4WD Front End Vibration - like a rumble strip ??

Mark is at the dealer right now. Hoping for a good outcome

 

Just had a tech take a ride in the parking lot. Truck won't move (forward or reverse) in 4WD. It seems/feels like front end is locking up. Then 4WD wouldn't disengage to get truck into the shop. Tech said he'd get my truck in, so I went to the waiting area and he did something as he drive off. He's hooking up TechStream first as a quick check and then will do further diagnosis.

They're short staffed today due to the snow & freezing rain and they got me right in. That's why they keep my business.

Feeling like a T-Case issue...Ugh!

My bumper to bumper extended warranty ended at 90K.

 

Could these be symptoms of a locked front Diff versus transfer case?

 

That's my question too at this point. Hoping it's not a big problem for ya.

 

That is what it sounds like. This problem will be purely mechanical, rather than electrical. At best, you should be hoping for a bad cv, but it seems like you have the same problem I had; a totally fucked R&P.

OP, it would have been as simple as draining your front diff and watch as metal chunks fall out, or not.

 

The tech just brought out a container with the front diff fluid (new 5000 miles ago) and it was dirty with some metal.

 

And I meant the task is simple, not necessarily doing it in that type of weather. I did not want to sound like a dick.

 

Metal like you would see normally stuck on the drain plug, or excessive?

 

Can they repair the R&P or is it a whole new Diff?

 

Sorry, I don't know as they have done those changes for me.

He's also checking the actuator.

 

I didn't see chunks...he said he didn't like the look of the fluid though.

 

I was thinking rack and pinion wondering how the hell that affected OP Whoops

 

Might as well take this opportunity to install an ARB and re-gear for bigger tires. This may also be considered wear and tear, instead of warrantied.

It does not seem like electrical, but I also do not trust 4x4's that are electronically actuated. I have experienced too many failures. That can be a part of it, though.

 

I was out of Warranty (extended) 5000 milea ago.

 

I would think a partially stuck/stuck 4wd actuator for sure,

 

Major freezing rain here now...at least my truck in indoors now.

Making lemonade....

 

Again..pardon my lack of knowledge.

Can the R&P gear be replaced, versus replacing the entire front Diff?

If it comes to that...

 

By the time you factor in labor it might be cheaper to just replace the diff. Depending how expensive the whole diff is from Toyota vs a used one.

 

Yes. And if you have ever even considered adding a front locker, now is the best time to do so.

 

Keeping my fingers and toes crossed for ya