How Does the 4WD System Work?

Hi Everyone,
My 2010 Ext Cab TRD 4X4 had a problem this week. I hit nails on 2 of my Rugged Trail tires rendering them unusable(after only 15,000 miles), so I had to bite the bullet and got 4 Big O Big Foot AT's. I got the 75's instead of 70's so I have slightly bigger tires.
But my question is on the 4WD system. I have looked all over the forum, the internet, and my Haynes manual, and I have yet to find information on how Toyota's 4WD system works. Does it have electronic locking hubs? Does it have a front driveshaft that is always spinning, or does it engage thru the transfer case? I'm guessing that everything including the electronic locker is engaged thru solenoid activated pins (which is probably why it is so hard to get things to engage properly). The stickies on how the buttons work was very informative, but I would also like to know how it is getting the power to the front wheels.
Does anyone have a technical answer to how the whole thing operates?
Thanks,
ShawnR
Bennett, CO

 

I'll say it:

RTFM

 

http://www.majormedia2.com/4WDSimplifiedv5/4WD.html

 

Yep, it's a "center axle disconnect" system which is a phrase you can look up to get more detailed info.

 

automatic disconnecting differential actually, but essentially the same thing, yeah.

 

Hi I may be buying a 1996 Toyota Tacoma. It does not have manual lockers. How reliable are these 4wd trucks? I will be using my truck when prospecting in the desert. Should i get a truck with manual lockers instead? Thanks