight would be great.

Thanks guys.

1996Tacoma

bump.

BigBluePile

iTrader: (3)

Are you coming to a complete stop before shifting into 4lo?

anthony1

iTrader: (1)

Put the truck on jack stand and put in 4Lo and see if you can hear the noise...
What about coasting in 4LO with the clutch pressed in?

1996Tacoma

Yes I am.

The problem isnt the process of shifting in to 4LO. Its when I start to drive on it, I hear the grinding or rubbing sound. 4Hi works just fine.

BigBluePile

iTrader: (3)

Interesting. All you're doing is shoving the low range gear into the planetary gearset. Soooooo, its either not doing that or you're not in 4wd....at all.

Is jack it up on stands and make sure its in 4wd. When was the last time you ever had it successfully in 4lo?

1996Tacoma

I just tried this then. Then noise goes away when pushing in the clutch. Then as soon as you release it it comes back. More of a wining than a metal on metal grind. will try to record it once i get it up on jack stands.

I just picked up some GL4 gear oil to replace the GL5 stuff thats in there. Will see if that helps any.

1996Tacoma

Thats the thing.. in 4LO it is engauged. When offroading I use 4lo only when i have to as it works great with lots of power, I just don't like the sound of that loud screeching.

Can you see much from the top of the transfer case by just removing the shifters in the cab?
Will save taking the whole thing out which will be a task.

anthony1

iTrader: (1)

Try adding more oil in it?...your t-case is chain driven I think so maybe there's something to do with the chain?...

BigBluePile

iTrader: (3)

You'll be able to see the shift rails that's about it......

1996Tacoma

You're exactly right. I did this today expecting more but that's all u can see. Unfortunately I think the only way to solve this thing is to open up the t case. Looks like a big job. Rebuild kits are expensive and comparable to just getting a salvaged tcase from the wreckers.