4wd broken... Any Insight?

Hello. New member here. I made an appointment at the garage, but they can't look at it until next week. Just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience and can give me a best/worst case scenario... I'm a little worried about how much this may cost me.

So, I was driving to work this morning. I had it in 4 High and things were going well. I came to a stop and shifted into 1st to start moving again when I heard a clunking and the vehicle stopped moving forward. I stalled it and tried moving again, but it wouldn't move anywhere. I disengaged the 4wd and it works fine in 2wd. Tried putting it back into 4 High again, but it did the same thing. I don't doubt something is broken... I'm just wondering if anyone may know WHAT let go, and how much this might cost to repair.

Coincidentally, I was just getting ready to do maintenance by replacing dif fluids last week because it's most likely overdue, and now this happens. This morning was a cold one, which probably didn't help the situation. Anyways, any insight/advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

So, it acts like its in neutral? (motor revs up, but no go?).

The TC on tacomas are chain-driven. Possibly broken chain?

The transfer case could be going into neutral, instead of 4WD.
Not sure if thats even possible, though.

Either way, you may need a new TC. If so you can save a lot of money by getting a used one, and pay a reputable, non-dealer mechanic to put it in.

 

I'm not 100% sure, because I didn't want to force it too much and create more damage. I'm afraid of putting it back in 4 High... When I did put it in, it seems like it was engaged, because it seemed to try to move forward, but it was choppy, and hesitating with a grinding/clunk noise. I guess I'll have to wait until the garage looks at it to know for sure.

 

I haven't ever heard of one of these transfer cases failing during regular use. But the ADD actuator on the front diff is a somewhat common failure item. I don't think it would actually bind up the driveline though.

 

I tried putting it in 4high again... it engages and goes forward, but there's a crunching sound. gonna keep it in 2wd and update when I get it looked at.

 

A lot of work (and $$$) to check the TC. They will have to remove both drive shafts, the shifter, and center x-member before unbolting the heavy TC.
A dealer likely won't replace it with a used one.

So, be fore-warned.

Used ones go for maybe $300 used. Other than the donor being the same generation Tacoma (or 96+ 4runner), not sure about other compatibility issues.

 

Sounds like a ring gear with a few broken teeth

 

Maybe front diff. You can disconnect the from drive shaft and try it out.

You can find a used transfercase starting at $125

Drain fluid and see if there is metal in the oil that comes out.

 

I concur. Hopefully its is just the diff.

 

Wouldn't I have problems in 2wd as well if it were the transfer case? I really hope it's not the transfer case...

 

Ok, thanks alot for your input! I will try to do what you suggested if time permits, and the weather holds up this weekend. I don't have a nice garage to work in, and I don't really feel like crawling under there in -30 weather outdoors. We'll see how it goes. I will definitely update here with my findings when I know more. Thanks again.

 

Diagnosis came in. You were correct. The front diff is toast! Looking for used, but I don't know the grear ratio... apparently there are two options. Do you know how I can find out which one I need? Called local dealer and they were not helpful. Any easy way of telling? it is 3.91 or 4.10.

 

Sorry if this sounds like a dumb question, but would the gear ratio be the same on the front and back? And how do I know if it has limited slip? (I don't think it does, but I want to be sure)

 

The ration in front is always the same as the rear.
Get your axle code from the driver door sill to determine ratio.

There are no factory LSD units for Tacomas front diffs.
Also, make sure the new diff came from an ADD truck,
if that is what you have.

 

Awesome. Thanks!