Had 4 Runners for years and am new to the 80. Drives fine, no horrific noises from up front but I am not getting power to front wheels. driveshaft turning but nothing else.

I was thinking that it may be the diff, but again no strange noises. Where should I start? I believe the PO prob drove it this way and never even knew.

I will be jacing the front up this weekend to see if the front is locked in (both wheels turning) bit other than that I am lost.

Any troubleshooting tips that will help me narrow it down before I start buying parts are greatly appreciated!

I will know more this weekend, but again, any help is appeciated.

 

check the axle shafts, if one is broke on an open diff it will act as you described. jack up the front end and turn one of the front wheels, the other wheel should turn also. it will most likely turn the opposite way of the tire you are turning.

 

Didn't have as much time to tinker as I wanted but I do now know that the front wheels are spinning free (turning one does not turn the other).

I think this likely narrows my trouble down to one or both of the axles, or the hogs head. Does this sound accurate? THanks!!

 

Likely you have drive flanges on the front hubs, but in case someone has swapped in manual locking hubs, check those. Otherwise, sounds like time to open up the axle and see what is up:
-http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/AxleRebuild.shtml

 

where are you located. the cruiser community is generally pretty helpful there might be a local club in your that could help.

 

Thanks for everyone's tips. Being new to cruisers I'm not sure what the part is called but it's basically the seal that goes around the big ball on each axle was leaking VERY bad at some point.

I am taking it to my buddys grandfather who is a 30 year toyota mechanic this week so he can look. Based on how bad the seal had been leaking I think it is very probable that the front diff is completely dry. Being dry (based on my limited knowledge of these systems) would definitely cause the diff to not engage. A viscous coupling cannot engage without oil? Right?

Only question you guys can help with now is whether or not this would have killed the diff?

Again thanks for everyone's help! Stefan

 

there is no viscous coupling in the diff. It likely isn't totally dry, a little oil goes a long way.

 

There is a viscous coupling in the t-case.

I replaced a few t-cases because of this. Usually, there was a shudder or other odd feeling during turning. The fluid in the case will smell rancid if it has failed.

I would check the switches on the t-case before anything. These are likelyculprits.

 

yep...

 

Not sure how you're testing an 80, I can tell you stock the TC does not lock in High Range, but rather depends on the VC...

Low Range and it automatically locks the TC...

You can and need to fix that by just getting a CDL/ Hazard switch and installing it.


I don't know how you wouldn't have any power to the front axle, and it drive fine...

How did you test this? Did you get it stuck? Turn it by hand? How?

B/c... Lets just say you didnt even have one front axle drive flange, driving it would feel like the tranny is slipping, b/c of the VC "humping"... (Actual FSM term)

It's just like a limited slip, in that it 1st requires wheel slip to actuate.

 

Figure out your terminoligy, he was asking about differentials and I said there was no viscous coupling in the differential. I never said there was not a viscous coupling in the transfer case.

 

Whoa jeez lets string me up...

Some people know the t-case as a "Center Differential".

Trust me I KNOW my terminology...

 

Ya, I know that term but he was focusing his attention to the front axle in his original post, not a center diff or transfer case. We don't need to confuse him.