I experienced something strange with the 4x4 system this morning...

where you by chance on an incline..? It switches smooth when no pressure is on the transfer case gears.....!!

I have noticed this also...…

 

Thx all for chipping in.
Your answers made me understand the Tacoma 4x4 system better!
Btw: I drove the truck this afternoon (on dry, but no sharp turns) and switched to 4HI applying the “around 20mph and no throttle” theory, and it does engage smoother... and no more clunky noises when engaging/disengaging
I guess, I CAN learn new tricks

 

Not v familiar here with switching knobs!
The tractor-style, old Discos were all levers only

 

I've only had my truck since March and this is the first winter I've had to use it often in sub-freezing weather. It does seem that it is less willing to engage/disengage when cold, without a bit of forward/backward movement. My old truck was that way too, but I guess I have higher expectations for this one.

 

This guy makes some great videos about engineering, explains what’s going on:

https://youtu.be/4-Wy5ENm_lM

 

Thanks for posting that.

Only off roading I hope to ever do is beach driving. Note to self... Turn off traction control if I may need 4 wheel drive on the beach!

I've seen great multitudes of people's vehicles sitting on the frame due to flooring it on the beach. Saw a TRD Off Road buried one day. Just learned yesterday their not all 4x4.

 

let off on gas, then switch either way, if you turn 4x4 off while accelerating it will clunk. no so much the other way